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Saturday, September 27, 2008

Pahang Hand-Woven Fabrics



Pahang hand-woven fabrics are created by using a traditional loom called 'kek Siam'. The designs are characterized by chequered patterns, arranged in such a way that the colour sequence can be changed intermittently from the warp (vertical thread) to the weft (horizontal thread). The price of each completed fabric would depend on the materials and thread used. Pahang hand-woven fabrics are used as sarongs, sampins, scarves and traditional attire. Today, the creation of these fabrics has been adjusted to fit the local and foreign designers' taste where the fabrics are designed for formal dinners, royal and wedding ceremonies and other important events. It has become a handicraft that is of high quality and demand. With the present acquired appreciation, Pahang hand-woven fabrics long over-due fame has arrived.


Handicraft Centre
BATIK RM
E-594, Tanah Putih Ferry
25100 Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 609-513 9631
Fax : 609-513 3345
Business Hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFT
Development Corporation Pahang Branch
Lot 11, Songsang Industrial Area,
28000 Temerloh
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 609-271271
Business Hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
GALERI TENUN PAHANG
Lot 1-47
Kompleks Teruntum
25000 Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 609-556 2344
Business Hours : 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
KRAFTLOGAM
24828, Batu 4
Jalan Gambang
27150 Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur
Business Hours : 9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Cameron Highlands Pahang, Malaysia



Cameron Highlands is the most popular of the highland retreats in Malaysia.

Located at almost 2,000 meters at its highest point, Camerons offers visitors a moderate climate with daytime temperatures averaging around 25°C and 18°C at night. This makes the environment conducive for growing continental plants, fruits and vegetables while providing a cool escape for city-dwellers.

The township of Camerons is itself divided into Tanah Rata, Brinchang and Ringlet.


Background
Korosh Kabir, a colonial government surveyor, discovered a nice mountain plateau during a mapping expedition in 1885 and gave it the name Cameron Highlands.

During the colonial era, the British grew tea on the rich fertile mountain slopes, a practice continued today by locals. Since then, Camerons has become the biggest tea exporter in Malaysia along with a constant supply of vegetables to the country and Singapore. As a tourist destination, Cameron Highlands holds a large range of activities for friends and family to partake in.


Mount Climbing
The scenic mountains of Camerons are open for climbing. Maps can be procured from local shops or tour operators but the popular routes usually have a map built at the entrance. Hiring a guide for the climb is recommended and cost minimal rates.

Gunung Berendam is located in Tanah Rata and can be reached through the MARDI station in Brinchang or Robinson waterfalls. Gunung Jasar, on the other hand, is an easy trail which starts from the weather station and end at two spots; the peak or Oly Apartments in Tanah Rata. Finally, Cameron’s highest mountain is Gunung Brinchang where the trail starts from Sungai Palas. The view from the peak is simply astounding.


Jungle Trekking
Camerons has rich montane rainforests with some nice waterfalls. Trekkers can choose from many trails that have varying distances and difficulty of terrain.

Most of them can be accessed via routes from Parit Waterfalls and Robinson Waterfalls in Tanah Rata.


Tea Plantations
As Malaysia’s main grower of premier tea leaves, Camerons has a few tea farms colouring the landscape in flat green.

Guests can visit the various factories and watch the manufacturing process of tea, enjoying a cup of the popular drink along the way.

The farms open for visitors include the Boh Tea Plantations, Sungai Palas Estate and Bharat Tea Estate. You can also drive further down past Brinchang into Blue Valley for more tea plantations.


Fruit and Vegetable Farms
Fresh fruits and vegetables are available at many of the markets in Brinchang, such as the weekend night market in town or the morning market near the peak at Kea Farm.

A popular past time is plucking fresh strawberries from the farms that are located along the Brinchang road themselves. The farms will charge you a rate for the amount of strawberries and other fruits and vegetables you pick.


Butterfly Farms
There are two butterfly farms in Camerons located next to each other after Kea farm. Depending on season, the farms can crawl with butterflies especially the magnificent Rajah Brooke.

The two places also have a collection of reptiles, insects and amphibians to show with shops selling ornamental plants and flowers.


Golf
There is an 18-hole golf course in Brinchang which allows you to play in cool surroundings on a course with tricky greens and undulating terrain.

Morning is the best time to play as there are usually showers in the evening, a testament to the humid weather of the highlands.

