Asia 's first Club Mediterranée holiday village is in Cherating, about 45km (30 miles) north of Kuantan. The beaches at Cherating are some of the finest on the east coast and conditions are particularly favorable for windsurfing.
PAHANG - THE INTERIOR
Malaysia 's answer to Loch Ness is Lake Chini , in whose waters mythological monsters are said to lurk, guarding the entrance to a legendary sunken city.
Kenong Rimba Park , located in the valley of the Sungai Kenong, is a must for adventure seekers. Activities available include cave explorations, jungle trekking, fishing and rock climbing.
In the north of the state is Malaysia 's largest national park, Taman Negara. Surrounded by the world's oldest tropical forest (supposedly 130 million years old), the park has remained virtually untouched and is a favourite haunt for outdoor enthusiasts, especially birdwatchers. The journey to the park headquarters involves travel by train, road and a 3-hour boat ride. Accommodation is mostly modest and the more comfortable lodgings are limited.
TIOMAN:
The island of Tioman , in the South China Sea off the coast of Pahang , will be familiar to fans of the film South Pacific, as it was here that the film-makers found their mythical Bali Hai. The sweeping palm trees and luxuriously white beaches are still there, but fame has come at a price with a rush of development, which on one side has brought the ease of direct flights and express boats from the mainland, but also a raft of accommodations, not all of them of the same quality and aesthetic standards. Tioman is the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, and also the largest island on Malaysia 's east coast. The three most popular resorts are ABC, Salang and Juara. Tioman is also one of the best destinations in Malaysia for scuba diving and snorkelling. The jungle clad interior is also popular for trekking, with many swathes of jungle still unspoilt. The cross island trek from Telek to Juara is the most popular trek with no special equipment needed.
Central Highlands Hills Resorts
Dotted about the mountain range that runs down the spine of Malaysia are several hill resorts. All are situated more than 1400m (4500ft) above sea level and offer cool, pleasant weather after the humidity of the plain and the cities.
GENTING HIGHLANDS:
Less than 1 hour by road from Kuala Lumpur is Genting Highlands, which boasts Malaysia’s only casino (passports required). Genting Highlands can also be reached by regular helicopter service from Kuala Lumpur. Facilities include four hotels, golf courses with a magnificent clubhouse, an artificial lake, a health and sports centre, and an indoor swimming pool.
FRASER HILL:
Set in lush jungle 100km (60 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, Fraser Hill is popular with both holidaymakers and golf enthusiasts. A wide range of other sports are available. There is also a self-contained township, self-catering bungalows and an international standard hotel.
CAMERON HIGHLANDS:
Still further north, about four hours from Kuala Lumpur, are the Cameron Highlands. These are among the best-known mountain resorts in Asia, and consist of three separate townships: Brinchang, Tanah Rata and Ringlet. An international-standard hotel and many bungalows are set around a golf course in lush green surroundings. Tennis, squash, badminton, jungle walks and swimming are available. From here you can visit Gunung Brinchang at 2064m (6773ft) above sea level, the highest inhabited point in Peninsular Malaysia and therefore a magnificent viewpoint.
TERENGGANU
The state of Terengganu has 225km (140 miles) of white sandy beaches. Swimming and all forms of watersports are favourite pastimes. There are several turtle-breeding beaches; at Rantau Abang, the Visitor Centre can arrange for guests to watch giant turtles laying their eggs.
PERHENTIAN ISLANDS :
Many Malays consider the twin islands of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil to be the two most beautiful islands in the country. They both boast pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters and are still relatively unexploited. The strict local beliefs mean that alcohol is not common and this has helped deter major companies from setting up here, leaving the islands in their natural state for those who do choose to visit. The islands are popular for scuba diving and snorkelling with easy access to reefs and good visibility.
