If you’re seeking a perfect blend of lush green hills and pristine beaches, Pahang on Malaysia’s east coast is the ideal destination for your dream vacation. As one of the largest states in Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang boasts a rich geographical diversity, from the cool, refreshing highlands of Cameron and Genting to the white sandy beaches along its coastline. The state is also home to ancient rainforests, serene wetlands, and picturesque freshwater lakes.
Pahang’s geographical variety is remarkable: bordered by Kelantan and Terengganu to the north, Perak, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan to the west, Johor to the south, and the South China Sea to the east. This makes it one of the most visited states in Malaysia, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and adventure.
Explore the top 12 must-visit places in Pahang, and you’ll find yourself captivated by its charm and splendor. A visit to Pahang promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights you will cherish forever.
The 12 Most Breathtaking Places in Pahang
1. Genting Highlands Theme Park and Skyworld:
How to travel to Genting Highland?
Genting highlands itself is a great weekend getaway for the locals as well as international tourists. Genting Highland is a 55 km drive from Kula Lumpur, driving is the best option among locals. There are other options to reaching Genting from Kuala Lumpur is to take the express bus from Kuala Lumpur Sentral station to Awana station and ride the renowned Genting Skyway or Awana from Gohtong Jaya to Genting Highlands Resorts. A group tour from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Island is another option.
The gondola ride will show you the awe-striking 130-year-old rainforest in Malaysia. The greenery, the sunrays, the canopy will make you feel thrilled and mesmerize you at the same time. You can visit the Chin Wee Caves Temple at the midpoint and the total tour takes about 10 minutes. You can board the skyway from level 4 of the Awana skyway building.
Genting Highland Main Attractions:
- Visiting the rainforest through a gondola ride
- Spending time in the famous Genting indoor theme park
- Shopping in the high-end fun shopping complex
- Explore the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
2. Colmar Tropicale
Colmar Tropicale is an enchanting French-themed resort located deep within the lush greenery of Pahang’s Berjaya Hills. Sitting at the height of 2,700 feet, this destination feels like another world and allows visitors to step into a mini-French landscape without having to leave Malaysia. Here, you’ll be surrounded by rolling tropical rainforest and can explore traditional French villas, cobbled pathways and chic restaurants – all at your fingertips!
The resort is perfect for a short weekend retreat from your busy life and offers you tons of things to do. Though it seems like a village, Colmar Tropicale is actually a hotel in Berjaya Hill Resort. But it houses numerous attractions and activities for those who come here to visit and stay.
How to Get to Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hill
Getting to Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hill is easy and there are several transportation options available:
- Driving: If you have access to a car, driving is the most convenient way to reach Colmar Tropicale. The journey from Kuala Lumpur city center takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Simply head towards Bukit Tinggi, following the Karak Highway.
- Group Tours: Consider joining a group tour from Kuala Lumpur that includes transportation to Colmar Tropicale. These tours often cover additional nearby attractions, such as Batu Caves, providing a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.
- Private Tours: For a more personalized experience, you can book a private tour. This option is ideal if you are traveling with family or friends and prefer flexibility in your itinerary. Private tours offer door-to-door service and often include stops at other scenic spots along the way.
Alternative Public Transport Options
While the shuttle bus service from Berjaya Times Square to Colmar Tropicale is currently not available, here are other ways you can get there using public transport:
- Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services: Use services like Grab or a traditional taxi to travel directly from Kuala Lumpur to Colmar Tropicale. This is a convenient and direct option, especially if you prefer not to drive.
- Bus and Taxi Combination: Take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Bentong or Bukit Tinggi, and then hire a taxi to Colmar Tropicale. This option requires a bit of coordination but can be a more affordable alternative.
Things to do at Colmar Tropicale
- Experience the Old French in Malaysia
- Enjoy Fun Activities at Adventure Park
- Have a Taste of Japanese Village
- Visit Over 200 Rabbits of Various Species
- Enrich Your Holidays with Indoor and Outdoor Sports
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Timing: If you plan to spend the day, consider starting early to make the most of your visit. If you stay overnight, don’t miss the beautiful sunset views from the hill.
- Attractions: Besides the French-themed village, explore the nearby Japanese Village, Botanical Garden, and enjoy activities like horseback riding and archery.
- Tickets: Entrance tickets to Colmar Tropicale include access to the Japanese Village and Botanical Garden. If you book a room, you may receive additional benefits such as complimentary breakfast.
3. Frasers Hill
Fraser’s Hill in the Pahang district is a perfect location to enjoy chilly hills and take a rest and recover. It is a great hill resort to escape from the tropical hot weather of other parts of Malaysia. Fraser’s hill is the place where you will find migratory birds, get lost in the beauty of trails, and have a great time with your family while learning its history. You can reach Fraser’s Hill from Kuala Lumpur simply by driving through routes 1 and 55.
