Taman Negara
(Kuala Tahan)
Taman Negara,
or the National Park, boasts the jungles that date back
millions of years, making them older than those of the Congo
or Amazon. With 4,343 square kilometres of luxurious tropical
forest, the park is a haven for adventurers. Picturesque
trails, giant trees, limestone caves, excellent fishing
spots, exciting river trips and ample jungle trekking trails
offer a multitude of such adventure opportunities. The Park's
canopy walk which is 25 metres high and over 400 metres long
is the world's longest. As it lies on the top layer of
vegetation in a forest, you will have an extraordinary view
of the plant and animal specious found there.
Wildlife observatio can be done from
observation hides built arround the many salt-licks. Mountain
climbing buffs would enjoy scaling Gunung Tahan, which at
2,187 metres is the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia.
River trips can be taken in the form of shooting the rapids
or, for the less stalwart, meandering cruises that let you
enjoy the surrounding scenery at a leisurely pace. Fishing is
best done in February, March, july and August, and it takes
two days to reach the best fishing areas located along Sungai
Tahan near Lata Berkoh and Sungai Kenyam. Camping grounds in
verdant surroundings are to be found in the park.
Accommodation at the park is available in the Rest House,
chalets and a hostel, all fitted with basic utilities.
Kenong Rimba
Park (Lipis)
Kenong Rimba
Park is situated in natural surroundings with cascading
waterfalls, clear mountain streams, a variety of flora and
fauna and the merry chirping of birds will certainly create
an atmosphere which is really difficult to express in words.
It offers great adventure, such as exploring limestone caves,
swimming in the river and camping. Challenging hiking trails
interspersed with protruding rocks and untouched natural
surrounding is a haven for adventure loves. Within the Kenong
Rimba Park, there are several caves to explore. These are Gua
Batu Telangkup, Gua Hijau and Gua Harimau. The Caves,
situated approximately 122-152 metres above sea level, are a
natural habitat for a range of flora and nature's other
marvels. For nature lovers, a stop at Kenong Rimba Park is a
must. It is a perfect hideout for bird watchers, campers,
anglers, trekkers and swimmers.
Lake Bera
(Bera)
Tasik Bera, covering an area of 24,000 hectares, is one of
two major natural bodies of freshwater in Malaysia. At
present, several Semelai aborigines are living in the area
within and surrounding. Tasik Bera and a number continue to
live and procure their food in traditional ways. Others have
modified their way of life and have become permanent
residents in Post Iskandar. The Tasik Bera watershed includes
a wide variety of flora types ranging from primitive algae
species to higher plants and trees. It was recorded that 328
species of flora, 200 species of birds and more than 95
species of fishes are found in Tasik Bera. Tasik Bera is
ideal for many recreational and adventure activities.
Trekking through the jungle is both exciting and educational.
River Safari can be exhilarating, or simply paddle around the
lake for a moment of tranquility.
Lake Chini
(Kuantan)
Located in the wilds, lake Chini is approximately 100
kilometres from Kuantan. The lake, with its well-known myths,
has attracted tourists from far and near. Legend has it that
an ancient Khmer city once existed and the interest in this
legend has since resulted in several scientific expeditions
being mounted by archeologists, both local and foreign. It is
also popularly believed that mythical monsters lurk in the
deep waters and guard the lake. Lake Chini has a number of
wooden chalets and restaurants to cater for overnight
visitors. There are also a number of camping spots if you
plan to rough it out. Jungle gear and camping equipment are
recommended. Access to the lake is by road to Kampung
Belimbing, about 100 kilometres, south west of Kuantan and
then on by boat through the winding Chini river or one can go
by road via Segamat Highway through the new town of Chini,
and then for 15 minutes through palm oil estate roads to the
lake.
State Museum
(Pekan)
A tour of the town will not be complete without a visit to
the State Museum which houses a rich collection of historical
items. The museum, located at Jalan Sultan Ahmad, Pekan has
valuable antique pieces such as large quantity of glass wares
and ceramics from ancient China. The old histiry of Pahang,
especially that of its ancient kings is well-documented in
this museum.
