Cultures
& Traditions
In
Pahang, you will find vivid evidence of fascinating cultures
that make Malaysia a rich source of colour, pomp and
pageantry. The Malays, Chinese and Indians, each with their
own distinct identity, coexist most harmoniously. This is
the nurturing result of mutual respect and understanding, a
rare and special feature which continues to bewitch and
astound visitors. The many cultures of Malaysia are
manifested in the clothes, customs, food, games, art forms
and festivals of the various races. It would be hard indeed
to hilly describe the many facets of Malaysian culture. But
even a brief encounter is enough to reveal the scintillating
vibrancy of Malaysia's rich heritage.
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Dining
Out
Gourmets
and gourmands will relish the delectable and astonishingly
unending variety of delicacies found in the vast cuisine
typical to Pahang. Malay, Chinese (particularly Cantonese,
Hokkien, Szechuan) and both North and South Indian foods
stimulate the taste buds and arouse the adventurer in each
of us.
A must for the uninitiated is satay - succulent morsels of
meat skewered on palm-leaf sticks and barbecued flame and
eaten with piquant, spicy peanut-based gravy. Accompanying
dishes are cucumber, onion slices and ketupat (rice boiled
in woven palm cases). Generally Malay cuisine is spicy and
pungent nature but once you developed a taste for such
tantalising flavours, it's hard to dissociate yourself from
them.
Rice
is the staple food of Malaysia and is cooked in a variety of
ways - one of which is nasi lemak, which is rice cooked with
coconut milk and eaten with a spicy anchovy sauce,
hardboiled egg; peanuts and cucumber slices. Dim sum and its
30 over delicacies are among the many items on the Chinese
menu. The incredible number of ways they cook rice and
noodles prove that innovation and creativity know no bounds.
If you visit Pahang and do not feast on the ample seafood
available, you would be missing some of the best dishes the
state has to offer. Ikan Bakar or grilled fish, is a hot
favorite.The star attraction of Indian cuisine is nasi
briyani, a rich Moghul dish. With such a wide variety of
dishes, it is hard to decide which to choose as each has
established its own popularity.
Tropical
fruits are abuntdant during their seasons. Durians, which
holds indisputable appeal for those who love it, often
leaves the novice perplexed and infimidated as its overly
pungent odour takes some getting used to. And it has culled
lifelong fans even among Westemeis - those who have stayed
here long enough to cultivate a taste for this exotic fruit.
Rambutan, ciku, mango, watermelon, guava, mangosteen,
papaya, pineapple and starfruit are some of the succulent
fruits that offer delights to all.
Handicraft
centres offer a tempting of bewitching items which you may
not find elsewhexe. In Kuantan, the modern Teruntum complex
offers great shopping in air-conditioned comfort. It also
houses a cinema bowling alley fast food restaurants and
other facilities.
Karyaneka, which showcases Pahang handicaft, can be found at
Teluk Chempedak, Sungai Karang and Cherating. Pandanus
household articles, wood carvings, brocades, shellcrafts and
batik are sold at reasonable prices here.
Pahang
Silk from the Pahang Silk Weaving Cente m Pulau Keladi,
Pekan, is an antricately woven materials and visitors to the
centre will get the opportunity to see how the matenal is
made. At Beserah, where the Batik Cottage is located, the
visitors can view how batik, the unique wax-printed fabric,
is made. If you are looking for eye-catching,
conversation-piece items, you will be thoroughly charmed bythe pandan leaf mengkuang mats. Songket, the fine hand-woven
gold and silver-brocaded cloth comes in a wide variety of
attractive designs. At the Souvenir Centre, about 1.8
kilometres west of Kampung Sungai Karang, one will find
sheflcraft and local
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Places
of Interest
Kuantan
While the capital of Pahang is of less historical
interest than many of Malaysia's state capitals, Kuantan is the
entry point for many of Pahang's peerless beach resorts.
Tasik
Chini
A hundred kilometers south of Kuantan is Tasik
Chini. The thirteen fresh-water lakes that make up Tasik Chini are
steeped in myths and mysteries, from the requisite stories of
monsters in the lakes to legends of an ancient Khmer city on the
site. Local stories assert that the mythical city would escape
attack bysinking into the lake. The latter tale has attracted
archaeologists to Tasik Chimi, and structures have indeed been
located on the bottom of the lake. Even if such evocations of Loch
Ness and Atlantis leave you cold, the region's natural beauty is
more than sufficient reason to visit. Between August and
September, pink and white lotus flowers cover the surface of the
water.
