Pahang state offers a wonderful array of things to see and do. Most of the highlights revolve around the bounty of natural scenery which fills the region, but there are also a handful of cultural sites worth checking out. Bring your boots, swimming suit and your sense of adventure, because Pahang is all about the great outdoors.

Beserah
This charming little fishing village is one of the best places in Pahang to add a bit of cultural flavour to your beach holiday. The fishermen here are famous for their salted fish, which are hauled from their boats to the processing area by buffalo. Beserah is also home to an excellent batik centre and several other small handicraft workshops, rounding out the experience at this one-stop cultural haven that is located six miles (10kms) from Kuantan.

Cameron Highlands
The greenest, cleanest part of Malaysia is found in the cool verdant highlands of Pahang. Cameron was once a British hill station complex, but today it welcomes visitors seeking expansive tea plantations, vegetable gardens and some of the best walking in the country. Make your way to the tiny town of Tapah, at the foot of the hills, then head upwards. Plenty of comfortable accommodation, outdoor activities and amazing scenery make this a premier travel destination.

Cherating
If you need more Club Med style in your beach holiday, then Cherating is the place. Lovely low-rise resorts sit along one of the finest stretches of sand on Malaysia’s eastern coast. Another bonus is the rustic atmosphere of the neighbouring village, where visitors can shop for handicrafts after watching them being made. Cultural performances round off the experience, particularly the shadow puppet plays known as wayang kulit and Malay self-defence displays of silat.

Lake Bera
As one of Malaysia’s two largest bodies of freshwater on the peninsula, Lake Bera makes for a great outdoor destination. After admiring the vast array of plants, birds and fish around the lake, visitors can get some exercise by fishing, boating, or trekking around the surrounding jungle. Several small clans of the Orang Asi indigenous tribe also live in the immediate area, offering an amazing cultural opportunity to balance a day spent enjoying Pahang’s resplendent nature.

Kuantan
Pahang state’s capital is small and unpretentious, making it a great base from which to begin explorations of this part of Malaysia. The city can easily be seen in a single day, but if you need time to regroup, Kuantan can provide for your needs. Stroll along Jalan Besar, eat street-side snacks and browse the shops for local handicrafts, then head over to the impressive State Mosque in the early evening as the sun lights up the minarets.

Pekan
The royal capital of Pahang is by far the most romantic and culturally engaging town in the state. The historic ruling sultan still resides in his magnificent palace here, harking back to former days of splendour. The State Museum and Silk Weaving Centre offer an educational look at the culture of this region. If you are travelling through Pahang in October, make sure you visit Pekan on the 24th, when the sultan’s birthday is celebrated with all the pomp you would expect.

Pulau Tioman
Arguably the most beautiful of the 64 volcanic islands that lie off Malaysia’s eastern coast, Tioman has world class resorts to go with its equally impressive scuba diving and snorkelling sites. Anyone who saw the Hollywood movie South Pacific will remember this idyllic island, as the film was shot here. Complementing the sand and sea are some excellent inland jungle treks, making this the best beach destination in Pahang state.

Taman Negara National Park
This premier tropical rainforest preserve is one of the top highlights in Malaysia. Jungle treks are the main activity here, but they can be as mellow or as extreme as you like. The lofty Gunung Tahan mountain is nearby offering amazing climbing, if you are looking for serious adventure. The park’s rivers and lakes are also waiting for more relaxing excursions. Accommodation is rustic, but there are a handful of lodges that can put you up comfortably. The wildlife and fauna of Taman Negara are simply astounding. Phone: +60 3 9052872.

Camera-hunt for the elusive and rare Sumatran rhino in Endau-Rompin National Park, one of the largest and most beautiful protected areas in Malaysia. It’s unlikely you’ll actually spot one of these magical beasts, but simply exploring the park is rewarding in itself. Dramatic waterfalls, river trips and exotic trees and wildlife are the main highlights here. You’ll need a permit to enter, but your resort can arrange this and a trip into this uncrowded nature wonderland for you.

Challenge yourself with a climb to the top of Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain on peninsular Malaysia. At the heart of Pahang’s wonderful hill country is the imposing peak of Mount Tahan. Dedicated adventurers will want to try and make the two-day trek to the summit, but casual excursions can also be made along its slopes. Be sure and hire a guide, because this is wild country.

Cool off and wander the verdant hills and valleys of Genting Hill, one of Malaysia’s nicest highland areas. Sitting at a cool elevation of 1,800 metres, this hill resort is one of the best developed in Malaysia and a big hit with Malays and travellers alike. Good accommodation, an array of restaurants and the newly built Genting Theme Park provide plenty of distraction. A casino, golf course, and lots of hiking trails add to the fun, especially the cable cars which carry visitors from the Awana Ranch to the summit of Genting.

Hang out with the locals and share a picnic at Sungai Pandan Waterfalls. These impressive cascades 15 miles (25kms) from Kuantan span a staggering 11 hectares as they tumble down the side of the mountain. This is one of the more popular weekend getaway spots near Kuantan where locals gather to relax and picnic. The water collects in a deep pool that is perfect for a refreshing swim.

Hit the beach for some rest and relaxation at Teluk Chempedak, the closest developed beach to Kuantan. Pahang’s coastline along the South China Sea offers excellent beaches with very few crowds. A nice balance between development and seclusion can be found at Teluk Chempedak, where two world class hotels are paving the way for future growth. The sands are soft and the waters calm in this area, making conditions great for sailing, swimming and sea kayaking.

Search for lost cities and underwater monsters at Lake Chini. The 13 freshwater lakes that comprise Tasik Chini, 60 miles (100kms) south of Kuantan, are the stuff of legends. The Malaysian version of the Loch Ness monster supposedly lurks in one of the lakes, as does an ancient Khmer city. Myths aside, this area is one of the most scenic in Pahang - reason enough to make the trip. If you visit in August or September, colourful lotus flowers dot the surface of the water.