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Tourism Malaysia

7 IDEAS FOR A ROYAL TOUR OF PEKAN, PAHANG

Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, and has vast tourism assets including a national park, the highest mountain in the peninsular (Mount Tahan), beautiful islands, hill-top resorts, and beautiful beaches.

Those familiar with Pahang, also known as the “Abode of Tranquility”, may have already visited its many popular tourist spots such as Genting Highlands, Tioman Island, and the Pahang National Park. However, there is a little known town that sits by the great Pahang River that also deserves special mention (and further explorations).

Photo credite: https://www.facebook.com/lensapekanofficial

Pekan used to be the command centre and capital city of Pahang in the late 19th century. Today, it is known as a royal town and home to the Pahang Sultanate – those who visit will definitely feel its tranquil atmosphere and even get to enjoy some royal “treatments”!

Kick off a royal tour of Pekan with the following suggestions:

Puding DiRaja

There’s nothing better to start your explorations of this royal town than with a royal dessert! Puding DiRaja or Royal Pudding was said to have been created and served to the Pahang royal household. So popular was this treat, that it is now available even in Kuala Lumpur and perhaps other parts of Malaysia, although, the best is still to be had here in Pekan.

Photo credit: Journeys2Pekan.com

So what is it exactly? It is a medley of bananas, prunes, candied cherries, cashew nuts and what’s called jala emas (fine threads of egg yolk prepared in syrup), and served with a milky custard poured all over it. It is a complete dessert that tantalizes all the senses of your tastebuds – there’s the crunch from the nuts, the sweetness from the various fruits, the slight tartness from the prunes, the light texture of the egg yolk threads, and the smooth custardy liquid that slips past your throat.

Of course, Pekan in also known for other mouth-watering delights. If you have a chance – and room left in your tummy – dig into the Murtabak Makassar, which we hear is also a hit with royalty and local politicians alike! In fact, they say you simply can’t leave Pekan without tasting the Murtabak Makassar.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/murtabakmengkasarsdnbhd/

Essentially, it is a type of savoury pancake made of layers of minced beef or chicken filling, unique blend of spices, pastry and eggs. Best eaten dipped in pickled onions! Sounds yummy to us!

Royal Pahang Silk Weaving Centre

If you have a thing for fabrics, then you must acquire the Pahang silk as part of your collection! It is a collector’s item and would make a wonderful heirloom piece to be passed down from one generation to another.

Photo credit: Journeys2Pekan.com

Pekan is home of the “kain tenun” and in fact, some of the finest woven fabrics in this region comes from this great silk weaving centre. So fine is its craftsmanship that it was once appointed the exclusive makers of the Pahang royal garments. A little bit of trivia here: Pahang silk was the fabric of choice for the King and Queen during their coronation ceremony in 2019!

Photo credit: www.facebook.com/lensapekanofficial/

Today, the centre is a great place to learn about the history of Pahang’s woven silk, see a live demonstration of silk weaving and even purchase the fabric for yourself.

Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum

A trip to Pekan can be quite educational indeed. Just make a visit to the Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum and you will be thoroughly enlightened!

Photo credit: Journeys2Pekan.com

The Sultan Abdullah Mosque was built in 1929 and was the place locals congregated for their Friday prayers. It remained the key meeting place for religious services until 1976 when a newer mosque was built to serve the community.

Thereafter, the Sultan Abdullah Mosque was abandoned for some time until recently when it underwent a massive three-year reconstruction work to become the first mosque-turned-museum in the country.

Photo credit: https://batikandbubbles.com/

Visitors to the mosque museum will be able to learn about Islamic history and art with unique exhibits of the Islamic world, complemented by state-of-the-art touch screens and interesting narratives of the artefacts on display. The graceful arches, the majestic domes and minarets and all-white architecture make the mosque look quite stunning, almost like a mini Taj Mahal in little Pekan!