Located in southwest Pahang, Tasik Bera is the largest natural
freshwater lake in Peninsula Malaysia. It is situated in the
saddle of the main and eastern mountain ranges of the Peninsula
and is approximately 35km long and 20km wide. Tasik Bera has
remained a unique and remote wetland wilderness, which is
surrounded bya patchwork of dry lowland forests.
Like Tasik Chini, the second largest natural lake in the
Peninsula, an aboriginal tribe also inhabits Bera. The Semelai
aborigines reside in the areas surrounding Tasik Bera and they
continue to acquire food in traditional ways. Rich in wildlife and
vegetation, Bera is therefore an ecosystem, which not only
supports a diversity of animal and plant life but also sustains
the livelihood of the Semelai people.
Tasik Bera plays an important role in flood control, water flow
regulation and purification and it also provides many natural
resources for the local community. Hence, it is protected under an
international treaty, RAMSAR CONVENTION, which was declared in
November 1994. The Pahang State Government has also undertaken
plans to formulate a nature based tourism development plan, which
includes the establishment of a visitor or field study center, the
training of site personnel, and the integration of the local
community into the overall development.
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Tasik
Bera
Bera Lake is a sanctuary
for 328 species of flora, 200 bird species, 50 mammals, and more
than 95 species of fishes. Although very difficult to discover,
the extended wetland area and its surrounding forests still
support tigers, tapirs, elephants, and other endangered species.
The clouded leopard, wild boars, monkeys, flying squirrels, and
flying lemurs are other wildlife known to exist in Bera. The lake
also contains a large number of the country's freshwater fish
species, including both popular aquarium and sport fishes.
For nature enthusiasts, Bera is an ideal place for
many recreational and adventurous activities. Visitors can choose
to jungle trek, participate in river safaris, or go fishing,
especially after heavy rains. The relatively isolated and tranquil
surroundings of the open water are also perfect for boating or
kayaking. Visitors can cruise river channels and inlets in search
of vegetation and wildlife.
There are distinct wet and dry seasons in Tasik Bera. The wet
months are from April to May and September to January. On the
other hand, dry periods are from February to April and June to
August.
To ensure safety, visitors are encouraged to hire a guide for all
activities on the lake and surrounding forests. The Semelai's
knowledge of both the forest and lake's habitats make them a
popular choice as guides.
There is only one resort in Tasik Bera but visitors are permitted
to camp on the north end of the lake at Sudin's Jetty, as well as
the grounds near the resort. Bera is accessible byroad.
Alternatively, visitors can also take the train from both Kuala
Lumpur and Singapore, which stops at Triang and Mentakab
respectively. From there, taxis are available to the Bera jetty.
There are no local car rental facilities; they must therefore be
hired in Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan.
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Gua Charah
Twenty-five kilometers northwest of Kuantan, the Charah
caves are the site of a revered Buddhist sanctuary. The caves
continue to serve as solitary meditation retreats for Buddhist
monks and nuns. Visitors may explore some of the caves and gorges,
including one that houses an impressive stone sculpture of the
reclining Buddha. Along the road that leads to Gua Cherah is the
Panching Cave, a limestone cavern that contains an enormous
(9-meter) statue of the reclining Buddha. Just before noon,
sunlight streaks from an aperture in the cave's roof and floods
the statue.
Cherating
Beach
To
many, this name is synonymous with Club Med. This is natural
because Asia's first Club Med is located here. Actually,
only a small part of the beach is a administered bythis
world famous Club, the rest is a populated area offering
excellent beaches. Situated only 47 kilometres from Kuantan,
its unique features are 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 (the Malay art of self-defence).
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Balok
Beach
Balok
Beach
is
about 15 kilometres north of Kuantan and is a paradise for avid
wind-surfers. Most of the activities revolve around the many
international class resorts and hotels located at the beach
forming the perfect getaway for visitor to the East Coast of the
Peninsular. Truly perfect and serene with soothing tropical
breezes, swaying casuarinas, unending white sand in harmony with
the azure blue sea, indeed, relaxation is never easier.
