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Pahang is Malaysia's 3rd biggest state in terms of land area next to Borneo's Sabah and Sarawak. It occupies the large Pahang river basin. Geographically Kelantan borders it to the north; Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor to the west; in the south lies Johor; and in the east is both Terengganu and coastline.
Getting there
Pahang’s capital is the city of Kuantan which lies along the coastline, and in turn has many fine stretches of beach from heading up toward Terengganu. The city is situated near the mouth of the Kuantan River and faces the South China Sea giving it easy access to off shore islands like Pulau Tioman known for its extensive coral reef systems. Kuantan is easily accessible by road from many parts of Malaysia, and is also served by a busy regional airport. This makes both rental car and flight options viable modes of transport for travelers.
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Things to see & do: Kuantan
Fishing is still the traditional industry along the coast including the mass processing of dried fish and seafood. The famed keropok lekor or dried fish cakes remain a local delicacy. Kuantan is a quaint little town with a population of approximately 400,000 and boasts a good mix of the old and new. Tourists can take a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Kuantan River with its 250m long man-made boardwalk to the mangrove jungle or tour the city in its fascinating trishaws.
Markets & Shopping
The main marketplace in Kuantan is at Jalan Besar. A good part of the day can be interestingly spent walking down the street sampling local delicacies and shopping in the smaller craft and souvenir shops. A speciality in Kuantan is the hawkers selling smuggled electronic goods. There are also a few big shopping malls and handicraft showrooms showcasing good selections of batiks and crafts.
Highland Resorts
The ground geography of largely mountainous Pahang can be defined as either the highlands or the low-lying coastal areas. Rainforest also accounts for some of Pahang's landscape. Its Arabic honorific Darul Makmur meaning “Abode of Tranquillity” is befitting its pristine landscape and picturesque hill resorts like Genting and Cameron Highlands respectively, as well as Fraser's Hill.
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Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is the largest hill resort area in Malaysia, and is dotted with many thriving tea plantations and a large variety of vegetation. This region is also a significant producer of fresh produce for both domestic and international markets. It is accessible by road from many parts in Malaysia.
It is made up of 3 main townships located at different elevations. The first town from the south, Ringlet, the main agricultural hub is at an elevation of 1,200 metres above sea level. Bertam Valley, which is located about 5km away, is one of the main flower and vegetable producers in Cameron highlands. There are not many hotels at this part of the high lands and it usually serves as a fuel stop point for tourists.
12 kms up from Ringlet is Tanah Rata, the administrative capital of the Highlands. Government buildings, hospitals and the district police station are situated here. There is some accommodation for back packers here including hostels; and also scores of restaurants. Almost all the jungle trekking and waterfall trails start here. The local bus station can also be found in Tanah Rata.
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4 kms from Tanah Rata is Brinchang where various hotels and restaurants are located. The night market, which is, open every Saturday night and on holidays, features all kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruits and other products of the highlands.
Apart from basic accommodation there are many charming hill resorts, bed and breakfasts and apartment complexes strewn all around the highlands and also in places like Kea Farm, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. Jungle trails, strawberry picking and a leisurely tea with scones on one of its expansive tea estates are activities not to be missed. Tourism in Cameron Highlands thrives around the area's unique landscape and authentic travel experience, coupled with a number of quality resorts. It's worth a visit for anyone keen on soaking up the rural side of the peninsular.
Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is often referred to as Malaysia's favorite playground and boasts a number of hotels and a large outdoor theme park in addition to the largest casino in Asia. A vertical cable car ride up to the highlands is a memorable experience. Located around 40 minutes away from Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur and easily reached via the highway, Genting Highlands like Fraser’s Hill is an expansive and plush resort that lies across the border joining Pahang with Selangor.
Fraser's Hill
Fraser's Hill lies 65 miles to the north of Kuala Lumpur and was built on a series of hills, much like its European contemporary, Rome! The resort is named in honor of an English explorer called Louis James Fraser, who constructed a building for himself on the hill in the 1800s, which was subsequently used as a retreat from the warm summertime temperatures. It is a now a charming hamlet with English influenced architecture. There are scores of activities available including archery, white water rafting, bird watching, trekking, exploring, golfing, hiking, mountain climbing and more! Also look out for horseback rides as well as fishing on the Fraser’s Hill Lake. There are some quaint and pleasant accommodation options that will allow you to dine in and watch the acclaimed sunrises in this region.
The hill is easily accessed by road from Kuala Lumpur but what is distinctive here is that there is only single lane access up and down the Hill. Pahang also shares the lush rainforest Taman Negara with its neighbouring states Kelantan and Terranganu.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Pahang's capital city Kuantan and other areas of the state with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Kuantan with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on Pahang, and double right-click to zoom out!
Photo Credits: kevinpoh, azmil syahmi and zulrosle
