Pahang
It would be impossible not to relate rainforest with Pahang. Pahang is located on the West Part (Peninsular Malaysia) enclosing by the Titiwangsa Range in between, which is equivalent to 2/3 of the state, a dense jungle still. Yet, Pahang is divided into 3 eco-regions consisting of all the great sightseeings in Malaysia that are the freshwater systems, Lowland & Highlands rainforests, as well as the coastlines. By all means, you will definitely see many types of flora and fauna’s in whichever eco-region you decided to visit, truly a sight to behold!
Lets just have an introduction of how Pahang gets its name. Classically, Pahang previous name was Inderapura which existed at least from the 5th century. Literally in the Sanskrit language, Inderapura means the ‘Town of Indra” whereby at that point of time, Indra was the leader of the Devas and the lord of Svargaloka for the Hinduism believers. Due to the forestry in Pahang, legends also said that the Orang Asli forefathers (Savage Malays) who came here has long called the state as Mahang with referrence to a huge ‘Mahang Tree’ on how the name was derived. Another theory was from the early kingdom of Khmer which literally the word ‘saamnbahang’ translated into Khmer language as tin. Probably it was being named as Tin from the mining that was happening in Sungai Lembing at that time. Anyway, Pahang is just Pahang then regardless of how the name was derived in the end 🙂
So, the best place for us to recommend in Pahang would definitely be the rainforests. The most famous Taman Negara Park would be first in our list. Aging more than 130 million years old much older than the Amazon, dont missed out to try the canopy walk of more than 500 metres long, ‘The World’s Longest Canopy Walk’. Once you are here, choose from the simplest track of jungle trekking to the real inner jungle trekking ascending and descending hills or you could even visit the aborigin settlements and arrange for an overnight there. Not only that, enjoy yourself with the boat rides, cave exploration and many more activities. If you are brave and love extreme adventures, then challenge yourself to enter the Rainforest Challenge which is a yearly event for worldwide participants. All the best!
Courtesy video www.rainforest-challenge.com)
Those who love mountain climbing could also choose to climb the range of mountains which is the backbone between Thailand to Johor, ‘the Titiwangsa Range’. Various mountains in Pahang can be selected including Gunung Nuang, Gunung Irau and Gunung Brinchang. Bear in mind that an official permit and manual registration must be done a week earlier. We are not trying to scare you but rainforests are not a place you could play around. You might bump into a himalayan tiger or worst of all if you were to get lost and die without anyone knowing. Looking at the bright side if rainforests are too extreme, try visiting Cherating or Kuantan beach for a more relaxing holiday. Stress-free getaway yippie!
Of course it would also be cool to visit the freshwater sites but be bald and expect less as the journey is definitely not a red-carpet journey. 2 most famous lakes in Pahang would be the Chini Lake and Bera Lake. Just a pre-warn, it would be plenty of leeches along the way. Definitely, visiting the lakes are much more than meet the eyes. The inner beauties whom only real nature lovers would understand and would probably feel sad looking at it now due to the deforestration. No longer a touristy hot spot as mining industry has been developed not far from this lake affecting the quality of the freshwater which can no longer be drank directly by the aborigines who has settlements in the jungle area around the lakes. During the jungle trekking, you might meet wildlifes that will amaze you throughout your lifetime such as a flying squirrel or probably a pink-necked pigeon.
Of course there are some of us who prefer some sun with a much natural colder atmosphere. Do include Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands in your itineraries. Don’t miss out itineraries to visit the 4WD Rafflesia Explorer as well as looking for Jim Thomson walk in Cameron Highlands. In comparison, Genting Highlands offers a package consisting bits of everything. Enjoy shopping at the permium factory outlets, golfing, dining, much family activies and other attractions all in one place. Enjoy the much sun in a higher level of altitude suitable for those who can easily get sun burnt.
We cant just write about Pahang’s summary without mentioning about the food galore here. Of course durian would be the first in our lists. Maybe because they have more green here compared to other states in Malaysia. So, apart from Durian, the must try out food here would be ikan patin gulai tempoyak (Catfish in fermented durian gravy), gulai asam rong (fish with some processed rubber tree fruit), Ikan Bakar Petai (Petai Grilled Fish), Nasi Kebuli, Durian Pastries as well as Cendol Air Putih for dessert.
As Pahang is filled with natures 2/3 of it, we would definitely suggest you to visit during the dry seasons to avoid your uncomfortableness some areas filled with mud after the rain as well as being affected by the monsoon seasons from the east.
In addition, don’t forget to also check-out our other destination guide such as Kedah, WP Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak 🙂 Book now with Azuki Tours!
