Category: Pahang

Here comes an attraction for culture seekers – Pulau Keladi Cultural Village located about 15 minutes away from the royal town of the state, Pekan. This is the village where former Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak was born. While the village comprises mostly kampung-style houses, culture seekers will also find Tun Abdul Razak Memorial Hall and the Pahang Silk Weaving Centre here.

The exact duplication of traditional Malay village-style houses, visitors can spend some time here to take great pictures. There are plenty of activities scheduled to keep visitors entertained. And you can spend time to watch the complex art of silk weaving. For your convenience, there are a couple of facilities within the cultural village such as handicraft and souvenir kiosks, exhibition and display centre, service counter, food stalls, restrooms and ample car parking.

Back in the olden days, tin was reputed as the most important source in the world. Unfortunately, due to more advanced technology, plastics, aluminum and other synthetic resources were invented to replace tin.
Once upon a time, Sungai Lembing was the richest mining town in the state of Pahang. Then, it was has the second richest tin deposit in the world, Bolivia being the richest. It was recorded then that the mining shafts and tunnels went as deep as 50 meters, which was at that time the deepest in Southeast Asia.

How it all began?

When the British colonized the country, they were allowed to explore the area by the then Sultan of Pahang, Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Muazzam Shah I. It would be the first town that came under the purview of a British Mining company. Sungai Lembing would, in the next 100 years produce millions of tonnes of ore which saw it grow to become one of the top mining towns in the world.

The Sungai Lembing Museum

To commemorate Sungai Lembing town as the country-cum-world’s richest tin producer, the state decided to establish Sungai Lembing Museum to honour the town as well as to have a centre that allows citizens to learn everything they need to know about tin mining.

Decline in demand for tin

The decline in demand eventually led Sungai Lembing town to drop in its economy. But nevertheless, the glory days of the town would be remembered forever. In line with government’s effort to promote the state as a premier tourist destination, Sungai Lembing Museum was set up to exhibit various historical pieces to ensure that the present and future generations can appreciate and realize the importance of tin mining activities in the town that played crucial role in economic development of Pahang.

Transportation and nearby attractions

To get to the museum, you can hail a taxi or a bus from the Kuantan Bus station. Around the same vicinity, you can visit other nearby attractions like:

1. A deer-breeding farm
2. waterfall and hot spring
3. Mount Tapis Recreational Park
4. the Charax Cave’s “Sleeping Buddha”
5. Panorama Hill
6. and Recreational Forest.

Otherwise, you can head to the D’Mine Shoppe to buy a variety of souvenirs and resources about Sungai Lembing.

Do you appreciate history in Malaysia? Are you around the state of Pahang and is currently intrigued by its rigour and heritage? Would you like to find out more about what you have seen and maybe learn more about the local culture?

Head out to the state museum

If you’re around Pekan, why not stop by at the state museum called the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum? Highly recommended for students and those who appreciate historical pieces such as ancient Chinese antiques, ceramics and glass ware, the building houses wide array of such items and also well-documented history of Pahang. One would have noticed that part of the museum is specially dedicated to Pahang royal family considering the amount of space given to exhibit the history and other items related to royalty.

How did the building came about?

Decades ago, a Malay tropical-style building of wood and thatch roof – Istana Kota Beram was built on the same site. However, British demolished the palace and replaced it with a two-storey building of timber. The newly-built building turned into Official Residence for J.P. Rodger. As the Resident moved to Kuala Lipis after 1888, the building remained as his occasional residence whenever he came to Pekan.

Finally, in late 1920s, Japanese occupation during World War II took over the building and turned it into an army mess. Sultan Abu Bakar only managed to reclaim it in 1948 and once again, renamed it to Istana Kota Beram as his temporary residence.

Declaration as state museum

The building was declared a state museum when the construction of Istana Abu Bakar completed in 1965. The state museum was officiated by Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah in 1976. Basically, the museum houses a small garden, galleries to exhibit old military hardware as well as some outdoor traditional items, and Sultan’s old Cadillac.