Sultan Abu Bakar Museum

If you think museums are stuffy places full of dusty exhibits, then this museum will certainly have you change your mind! With all the wonderful artefacts and the creative presentation of all the exhibits, we didn’t feel like we were in a museum at all. On the contrary, it certainly felt like we were in a well-curated art gallery with great storytelling of our history!

Photo credit: http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/

Pekan’s museum of note, the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, was, in turns, a British government officer’s residence, before it became an army barrack, a palace, and finally a museum.

The museum complex houses five galleries: The Keris Gallery; History of Pahang and The Malay Sultanate Gallery; The Islamic Art Gallery; The Ceramics Gallery; and The Archaeology Gallery. Depending on your interest, you can admire weapons like the Sundang (a double edge Bugis sword) or the Sikin (keris with short blades), take a closer look at porcelains and ceramics from China and Japan, or dive into the Metal Age by browsing through tools, artefacts, and skeletal remains.

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The entire museum has been curated to provide an immersive experience with a selection of unique artefacts, insightful storytelling, thoughtful layout and touch screen information boards. Even the front yard has been turned into a kind of artistic gallery with sculptures of horses, elephants and other animals on the grass.

Black Water Jewel

The mountains and jungles of Pahang are very popular tourist attractions, however, many may not know that Pahang also has beautiful and biodiverse peat swamp forests that stretch over 160,000 hectares! It is home to 53 species of mammals and more than 200 birds, including eight species of hornbills.

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One of the peat swamp forests of note lies in Pekan, where the Bebar River lies. It is protected as a conservation area, but recently, has been promoted as a tourist attraction. It is called the Black Water Jewel due to the dark brown or black waters – a natural colouration which is caused by the high content of organic matter – and the fact that it is the habitat for a diverse array of animals.

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Birdwatching activities and river cruising on kayaks are recommended here to explore the natural beauty, flora and fauna of the river. A three-hour cruise can be arranged from Runchang to Nenasi in Pekan. Throughout the journey, tourists have the chance to see unique animals, including the fully-protected oriental small-clawed otter and dusky leaf monkeys. A visit to the orang asli village can be arranged as well.

Meow Island

If you are a cat lover, you will enjoy a visit to Pulau Kucing, affectionately called Meow Island by the locals. It is a privately-run sanctuary for cats also known as the Dato’ Shamsiah Cat Shelter Park.

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/MeowIslandMalaysia/

There are more than 60 rescued cats, some ducks, geese, goats and dogs, too, who all roam freely and lead comfortable lives, thanks to the care provided by the owners and occasional volunteers. Over the years, volunteers have built quirky and colourful cat shelters here, and helped out tending to the sick animals, feeding them as well as beautifying the landscape – all in the name of providing a safe sanctuary for these felines.

The shelter also receives the support from the Pahang Veterinary Department, who conducts monthly health checkups on the feline residents of the island.

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Here, you can pet and play with the animals, or do some volunteer work such as cleaning, building and repairing the cat shelters, or contribute donations should you feel like it.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

12 LUXURY LOVE NESTS FOR SNUGGLING WITH YOUR PARTNER IN MALAYSIA

There’s nothing like a nice, romantic holiday to celebrate those relationship goals. If you are looking for dreamy getaways with your partner — whether for a holiday, a honeymoon or a romantic tryst — then look no further than Malaysia. We share with you here some of the romantic “love nests” that’s perfect for enjoying each other’s company with lots of cuddles, hugs and kisses, along with the opportunity to experience more of this tropical country!

Scenic by the Sea
Besides gazing into your lover’s eyes, these two seaside retreats are also quite soothing to the eyes with great expanses of sun, sea and surf to enjoy!

Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi Island, Kedah

The Four Seasons Resort, featured in the film, Crazy Rich Asians, offers luxurious villas in a Malay-style village setting. Its beautiful white beach with a view of the Andaman Sea and unique rock formations is the perfect lazing spot for two.

 

Japamala, Tioman Island, Pahang

On Tioman Island in the east coast of Malaysia, JapaMala has created a niche for itself as a jungle-luxe boutique resort situated amid the lush green surroundings of Malaysia’s forests. With only about a dozen villas with stunning sea views all around, lovers will think it’s heaven on earth just for two.

