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Welcome Message from the Prime Minister of Malaysia

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Temerloh


The Home to Ikan Patin
Temerloh a small town 133 km from Kuala Lumpur along the Kuantan - Kuala Lumpur trunk road.This town is located on thebanks of the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia known as Sungai Pahang (Pahang River )and Semantan rivers. Temerloh in local slang means 'slumber' . Now it is a fast developing town and centre of activities for the district of Temerloh.

Pekan Sehari
This is famous marketplace along the Pahang riverbank in Temerloh. The weekly market normally starts from 7 a.m. every Sunday and ends at noon. Villagers gather here with their produce. It is truly a riot when vendors and buyers haggle over prices, which are surprisingly cheaper than the town market. When in season, local fruits such as durian, rambutan, duku, mata kucing and langsat are aplenty. It is also a haven for freshwater fish lovers where patin, jelawat, baung, tenggalan, lampam, belida and kerat are readily available.
Freshwater Fish
Temerloh is famous for its freshwater fish such as patin, jelawat, baung, tenggalan, kerai, belida, and lampam. Freshwater fishes especially patin and jelawat, fetches a very good price and is always in demand. To cater for the demand of freshwater fish, the locals have started large-scale fish breeding in specially made sunken cages along the Pahang river where patin, tilapia, kerai, lampam and bawal (which resembles the piranha!) are commercially bred. Take a trip upriver and you will see a lot of these cages floating by the riverbanks.

Gunung Senyum
Gunung Senyum means Smiling Hill in English. Situated on the opposite bank of the Pahang River, the Gunung Senyum Cave System has at least 20 caves accessible to visitors including some caves, which require specialized equipment and qualified guides. Some caves are being prepared for casual visitors. Of late, scientists, naturalists and geologist undertaking studies and research projects constantly explore the caves.
Lake Bera
Lake Bera is one of only two major natural bodies of freshwater lakes in Malaysia. Lake Bera is also Malaysia's first wetland of international importance, is a freshwater swamp system approximately 7,000 hectares. The wetland, together with the surrounding rainforests, supports a wide range of animal and plant life, including some globally threatened species. Being an excellent example of a natural freshwater swamp in Southeast Asia, Lake Bera illustrates high biological diversity. This includes an array of species, including more than 200 birds, 68 mammals and 94 freshwater fishes. Lake Bera was declared a protected site under the RAMSA Convention in November 1994. About 1,400 indigenous Semalai people, a tribe of Orang Asli, live in the area surrounding the lake, some maintaining their traditional lifestyle and others have become agriculturists at the Post Iskandar settlement. An ideal place for recreational and adventure activities, Lake Bera offers excellent fishing, boating,
Mini Zoo
A Mini Zoo managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Park is about 2km from the town. It covers about 1.5 acres of land and you can find over 50 different types of animals and birds here. Visiting hours is from Monday - Friday: 10a.m. - 12:30p.m. & 2p.m. - 6:30p.m. Saturday - Sunday: 10a.m. - 6:30p.m. Entrance fee: RM1 for adults and RM0.50 for children below the age of 12. jungle trekking, orienteering and river safaris.
How to get there
You can take the express bus from KL or any other major town in Peninsular Malaysia to Temerloh. Since it is halfway on the Kuantan-Kuala Lumpur trunk road, you can never miss this quaint town.
Accommodation
Temerloh has a number of good and reasonably priced hotels. The rooms are cosy, clean and comfortable with affordable rates.

Taman Negara

Taman Negara or the national park of Malaysia is extended across the states of Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu. However, the most visited part of the park is located in Pahang. This superb wilderness area is a haven for endangered species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and rhinos. Along with that, exotic snakes, lizards, monkeys, small deer and even tapirs can be found. Birds and insects can be found in abundance. The greatest reward to Taman Negara is the chance to visit one of the most pristine primary rainforests that still exists in the world!

Empang Jaleh

Empang Jaleh is a recreational lake, which is located near Kuala Lipis town. One can also trek along a mountainous jungle trail that leads to Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in the Peninsula, which takes about two nights to reach the top. The ideal place for bird watching would be Bukit Taching, a bird sanctuary. The Terenggan Forest Park is another nature spot perfect for a leisurely holiday. Its most endearing feature is perhaps its abundant fabulous nature scenes. The forest park has four permanent forest reserves that have very old jungles. Nine other areas have also been designated for possible reserves.

Kenong Rimba Park



The Kenong Rimba Park is found amidst natural surroundings with cascading waterfalls, clear mountain streams, and a variety of flora and fauna. It offers great adventures such as exploring limestone caves, swimming in the river, and camping. The adventurous would love the challenging hiking trails that are interspersed with protruding rocks and untouched natural surroundings. Nature lovers can appreciate the natural beauty by venturing along the jungle trails. Experienced guides will make the trip much more interesting with their rich store of information and local folklore. Those who are up to climbing can scale the steep rocky face of Gunung Kesung and Gunung Putih. If you are lucky, you may chance upon the footprints of the rare "Kambing Gurun" (mountain goat). Local folklore has it that the fairies rear the animal, hence its elusiveness.
The park also boasts of a complex network of caves, each with its own geological formation and fascinating legend. The most beautiful is Gua Batu Tinggi. The other caves are Gua Batu Tanggan, Gua Batu Tangkup, Gua Batu Telahup, Gua Kesung, Gua Hijau, Gua Batu, and Gua Harimau. Kenong Rimba also has its own waterfall, Air Terjun Tujuh Tingkat (Seven Step Waterfalls), which is a vision of frothy water tumbling down into a clear rocky pool. An ideal place for swimming and picnics.
To get to Kenong Rimba Park, one can take the 20-minute boat ride from Sungai Jelai Jetty, which will then take you to the Tanjung Kiara Jetty. Another alternative is the 3-hour direct boat ride from the town of Kuala Lipis.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Cameron Highlands

First discovered by the 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.