Museum Tokoh (literally translated as Heroes Museum) is one of the must visit popular museums in Pahang. This brick colonial-style building is ideally located adjacent to the state’s High Court, Sessions Court and Magistrates Court. Therefore, visitors can easily ask the locals for direction to get to the museum.

Place to remember the heroes

Formerly known as Museum Pahlawan, the building is divided into several galleries complete with an audio-visual centre. After looking around the gallery, visitors can walk over to the open space in the centre of the galleries to take some pictures here as you’ll find the concept of having a man-made waterfall and old rickshaw is the perfect background for photographs.

History and changes to the building

To retain the building’s structural elements, it was renovated once in February 1999. When the building was first built in 1910 during British administration, it was used as Kuantan district Office. Later on, the building housed Pejabat Kerajaan Daerah Kuantan, Pejabat Perairan dan Saliran, Pejabat Perhilitan, Pejabat Pesaka and Pejabat Penghulu Mukim Kuantan right until 1993 when the state government decided to turn it into a museum.

Great for travelers

The museum is highly recommended in travel guides due to its historical setting. Besides, the cultural zoning area in the museum that exhibits artefacts, information and documents related to ‘heroes’ of the state is the place for all to learn and show respect to national heroes.

Are you an adventure seeking tourist? Looking forward for some best cave exploration opportunities in Pahang?

Charas Cave and Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest

Well, fit cavers should head over to Charas Cave and Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest. Only for experienced cavers, Charas Cave that lies approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Kuantan somewhere near Panching, this is a wonderful cave formed million years ago surrounded by impressive lowlands.

Endurance required

To get to the top, cavers need to climb a 20 foot metal stairs. Once you get into the cave, you will have to get through the passage through cave system but fret not! Lighted by a generator, cavers would find a small statue of reclining Buddha while walking through the challenging passage. And do not be surprised to find the monk’s living quarters deep in the cave! After all, this is no ordinary cave and only for the brave ones!

Nature at its best in Gunung Senyum

If you yearn for more wilderness, head over to Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest. First opened its door in 1989, the forest spread over 794 hectares is managed by Temerloh Forestry of Pahang. Indeed, cavers would leave the forest with a smile plastered on your face for the satisfaction. Other than rare tree species, cavers would find abundance of unique landscapes and mysterious caves as well as exhilarating jungle trails. Basically, there are two limestone hills namely Gunung Senyum and Gunung Jebak Puyoh. With more than 20 caves and unique type of stalactites in Gunung Senyum, there is just so much to be explored.

Check out Gunung Jebak Puyoh

For adventurous cavers and hikers, perhaps you should check out the exhilarating jungle trek in Gunung Jebak Puyoh before getting into the cave. If you would like to explore a less crowded site, then Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest is the right place for you since the area is not exactly well-known among visitors. But nevertheless, it is still a fabulous destination specifically for caving and trekking.

A discrete peaceful little hamlet in the wonderful hills, Sungai Lembing offers fantastic natural surroundings with plenty of exciting activities which you’ll never forget. The town located about 45 kilometres away northwest of Kuantan in the gentle rolling hillside is an ideal place for visitors to catch a glimpse of the past.

Rustic environment in Sungai Lembing

Visitors and tourists alike can enjoy nostalgic remnants such as the tree-lined town square and the letter box of British era. And don’t forget to check out the pride of the town, four-wheel coach and restaurant that was once a favourite hangout spot for tin miners within the vicinity.

History at the museum

Fill your day with simple pleasures by starting your journey to Sungai Lembing Museum. Open daily during office hours, the museum was built recently to exhibit various artifacts and equipments used by tin miners decades ago for operations in the biggest underground mine here.

Head on to Kolong Pahat

Continue your journey of joy ahead and saunter in some of the hanging bridges in Sungai Lembing. Remember not to miss Kolong Pahat since this is one of the more popular bridges within the area. Experience walking on the oldest hanging bridge of Kolong Pahat from tree to tree while enjoying the chilly breeze.