 

A Little Bit of Culture
How about injecting a bit of local culture into your love life? Malaysia’s diverse population is a chance to immerse yourself in unique cultures and traditions.

The Majestic Malacca, Melaka

A stay at this 54-room 90-year-old mansion with its beautiful teakwood fittings, porcelain flooring and European roof tiles and exquisite service quality, will easily bring to life the elegance of Melaka past. Immerse yourself in therich Melaka heritage with a cooking class with a local chef or walking tours to the surrounding UNESCO heritage areas.

 

 

Terrapuri Heritage Village, Terengganu

Experience what it’s like to live in a century-old classic Malay home, set in a resort that’s inspired by the 17th century Terengganu Palace and its courtyards. These architectural beauties recognize the genius of yesteryear architects and each house has a stunning story to tell! If you and your partner are a fan of built-design and local aesthetics, then you will fall in love with Terrapuri, too.

 

Seven Terraces

Roam about the UNESCO Heritage City of George Town from the opulent setting of the Seven Terraces Hotel. Dripping in traditional Chinese architecture and the romance and splendor of the Peranakan era, the hotel is a restful oasis to relive the elegance of the past.

 

Healthy Retreats
Keep the romance healthy by spending time with each other in these wellness resorts where the focus is on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health through tailor-made programmes covering healthy eating and fitness, set within the natural landscapes of Malaysia.

Orchard Wellness, Melaka

Here, guests can enjoy nature, space and tranquility while indulging in treatments that follow wellness and medical concepts specifically designed for individual guests. It is set in a tropical fruit farm where guests can go fruit-picking for durian, mangosteen and rambutan while getting their chakras aligned!

 

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Perak

This spa-type resort is just the place to relax and unwind with your loved one for a healthily-ever-after! Surrounded by beautiful natural limestones, guests can dip into geothermal hotspring pools, meditate in 280-year-old natural caves, improve a stagnant chi or revitalize a tired chakra at the Spa and Wellness Centre.

 

Adventures in Love
If you and your partner want to get up to some thrilling adventures, then let us suggest something smack in nature!

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Whether you consider yourself a bird lover, a herpetologist or a casual nature lover, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest in the country, has plenty of adventures to keep you occupied and amazed. And after you tire of your adventures at the end of the day, cuddle up in their cozy lodges before taking on the next day’s explorations.

 

Belum Rainforest Resort, Perak

Enjoy the beauty of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest literally at your doorstep when you choose to stay at Belum Rainforest Resort. You and your lover can enjoy many thrilling adventures such as jungle trekking into the 130-million year old rainforest, kayaking on the vast Temengor Lake and more!

 

Love in the City
Want to spend some intimate moments without being too far from the conveniences of the city? Check out our romantic city retreats.

23Love Lane Hotel, George Town, Penang

With a name like this, surely it would be perfect for lovers! 23Love Lane is a charming 10-room hotel restored to retain its heritage quality, with a garden courtyard located in a quiet lane within Penang’s UNESCO Heritage City. Enjoy the still and cozy atmosphere just steps away from lively George Town where you can easily explore the mélange of cultures.

 

The Ruma, Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in the very heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and just steps away from the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC, The RuMa has created an elegant and serene sanctuary right in the middle of the city. It captures the intimacy of a home run by an accomplished host who will take care of all the things that need taken care of, so you can focus on showering much love to your lover.

 

The Village House, Kuching, Sarawak

This idyllic hideaway is just a few minutes’ away from the hustle and bustle of Kuching city, yet it offers an oasis of calm for couples wanting to reconnect. This adults-only sanctuary (they only accept guests aged over 12 years) is one of the best places to marvel at the magnificent Borneo sunset in total privacy.