Bukit Fraser is mostly famous for its cooling weather and interesting activities that will entertain not only you but your whole family. Though Fraser’s Hill is not as large as Cameron Highlands, still it offers you tons of things to do. This highland is pretty popular for its lush greenery, and most of the visitors come here to watch the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race that occurs yearly.
How to Go to Fraser’s Hill
In spite of being one of the most popular holiday destinations, Fraser’s Hill has no direct public transport to this highland from Kuala Lumpur. The only way to get to Bukit Fraser from the capital is by car, and it takes only two hours to reach.
The highland is nearly 100 km away north from Kuala Lumpur, and most visitors come here in their personal car, though you can also take a taxi to get there. But the taxi cost is too high.
Booking a trip from a tour company can be helpful to get there. Moreover, they will also guide you on your trip.
Things to Do in Frasers Hill
- Birdwatching
- Visiting the Clock Tower
- Trekking along Bishop trail, pine tree trail
- Enjoying Jeraiu waterfall and Allan’s waterfall
- Visiting the luscious flora and fauna of the rainforest
Eateries and foods to try: Fraser’s Hill has few restaurants that are actually worth visiting. While it is not known for any particular delicacy here are few recommendations for you to try: Tea House restaurant for scones and tea and basic Malay cuisine food, Ye Olde Smokehouse for steak.
4. Cameron Highlands
Travel lovers are always eager to do interesting and exciting things at some outstanding places. Cameron Highlands is that particular spot where you can do tons of activities, from hiking and trekking to visiting lush hillscapes to the sea of green. Its cool, aromatic weather and ancient vibe make this hill station a unique and surreal attraction to visitors.
How to get to Cameron Highlands
To get to the Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur, you have to pass nearly 200km to 270km, depending on the route you choose. Driving may take 3 to 4 hours, while the bus and train will take 4.5 and 5.5 hours respectively.
By Car: If you choose to drive, you can take the new route, the Simpang Pulai road. This road is less windy and takes nearly 4 hours to reach.
On the contrary, you can take the Tapah toll exit 132 (after North-South Expressway) as this route takes only 3 hours to reach Cameron Highlands. Use googles map for the direction.
By Bus: The bus is the cheapest way to get to Cameron Highlands. It may cost you RM 35.00 to RM 47.00, and you can reach there within 4.5 hours. There are many bus lines available, and all these buses depart from the TBS Bus Station in KL. Check out the bus schedule and buy your ticket from 12GoAsia.
Read Bus to Cameron Highland from kl details: Plan the perfect Weekend Gateway
By Train: You will not get any direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. You have to catch a train from KL Sentral which will take you to Ipoh or Tapah road. The train ride may cost you RM 25.00 to RM 46.00. From there, take a bus that will drop you off at the Tanah Rata Bus Terminal. In total, the train and bus ride may cost you from RM 70.00 to RM 90.00.
Things to do in Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands offers a plethora of activities to fill your tour days. You can start by exploring the historic tea plantations like Boh Tea Plantations, trekking or driving up to scenic Brinchang Mountain to soak in its breathtaking beauty. At the higher elevations, Mrs. Robertson’s Rose Garden boasts large, fragrant rose species amidst picturesque valleys.
For nature enthusiasts, Cameron Highlands provides ample jungle trekking opportunities. Other attractions include Tanah Rata and Ringlet, where you can visit farms, charming villages, and enjoy locally harvested honey.
Key attractions in Cameron Highlands include:
- Touring Cameron Tea Plantation
- Exploring Cactus Valley
- Strawberry picking at local farms
- Discovering the vibrant Lavender Garden
- Visiting Cameron Highlands Butterfly Garden
- Engaging with the indigenous culture at Orang Asli Village
5. Kuantan:
The capital of Pahang, Kuantan will offer you the mix of the cityscape as well as white sand beaches just outside the city. Sightseeing of Kuantan and the places just outside the city will take one to two days.
How to reach Kuantan?
There are three ways to travel to Kuantan from Kuala Lumpur: by bus, car, or train. You can take a bus from anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia to anywhere in Pahang, including Kuantan.
By Bus: From Bersepadu Selatan Terminal (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find frequent buses departing every 30 minutes from 10:30 AM onwards. The journey typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, with ticket prices ranging from RM 19.5 to RM 25. For advance bus ticket purchases, you can use platforms like bus12go.asia.
By Train: Trains are available from Bersepadu Selatan Terminal (TBS) to Kuantan, but the journey requires multiple connecting routes.
By Car: Renting a car is another convenient option. You can find rental services online such as Pacific, Sixt, or Sunnycars, or negotiate with local taxis for rental options.
