CENTRAL MALAYSIA

Pahang and Kelantan make up the central core in Peninsular Malaysia. Pahang, being the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia has a coastline of 209km in length. One of the most popular activities to do in Pahang is trekking. Not surprising considering the fact that nearly two-thirds of the state is made up of verdant rainforest which homes exotic wildlife and various wonders of nature.

Well marked and easy to follow trails make this a spectacular way of soaking in the sights and sounds of nature. Kelantan, the state ruled by Islamic government is generally one of the more conservative states in Malaysia. Savour the life of traditional Malay people by engaging with the locals who are renowned for their warmth and friendliness.

Batik and songket fabrics are among the best in the country, and the state also has fascinating activities such as flying the ‘Wau’ (Malaysian kite), top-spinning and woodcarving. With a multitude of activities and cultural heritage to indulge in, these two states in the centre of Malaysia definitely provides much to see and do for visitors.

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to Pahang or Kelantan is fairly easy if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur. Get yourself to the Karak highway or North-South Expressway (NKVE) and from there, just follow the signs that indicate the next exit to your location. If you’re coming from up north, drive along the NKVE and then follow the nearest exit that indicates your next destination. If driving isn’t quite your cup of tea, AirAsia, FireFly and Malaysia Airlines offer great domestic airfares.

If you’re heading to Cameron Highlands though, this is the one instance when you shouldn’t take the first exit (Tapah), as this will lead you to the old road, which is both longer and narrower. Keep going straight on the NKVE until you reach signs for Simpang Pulai (about 90km further from the Tapah exit). That exit will lead you to the new Simpang Pulai highway, which is a faster and less winding route.

TOP TEN MUST SEES

Cameron Highlands
The country’s biggest hill resort, Cameron Highlands is a refreshingly cool retreat. Malaysia’s most extensive hill station, it has been popular with expatriates since colonial times and remains so to this day. Check out

The Lakehouse and The Smokehouse to see quaint old English houses. Tea plantations, orchards, terraced flower gardens and vegetable farms are common sights due to the cool climate. The three main highland towns are Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

Endau Rompin State Park
Explore the wonders of nature in Endau Rompin, which has been in existence for over one million years. A favourite eco-destination for most locals, Endau Rompin is blessed with a variety of flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls and rivers, making it just as popular with nature-loving expatriates.

This nature reserve offers a whole spectrum of activities for the adventurous, including camping, jungle trekking, bird-watching, boating and fishing. Being the oldest rainforest in the world, it’s not surprising that trekkers return time and time again to venture into unexplored territory.

Fraser’s Hill
Considered one of the best spots for bird-watching, Fraser’s Hill has an unmistakably old colonial
charm that is constantly attracting new visitors. Apart from bird-watching for the ornithologist in you,
other recreational options include jungle trekking, horse riding, fishing or camping. Golf enthusiasts
can enjoy a round of golf on the undulating fairways bordered by lofty ferns and pine trees.

Genting Highlands
Known as the ‘City of Entertainment’, it is the sole gambling venue in the country where one can indulge without fear of legal repercussions. Also worth checking out are the indoor and outdoor theme parks, Snow World, X-pedition Wall, Genting Sky Venture and Water Park, just to name a few—all there to meet your entertainment needs.

Taman Negara
Located deep within an isolated part of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the country’s greatest natural gems, Taman Negara, (meaning ‘National Park’). Established in 1939, the park has existed for the past 130 million years and today remains one of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved rainforests. A functioning home for indigenous plants and animals, the park is alive with the sights and sounds of active wildlife.

Whether relaxing by the riverside or crawling through the limestone caves, visitors to Taman Negara will find countless opportunities to pursue their interests in the exotic location.

Activities include fishing, challenging water rapids, night-time safaris, bird watching, and jungle trekking. Adventurous travellers must be sure to experience the adrenaline-pumping forest canopy walk, a suspended walkway high above the rainforest floor.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum
Located in the heart of Kota Bahru, this village houses many unique Kelantanese crafts. Tourists can learn about the history of how local items are made, as there are demonstrations of traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, wood carving and matting, all carried out by talented artisans. In addition, souvenirs and handicrafts are also available for sale.

Siti Khadijah Market
A good way to know a town is to visit its markets. This popular attraction located on Jalan Pintu Pong is probably the most talked about tourist spot in Kota Bahru. Named after Prophet Muhammad’s entrepreneurial first wife, it’s an ideal name for the market as the traders are mostly women. The market has loads to offer from fresh produce to tradItional crafts and cakes. As part and parcel of life in Kelantan, the market is abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.

Gunung Stong
This is one of the most popular eco-adventures which towers at a height of 1,433m. It is Kelantan’s highest peak and is located in the Dabong Forest Reserve. Within Gunung Stong lies seven waterfalls, one of which is the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls, acclaimed to be the highest waterfall drop in Southeast Asia at 305m. Nature lovers will be enthralled with the natural forests and waterfall trekking. The beautiful sunrise over the mountain is an unforgettable sight.

Wat Phothivihan Buddhist Temple
Kelantan has an amazing array of interesting temples. Located in Tumpat, Kuantan approximately 15km from Kota Bahru lies Wat Phothivihan Buddhist Temple. It is claimed to be one of the largest and most famous temples in Southeast Asia. The temple houses a 40m long, 11m high reclining Buddha statue. Built in 1973, it is believed to be the largest statue in the world.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan / Moonlight Beach
This lovely stretch of shimmering sand is perhaps Kelantan’s most famous beach. Fringed by casuarinas and coconut palms, it is the ideal place for picnics, camping and relaxation. The abundance of cultural and artistic shops that line the path to Cahaya Bulan Beach adds to its charm and beauty.

Visitors can stop by the multitude of artifact shops while passing some scenic villages to discover Kelantan’s rich heritage. Comfortable chalets are also provided to weary travellers for overnight stays.

OUT & ABOUT

Pahang
One of the most popular entertainment outlets in Pahang is Genting Highlands. With a few snazzy bars and restaurants under its belt, as well as being the strategic venue for a handful of outdoor rave parties and several international concerts, Genting has never ceased to entertain its guests.

There are also several shops selling the hottest fashion trends, and even the little ones have their share of entertainment what with all the games that are available! Kuala Lipis is famous for its Chinese food largely due to the fact that it is a highly Chinese populated area. Seafood is largely available with an extensive array to choose from.

Kelantan
There are many shops around town which sell handicrafts such as songket, silverware, woodcarving and kites that will enthrall visitors. Bazaar Buluh Kubu located near the Central Market is an ideal hub to load up on handicrafts. Being a strong Muslim state, alcohol is scarcely available; however there are several Chinese restaurants that serve beer.

With a wide array of Malay, Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines, Kelantan is not short on mouth-watering food options. Be sure to sample the local delicacies of the Malay community found at the night market opposite the Central Bus Station. Some of their specialties include blue rice and banana murtabak.