PAHANG - MALAYSIA

History of Pahang

Evidence of habitation in Pahang dates back to the Mesolithic Era during which the Mesolithic people lived in caves and mountains of Pahang. According to anthropologists and historians, Pahang was also home to the Middle Age men and the Last Stone Age (early Bronze Age men) and the Semang aborigine tribe.

Long famous for the deposits of tin and gold found along the upper reaches of Sungai Tembeling (Tembeling River), Pahang had attracted the interest of outside powers even before the founding of Melaka in 1400. Under the control of the maritime empire of Srivijaya (centered around Palembang in southeast Sumatra), Pahang had expanded to cover the entire southern portion of the Malay Peninsula in the 8th and 9th centuries.

With the collapse of Srivijaya around 1000, Pahang was claimed first by the Siamese and then, in the late fifteenth century, by Melaka. After Melaka fell to the Portuguese in 1511, Pahang became a key part of the territorial struggles between Acheh, Johor, the Portuguese, and the Dutch. Repeated raids, invasions, and occupations devastated the state until the decline of both Achenese and Portuguese power in the early 17th century that allowed Johor to re-establish its influence and became the great Johor-Riau Empire.

When the Johor-Riau Empire collapsed, one Bendahara Wan Ahmad proclaimed himself as Sultan of Pahang in 1882. Not long after that, the British imperialism manifested itself in Pahang with the appointment of a British Resident to the Sultan of Pahang in 1888.

Like others, the Pahang State also suffered during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the year 1945. Then in 1948, it joined the Federation of Malaya, which gained Independence in 1957. Today, Pahang is a prosperous state with an expanding economy, fuelled by agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

Genting Highlands

The fun never stops at Genting - City of Entertainment - perched on the top of Genting Highlands, which is accessible by road or cable car.

There is a choice of outdoor or indoor theme parks, indoor splash pool with warm water, or outdoor water park.

In the evening, there is spectacular entertainment at the Genting International Showroom or Pavilion, be it a thrilling magic show or an ice-skating extravaganza, shopping at First World Plaza, games and feasting on a wide range of delicious food.

The First World Plaza indoor theme park cum shopping complex features a series of fun rides and six theme areas named after famous cities and landmarks from around the world - France (Champs Elysees), England (London), Italy (Venice), America (Times Square and Universal Walk), Switzerland (Swiss Alps) and Malaysia (Genting Walk).

In Genting's Venice, you can cruise on a canal in the Venice Gondola Ride before hopping over to London to ride the Ferris Wheel beside the mini Big Ben. Around the corner are Universal Walk, Times Square and replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Oscar trophy. A mini Eiffel Tower and a mini Arc de Triomphe make up the France theme. The suspended overhead rides such as the Euro Express, Reindeer Cruiser, Rio Float and the Monorail provide an excellent bird's eye view of the bustling First World indoor theme park that extends over four levels.

The Snow World at the Swiss Alps features a log cabin, an igloo, toboggan slides and snow play area. It's cold in here so remember to wear warm clothing. Children will surely love the Rainforest Splash Pool as the pool is filled with warm water even though the air all around is chilly.

To the adventurous: Are you ready to fly? The First World Plaza also boasts the Genting Sky Venture, the only free fall skydiving simulator in Asia, and to challenge you further is the Genting X-pedition Wall, an international-standard rock climbing wall stretching 10 to 15 metres in height, with a 6-metre overhang. Then get ready to scream on the Haunted Adventure Funicular Train that travels up a 45-degree slope into the Horror House.

You and your friends can next have a friendly game at the 28-lane Genting Bowl or at the Q-bowl, where the game is similar to pool. More entertainment awaits at the Funtasy World video arcade and the Cineplex. With 48 retail and 52 food/drinks outlets at the First World Plaza, there will never be a dull moment.

Over 30 rides can be enjoyed in the Outdoor Theme Park. Thrill-seekers will want to try all four roller coaster rides - the Double Loop Corkscrew, Rolling Thunder Mine Train, Cyclone and Flying Dragon. The brave will also want to ride the Spinner Flying Carousel, the Super Toboggan, and the intense Turbo Drop that drops 185 feet down and then instantly shoots upwards. On the Sungai Rejang Flume Ride and at the Genting Splash, the only water park experience available at 6,000 feet (2,000 metres) above sea level, be prepared to get wet. Hey, it's part of the fun!

There are numerous children's rides and family rides including the Monorail and Theme Park Skyway cable cars. Younger children can enjoy rides such as the Flying Baby Jumbo, Teacup, Pirate Train, Rodeo Rider and Astro Fighter. The Indoor Theme Park boasts three more thrill rides - Space Odyssey, Disco Bumper and the Motion Master Simulator that maneuvers around sharp turns and dives into deep gorges. A rich variety of skill games and video games are also available for your enjoyment until late at nights.

Getting there:
About 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway. Kuala Lumpur-Genting taxis are available from the Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. The Kuala Lumpur-Genting direct coach service is available from KL Sentral, Jalan Duta Coach Station, Puduraya and Gombak LRT Station.

Opening hours:
Outdoor Park: Weekdays 10am - 6pm & Weekends 8am - 8pm / Indoor Park and First World Plaza rides: Daily 8am -Midnight.

Admission:
Outdoor Park for unlimited rides RM29 (adult) & RM18 (children) for all seasons. For the indoor parks, pay per ride.

Supporting facilities: Fast food outlets, restaurants, shopping, car park.

