East Coast
The East Coast of Malaysia is made up of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Kelantan and Terengganu can be considered very different from all the other states in Peninsular Malaysia. These two states have very strong Malay culture mixed with some Thai elements. Being in Kelantan and Terengganu somehow seemed to draw you back to an ancient time. This is especially so for the state of Kelantan, where it is looked upon as the main branch of the Malay culture.
Kelantan is famous for its fishing activities, agriculture and cottage industries. It is also highly famous for its kite flying and giant top spinning festivals! These two activities have proven to be a favorite past times for the people who lived there, and had been so for many years. Terengganu on the other hand is a land highly acclaimed for its beautiful coral islands, sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages. This is also the place where you can see the giant leatherback turtles laying their eggs during certain months on the beaches of the famed Rantau Abang (there are others, of course). Just like Kelantan, Terengganu also enjoys recreational pursuits like kite flying and top spinning activities.
The other state within the east coast region is Pahang, home to all nature lovers. This is the place comprising of acres and acres of tropical rainforests, leisure islands and of course, the highest mountain on the Peninsular.
Gunung Tahan, the backbone of the Peninsula, provides for a rather rugged outlook where many interesting and rare flora and fauna lived. It is here that you will find the best in eco-tourism.
The famous Taman Negara, the country's national forest reserve, is also found in the state of Pahang. A visit to Pahang promises lots of adventure. Other popular highlands retreats that are located in Pahang include the famous Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands and Fraser's Hill.
Genting Highlands is home to the only legalized casino in the country. Just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is the perfect spot for a day trip. Aside from the casino, this highland resort has also prepared an indoor and outdoor theme park for the whole family. Accommodation at the newly built New World Hotel is also highly affordable.
Cameron Highlands on the other hand is widely known as the perfect destination for a "holiday in the sky". This highland resort is higher than Genting Highlands and would require a tough stomach to survive the drive up the windy roads. Once there, the refreshing breeze and cool air will revive even the most stressed-out person. Do visit the strawberry and mushroom park on Cameron Highlands. You can buy fresh strawberries on the spot and eat it with sugar and cream. Flowers such as roses and carnations are also very cheap here. I once bought 100 stalks of white roses for only RM10 (10 ringgit = USD2.60). The vendors even threw in the bucket for me to carry the flowers home fresh!
I have not been to Fraser's Hill in a while, but I do remember this place to be the perfect location for a "dine & chill out" spot! For nature lovers, Fraser's Hill has a "Fraser's Hill Nature Education Center" run by the WWF Malaysia organization. Do drop by this center if you are around the area.
The East Coast of Malaysia is made up of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. Kelantan and Terengganu can be considered very different from all the other states in Peninsular Malaysia. These two states have very strong Malay culture mixed with some Thai elements. Being in Kelantan and Terengganu somehow seemed to draw you back to an ancient time. This is especially so for the state of Kelantan, where it is looked upon as the main branch of the Malay culture.
Kelantan is famous for its fishing activities, agriculture and cottage industries. It is also highly famous for its kite flying and giant top spinning festivals! These two activities have proven to be a favorite past times for the people who lived there, and had been so for many years. Terengganu on the other hand is a land highly acclaimed for its beautiful coral islands, sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages. This is also the place where you can see the giant leatherback turtles laying their eggs during certain months on the beaches of the famed Rantau Abang (there are others, of course). Just like Kelantan, Terengganu also enjoys recreational pursuits like kite flying and top spinning activities.
The other state within the east coast region is Pahang, home to all nature lovers. This is the place comprising of acres and acres of tropical rainforests, leisure islands and of course, the highest mountain on the Peninsular.
Gunung Tahan, the backbone of the Peninsula, provides for a rather rugged outlook where many interesting and rare flora and fauna lived. It is here that you will find the best in eco-tourism.
The famous Taman Negara, the country's national forest reserve, is also found in the state of Pahang. A visit to Pahang promises lots of adventure. Other popular highlands retreats that are located in Pahang include the famous Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands and Fraser's Hill.
Genting Highlands is home to the only legalized casino in the country. Just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is the perfect spot for a day trip. Aside from the casino, this highland resort has also prepared an indoor and outdoor theme park for the whole family. Accommodation at the newly built New World Hotel is also highly affordable.
Cameron Highlands on the other hand is widely known as the perfect destination for a "holiday in the sky". This highland resort is higher than Genting Highlands and would require a tough stomach to survive the drive up the windy roads. Once there, the refreshing breeze and cool air will revive even the most stressed-out person. Do visit the strawberry and mushroom park on Cameron Highlands. You can buy fresh strawberries on the spot and eat it with sugar and cream. Flowers such as roses and carnations are also very cheap here.