It's Time for Pahang!

Text & Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI

Being the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang surely has a lot to offer. Each of its districts tell different stories that worth to be explored, enjoyed and appreciated.

In late 2021, Gaya Travel Magazine took part in a media familiarisation trip with the theme ‘Rindu Melancong? Jom Singgah Pahang’ (‘Miss Travelling? Come Visit Pahang’) organised by Tourism Malaysia East Coast Region, which provided good ideas on how to enjoy Pahang in the year 2022 onwards.

JANDA BAIK

Bidaisari Resort

Around 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Bidaisari Resort is ideal for travellers who wish to experience a close-to-nature getaway far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has several types of accommodations such as Twin Chalet, Deluxe King, Water Cottage, Bougain Villa and the private bungalow Aruuma. Besides swimming pool, the resort offers many facilities and activities such as dining at Gebang Gebang Café, horse-riding, hiking, exploring the area using the all-terrain vehicle (ATV), visiting fig farm and feeding deer! Now that’s a real staycation experience we all need!

Good to know: FJ ATV at Bidaisari Resort promises a fun, thrilling experience. For around one hour and 30 minutes, travellers can rev into the jungle while traversing the muddy trails and obstacles. The journey is 3.4 kilometres long with eight checkpoints along the way. The price starts from MYR150 up to MYR300, depending on the size of the ATV’s engine.

Canopy Villa Glamping Park

One of the tents at Canopy Villa Glamping Park.

Located in Kampung Cheringin, this glamping park features 20 accommodation units, including well-equipped safari tents and bell tent. Since it sits on an eightacre land surrounded by lush greenery with stunning mountain views, this place is where travellers can enjoy a well-deserved outdoor staycation without giving up their comforts. Plus, they have plenty of activities for travellers to kill time such as archery, cycling, swimming at nearby river, as well as cooking your own barbecue!

Istana Lemuni

Istana Lemuni is a traditional 1800s Malay Terengganu Palace that houses Lemuni Restaurant and Lemuni Gallery. Besides admiring its unique design, which used to be the residence of the Sultan of Terengganu’s wife and daughters, this place is famous for its traditional menu, ideal for lunch. The set includes white rice, gulai kawah dan rebung, singgang ikan, fried chicken, salted fish, ulam, budu, and sambal belacan, which can all be enjoyed while taking in the tranquil and bucolic surroundings.

TEMERLOH

Temerloh Titik Tengah Semenanjung (T3S) Monument

The Temerloh Titik Tengah Semenanjung (T3S) Monument.

Based on the research done by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) in 2009, Temerloh has been identified as the centre point of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location is in one of the buildings of Madrasah Darul Ulum.

An iconic monument with meaningful features has been built to commemorate such recognition. It is located in a park that is suitable for families with small children to enjoy the area and opt for the available recreational activities.

Inakraf

Muhaimin Hasbullah showing the process of wood carving at his workshop.

Owned by the multiple awardwinning Muhaimin Hasbullah – the only ‘adiguru’ (master) of wood craftsmanship recognised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) – Inakraf proudly produces high quality wood carvings. Many of its pieces are currently exhibited throughout Malaysia and around the world such as the Malaysian Houses of Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, Khat Balairongseri Istana Alam Shah (Alam Shah Palace Throne Room calligraphy), Malaychan Restaurant in Tokyo, and Mahsuri Spa in London.

At its workshop in Temerloh, travellers can get up close and learn how the pieces are painstakingly made, apart from purchasing some of the readymade wooden crafts to bring back home. For the public, advanced booking is required before coming to Inakraf. Contact +6 011 1099 5769 or +6 019 612 4923 for more information.

Selera Patin Bangau

A satisfying lunch menu at Selera Patin Bangau, which includes Patin Tempoyak.

Patin tempoyak (silver catfish simmered in fermented durian gravy) is Temerloh’s staple dish. Though travellers may find countless patin tempoyak restaurants around the area, one in particular, situated in Kampung Bangau, has become popular among locals and outsiders. Owned by Rohazlina Yusof, the restaurant has been in operation since 2010, serving silver catfish-based menus like fried and grilled silver catfish. Travellers are advised to come early for lunch because the place will be packed on midday!

Amani Vanilla

Famous for its homemade signature vanilla ice cream, Amani Vanilla lies within Malaysia’s first vanilla commercial farm. Aside from vanillabased menus like waffle ice cream, salted caramel cornflakes ice cream, ‘fried’ ice cream, cassava set, and vanilla coffee ‘o’, the cafe also sells vanilla extract and powder, on top of dispensing advice to vanilla growers. To make the place more interesting, Amani Villa even offer activities like riding ATVs!

MARAN

Rabbitland Jengka

Feeding the rabbits is a must-do at Rabbitland Jengka.

A perfect place for families, especially those with small children, this fiveacre zoo exhibits friendly animals that include Spanish cow, deer, horse, raccoon, peacocks, and more. The place is also replete with beautifully decorated sections that are Instagram-worthy such as the Fairy Garden, Hobbit House, Cactus Garden, and Old Well. Inquisitive tiny travellers might become intrigued by the list of activities that include feeding the animals, taking a train around the zoo, and riding the horse among others. Talk about spending quality time with your family! The place opens every day. The entrance fees are MYR8 per adult and MYR5 per child.

JERANTUT

Kota Gelanggi Cave Complex

This cave is one of the most fascinating caves that travellers may find in Malaysia. Within it, there are several caverns that tell different stories and legends such as Gua Tongkat, Gua Angin, Gua Batu Sanding, Gua Kota Balai, Gua Penyu, and Gua Kelawar. One of the most interesting must be Gua Batu Sanding, where travellers can witness a mystical formation of rocks that arguably resemble a scene of a grand wedding ceremony. Legend has it that it is here where the supernatural creature, Sang Kelembai, cursed everyone and everything in the wedding into stone. It is entirely up to you to believe whether the story is true or otherwise, but the cave complex does contain various formations of stalactites and stalagmites that blow travellers’ minds away. This caving experience costs only MYR35 per person (minimum of four persons per group) and can be booked by calling Azmi Frogman at +6 011 2548 3624.

CHERATING

Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating

This beachfront resort has 100 rooms with balconies or terraces that face either the view of the pool or the garden. It also has two swimming pools, outdoor jacuzzi, tennis court, and fitness centre. Since it has a private beach fronting the South China Sea, travellers can take in the soothing breeze by walking around it or even partake in exciting outdoor and waterbased activities at additional charges.

KUANTAN

Natural Batik Village

From the beginning of the batik manufacturing process to the end products displayed for sale at the gallery, travellers can learn how batik is produced, as well as joining a batik-painting session! This place is huge and travellers can find many types of batik products ranging from clothes to accessories. Natural Batik Village opens daily, including during public holidays, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Pusat Pengembangan Tenun Diraja Sungai Soi

A staff member at Pusat Pengembangan Tenun Diraja Sungai Soi demonstrating the painstaking process of songket-weaving.

Pahang is known to have its own type of songket, a traditional handwoven fabric that has now evolved into one of the state’s most treasured heritages. Believed to have originated from Riau or Sulawesi in the 16th century, the songket fabric, which is generally used as sarong, sampin or selendang has been adapted for modern lifestyle and current fashion. At this centre, travellers can understand how the fabric is meticulously produced and what makes it so distinctively unique and special, hence become a favourite among royalties and celebrities. Travellers may also buy Pahang songket directly from this centre’s own gallery.

Gaya Travel Magazine team members extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Malaysia East Coast Region for making our trip to Pahang a reality and smooth sailing.