Must-Visit Places in Kuantan
While in Kuantan, make sure to visit these attractions:
- Lao Zi Temple: Home to a record-breaking 823m long golden dragon, along with Lao Zi scriptures and the Tao Te Ching book. Entrance fee is RM 5.00.
- Palm Beach: Located 5 km from the city center, this beach offers white sands, sea breezes, and picturesque jungle views. Accessible by rental car.
- Sungai Pandan Waterfall: Malaysia’s largest multi-level waterfall, perfect for family outings or barbecue parties. Open from 9 AM to 5 PM, it’s a grand and refreshing natural attraction.
- Taman Gelora: A popular recreational park with scenic jogging tracks, playgrounds, and beach access.
- Taman Negara: Malaysia’s premier national park, known for its ancient rainforests, diverse wildlife, and adventurous activities like jungle trekking and river cruises. Accessible via organized tours from Kuantan.
6. National Elephant Conservation Centre:
The Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation center is situated in Temorloh in Pahang and started the elephant conservation program in 1974. You can reach there by taking bus service from anywhere in Pahang. From Kuantan Bus Terminal to Temerloh Sentral Terminal it takes about two hours, and the cost is around RM 8.00 ($4.00)
You will see the conservation center has few injured or disabled elephants as permanent residents who couldn’t be relocated in the wild. You can get up close to them and give them baths and feed them to make them feel your love.
Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Things to remember: You have to book quotas before going to the sanctuary to give the elephant bath. For more information visit wildlife Malaysia portal
7. Tioman Island:
Hands down, Tioman Island on the east coast of Malaysia in the Pahang state is one of the most heavenly tropical beaches in the world. Blessed with nature’s boundless beauty and as well as resources, Tioman island is one of the finest places for scuba diving, snorkeling and heaven for regular divers.
How to Get to Tioman Island from Kuala Lumpur
Getting to Tioman Island from Kuala Lumpur involves a few steps, but it’s relatively straightforward with the right information:
1. From Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Gemok Jetty or Mersing Jetty:
- By Bus: You can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur (typically departing from TBS or KL Sentral) to Tanjung Gemok Jetty in Pahang or Mersing Jetty in Johor. The journey to Tanjung Gemok takes approximately 4-5 hours, while Mersing is about 5-6 hours away by bus.
- By Car: Renting a car offers flexibility, allowing you to drive directly to Tanjung Gemok or Mersing. The journey by car takes around 4-5 hours to Tanjung Gemok and 5-6 hours to Mersing, depending on traffic and road conditions.
2. Ferry to Tioman Island:
- From Tanjung Gemok Jetty: Once at Tanjung Gemok Jetty, you can board a ferry to Tioman Island. Ferry schedules vary depending on the season, with multiple departures daily. The ferry ride to Tioman usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From Mersing Jetty: Alternatively, if you choose to travel via Mersing Jetty, ferries to Tioman Island also operate frequently, with several departures throughout the day. The ferry ride from Mersing takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours as well.
3. Arriving at Tioman Island:
- Kampung Tekek Jetty: Most ferries from Tanjung Gemok and Mersing will arrive at Kampung Tekek Jetty, which is centrally located on Tioman Island. From here, you can easily access accommodations and explore the island’s attractions.
Additional Tips:
- Ferry Tickets: It’s advisable to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (March to October), to secure your seat.
- Weather Considerations: Ferry services may be affected by weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season (November to February). It’s recommended to check weather forecasts and ferry schedules before your trip.
Island Villages: Tioman Island is home to seven main villages, each offering its own charm and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in diving, snorkeling, hiking, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches, Tioman has something for everyone.
Things to Do in Tioman:
- Sun basking in the Paya Beach
- Surfing in Juara Beach
- Snorkelling at Salang
- Visiting Asha Falls near Kampung Mukut
- Trekking to Air Batang
Foods to try in Tioman Island: Tioman has a great range of foods to offer including Malay and Chinese cuisine. While you are there the few obvious foods to try are Nasi goreng, barbequed chicken and seafood from Salang Complex, delicious drinks and snacks from Air Batang, delicious breakfast from Santai Bistro in Juara Village. The foods are as satisfying, insta-worthy and as satiating for each meal on this island.
8. Bentong
In the western part of Pahang Bentong may not be on the top of the list while visiting places in Pahang but is worth the visit. Beautiful peaks, with waterfalls, botanical garden and scenic villages Bentong, is quiet yet charming.
You can visit all the visiting places of Bentong in one day by starting off with the Bentong Historic Gallery and then by spending time in the Bentong Botanical Garden and finish off by visiting Mount Nuang or go to the Bentong Kolam Air Panas for soaking in the hot spring.