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Tourism Malaysia

Secret Beaches of Malaysia

Written by Aura Farrando

Perhentian Islands, Tioman Island, Langkawi and Penang are popular destinations for a reason. They offer everything a beach lover wants. But for those who are after a bit more adventure, something off the beaten track or just an escape from resort beach lifestyle, we’ve compiled a list of the best hidden treasures of Malaysia.

Pulau Mabul

Pulau Mabul or Mabul Island is a small island off the southeast coast of Sabah – just 15km away from Sipadan. There’s a fishing village, no cars, no roads and perhaps some of the best muck diving in the world. You can even circumnavigate it on foot! The beaches here are pristine and a perfect place to unwind after a long day snorkeling or diving. If you are lucky you will even catch some turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

Getting there: Take a boat from Semporna to Pulau Mabul. Speedboats are around 30 minutes, while ferries take about one and a half hours.

Locals enjoying the pristine sand of Pulau Mabul. Image: http://www.projectaware.org/blog/scuba-junkie/oct-07-11/mabul-marine-week-2011a-job-well-done

Locals enjoying the pristine sand of Pulau Mabul. Image: http://www.projectaware.org/blog/scuba-junkie/oct-07-11/mabul-marine-week-2011a-job-well-done

Pulau Tiga

Pulau Tiga is so wild that it was once used as the setting for reality show Survivor. It is a relatively young island; in 1897, an earthquake in the Philippines caused a volcanic eruption in Borneo to form new land. It’s no surprise then that Pulau Tiga is famous for its volcanic mud baths. On top of that, there’s kilometres of white sandy beach to enjoy. A hike around the island is a great way to see its native flora and fauna.

Getting there: Catch a 30-minute boat from Kuala Penyu, Kota Kinabalu or Labuan.

The mud baths in Pulau Tiga are great for your skin. Image: http://aroundtheworldwithjustin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_2380_new.jpg

The mud baths in Pulau Tiga are great for your skin. Image: http://aroundtheworldwithjustin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_2380_new.jpg

Bukit Keluang

Can’t decide between the mountain and the beach? Get a taste of both at this tiny cove off Terengganu, close to the Kuala Besut jetty where you’ll see droves of people lining up to head to the Perhentian Islands. Bukit Keluang is a perfect match of pristine white sand, beautiful sea breeze and breathtaking mountains where you can explore beach caves, go windsurfing, kayaking or simply relax with your family at the resort. Be sure to head up the escarpment each morning to catch the amazing sunrise. What a view!

Getting there: Accessible by car from Kota Bharu, Kuala Besut, Kuala Terengganu and Kampung Teras.

The picturesque coastline of Bukit Keluang. Image: https://anotherguywithcamera.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/the-shoreline.jpg

The picturesque coastline of Bukit Keluang. Image: https://anotherguywithcamera.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/the-shoreline.jpg

Pulau Kapas

Known as Cotton Island due its white, soft sand and crystal, clear blue water, Pulau Kapas is like a scene out of a movie — but 100 times better. With a designated marine park protecting its waters, Pulau Kapas is the perfect place for snorkeling or dive deep to enjoy the coral reef that surrounds the island. If that’s not for you, then just sit back and relax in style under a palm tree.

Getting there: Take a ferry from Marang, located 45 minutes from Terengganu.

They don’t call it Cotton Island for no reason. Image: https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5522/9262235120_7f68dcf2d6_b.jpg

They don’t call it Cotton Island for no reason. Image: https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5522/9262235120_7f68dcf2d6_b.jpg

Pulau Tinggi

If Pulau Tioman seems too mainstream for you, visit Pulau Tinggi off the Johor coast. It only has 500 inhabitants and is quite laid back. It is ideal for relaxing holidays and family vacations or can double up an adventure haven, perfect for snorkeling, trekking and canoeing. The beaches are less manicured, but more natural and idyllic.

Getting there: Just a 45-minute boat from Mersing in the state of Johor.