Empang Jaleh
(Lipis)
In Kuala Lipis, there is a recreational lake called Empang
Jaleh where visitors can relax. Here too is located Gunung
Tahan, a mountainous jungle trail which takes about two
nights to reach its peak. For birdwatchers, the Bukit Taching
is an ideal bird sanctuary to while away the hours. And the
Terengganu Forest Park is another nature spot perfect for a
leisurely holiday. Perhaps its most endearing feature is its
profusion of fabulous nature scenes. If has four permanent
forest reserves. Another point of honour is that these are
amongst the oldest jungles, if not the oldest, in the world.
And nine other areas have been designated for possible
reserves.
Gunung Tapis
Park (Kuantan)
About 16
kilometres away from Sungai Lembing is Gunung Tapis, a
beautiful nature park. Excellent camping spots can be found
in a number of areas. Although still in the early stages of
development, Gunung Tapis offers a number of activities. You
can shoot rapids on one of the several rivers, or fish for
the delectable "Ikan Kelah" (tortambroides
duronesis). The Park also abounds with hot springs and
wildlife. If you plan to stay over, camping and survival
equipment are recommended. Prior arrangements for the trip
must be made through, the local outbounder's society or the
Tourist Information Centre.
Tekam Plantation
Resort (Jerantut)
nestled in tranquility in the green forests near Jerantut is
the Tekam Plantation Resort, comprising chalets, F&B
outlets and facilities for travellers as well as conventions.
Visitors can also arrange for special trips and adventure
tours to various places of interest. One of the highlights of
the stay at the Resort is the Plantation Tour, which takes
visitors on an educational visit to places such as the Kota
Gelanggi Caves, Gunung Senyum Caves as well as surrounding
rubber and oil palm plantations. The best time to visit the
area is, of course during the fruit season from July to
September, when local fruits such as durians and rambutans
will be plentiful. Among the Resort's facilities are game
courts such as tennis and takraw, mini market, water sports
and cafeteria.
Endau-Rompin
State Park (Rompin)
Some of the most
famous and visually spectacular tourist attractions are found
in Pahang. The Endau-Rompin Park requires little
introduction. Endau-Rompin may be the newest nature reserve
in Malaysia, yet being over one hundred million years old, it
is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, where the
fauna and flora have evolved into exotic spices found nowhere
else in the world. This ancient tropical rainforest even
beats the Amazon and the Congo in age, remaining virtually
undisturbed through the millennia.
Tropical jungles are renown throughout
the world for their diversity of flora and fauna, and
Endau-Rompin boasts some of the most exotic species of plant
and animal life ever to be found. Endau-Rompin is one of the
last remaining lowland forests in Malaysia and it is spread
over a generous 80,000 hectares of virgin jungle straddling
the state of Pahang and Johor. Endau-Rompin gets its name
from the Rompin and Endau river, forming a watershed on which
the park lies. This nature reserve offers a whole spectrum of
activities for the adventurous visitor to enjoy, providing
you with the opportunity to get back to nature and experience
the dark and mysterious secrets of its wilderness.
Kota Gelanggi
(Jerantut)
One of the highlights of activity in this area is Kota
Gelanggi Cave Adventure. Explore the 150 million year old
historical and muthical cave complex and its unique fauna,
flora and rock formations. The magnificent cave chambers are
among the best in this region. Visitors will be able to
experience what tropical limestone caverns and stalactites
and strangely shaped formations.
Gunung Senyum
Caves (Temerloh)
At Gunung Senyum Caves there are at least 20 Caves, which are
fascinating to explore. While cave exploration and camping in
the shade of tropical foliage are common activities,
scientific research is also gaining in popularity among
students and scientists. Cave explorers must be prepared for
the smell of bats, limestone rocks and the sighting of
strange creatures and insects.
Jeram Besu
(Raub)
Apart from Fraser's Hill, other recreational areas in Pahang
include the Lata jarum Waterfalls and the Jeram Besu Rapid.