Panorama Hill

Ensure that you have sufficient time to pay a visit to the key attraction in Sungai Lembing – Panorama Hill. Enjoy those magical times of the day during sunset or sunrise right from the panoramic hill. But for those less sporty visitors, bear in mind that you are required to climb a flight of concrete stairs in order to get to the top. Nature lovers and visitors who are looking forward for a tranquil climbing experience will be mesmerized as you catch a glimpse of sunset or sunrise from the top of the impressive hill. Ladies or perhaps, health conscious travelers can head over to the all-natural hot spring situated about 300 metres from the fun Deer Farm. After a visit down at the farm, sit by the lake and enjoy the view while picnicking with the loved ones.

Get close to the deer

Sungai Jin’s Deer Farm is something you should not miss especially families with kids because visitors can find out everything you want to know about deer originally from Mauritius and Australia. Kids would definitely love the tame deer as they can play with them and watch their every movement. The other two must visit attractions within the area are Sungai Mas Aboriginal Settlement and Gunung Tapis Park.

The Sungai Mas Aboriginal Settlement

Sungai Mas Aboriginal Settlement offers exhilarating pursuits such as blow piping and visiting the unique bamboo house. Experienced hikers, trek along the challenging trail here that requires you to cross a river and join the adrenaline-pumping activity, shooting rapids on rafts before you head home. Sungai Lembing town is the place where you can truly have all the fun and de-stress before you head home.

One of the highlights about visiting Malaysia or touring around the country is that you are welcomed by rich flora and fauna. Besides that, there are a lot of places with great environments for animal lovers in their most natural habitat.

Welcome to the animal paradise

Are you searching for some place where you know for sure the animals and wildlife creatures are protected and safe? Then animal lovers will find great solace within Jenderak Seladang & Deer Captive Breeding Centre beautifully located in Temerloh.

History of the sanctuary

First opened its door in 1982, the centre was established with only one sole purpose in mind – to provide a safe and protected sanctuary for vulnerable and endangered animal species. Stretched on 20 hectares of land, the protected animals here are classified as vulnerable by the government.

Great study tour about these animals

A study tour to the breeding centre offers a great opportunity for students to stay close to the nature and get to know more about rare animal species such as wild cattle. Seladang (wild cattle), reputed as the country second largest mammal after elephant is free to roam around in the vast rainforest habitats here surrounded by amazing lowland river valleys. The wild cattle in the breeding centre are fed natural vegetation. Meanwhile, sambar deer will feed themselves on paddock grasses.

The centre is highly recommended for students involved in wildlife management and veterinary science. Located just 25 kilometres from Bandar Temerloh, the centre is easily accessible by road. Similar to any other enchanted nature sites, visitors can get involved in other exciting activities such as trekking, fishing and camping.

If you love nature, you would have visited or planned to visit national parks. You will come across jungle treks that are made for walking. Have you ever wanted to visit a jungle or a wildlife sanctuary which is still true to its roots? Do you want to see a place where you are close to nature and be close to the air that the wildlife breathes?

Enter the Kenong Rimba Park

Retreat into the unspoilt jungle of Kenong Rimba Park nestled amidst captivating green vegetation to appeal to nature lovers while promoting it as an agro and eco-tourism premier destination. Keep your eyes open to spot the abundant rare and exotic living plants and wildlife creatures in the 100 million years jungle undisturbed by the ice-age.

Large land of untapped tropical trees

Spread over 128 square kilometres of lush greenery tropical forest across Kenong Valley and Sungai Kenong, visitors are encouraged to be there early in order to explore the natural wilderness.

The sight of cascading waterfalls, Clearwater stream and sound of birds chirping will take your breath away. This is the perfect opportunity for all to enjoy and appreciate the highly invaluable gift given by Mother Nature. So just sit by the lake and relax to take your mind off whatever is bothering you.

Perfect to leave the city behind

For once, forget anything on the spot and lay your burdens off before you embark on a journey to the park. Besides spending the day exploring the vast park, here are some other activities recommended to experienced cavers and adventurous travelers – rock or mountain climbing, exploring mysterious limestone caves, bird watching, mountain biking, jungle trekking and camping.

Not only Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary maintained high levels of elephant care but it also provides a splendid shelter for these mammals. First opened its door in 1989, the Elephant Relocation Team that began its operation since 1974 relocated to this new sanctuary.

