Today's Pahang, with a land area of 35, 960 square kilometres is the largest state in peninsula Malaysia. Located in the centre of the peninsula, Pahang has some 210 kilometres of splendid South China Sea coastline on its eastern flank and a mountainous forested interior.

Ancient tropical rainforests estimated to be some 130 million years old dominate the hinterland and the best place to discover this pristine enclave of wilderness is the Taman Negara (National Park). Five of Malaysia's hill resorts are located in the state, namely Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser's Hill, Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik. So too is the highest peak in the peninsular, Gunung Tahan, which stands at 2,187 metres above sea level.

Pahang offers the discerning visitor a rich mixture of attractions that represents the best of Malaysia. It has two international holiday resorts situated in the hills amidst the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Chose from a diverse range of activities - from bird watching, whitewater-rafting,  4 x 4 adventures to big game fishing. On a more relaxed pace, explore and discover the colourful and laid-back lifestyle of the kampungs (villages) on the coast or in the green interior.

Location of Pahang

Geography

Geographically diverse, Pahang ranges from mountainous country in the west to the coastline in the east. It adjoins the South China Sea for a distance of 208 kilometers. Terengganu and Kelantan bound the State on the north, by Perak in the west and by Selangor and Negeri Sembilan to the southwest. Johor forms the State's southern boundary.

Of the total land area of the state, 48.8% is covered by forest, 23.4% is agricultural land, 16.3% is government land, 10.8% is urban and industrial land, 0.5% is Orang Asli (Aborigine) Reserve and the remaining 0.2% is mining land.

Culture

In Pahang, the visitor will find fascinating evidence of the diverse Malaysian cultures, manifested in the customs, clothes, food, art forms, games and festivals of the various races.

Pahang has a rich cultural heritage and its specialty is songket, the distinctive hand-woven gold and silver brocade. Travelers can visit the handicraft centres at Teluk Chempedak, Sungai Karang and Cherating. Household items made from pandanus leaves and woodcarvings, shell crafts and batik are sold at these centers. Visitors should also not miss out on the Pahang Silk Weaving Centre in Pulau Keladi, Pekan where they can see the process of making the intricately woven material. For those short of time there is a showroom in Kuantan, located on the first floor of Teruntum Complex in Jalan Mahkota.

Batik, the unique wax-printed fabric, is available everywhere with manufacturing outfits at Kuantan, Semambu, Beserah and Cherating. At some of these places the visitors are able to view how batik is made.