History
Evidence of habitation in Pahang dates back to the Mesolithic Era. In more modern times, the tin and gold deposits of the Tembeling River attracted the marine traders of the Srivijaya Empire. During eighth and ninth century Pahang covered most of the southern half of the Malay Peninsula.
With the collapse of Srivijaya Empire around 1000 AD, Pahang was claimed first by the Siamese and then, in the late fifteenth century, by Malacca. After Malacca fell to the Portuguese in 1511, Pahang became a key part of the territorial struggles between Aceh, Johor, the Portuguese, and the Dutch. Repeated raids, invasions, and occupations devastated the state, until the decline of both Achenese and Portuguese power in the early 17th century allowed Johor to reestablish its influence. In the late eighteenth century Pahang gradually gained autonomy, and in the middle of the nineteenth century it had become an independent state.
From 1858 to 1863, Pahang was fought over in a civil war between the
two sons of the reigning sultan. The war ended when Wan Ahmad was
proclaimed the new sultan in 1887, but his role from that point onward
was largely ceremonial, as the British forced him to sign a treaty
bringing the country under control of a British Resident.In 1896, Pahang joined Selangor, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan in the Federated Malay States. This evolved into the Federation of Malaya in 1948 and later on into the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.
Climate
Pahang's climate is tropical monsoon. The temperature is relatively uniform within the range of 21°C to 32°C throughout the year. During the months of January to April, the weather is generally dry and warm. Humidity is in the range of 80%. The average rainfall per year is 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm and the wettest months are from May to December.
Best Time to Visit
Though Pahang can be visited throughout the year but it is better to avoid the rainy season.
Tourist Attractions / Places to See
Kuantan: Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, is the entry point for many of Pahang's peerless beach resorts.
Gua Charah: Twenty-five kilometers northwest of Kuantan, the Charah caves are the site of a revered Buddhist sanctuary. The caves continue to serve as solitary meditation retreats for Buddhist monks and nuns. Visitors may explore some of the caves and gorges, including one that houses an impressive stone sculpture of the reclining Buddha. Along the road that leads to Gua Cherah is the Panching Cave, a limestone cavern that contains an enormous statue of the reclining Buddha.
Tasik Chini: A hundred kilometers south of Kuantan is Tasik Chini. The thirteen fresh-water lakes that make up Tasik Chini are steeped in myths and legends. The sheer natural beauty of the region attracts visitors from all over the world. Between August and September, pink and white lotus flowers cover the surface of the water and add to the beauty of the region.
Taman Negara: Taman Negara National Park is one of the world's oldest tropical rain forests with a diversity of flora and fauna life, which has evolved over a period of over 130 million years. … (More)
Tioman Island: The fabled island of Tioman is situated 36 nautical miles from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. … (More)
Teluk Chempedak: Teluk Chempedak is a popular beach resort 5 km from Kuantan, Pahang with a range of water sports facilities such as sailing, surfing, and water skiing.
Shopping
Pahang offers an array of handicraft items. Good buys here are woven pandan leaf household items, woodcarvings, brocades, shell work and batik. Pahang silk is also very famous. It is available in rich and vibrant colors. Songket, the fine hand-woven gold and silver-brocaded attire also comes in a variety of radiant designs. Pahang also has numerous shopping complexes where merchandise of latest designs is available. Some of the major shopping complexes here are the Teruntum Complex, the Kuantan Parade and the Berjaya Megamall.
How to Reach Pahang
Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang, is easily accessible. By air, the state is accessible from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. By road, one can travel from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kota Bharu. By train, Pahang is accessible through Mentakab and Kuala Lipis from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu.