Vacation in Pahang Malaysia with Asian Vacations, Inc.

PAHANG

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Mention Pahang to a Malaysian, and he will probably conjure up visions of lush tropical forests, cool mountain air, beaches, lakes and waterfalls nestling in the arms of mountain crevices. The largest state in peninsular Malaysia is, in many ways, one of its most wild and Edenic. Two thirds of it is covered by unspoiled rain forest. Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia and is situated in the eastern coastal region. The state's 35,964 sq. km encompasses a remarkable range of Malaysia's many different environments, from the majestic peaks and cool hill regions of the state's western region to the miles of soft sand beach along the South China Sea. Pahang's nearly one million people constitute a representative mix of Malaysia's three main ethnic communities-- Malay, Chinese, and Indian. The east coast state of Pahang is the largest in Peninsula Malaysia and is perhaps nature's gift to the country. It has so much to offer the visitor and is usually the most sought after holiday destination by both locals and foreigners. Exotic flora and fauna are an intrinsic part of the wild life and there is unspoiled beauty throughout the state. Rich varied scenery and landscape leave visitors thoroughly enchanted with the magnificent gifts nature has bestowed on this tropical paradise. From pristine waterfalls to invigorating mountains, palm-fringed beaches to refreshing jungles, Pahang is a rendezvous with diversity and contrast. Apart from its attractions, Pahang is also rich in natural resources with two-thirds of the state covered by tropical forests. Palm oil, rubber, and cocoa are cultivated extensively in large land development schemes. Manufacturing has also provided additional income to the state.

