Pahang
is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia
and is situated in the eastern coastal
region. The state's 35,964 sq. km encompasses
a remarkable range of Malaysia's many
different environments, from the majestic
peaks and cool hill regions of the state's
western region to the miles of soft sand
beach along the South China Sea. Pahang's
nearly one million people constitute a
representative mix of Malaysia's three
main ethnic communities-- Malay, Chinese,
and Indian.
The
natural heart of Pahang is unquestionably
Taman Negara, Malaysia's oldest national
park, lovingly referred to as "The
Green Heart." Within the park is
also the peninsula's highest point, the
forest encrusted Gunung Tahan. Also in
the interior are many of Malaysia's hill
stations, mountain resorts where the tropical
heat is kept at bay by the altitude. On
the coast of Pahang, the jungle gives
way to clean, palm-lined beaches, fishing
villages, and the multicultural state
capital, Kuantan.