Hotel accommodations: Available

Information: +603-2718 1118

Pahang Nature Activities

Sungai Relau

Sungai Relau is an alternative entry point into Taman Negara. It is located west of Taman Negara, about 7 km from the small town of Merapoh. Noted for its diverse biological resources, Sungai Relau is where you can enjoy kayaking, caving and even a night safari. This is also one of the three embarkation points to Gunung Tahan. The trail here to the summit is shorter than the main route from Kuala Tahan with a return walk taking five days. Accommodation includes hostels and campsites.

Contact
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Merapoh Office
Phone: 609-9124894

Lake Bera

Lake Bera, measuring approximately 35 km long and 20 km wide, is the largest natural freshwater lake in Peninsular Malaysia. It is also Malaysia's first Ramsar site, a recognition given to wetland areas for its international importance in nature conservation. Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover nearly 328 species of flora, 200 species of birds, 50 mammals and more than 95 species of fish in the lake area.

Enjoy a river safari or go trekking to catch sight of monkeys and flying squirrels. A boat ride around the lake will be a memorable experience as the boatmen skillfully navigate through the maze of vegetation. Spend a night at the resort and visit the Semelai tribe to watch their interesting method of collecting resin from Keruing trees. Lake Bera is situated 163 km from Kuantan.

Lake Chini

About 100km south-west of Kuantan lies Lake Chini, Malaysia's second largest natural lake. It teems with a variety of freshwater fish, and the surrounding wilderness is home to unique flora and fauna. Primates such as White-handed gibbons, Long-tailed macaques, Pig-tailed macaques and Banded langurs have been sighted here.

At certain times of the year, the lotus-filled lake is an awesome sight to behold. Legends and folklore enshroud the lake with a mystical aura. Lake Chini is said to be the site of a submerged Khmer City, guarded by a mythical creature.

A host of activities can be enjoyed here, including boat rides, fishing trips and jungle trekking. For a fascinating experience, visit the Jakun settlement, one of Pahang's indigenous peoples and take home a unique handicraft. Overnight visitors can enjoy a stay in the solitary lakeside resort.

Jeram Besu

Jeram Besu or Besu Rapids is definitely a must for those raring for adventure and thrills. Just 30km from the town of Raub, Jeram Besu is one of the best white-water rafting sites in the country. Other thrilling activities here include flying fox, off-road adventures, abseiling, caving and jungle trekking. Visitors can choose to camp out in the wild and take a relaxing dip in the Lata Berembun waterfalls nearby.

Contact
Countryview Recreation Park
Phone: 609-323 0230
Fax: 609-323 0200

Kota Gelanggi Caves

Marvel at the astonishing geological formations of this million year old cave system, located 30km east of Jerantut. Explore its cave chambers, once home to prehistoric communities. Among the popular show caves here are Terang Bulan, which takes about an hour to explore. The Kota Gelanggi Service Center offers further information on the caves, and exhibits artifacts such as pottery and bones of early humans.

Contact
Tekam Plantation Resort
Phone: 609-471 8300.

Tekam Plantations Resort

Fresh air, chirping of birds and lush greenery greet visitors to this hideaway. Located approximately 130km from Kuala Lumpur, this resort offers a refreshing ambience of being surrounded by tropical trees and fruit orchards. Tempt your palate with exotic fruits such as durian, rambutan, mango, banana, guava and mangosteen.

Visit the cocoa, coffee, oil palm and rubber plantations and be greeted by the sound of geese and roosters. The Tekam Plantation Resort is popular with groups for its 9 hole golf course and many recreational facilities.

Contact
Tekam Plantation Resort
Phone: 609-471 8300.

Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest

This recreational forest is a paradise for nature lovers. The Gunung Senyum and Jebak Puyuh Caves, the main attractions here, offer avid explorers hours of thrills. The former consists of approximately 18 caves, a favorite among explorers and researchers for their impressive formations and million year old fossils.

An ancient tomb within the caves is of archaeological interest. The Jebak Puyuh Cave system, located further away, contains seven caves. Lucky visitors may even chance upon albino pythons that inhabit the cool, dark crevices of the cavern. A host of outdoor activities can be arranged for groups.

Contact
Temerloh Forestry Office
Phone: 609 - 296 2755.

Seladang Conservation Center

This 50-hectare area in South Jenderak, about 130km from Kuantan, is a sanctuary for the endangered gaur. It is the second largest land mammal after the elephant. Enjoy this rare and thrilling opportunity to stand close to them!

Open: Mondays-Friday (9.00 am to 4.30 pm)

Contact
Dept. of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
Phone: 609-286 1827.

Elephant Conservation Center

Located in Kuala Gandah, 40km from Bentong, this center is dedicated to rescuing and protecting the country's elephants. Take a close look at these friendly jumbos during their feeding times or watch the fun as they enjoy a muddy splash in the nearby river. Open daily (8.00 am to 4.30 pm) Activities are held from 2.00pm to 3.45pm.

Contact
Elephant Conservation Center
Phone: 603-9075 2872.

Deerland Park

This deer sanctuary is situated in Bukit Rengit, Lanchang, about 140km from Kuantan. Traverse the park's 'Nature Garden' on an elevated boardwalk and marvel at its varieties of herbs and plants. The highlight of a visit here will be the interesting and fascinating deer-feeding session.

The park's 'Animal World' offers attractions such as ostriches, peacocks, deer and a sunbear. Visitors can also go camping or join a guided tour to learn basic jungle survival skills.

Animal World is open daily from 11.00am to 6.00pm, except on Fridays. Visit to the Nature Garden is by appointment.

Contact
Phone: 609-277 9305 or 012-962 7249

The Seladang Sanctuary, Elephant Conservation Center and Deerland Park are situated within the Kuala Krau Wildlife Reserve, which straddles Raub, Jerantut and Temerloh.

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