ATTRACTIONS:
Visitors to Pahang are usually there to visit the state's famous hill resorts, its internationally known islands and beaches, or Taman Negara, the Peninsula's finest park. Each of these attractions is substantial enough to merit special attention. Pahang's other attractions, though less well known, should not be missed by anyone visiting the state. The natural heart of Pahang is unquestionably Taman Negara, Malaysia's oldest national park, lovingly referred to as "The Green Heart." Within the park is also the peninsula's highest point, the forest encrusted Gunung Tahan. Also in the interior are many of Malaysia's hill stations, mountain resorts where the tropical heat is kept at bay by the altitude. On the coast of Pahang, the jungle gives way to clean, palm-lined beaches, fishing villages, and the multicultural state capital, Kuantan. The Cameron Highlands are tucked away serenely amidst the clouds at 1,829 m above sea level. First discovered by British surveyor, William Cameron in 1885, Cameron Highlands is regarded as the "Green Bowl" of the country, supplying its produce of cabbages, tomatoes, lettuces, and green peppers to major cities in Malaysia, as well as to Singapore. The cool and fresh air in the highlands offers an attractive retreat for city dwellers who want temporary respite from the noise and pollution of the city. Verdant green hillsides planted with young tea plants greet you as you drive slowly up the meandering road to the three townships of Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. The fresh mountain air will reveal just how prestige this mountain top gateway is, especially for those who want to unwind and relax amongst the cool serenity of the highlands. During the British colonial rule, the Highlands resembled England and was thus a favorite with the British. Old English country inns, chalets, and government rest-houses in the form of quaint bungalows still dot the rolling countryside. Moreover, the green terraced slopes and mist-covered mountain tops make it an ideal holiday resort. Since then, this hill station has developed into a favored getaway for honeymooners as the beauty and tranquility of this captivating plateau has cast its spell of enchantment over locals and visitors alike. Blue skies, clear streams, and a profusion of colorful flowers add to the splendor of this magnificent holiday site! During the colonial era, British planters realized the potential of Cameron Highlands' fertile mountain slopes for growing tea. The cool, frost free climate of the hill also proved to be an ideal and excellent condition for the cultivation of tea. Here, tea plantations spread out as far as the eye can see. Tea from the Highlands has established a reputation for quality comparable to the best varieties around the world. Tea cultivation is the main economic activity in Cameron Highlands. If you are an early riser, a visit to the tea plantation in the early morning will afford you a glimpse of young women walking between rows of tea bushes, picking the tender young tea leaves and throwing them into baskets strapped to their backs. A further visit to the tea factories will enhance your knowledge on the finer aspects of tea grading, blending tea, and the processing of tea. And, of course, not to mention enjoying a cup of freshly brewed tea, courtesy from the management. Nature Hikes - Nature lovers will find the unspoiled natural beauty of this hill station simply irresistible! Naturalists will have a feast day identifying the variety of attractive flora and fauna. However, for the first time visitor, it is best to engage the services of a guide to escort you. Your guide may lead you to either Robinson Falls and Parit Falls, the two most popular waterfalls here. These falls are ideal for swimming and they make a lovely picnic spot. Strawberries, once available only through imports, thrives extensively on this hill station. A visit to the Strawberry Park will entail visitors not only the opportunity to see how these highland strawberries are cultivated but also offers the opportunity purchase freshly picked strawberries with thick delicious cream at affordable prices. Tioman is the largest group among 64 volcanic islands. Visitors can choose between snorkeling and diving in crystal clear waters, lazing around on the white-sand beaches or exploring rugged trails of the interior. For a rejuvenating experience, take to the hills! Situated approximately 104km from Kuala Lumpur, stay at one of Fraser's Hill's bungalows or hotels and wake up every morning to fresh, cool air. Fraser's Hill derives its name from one of the more colorful characters in colonial history, James Louis Fraser, an adventurer and fortune hunter. Stories about his life include rumors of an opium and gambling den managed by him, which was frequented by miners. He vanished later on and his disappearance remains a mystery to this day. The hill rises at 1,524 m above sea level. Like the ancient city of Rome, it is built on 7 hills, but unlike the eternal city, it bears no claim to cosmopolitan fame. Instead, it exudes a quiet rustic air, more in keeping with the solitude of an English countryside. Cool throughout the year at an average of 18 - 20 degree Celsius, the attraction of Fraser's Hill as a tourist resort has not diminished through the years. Today, Fraser's Hill is popular as a site for company retreats and weekends. The fanatic golfer will find enough here to occupy his days whereas non-golfers can while away their time horseback riding or by simply strolling down the picturesque lanes that weave through the green countryside. The fresh mountain air is cool and invigorating and when dusk falls, the mist that blows in brings back memories of a simple, gentle era. If you enjoy Horseback Riding, the paddock at Fraser's Hill provides ponies for novices who would like to experience the pleasures of riding, and horses are provided for the more proficient riders. This is an ideal way to explore the hill and there are a number of trails that spiral around the hillside. There is nothing like the feeling of the rocking canter of a horse beneath you as the cool mountain air whispers past your face. Fast becoming a center for bird watching enthusiasts, Fraser's Hill is a bird watcher's haven with over 270 species of local and migratory birds flocking here together. The annual International Bird Race organized by Malaysian Nature Society in conjunction with the Fraser's Hill Development Corporation sees participants from all over the world converging here to determine which team can sight, identify, and record the most number of birds as stated in the official checklist. This world renown event seeks to promote Fraser's Hill as a bird sanctuary and encourages bird watching as a healthy outdoor activity. Set like a glittering jewel amidst the South China Sea, Tioman Island, the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, beckons the visitor with its white beaches and crystal clear azure seas. A sense of excitement and mystery pervades the island and the visitor will be enchanted by the picturesque beauty of this tropical paradise. Populated by friendly villagers who live an unhurried lifestyle, Tioman Island has a way of making your troubles seem like a thousand miles away. Considered one of the world's ten most beautiful islands, Tioman made its movie debut as the setting for the paradise island of "Bali Hai" in the film "South Pacific". This volcanic island has steep slopes of lush green vegetation and a multicolored profusion of orchids and other tropical flowers. Stunning waterfalls cascade down these tropical slopes and make their way down through secluded sandy beaches to the clear blue waters and its iridescent coral reefs. Untouched with its natural beauty, Tioman Island draw thousands of tourist yearly to its beaches. Sun lovers and those who are fascinated by sea shells will find the miles and miles of palm-fringed beaches a sheer delight with their myriad varieties of these lovely sea creatures. You can spend hours just languishing on the white pearly beach, looking up the sun for the perfect tan. Popular beaches include the ones around the villages of Tekek, Genting, and Salang. A walk on one of these beaches at sunset is truly enchanting and will simply take your breath away. Although pretty inaccessible, a visit to Tasik Chini is well worth the effort. It's actually a series of 12 lakes surrounded by beautiful jungle territory, with great treks, and it's rumored to be the haunt of a cousin of the Loch Ness monster. This is one of the only two natural lakes in Peninsula Malaysia, both of which are located in the state of Pahang. Located approximately 100km from Kuantan town, the capital of Pahang, Chini is a lake that was formed from the natural damming of a river valley. It is Malaysia's second largest natural lake and, with its well-known myths, the lake has attracted many visitors from various destinations. Legend has it that a mythical dragon lives in the lake and is the guardian of a lost city of gold, which was once situated at the lake. The Jakun people - an Orang Asli (aboriginal) tribe of Malay origin - who live around the lake also believe that the serpent Naga Seri Gumum (Loch Ness Monster) is the spirit and guardian of the lake. Nevertheless, these legends have enticed numerous archeologists to conduct scientific expeditions in Chini. Lying majestically among 12,000 acres of lush tropical wilderness, the lake provides such beauty that it is possible to walk for miles without feeling bored. The size of the lake itself is subject to regular periods of expansion and contractions. It is at its largest size during the monsoon months, which falls from October to January. Virtually undisturbed for centuries, Tasik Chini itself is a habitat for over 144 species of fishes. The months of November to January is the best time for anglers to try their luck as the monsoon season would have increased the size and depth of the lake. Earnest bird watchers will be happy to know that over 200 species of birds were recorded. Chini is a premier bird watching destination in Peninsula Malaysia. There are three bird watching trails, which go through different habitats. During the months of October to March, migratory birds come to Chini from the northern parts of Asia to escape the winter. Chini is also a treasure trove for avid photographers. Imagine this picturesque lake with the majestic Gunung Chini in the backdrop, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Also, during the months of July to January, the surface of the lake blossoms into a garden of pink and white lotuses, which contrasts brightly against the green lily pads. It is a truly breathtaking sight! River safaris are another way to enjoy the beauty of the lake. For the more adventurous, Tasik Chini has a number of challenging routes through the jungle and swamps for off-road driving. The routes are only accessible by four-wheel-drives and provide enough excitement and adventure to please even the most demanding thrill-seeker. Another kind of activity is jungle trekking, which is exciting yet educational. One will be able to see an amazing array of flora and fauna here in Chini. It is best to secure a guide in order to fully utilize and appreciate the natural surroundings. There are a number of wooden chalets and restaurants available, as well as camping spots for those who wish to rough it. Tasik Chini is accessible by road from most parts of Peninsula Malaysia and even Singapore. Daily bus services are also available from Kuantan. 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 by a 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 eco-system, 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. 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. Teluk Chempedak is 5km from Kuantan, Pahang, the beach has a range of watersports facilities such as sailing, surfing, and waterskiing. A wide range of accommodation, from international standard hotels to beach chalets are available. Cherating is located about 74km north of Kuantan. The sun-soaked golden beaches are excellent for a host of leisure activities such as windsurfing, swimming, snorkelling and parasailing. Among the beach's attractions is the rustic atmosphere in the kampungs whose friendly people usually play hosts to visitors.