9. Taman Negara
Taman Negara is the largest national park in Peninsular Malaysia. It protects a 130-million-year-old deciduous rainforest that is home to endangered species like the Binturong (bearcat) and Malayan Sun Bear. The park also features caves and waterfalls and plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming and jungle exploration.
Taman Negara was established in 1938 by the British colonial government to protect the area’s rich biodiversity. It has since been expanded from its original 500 square kilometers (193 sq miles) to 1,367 square kilometers (525 sq miles).
The park is divided into two areas: Taman Negara National Park and Gunung Tahan National Park. Taman Negara National Park is located in Pahang state; Gunung Tahan National Park is located in Kelantan state but also has a small section within Pahang state close to Gua Tempurung cave.
How to reach Taman Negara?
From Kuala Lumpur: From Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara, it takes around 4 to 5 hours by road and almost 7.5 to 8 hours by train. The options are plenty when it comes to travelling from the capital. Public buses are available from Titiwangsa’s Perkeliling Bus Terminal to Jerantut, and you have to change buses from Jerantut to Taman Negara, costing you a total of 28MYR. You can also rent a cab or a minivan. The minivan route from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara takes around 8.5 hours and costs around 120 MYR.
From Penang: Public buses are the most common option in Penang. There are routes through Cameron Highland and through Temerloh but no direct buses. Another option is renting a cab. All the option take you around 8 to 9 hours. The bus fare ranges from around 74 to 90 MYR.
From Johor: From JB Sentral, you have to take a train to Jerantut, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. You must get a bus to Kuala Tahan or Kuala Templing jetty from there. There you can avail of ferry service to Johor.
10. Pekan
Pekan is known for its historical culture, architectural buildings, and beautiful lakes. After reaching Pekan, you must visit Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum, and Istana Abu Bakar. Start the trip with the residence of the current Sultan of Pekan, Istana Abu Bakar. Then, also visit the Royal Polo field just beside the palace. Then travel to Sultan Abdullah Mosque. This historical mosque has an art museum inside it.
After the historical trip, pay a visit to the center of Royal Pahang silk weaving center. Spend some time along Chini Lake. The lake, the 2nd large freshwater lake, is majestic and mythical.
Things to Do in Pekan
- Taking a historical trip to the museums and mosque.
- Unwind and enjoy a slow walk along the Pekan riverfront.
- Visit Istana Abu Bakar & royal polo club to enjoy a game
- Take a tour of Windcraft galley and silk weaving gallery.
- Visit Lata Mentagan Waterfall.
11. Raub
Located in Pahang, Raub is a charming town rich in history and natural beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into its colonial past, vibrant gold mining industry, picturesque waterfalls, and renowned durian orchards.
Things to Do in Raub
- Bilut Extreme Park: This adventure park is perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike. Try archery or embark on an exciting ATV ride through scenic trails. Don’t miss the chance to visit the rabbit farm located within the park.
- Gunung Ulu Semanko: For breathtaking views of Raub and its surroundings, trek up Gunung Ulu Semanko. The hike rewards you with a bird’s eye view of the town and its lush landscapes.
- Raub Durian Orchards: Raub is famous for its durians. Visit places like Raub Durian Orchard- Sejati or YES Durian Orchard to savor fresh and delicious durians right from the orchard.
- Taman Tasik Raub: A perfect retreat for relaxation, Taman Tasik Raub features serene lakes, children’s parks, and nature walk paths. It’s an ideal spot for picnics or leisurely strolls amidst nature.
- Tras Road Guan Ying Temple: Explore the cultural richness of Raub at Tras Road Guan Ying Temple, where you can immerse yourself in the local traditions and architecture.
- Muzium Felda Lurah Bilut: Learn about the history and development of the area at Muzium Felda Lurah Bilut, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the region.
Accessibility
Raub is conveniently located just a half-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur city, making it easily accessible for day trips or weekend escapes. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or simply relaxing in nature, Raub offers something for every traveler to enjoy.
12. Bera
Bera is a small district, perfect for a weekend gateway and can be explored within a day. Spend some time within nature near Bera lake and the adjacent forest is the best way to refresh yourself. Visit the local communities’ temples like Guanyin temple kemayan. In the middle of Kamaiyan and Teriang, there is a spectacular temple in Menkuang.
Seng Huat Temple’s architecture and local community will make you feel happy. Also, while in Bera don’t miss the scenic Bera waterfront. Bera is a small district but definitely a beautiful one. So, if you got one or two days in your holiday schedule, visit Bera.
Pahang is one of those destinations in Malaysia which offers a diverse range of geographical, regional and cultural aspects that attract millions of tourists each year. If you are thinking of taking a trip to Malaysia, put Pahang on your bucket list and have your dream tour.