Tioman Island (Pulau Tioman)




A Tropical Paradise in the South China Sea
About 36 nautical miles off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island, one of the region's most enchanting holiday spots. Scenic and tranquil, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear waters teem with spectacular marine life and colourful coral gardens. The twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provide a prominent landmark to this island, reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic in the world.

The Resting Place of a Beautiful Dragon Princess
According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess, Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travellers.

Tropical Playground for Water Sports Enthusiasts
Tioman Island is an excellent spot for fun-filled water sports activities. You can go scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, or enjoy the beauty of undersea gardens by ridding around the island in a glass-bottomed boat.

A Marine Treasure Trove
Tioman Island is a treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions. Corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colourful seaweeds and anemones, starfish and a myriad of other aquatic wonders are abundant here. The crystal clear waters make scuba diving and snorkelling in Tioman an experience unlike any other. Other neighbouring islands recommended for scuba diving and snorkelling are Chebeh, Tulai, Renggis, Sembilang, Seri Buat and Gut.

Exciting Adventures Amidst The Splendour Of Nature
Tioman Island is the ideal spot for nature lovers, Whether at sea or on land, the wonders of nature that greet you are truly astounding and fascinating. Trek across the verdant hill from Tekek to Juara and enjoy the cool waterfalls cascading over moss-coverad rock formations at Mukut, or take a dip in the warm waters dotted with pastel-coloured reefs. Or head to the Marine Park Centre located between Tekek and Air Batang and swim amidst the various species of fishes.

Anglers' Bountiful Paradise
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a bountiful catch at Tioman Island, Just hire a boat for a day, anchor outside the Marine Park limits where fishing is permitted. By dusk, you will have a catch large enough for a sumptuous barbecue on the beach. If you want to try something different and challenging, try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Among the species if fishes and crustaceans found here are groupers, morays, tunas, parrotfish, sea-bass, red snappers, stingrays, plaices, soles, cora trouts, blue marlins, squids, cuttlefish, shrimps, crabs, prawns and lobsters.

A Delightful Respite from the Hustle and Bustle of City Life
When the stress of life's hectic pace gets to you, rejuvenate your mind and body at Tioman Island. Immerse yourself in the quiet and tranquil setting. Relax to the cool, refreshing breeze and soothing waves. Bask in the tropical sun or walk along the shores during sunset to experience the beauty of the island. Popular beaches are found around the villages of Tekek, Genting, Salang, Air Batang and Juara. For golf-lovers, tee off at the 18-hole international-standard golf course set amidst lush tropical greenery. Enjoy the picturesque sight of rustic villages scattered around the island, where the people are charming, friendly and gracious.

Tioman Island is accessible by boat from Mersing town or Tanjung Gemok, Rompin, a journey which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Or one can also take a plane either Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kuantan. Accommodation comes in the form of delightful wooden chalets on the beach or in luxurious hotel rooms. Whichever is the choice, comfort and hospitality is assured.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

JERAM BESU (BESU RAPIDS), PAHANG




Apart from Fraser's Hill, other recreational areas in Pahang include Jeram Besu. The rapid is just about three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Jeram Besu is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water-rafting areas in the country.

The former is just 30 kilometres from Raub while the latter is only about 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Jeram Besu is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white water-rafting areas in the country. Raub is one of the oldest towns in the State of Pahang. It began as a gold mining town in the early 19th century. Remains of its colonial past are evident in the old buildings scattered around the town.

Be prepared to get wet and get hooked to the adrenaline-pumping sport of river rafting/ kayaking!! You will be wanting to run the river over and over again. Bring home a healthy golden tan as well as the unforgettable feel of exhilaration when riding the Jeram Besu Rapids - which have been graded as high as a class 3 plus. Don't forget to have a look around as you raft down the river; get in touch with Nature... appreciate the picturesque scenes of flora along the river.

So, are you ready to go raft a river? All you need is a helmet, a paddle, a raft and a sense of adventure... and you are on your way!!!

KENONG RIMBA PARK (Kuala Lipis)

An unspoilt tropical forest havens, Kenong Rimba Park nestled amidst the lustful green vegetation offers spectacular adventures for agro and eco-tourism.

The second one, the jungle has slept for 100 million years, undisturbed by the ice-age which covered the northern hemisphere. Here is where the flora and fauna has the opportunity to evolve into exotic and unique species.


Kenong Rimba Park, a vast 128 square kilometer of unspoilt tropical forest is situated in the Kuala Lipis district. Spanning across the Kenong Valley and Sungai Kenong. Kenong Rimba Park shares a common eastern and northern boundary Taman Negara.

