Pahang: Forest Trails, Highlands and Island Destinations

Pahang offers different perspectives on nature and culture: forest trails in Taman Negara, guided hikes and tea in the Cameron Highlands, dive sites off Tioman, as well as lakes and historic buildings. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can first consider which of these experiences you want to shape your trip.

Forest trails and wildlife watching

Taman Negara extends across the states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. A 450-metre-long canopy walkway runs through its forest, offering elevated views of the forest and undergrowth. This combines views of the treetops with a perspective on the lower vegetation.

The National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Lanchang, offers another nature experience. There, you can watch the elephants being fed and bathed. Conditions for these activities may vary.

Hiking, tea and cream tea in the Cameron Highlands

In the Cameron Highlands, you can hike forest trails with an experienced guide. Visiting a tea plantation is also one of the area’s key tourist activities. BOH Tea and Bharat Tea are among the plantations with particularly well-developed tourist facilities. As facilities may change, check their current status before your visit.

For a taste of local cuisine, you can try cream tea in the Cameron Highlands, served with scones, cream and locally produced strawberry jam. Hiking, visiting a plantation and enjoying cream tea offer different highlights: you can plan your stay around exercise on forest trails, the theme of tea or a regional dish.

Diving, snorkelling and getting to Tioman

On Tioman, Kampung Salang offers diving and snorkelling at several dive sites. These include Magicienne Rock, Tulai Island, Malang Cave and Seafan Garden. These named locations give you specific points of reference for the underwater activities available in this part of Pahang.

Travellers typically take a bus or drive to a mainland jetty, then continue to Tioman by ferry. Key departure points include Teluk Gading Jetty in Pahang and Mersing Jetty in the state of Johor. Timetables and operators may change, so check the ferry connection before your trip.

Lake landscapes and local culture

Lake Bera in southwestern Pahang is Malaysia’s first Ramsar site. The lake is home to around 100 fish species, and fishing is a popular activity with tourists. Visitors can also hire a boat from members of the Semelai community to get closer to the lakeside vegetation. Fishing and a boat ride along the shore offer different ways to experience this wetland.

Lake Chini, in Mukim Penyor, Pekan, is Malaysia’s second-largest natural freshwater lake. Members of the Jakun community live along its shores, particularly in Kampung Gumum. There, visitors can buy fine wood carvings and blowpipes. Alongside the landscape, visitors can also discover an aspect of Pahang’s culture at this location.

Cultural heritage and activities in Rompin State Park

In Bandar Diraja Pekan, the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum is one of the outstanding heritage buildings that have been preserved. Those interested in caves can also visit Kenong Rimba Park, whose limestone caves appeal to speleologists and visitors with an interest in caving.

The Pahang section’s headquarters in Rompin State Park is at Sungai Kinchin Base Camp, 35 kilometres from Kuala Rompin. For jungle treks into remote areas, guided hikes with a member of the local Jakun Orang Asli community are recommended. Fishing is possible along the Kinchin and Kemapan rivers.

These destinations offer a range of activities. First, consider which of these aspects you would most like to experience during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Kuantan, Balok, Cherating, Tanah Rata, Jerantut, Mentakab, Gambang, Tioman Island, Bandar Tun Razak, Bentung, Karak, Pekan, Fraser’s Hill, Sungai Lembing, Temerloh, Damak, Kuala Rompin, Raub District, Kuala Lipis, Ringlet, Chini

For the main travel overview: Malaysia.