Teluk
Chempedak Beach
This
delightful beach, only 5 kilometres from the town of Kuantan,
is the site of several world class hotels. It is an
excellent beach for water sports activities like sailing,
surfing, skiing and sunbathing. A short trek through the
Teluk Chempedak Forest Reserve is idyllic Pelindung Beach.
If you are game to more jungle trekking, there's an
alternative route leading to the mini-zoo.
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Beserah
Beach
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 one 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.
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Chendor
Beach
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. Its irresistible appeal also lies in the peace and
seclusion you will enjoy at this resort.
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Tioman
Island
Tioman
is the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, the
smallest of which is a mere rock jutting up from the sea.
Measunng 38 kilometres long and 19 kilometres wide, Tioman
Island is a magnificent island in the sun ,with good reefs
for scuba diving and crystal-clear waters for swimming.
Legend has it that Tioman Island is the resting ground of a
beautiful dragon princess who, while 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, for saking her
happiness to give pleasure and comfort to passing travellers byturning herself into an island. Tioman Island is
accessible byboat 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 chalets on the beach or in luxurious hotel rooms.
Whichever is the choice, comfort and hospitality is assured.
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Rompin/Lanjut
Beach
Lanjut
Beach, meanwhile, is one of the most beautiful unspoilt
beaches on 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 riv found in the district. Kuala Rompin
is also a gateway to Tioman Island, as well to the newly
opened Endau-Rompin State Park.
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Cameron
Highlands
This
is Malaysia's green bowl supplying vegetables to the major
cities of the country and to Singapore. The cool climate
makes it an excellent tea growing area and indeed the
Cameron tea is highly priced in the world market. Places of
interest are the Robinson Falls, the Rose Garden nurseries
and the vegetable farms.
There
is also an 18-hole golf course. The small town of Tapah at
the foot of Cameron Highlands is the gateway to the resort
and can be reached bybus, taxi or train from Kuala Lumpur.
From Tapah, regular bus and taxi services are available to
the highlands. Accommodation facilities include old English
country inn-styled hotels, chalets and Government rest
houses.
Special
mention must be made of the Ye Olde Smokehouse which has
been preserved in the same state as it used to be during the
colonial period, except for the addition of some modern
conveniences.
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Genting
Highlands
Genting Highlands, only fifty
kilometers (less than an hour) from Kuala Lumpur, is the most
developed hill resort in Malaysia. At 2,000 meters above sea
level, it offers a cool respite from Malaysia's capital city
combined with all of the excitement, luxury, and entertainment of
an international resort destination. In fact, many Malaysian
people head for Genting Highlands specifically for its nightlife.
There are international dinner shows and discos, while the
world-class Casino de Genting offers Blackjack, Baccarat, Keno,
French Bull, Roulette, Tai Sai and slot machines.
The resort also includes two theme
parks, both with dozens of amusement rides and attractions
suitable for the entire family. In addition, the Awana horse ranch
offers equestrian activities, rides for children and lessons for
beginners. For golfers, the Awana Golf and Country Resort offers a
challenging 18-hole, par-71 golf course.
Accommodation includes the Genting
Hotel, the Theme Park Hotel, the Resort Hotel, and the Awana Golf
and Country Resort.
Getting to
Genting
by Car: Genting Highlands
can be reached from Kuala Lumpur via the faster Karak Highway or
the slower old Pahang Road (Route 68). The latter passes byMimaland,
which may be a good place to stop bybefore proceeding to Genting
Highlands.
byBus: The Genting Express Bus leaves every hour from the
Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. Genting also offers
limousines, coaches and helicopter services for charter.
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Fraser's
Hill
Fraser's
Hill 104 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur can be reached through
the Karak H
ighway Turn left at the Bentong junction and
proceed to Teranum. At Teranum, take the left turn towards
Gap before the short ascent up to Fraser's Hill.
Alternatively, one can also take the old trunk route heading
towards Penang and turn off at Kuala Kubu Bharu for the
drive to the Gap. The last 8 km from the Gap to the top of
Fraser's Hill 9 scenic, narrow winding which carries one-way
traffic 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. At the ap, there is a gate
control ystem with scheduled times for ascending and
descending traffic, at both ends to facilitate the flow of
traffic.