Allow yourself to escape into another world. Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLkxUzOtKTU/U5mYX1y2owI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/pJD_Agv5s74/s1600/IMG_6881.jpg

Allow yourself to escape into another world. Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLkxUzOtKTU/U5mYX1y2owI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/pJD_Agv5s74/s1600/IMG_6881.jpg

Pulau Sibu

Here you’ll find not one, but four charming islands: Pulau Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Kukus and Pulau Sibu Hujung. The main isle is just 6km long and 1km wide, with thick vegetation and secluded beaches dominating the landscape. It’s not the easiest to access, but that’s the price you pay for heaven on earth. You’ll also most likely have the whole place to yourself.

Getting there: Arrange a boat transfer from the small town of Tanjung Leman, 130km from Johor Bahru. There’s no direct bus from Johor to Tanjung Leman, so we highly recommend you to get the hotel in Johor Bahru or Singapore to arrange a shuttle bus or minivan for you.

Photo by Peter D. Kennett

Photo by Peter D. Kennett

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Tourism Malaysia

Flying on the Cessna C208B Grand Caravan from Senai airport to Tioman Island

We reached the Senai International Airport before dawn, because need to group with others before our departure…

The arrangement was perfect by the Tunamaya staffs, the check-in process for taking the private chartered flight from Senai airport to Tioman airport was smooth. Once the baggage check, we walked through the private lane way to the plane.

It was my first time flying on this Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, the plane had change and refurbished into a luxury seats and facility. We can rotate the seat for 180 degrees which convenience for discussion among the passengers.

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Mineral waters, tibits and snacks were ready for us in the plane. All of us happily wearing the orchid garland presented by the airport. The inaugural flight from Senai to Tioman, we ready to take off!

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The weather of that day was good and the take-off was comfort.
This was my first time enjoying chatting with my friend and browse through the social media app in the plane…
Let me show you the breathtaking view along the way…

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The background was the mystery Linggiu dam…it was also the where the Srivijaya Empire started more than thousand years ago…as the legend said.

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Beautiful green lake in the middle of the jungle…

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I wondered this might be some kind of plantations…(photos above)

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About 30 minutes later (around 8.35am), we were approaching Mersing town…

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The plane took around 15 minutes to cross the ocean, noticed from the GPS device in the cockpit…

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After the plane flew through the clouds, the island appeared from the windows…the first scene was the ‘legendary twin peaks’ of Tioman Island. Yes, it is the landmark of Tioman.

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Followed by the lush canopy of greenery and the blue water…

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It took around 45 minutes from Senai to Tioman island.
Once we touched down in Tioman island, the Tunamaya’s staff was at the airport to help us ferry our luggage to the Tekek jetty.

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It was a pleasant flight and different experience compare with the commercial flight, we enjoyed very much!

The weather in Tioman island was hot and humid, as we walked to the jetty, our luggage already stand-by before us…

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Our journey to Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort continue on the next post…

Related post :-
3 days 2 nights exclusive trip to Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort in Tioman Island

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Tourism Malaysia

Scenic view along the journey from Tekek town to Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort, Tioman island.

Once we touched down the Tioman Airport, all of us been transported by Tunamaya ferry from Tekek town to Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort. The view along the ferry ride was breathtaking!

Let me share some of the photos with you…

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All of us were waiting at the jetty, and the ferry arrived less than 5 minutes…

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Inside the ferry was spacious and comfort…

The weather was good that day, the sky was so blue and the ocean too…the view was excellent once the ferry sailed out from the Tekek jetty…

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The smile on everyone faces, and yes! Our Tioman holiday started…

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About 5 minutes, our ferry passed by The Berjaya Resort at Tioman Island. It’s easy to spot the resort by looking at the small rock island along the way…

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After 25 minutes, we noticed one of the rock mountain in front of us…that means we had reached the southern part of Tioman island…

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And few minutes later, I saw the ‘Legendary Mythical Twin Peak’ of Tioman island…

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The Twin Peak become a beautiful backdrop of Tunamaya Resort, as you can see from the photo above.

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The blog post of Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort will be on the next…

Related post :-
3 days 2 nights exclusive trip to Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort in Tioman Island