The only elephant sanctuary in Malaysia

Since this is the only elephant sanctuary in the country, animal lovers can expect proper shelter to house the endangered mammals. In the last 25 years, the team has successfully relocated over 300 wild elephants to ensure that the mammals are protected and safe. It is indeed an arduous task to increase awareness of elephant’s plight among Malaysians to offer support into elephant conservation and translocation.

Great place to learn of the gentle giants

And since the sanctuary is dedicated to provide a better shelter to house these elephants, families with children or schools should definitely plan a trip for the kids to learn more about the importance of habitat and environmental preservation from the experts here. What are the activities available here? Visitors can ride, feed and bath the wild elephants all at once! Kuala Gandah is easily accessible by road since it is located approximately 200 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur via Karak Highway.

Get close to the elephants

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary in Pahang is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Malaysia because this is where you will have the chance to get up, close and personal with the Malaysian elephants.

Do not miss the chance

This rare opportunity does not come often as you will normally be able to visit elephants only in zoos where they are barricaded away. Opened throughout the year except for the first day of Hari Raya, the center is built and created to help protect the endangered Malaysian Elephants species.

You will be able to learn more about how the elephants live and survive at this sanctuary which is designed as close to its natural habitat as possible. You will be able to enjoy the company of the elephants as they take you for a ride with the guide of a mahout (elephant guide). If you like, you can also spend more quality time with the elephants by taking down for a bath down the river.

More about the giants

The gentle giants which is known as the Elphus Maxumus is an endangered species with a reported number of about 1,200 wild ones left in Malaysia. Hence this is one of the only conservation places around for you to play your part in ensuring its survival. As the name of the center suggests, it is naturally an elephant orphanage sanctuary where the elephants are rescued from all over the Peninsular Malaysia who face the danger of extinction or being hunt down. This is where they are given a safe place to survive and to live naturally.

Around its natural habitat

Located around the Krau Game Reserve, it was part of an initiative put up by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in 1989 under the Elephant Capture and Translocation Unit (ECTU). Here, there is a Teris River which borders the sanctuary with the Che’Wong Orang Asli village. The ECTU is still very much involved with their efforts in light of the massive deforestation that took place in recent years although such acts have since been banned.

Getting to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

To get here, you will need to take a drive from Kuala Lumput to Lancang District via the Karak Highway which will take about 2 to 2.5 hours and turn left before you approach the BhP petrol station. There are road signs which will ead you to Bolok where you will pass by and Orang Asli settlement and before long you will see the Sancturary.

Malaysia is home to many groups of people. There are the main races of Malay, Chinese and Indian as well as a lot of indigenous groups known as the Orang Asli around. If you are interested to learn more about them, there are many settlements you can go to.

Krau Wildlife Reserve and tribes here

Krau Wildlife Reserve is home to two aboriginal tribes which are Jah Hut and Siwang of Senoi Group. Hence, this is not only an exhilarating trip but also an educational tour for people from all walks of life. Spread over 53 hectares of lowland greenery rainforest, the panoramic area is declared as a protected natural heritage sanctuary to ensure the living plants and wildlife creatures are safe.

Home amidst nature

The unspoiled perfection of reserve’s ecosystem provides shelter to various rare and notorious wildlife creatures. On another note, for less adventurous hikers, if you have doubts over climbing the tallest mountain in Peninsular, then perhaps you should buckle up to try and climb the country’s sixth tallest mountain, Gunung Benom right here.

Amazing flora and fauna

The sound of birds chirping and sights of natural wilderness with blossoming flowers such as wild orchids, ferns, oaks, mosses and laurels will take your breath away. The enchanting rivers valley surrounded by lush greenery is the ideal spot to de-stress and unwind. Over the years, scientists and researchers have turned this reserve into a natural laboratory for its abundance of living plants and wildlife creatures.

Therefore, do not be surprised if you find gibbons and bats around the area. Beautifully located about 25 kilometres from Temerloh town, plenty of invigorating adventurous activities awaits you such as bird watching, camping, jungle trekking and fishing.