 Pahang
Cities and Towns
Kuantan
 Established
travel guides will tell you Kuantan is nothing more than a
'stopover' en route to the islands further up the East Coast
of Peninsular Malaysia, or to the magnificent forests of the
interior. However, if you want to witness what hard-working,
hard-playing Malaysians themselves get up to, take a second
glance at this part of the East Coast.
Here is a truly integrated multi-cultural urban society.
Maybe nothing captures this like the many Kopitiams (coffee-shops)
scattered around town. Several generations of Pahangites cluster
around marble-topped tables drinking unforgettable, dark coffee
flavored with sweetened, condensed milk.
Stop by the bustling night markets that showcase local products
including chilies and batik. Or visit what is generally regarded
as the finest Mosque in this part of Malaysia, crowned by
an iridescent blue dome.
Kuantan yields a certain sort of charm and an effortless
introduction to what Malaysia, in all of its diversity, has
to offer. Only three hours' car journey from the heart of
the capital Kuala Lumpur, there is something truly liberating
about the short breaks on offer here.
Kuala Lipis
 Strategically
located between the Lipis and Jelai Rivers, the historical
town of Kuala Lipis was a bustling trading point in the early
days. It was the former capital of Pahang for 57 years. The
colonial buildings here boast neo-classical and eclectic architecture.
The Pahang Club House was the first building to be built
by the British in this town. It was home to the former British
Residents (administrators) of Pahang, and now functions as
the Kuala Lipis Rest House. The Clifford School was built
in 1913 to honor Sir Hugh Clifford, the second British Resident
of Pahang. Many of the states royalty and leaders were educated
in this prestigious school.
Pekan
Located on the banks of the Kuantan River 50km south of Kuantan,
Pekan is the royal town of Pahang. The Pekan State Museum
houses a rich collection of artefacts, priceless antiques,
including glassware and ceramics, as well as exhibits tracing
the lineage of the state's royalty.
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