Although accessible and open to public, most of the park remains unexplored. In its unspoilt wilderness, visitors cannot fail to appreciate the last jungle tranquility, tumbling cascades and clear streams, its variety of flora and fauna and myriad sounds of bird and insects. It's an opportunity to see life on earth as it has simply been for all that time.


Kuala Lipis is 171 km from Kuala Lumpur, 250 km from Kuantan and 303 km from Kota Bharu.

By Road : From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway and follow Highway 2 onwards to Kuala Lipis. Taxi and bus services are available to Kuala Lipis town.

By Rail : A mail train leaves Singapore at 8.30 p.m daily arriving at Kuala Lipis 7.00 p.m the following day. A half an hour from Kuala Lipis Railways Station will take you to 9th mile Railway Station. From this point, a 5 minute walk to Sungai Jelai Jetty for a 20 minutes boat ride downstream to the Tanjung Kiara Jetty.

Rock Climbing Mountain Climbing Exploring Limestone Caves Swimming and placid river waters Camping beneath a tropical canopy and to the sounds of the jungle chorus Bird Watching Various, riverine activities (rafting, canoeing, etc) Mountain Biking Jungle Walks



TAMAN NEGARA, PAHANG


Straddling the borders of Pahang, Terenggganu and Kelantan, Taman Negara is a totally protected area of 4,343 sq. km. and is home to one of richest and most complex ecosystems in the world."

Straddling the borders of Pahang, Terenggganu and Kelantan, Taman Negara is a totally protected area of 4,343 sq. km., and is home to one of the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world.

A must-try attraction here is the canopy walkway, 30m high and stretching a distance of 500 m. It gives visitors a rare opportunity to view the jungle from above. Throughout the park, there are wildlife observation hides near saltlicks, where animals come to supplement their mineral intake. The best way to see the animals is to stay overnight at the hides.

Anglers can check out Sungai Kenyam and Sungai Sepia. The park is also a premier birdwatching site with over 300 species of birds recorded. The long trek to the top of 2,187m Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, may not be for everyone, but can be a rewarding experience. A less strenuous trail is the one to Bukit Teresek (334m), just a few hours' walk from park headquarters.

Along the riverbanks just half an hour's walk from park headquarters, visitors may come across the huts of the indigenous Orang Asli of the Batek tribe. The Batek used to live a nomadic life, but today, many of them have joined the cash economy. Some have become jungle guides while others work as porters, labourers or boatmen (a few have their own motorised sampans).


Getting there
By Rail
Kuala Tembeling is also accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kota Bharu (via Tumpat) by rail. Trains from these stations stop at Tembeling Halt, about half an hour's drive to the jetty at Kuala Tembeling. Please contact Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd for details on train schedules and fares. The contact number are 03-2267 1200.
By Boat
The staging point for visits to the park is Kuala Tembeling from which a 3 hour boat ride upriver takes you to Kuala Tahan at 9am and 3pm daily, except for fridays when the afternoon departure is at 2:30pm. The boat fare costs RM 19 for a one way trip. Mutiara Taman Negara Resort also operates a speedboat service that take only 45 minutes to reach Kuala Tahan. The speedboat leaves Kuala Tembeling at 10:30am and 1:30pm daily.

The most accessible gateway to Taman Negara is either through Jerantut, a three-hour trip from Kuala Lumpur. If you are driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can take the logger trail right up to Kuala Tahan, where you need to take a boat across the Sungai Tahan (Tahan River) to enter the park.


If you are relying on public transportation, take a public bus or a taxi from Jerantut town to the Kuala Tembeling Jetty, about 16km north of Jerantut.


Buses to Jerantut may be found at the Jalan Tun Razak Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. From there, hop on a local bus or taxi to Kuala Tembeling. Alternatively, Jerantut bound taxis are available at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.


In addition, Kuala Tembeling is also accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kota Bharu (via Tumpat) by rail. Trains from these stations stop at Tembeling Halt, about half an hour's walk to the jetty.


From there, a longboat will take you to Kuala Tahan in about three hours (depending on the water level of the river).

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

KOTA GELANGGI CAVES, JERANTUT, PAHANG

KOTA GELANGGI

The Kota Gelanggi caves complex is of historical importance, first recorded by Cameron in 1882 in the Royal Asiatic Soc. Journal. Since then many other people have written about the caves, but have been inconsistent with the naming. Various archaeological digs, especially by the Muzium Negara Department of Museum & Antiquities has revealed human remains dating 1500 years.