Jeram Besu

Located near Raub, Jeram Besu is another alternate recreational area in Pahang. It only takes 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur by car. It is gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water rafting areas in the country. Raub is one of the oldest towns in Pahang state. It began as a gold mining town in the early 19th Century and its colonial past is evident in the old buildings scattered around the town.

Fraser's Hills

Like Rome, Fraser's Hills is built on seven hills. But unlike Rome, it bears no claim to cosmopolitan fame. Instead, it has a rather quiet rustic air, more like the rustic solitude of the English countryside.

Genting Highlands

A popular spot with many local and foreign visitors, Genting Highlands is blessed with mountain air and lush greenery that make it an ideal escapade from the heat, and hustle and bustle of the city.

Gunung Senyum Caves

Fascinating to explore, the Gunung Senyum Caves consists of at least 20 caves. Common activities include cave exploration and camping in the shade of tropical foliage. Students and scientists have also started scientific expeditions in the caves. However, cave explorers must be prepared for the smell of bats, limestone rocks, and the sightings of strange creatures and insects.

Chendor Beach

From early July to September, visitors can watch green turtles or giant leatherback turtles swim ashore to lay eggs. Situated approximately 10km from Cherating, Chendor Beach offers some fine bathing spots.

Cherating

Along with Tioman and the Perhentian Islands, Cherating is one of the most popular beaches on the east coast. Although the beach is not as grand as the white sand beaches of Perhentian, it is the mellow atmosphere of the town that keeps visitors around. Cherating is a traveler's kampung (village), complete with budget huts by the sea, some good restaurants, and a decent beach with windsurfer breezes. It can almost be compared with southern Thailand.

Balok Beach

Located about 15km north of Kuantan, Balok Beach is a paradise for avid windsurfers.

Teluk Cempedak

Only 5km from Kuantan, this picturesque place is a popular bathing beach with cool sea breezes and golden sands.

Gunung Tapis

Gunung Tapis is a beautiful nature park, which is located approximately 16km from Sungai Lembing. There are numerous activities that await the visitor. They can shoot rapids on several rivers or go fishing. The park abounds with Hot Springs and wildlife, and there are excellent camping spots. However, visitors should bring their own camping gear if they are planning to stay over. Prior arrangements for the trip must be made through the local Outbounder's Society or the Tourist Information Centre.

Pandan Waterfalls

Located approximately 25km from Kuantan, the Sungai Pandan Waterfalls span 11 hectares. It is easily accessible by the main road and is a popular holiday spot. It consists of cascading rapids from which the water collects at a pool below where swimming is possible. It will make an excellent day trip from Kuantan, especially on a hot day!

Gua Charah (Charah Caves)

The Charas or Charah caves are situated about 26km northwest at Panching. The caves are carved by nature out of limestone formations millions of years ago, rising above the surrounding palm plantations. They owe their fame to a Thai Buddhist monk who came to meditate here. A monk currently resides at the caves and the caretaker's wife can also tell you more about the caves. To get to the cave's entrance, visitors would have to climb up an external stairway. Within the caves lies a reclining Buddha, which is carved from solid rock, along with other Buddha statues. The caves are lit but it is advisable to bring your own torch in order to explore the side caverns.

Kuantan

Any visit to the state of Pahang must include the state capital Kuantan. Kuantan is not a big city and you will find it remarkably personable and down-to-earth. It has been the capital of Pahang since 1955. It is a well-organized, bustling city and a major stopover point when traveling north, south, or across the peninsula. The town reveals its charms through its street life and attractions around its town center. Some of the finest beaches in the state are located in Kuantan. It also offers a variety of local food fare and traditional sports. Visitors will be able to see a mix of old and new buildings along with colonial style buildings, which are reminders of colonial administration in the past.
The most prominent sight in the capital is the State Mosque with its distinct dome and minarets. Or take a stroll along the riverbank and watch the various activities on the wide Sungai Kuantan. At the jetty, a ferry can take you across the river to a small village, Kampung Tanjung Lumpur. Placed among the many modern buildings around town, the colonial-style Courthouse & Handicraft Centre definitely adds some charm and difference to the area. Kuantan and its vicinity produces some really good handicrafts; there is even a batik factory on the outskirts of the town, and shops along Jalan Besar do sell local trinkets and handicraft. Do try their keropok (fish crackers), which is the state's famed delicacy.

Pekan



When Mansur Shah, a descendent of the Sultan of Melaka, founded the state of Pahang in 1458, Pekan was chosen as his residence. It has since remained the Royal town of the state. There are numerous well-built white marble mosques, as well as several palaces in the town. The state museum, Museum Sultan Abu Bakar, is housed in a building constructed by the British for the local resident. It has a wide variety of exhibits and much of the museum is dedicated to the Pahang royal family. Sungai Pahang is the longest river in Malaysia and was the last east coast river to be bridged. Pekan is also an ideal place to relax and to be away from the city.

Tasik Chini

Chini is Malaysia's second largest natural lake and is made up of a series of 12 lakes. 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.

Tasik Bera

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.