Pahang

Cameron Highlands

There are many things to see and do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s largest highland resort. Walks through lovely little villages, visits to the butterfly, strawberry, honey bee farms and sprawling tea plantations or meals at the delightful Tudor-styled country inns, are all pleasurable and relaxing activities to be experienced here. You can’t beat the weather up here. A few days out of the sweltering lowland heat will surely recharge your batteries.

One other popular activity in Cameron Highlands, actually more of a tradition, is to have tea and scones. This very English tradition dates back to the days when English colonial officers used this hilly location as a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands. Bird-watching and trekking are also popular activities here.

Situated 1,500 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands comprises a series of little townships that include Ringlet, Tanah Rata, Brinchang, Tringkap, Kuala Terla and Kampung Raja. What’s more, it’s easy to get to. Cameron Highlands lies less than an hour off the main North-South Highway, and is a pleasant, easy 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Deerland

Get up close with nature in this pristine environment, where animals wander freely. Take snapshots of interesting flora and fauna, as you discover much more.

Broaden your knowledge and take a guided walk to learn the names of medicinal plants hidden in the jungle.

Or be adventurous and swing across the river using tightly knotted ropes. Have lunch by the river, or simply just chill out taking in the beautiful scenery.

Feed the monkeys, deer, snakes, sun bear and be adventurous! (This is the closest encounter you’ll get to being one with nature). Have fun!

Fraser’s Hill

Sitting pretty amidst the Pahang rainforest is the little hamlet of Fraser’s Hill. At 1,524 metres above sea level, this highlands resort is a naturalist’s paradise that boasts innumerable plant, bird and animal species.

This place is popular for those who are interested in nature-based pursuits such as trekking, bird watching, horse riding, fishing and camping.

Access to Fraser’s Hill is only possible by road via The Gap at the base of the resort. Once through The Gap and into Fraser’s Hill, you will feel as though you have gone back in time.

Fraser’s Hill is akin to a little Scottish village with granite coloured mock Tudor buildings dotting the landscape. The town is relatively small, with much of the activity centred on a market square dominated by a little clock tower. Most of the town’s amenities are housed in colonial styled buildings.

Considered one of Malaysia’s premier locations for bird-watching, this hill resort hosts the annual Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race. This bird-watching competition requires watchers to race against time in spotting as many bird species as possible within the resort’s routes.

You can indulge in many relaxing activities at Fraser’s Hill. Play a game of golf at the Fraser’s Hill Golf Club or go fishing (only for catch and release) and boating at Allans’ Water, stroll along the many beautiful flower gardens and parks or have an splash in the icy cold Jeriau Waterfalls.

Genting Highlands

The fun never stops at Genting, City of Entertainment, perched on the top of cool, breezy Genting Highlands. One big attraction in Genting is the cool weather. Because of the 2,000m altitude, Malaysians like to visit just to enjoy the ‘European’ weather!

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. There are also opportunities to go shopping at First World Plaza, visit the indoor and outdoor theme parks and feast on a wide range of delicious food at the many restaurants.

The First World Plaza indoor theme park / 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).

The Snow World features a log cabin, an igloo, toboggan slides and a snowy play area. It’s cold in here, so remember to wear warm clothing. Children will surely love the Rainforest Splash Pool, although the air is chilly, the pool is filled with warm water.

Other attractions are Genting Sky Venture, the only free-fall skydiving simulator in Asia, and Genting X-pedition Wall, an international-standard rock-climbing wall stretching to 15 metres in height, with a 6-metre overhang. There is also bowling, a video arcade, a cineplex and many more fun rides.

One of the most popular attractions is the casino, the only one in Malaysia.

Kenong Rimba Park

Covering an area of 121 sq kilometres in the Kenong Valley, Kenong Rimba Park lies in the south-west of Taman Negara. Within the park are some magnificent limestone caves. The sense of tranquility and quiet solitude are broken only by the chirping of birds and the cascading waterfalls.

Each limestone cave is situated about half an hour’s trek from each other. The most striking is the Gua Batu Tinggi, which resembles a dug-out boat. The Sungai Kenong River passes though this cave. Local folklore has it that the cave was formed when a boat carrying the Kings messenger from Pekan was turned into stone. This cave is approximately 122 to 152 metres above sea level. Here you can find a variety of plant life that includes orchids, fig trees and epiphytes.

Tioman Island

About 56km off the coast of Pahang lies Tioman Island, an alluring holiday paradise in the South China Sea. Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, Tioman was the location of the Hollywood musical, ‘South Pacific’ in 1959.

According to legend, this island is the final resting place of a mythical dragon princess. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers.

Discover astounding sights such as colourful Gorgonian sea fans, Staghorn corals, nudibranchs and beautifully sculptured sea sponges.

Snorkellers can delight in swimming alongside huge Napoleon Wrasse, Golden Striped Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish and shoals of Fusiliers.

This island is an idyllic spot for leisurely days under the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.

Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman’s verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured in National Geographic’s documentaries.

The island’s granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing expeditions. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst a backdrop of rolling hills and scenic views.