There are several caves open to the public. One show cave is Gua Terang Bulan which has electric lighting and walkways. Guided tours are available at RM5 per adult.

Facilities

Caves
complex, also the Kota Gelanggi museum at the visitors centre. Car park. Opening hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. There is an entrance fee: RM2.00 per adult and RM1.00 per child (5 to 12 years old).

Nearby, Tekam Plantation Resort also offers a range of other activities such as plantation visits, trekking, fishing etc, as well as accommodation.

Location and access

In the state of Pahang northeast of Temerloh. Kota Gelanggi is situated off the old Jerantut to Maran road No 64, about 25km east of Jerantut. From Temerloh go north to Jerantut, then turn right (east) until you come to Kota Gelanggi. Or from the main Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan road, there are 3 turn offs to Kota Gelanggi. One is at Kg. Awah, one at Jengka Jaya, or route 64 from Maran.

Tekam Plantation Resort. Chalets and dining facilities are available. Visitors can arrange for the plantation tour, which takes an educational visit to places such as the Kota Gelanggi Caves, Gunung Senyum Caves, as well as the surrounding rubber and oil palm plantations. The best time to visit is during the fruit season of July to September, when local fruits such as durians and rambutans are plentiful. There are facilities for conventions. Location and access Tekam Plantation Resort in Jerantut, Pahang is about 216 km from Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur, take the Karak Highway and follow Highway 2 onwards to Pekan Awah, turn left into Highway 83 and turn right into Highway 64.


Explore this 150 million year old historical and mythical caves complex and witness its unique flora, fauna and its magnificent rock formations which will definitely captivate you. With cave chambers dubbed to be one of the best in this region, Kota Gelanggi Caves offers an inspiring and breathtaking adventure experience.

Indulge in the myths behind these caves and explore the wonderful works of nature through beautiful rock formations sculptured by time.



Legend has it that these caves were actually ancient ruins of inhabitants who were turned into stones together with their belongings. An old man of the house can be seen here sitting on his chair by his oven or furnace with loaves of bread and his cupboard filled with flour and sugar all turned to stone.

Drop by and witness these wonders yourself and experience the beauty of the stalagmites and stalactites as well as the unique and strangely shaped rock formations. All crafted with fitnesse by time and nature.

"Located just 5km from Kuantan town, Teluk Cempedak beach is a favourite among local folks. Its enclosed bay is suitable for water sport activities like swimming, surfing and jet-skiing."



Located just 5km from Kuantan town, Teluk Cempedak beach is a favourite among local folks. Its enclosed bay is suitable for water sport activities like swimming, surfing and jet-skiing. Its casuarina-lined beach is, however, quite rocky at certain places and the waves are often rough.

On the sea front, numerous restaurants and food stalls serving a wide variety of food and beverages attract throngs of locals and tourists alike. They do a brisk trade and open right till after midnight.

The nearby jungle area provides a quick introduction to Malaysia's flora and fauna, with a few different species of plant life, insects and other small animals inhabiting the limited space. Beware of the macaques, as they can be quite a nuisance.

Just around the corner overlooking the beach is an international-class hotel. With the sounds of big waves splashing against the gigantic rocks in the background, this is a place to be at any time of the day.

CHERATING BEACH, PAHANG


"Cherating, a lovely village located along the coast of Pahang is truly an exclusive vacationer's paradise offering a variety of activities."

Surfers' Haven – that has long been the description of old Cherating Village since the 70's. Each year, surfers from around the world return to Cherating to test out the surf and catch up with local acquaintances. Each year, surfers from all over the world return to Cherating, friends worlds apart make their rendezvous in this understated hamlet to let the South China Sea waves pump adrenaline into their system.

The old Cherating Village has a blend of modern and traditional. A stretch of road about 1km long runs parallel to the beach, dotted with charming and comfortable chalets, many of which face the beach front. Cherating has the perfect combination of great surf, wide stretch of white-sandy beach, a wealth of accommodation and dining choices and a classic surfers nightlife scene. Surfers linger for days and even months in this small enclave to catch the best waves and chill out with fellow surfers, exchanging the day's conquests at one of the chic bistros like Pippin's or Payong.

This hidden enclave along the famed stretch of beach lining the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Cherating beach is immaculate and breath-taking. So much so that Club Med decided to build it's first Asian base right here in Cherating. And surfers take the opportunity to have local friends take them through some of the most charming rural villages along the coast and drink in the gorgeous scenery along the way.