Malaysia is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) serves more than 80 international, regional and domestic airlines, while Port Klang, just 41 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, serves as the leading port-of-call for many cruise liners. Kuantan, the state capital for Pahang, is accessible by air from KLIA and almost all state capitals in Malaysia. The newly completed highway cuts travel time by road from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan by nearly half, or just 2½ hours, and travelling around the state by land is an ease, as a network of excellent roads connects all the major and small towns.

Climate

As generally the case in Peninsula Malaysia, Pahang is warm and humid throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 21 degrees to 33 degrees Celsius. The highlands are definitely cooler with temperatures falling down to 16 degrees Celsius at night. The temperature rarely exceeds 23 degrees Celsius during the day.

The rainy seasons in the coastal areas are caused by the monsoons that usually occur between November to February. Annual rainfall is high, averaging over 200 centimetres.

The Government

Malaysia consists of 13 states and the three Federal Territories; nine of the states in the peninsula are under the Malay Rulers (Sultans). The Yang DiPertuan Agong or the King heads the constitutional monarchy.. He is selected from among the nine hereditary Malay Rulers every five years. Malaysia practices Parliamentary democracy, headed by the Prime Minister. The General Elections is held once every five years.

People & Culture

The Malays, Chinese, Indians and the Indigenous Peoples that make up the 1.5 million population of Pahang are a perfect picture of diversity in harmony. Existing peacefully, each with their own colourful pomp and pageantry, they display a tolerance and understanding born out of mutual respect for each other. It thus provides unique harmony, which continues to astound many a visitor.

The many aspects of their cultures that have nicely blended can be found in the language, beliefs, clothes, food, and traditional games. It would be hard, indeed, to fully describe the many facets of Malaysian cultures, but even your brief encounter is sufficient to reveal some of the scintillating vibrancy of Malaysia's rich and diverse heritage.

Handicrafts

If you are into handicrafts, Kampung Pandan along the alternative road from Kuantan to Kemaman, Terengganu is a must stop. You will find an assortment of souvenirs made from woven pandan (pandanus) leaves. Else, you may want to consider visiting Kampung Sungai Karang where you can find other items like kites and handicrafts made from seashells. Pahang silk is produced at the Pahang Silk Weaving Centre at Sungai Soi in Kuantan and Pulau Keladi in Pekan. At these centres, you will also get a chance to watch the actual silk weaving process.

Batik printing cottages can be found at Kampung Beserah and Tanah Putih. Apart from watching the printing or painting process, you could try your hand at designing your very on batik.

Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruits such as papayas, mangos, bananas, rock-melons, pineapples, ciku, watermelons and star fruits are easily available in the state, but the King of Fruits, the durians from Pahang are very much sought after. Durian is seasonal, and so too are mangosteen, rambutan, duku and langsat.