The former is just 30 kilometres from Raub while the latter
is only about 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Jeram Besu is
fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white
water-rafting areas in the State of Pahang. It began as a
gold mining town in the early 19th Century. remains of its
colonial past is evident in the old buildings scattered
around the town.
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Cherating Beach
(Kuantan)
To many, this
name is synonymous with Club Med. This is natural beaches
Asia's first Club Med is located here. Actually, only a small
part of the beach is administered by this world famous Club,
the rest is a populated area offering excellent beaches.
Situated only 47 kilometres from Kuantan, its unique feature
is the rustic atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the
village folk. Cherating also offers you the chance to shop
for handicraft and see cultural performances. Village maidens
nimbly weave the pandanus leaves into mats, hats, bags and
other inexpensive lightweight souvenirs. Cultural shows
include wayang kulit (shadow play) and silat (Malay art of
seld-defence).
Balok Beach
(Kuantan)
Balok beach is about 15 kilometres north of Kuantan and is a
paradise for avid windsurfers. Most of the activities revolve
around the many international class resorts and hotels
located at the beach, being the perfect getaway to the East
Coast of the Peninsular. Truly perfect and serene with
soothing tropical brezes, swaying casuarinas, unending white
sand in harmony with the azure blue sea indeed, relaxation is
never easier.
Teluk Chempedak
Beach (Kuantan)
This delightful
beach, only five kilometres from the town of Kuantan, is the
site of world class hotels. It is an excellent beach for
water sports activities like sailing, surfing, skiing, and
sunbathing. A short jungle trek through the Teluk Chempedak
Forest Reserve is the idylic Pelindung Beach. If you are game
to more jungle trekking, there's and alternative route
leading to the mini-zoo.
Beserah Beach
(Kuantan)
Beserah is a fishing village and is well-known for salted
fish. But what many people do not know is a very unique
practice of the Beserah fishermen : they employ water
buffaloes (which are not normally seen on the beach for they
are always used to plough padi fields or to pull heavy
carts), to transport fish from the boats to the processing
area. Beserah is situated 10 kilometres from Kuantan. A batik
factory and many cottage handicraft workshops producing items
made mostly of sea shells and local plant materials (dried
nuts, leaves) can be found in Beserah.
Chendor Beach
(Kuantan)
About 10 kilometres from Cherating is the famous Chendor
Beach. Here, from early July to September, you can watch
green turtles or occasionally giant leatherback turtles toil
ashore to lay eggs. It's a ritual worth experiencing. Besides
the turtles, Chendor beach offers some fine bathing spots.
The greatest advantage is the peace and seclusion you will
enjoy at this resort.
Tioman Island
(Rompin)
Tioman is the
largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, the smallest of
which is a mere rock jutting up from the sea. With a size of
38 kilometres long and 19 kilometres at its greatest width.
Tioman Island is a magnificient island in the sun, with good
reefs for scubadiving and crystal-clear waters for swimming.
Legend has it that Tioman Island is the resting ground of a
beautiful dragon princess who, whilst flying from China to
her beloved in Singapore, sought solace in the crystal-clear
waters of the South China Sea. Pleased with the island's
charms, she discontinued her journey, forsaking her happiness
to give pleasure and comfort to passing travellers by turning
herself into an island.
Tioman Island is accessiblle by boat from
Mersing town or Tanjung Gemok, Rompin, a journey which takes
about 1 to 2 hours. Or one can also take a plane from either
Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kuantan. Accommodation comes in
the form of delightful wooden chaltets on the beach or in
luxurious hotel rooms. whichever is the choice comfort and
hospitality is assured.
Rompin/Lanjut
Beach (Rompin)
Lanjut Beach, meanwhile, is one of the most beautiful
unspoilt beaches in the southern coast of Pahang. The new
Lanjut Golden Beach Resort is ideally located where hotels
and chalets are easily available, in fast-developing Rompin
district. Fishing for freshwater prawns is a popular outdoor
activity in the many rivers found in the district. Kuala
Rompim is also a gateway to Tioman Island, as well to the
newly opened Endau-Rompin State Park.
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