Fraser's
Hill offers visitors cool mountain air, 4n abundance of
luxuriant vegetation, peace and tranquility s well as other
attractions such as pony rides, a nursery containing many
exotic flowers, the jeriau waterfalls and a pleasant 9-hole
golf course. Other facilities include a children's
playground and a roller skating rink. For accommodation,
Fraser's Hill has a range of hotels, chalets and
colonial-bungalows to,suit one's preferences and budget.
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Bukit
Tinggi
Bukit
Tinggi is a hill retreat area with several resorts taking
advantage of the cool, fresh country air that pervades the
area. Among the resorts here are Selesa Hillhomes and Bukit
Tinggi Resort. Visitors can jungle trek, take long
invigorating walksor head for nearby Genting Highlands.Also
in this area is janda Baik, a resort-cum-residential
vicinity that is popular with urban dwellers seeking to
escape the bustle of the city for a brief respite.
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State
Museum
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 a large quantity of
glassware and ceramics from ancient China. The old history
of Pahang, especially that of its ancient kings is well
documented in this museum.
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Taman
Negara National Park
Taman
Negara or the National Park boasts of jungles that date back
millions of years, making them older than those of the Congo
or Amazon. With 4,343 square kilometres of luxuriant
tropical min forest, the park is a haven for adventurers.
Piduresque trails, giant limestone caves, excellent fishing
spots, exciting river trips and jungle g 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' longest. As it lies on the top layer vegetation in a
forest, you will have an extraordinary view of the and
species found there.
Wildlife
observation can be done from observation hides built around
the many salt-licks. Mountain climbing buffs would enjoy
scaling Gunung Tahan, which at 2,187 metres is the highest
mountain in Peninsula Malaysia. River are an enjoyable
activity within the park, especially those involving
shooting the rapids. For the less stalwart, there are
meandering cruises that let you enjoy the surrounding
scenery 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 park.
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Kenong
Rimba
Kenong
Rimba Park is situated in natural surroundings with
cascading waterfalls, clear mountains streams and a variety
of flora and fauna. The merry chirping of birds will 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
surroundings is haven for adventure lovers. 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 flora and nature's
other marvels. For nature lovers, a stop at Kenong Rimba
Park is a must. It is a perfect hideout for birds watchers,
campers, anglers, trekkers and swimmers.
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Gunung
Tapis Park
About
16 kilometres away from Sungai Lembmg 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 overnight, camping and survival equipment are
recommended. Prior arrangements for a visit to the park can
be made with the Sungai Lembing Tapis Resort.
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Tekam
Plantation Resort
Nestled
in tranquility in the green forests near Jerantut is the
Tekam Plantation Resort comprising chalets dining 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 rubber and oil palm
plantations. The best time to visit the area is during the
fruit season from July to September, when local fruits such
as durians and rambutans are plentiful. The Resort provides
facilities such as tennis and takraw, mini market, water
spot and cafeteria.
About Team Building Programme in Tekam Plantation
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Endau-Rompin
State Park
Some
of the most famous and visually spectacular tourist
attractions are found in Pahang. Among them is the
Endau-Rompin State Park, one of the world's oldest tropical
rainforests. This ancient tropical rainforest has remained
undisturbed in its original state through the years.
Endau-Rompin boasts of some of the most exotic species of
tropical plant and animal life. The Park 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
derives its name from the Rompin and Endau Rivers,forming a
watershed on which the park lies. This nature reserve offers
a wide spectrum of activities for the adventurous visitor
providing the opportunity to get back to nature and
experience the hidden and mysterious secrets of its
wilderness.
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Jeram
Besu
Apart from
Fraser's Hill, other recreational areas in Pahang include 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 country.
Location
Map
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Lata
Jarum
Lata
Jarum is another established picnic spot. It is situated near
Kampong Ulu Dong and is accessible bycar through 20 kilometres of
village road. The access junction is at Dong, a town along the
Raub-Kuala Lipis road. At Lata jarum, one can admire the numerous
rapids flowing into a shallow pool of crystal clear water.
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Kota
Gelanggi
One of the highlights
for visitors to this area is exploring the Kota Gelanggi Cave.
Explore the 150 million year old historical and mythical 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
are all about, with their myriads stalagmites and stalactites and
strangely shaped formations.
Link to packages on Kota
Gelanggi...
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LOCATION 