Temerloh in Pahang is one of Malaysia’s less-visited gems, but definitely one that shouldn’t be missed!

To many, Pahang is a state which holds many elements of nature. It is home to beautiful islands, mountains, rainforests and beaches. It is also where Genting Highlands, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Kuantan, Fraser’s Hill and many others are located.

Little less is known about a place located in Pahang called Temerloh. The town is home to many kampungs (villages) and is best known for their supply of ikan patin (catfish). A fun-fact is the that Tourism Minister of Pahang state actually lives in this town too! Pretty cool, huh?

For many city-dwellers, a kampung experience is a distant idea, with little hope of ever being experienced. Well, fret not! Now there is a great way to experience the simple life. Here are 7 things to do during your trip to Temerloh.

1. Live the authentic kampung life

If you’re a city guy/girl like me, living in a kampung would probably be a distant idea. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have distant family members living in kampung areas because now you can experience life in a village for a reasonable price!

In Malaysia there are over a hundred kampung stay facilities registered with the Malaysian Government. I was fortunate to spend 4 days with wonderful staff over at Kampungstay Desa Murni to experience some good ol’ kampung fun. I was treated to delicious home-cooked meals, interaction with some of the locals and many more.

Guests get to choose between the kampung stay or the homestay. Homestay would include living with a family in their home while the kampung stay allows for a private vacation home, either in a modern or traditional house. Just to add a little more comfort into the stay, the resort also has a swimming pool, cycling, wifi, air-conditioning (in a kampung?? YEP!) and private toilets in each room. This is so that while visitors get to experience the kampung life, they are still able to enjoy their holiday comfortably.

The staff at KDM are incredibly helpful and friendly, and rest assured they will try their best to help you with whatever you need. The chef is none other than the managing director’s sister-in-law! Talk about kampung vibes. KDM is definitely a great place to relax and unwind away from the bustling city. You can visit their website to find out more about pricing and reservations!

2. Visit Malaysia’s version of Nara Deer Park and Interact with deers (and other small animals)

This next attraction definitely gives the famous Nara Park in Japan a run for their money. Opened in 1996, Deerland Park has been a one-stop paradise for animal and nature lovers. The park itself is owned and run by Mr Abdullah, who has cared for these animals for most part of their lives.

The name of the park may be misleading, as the park consists not only of deer but many other smaller animals too. You can expect to find many types of reptiles, include snakes, frogs and exotic lizards. Raccoons, prairie dogs, ostriches, peacocks, exotic chickens, hedgehogs and exotic felines will also greet guests!

If you’re up for the challenge, staff at Deerland Park even let you get REALLY close to these animals… and I mean by placing snakes on your shoulders. Best part about it is that it’s only about 2km away from the elephant sanctuary, meaning you could possibly visit both attractions on the same day.

Address: Lanchang, Pahang, 28500, Lanchang, Pahang, Malaysia

3. Have a splashing good time at the Kubang Gajah Waterpark

Away from the kampung areas of Temerloh lies a water park filled with a playground, water slides and more! For just RM10 for adults and RM8 for children, the Kubang Gajah Waterpark is perfect for families as the rides are both fun and safe for visitors of all ages. The park even provides discounts for the disabled and the elderly (cool!) at RM5, so that no one misses out on a fun-filled family time.

Rooms equipped with beds, toilets, shower amenities, and air conditioning are also available in the waterpark. This makes things much easier for families who can then comfortably take showers and store belongings for the day.

Address: No. 1, Taman Awam Kubang Gajah, Temerloh 28000, Malaysia

4. Meet and feed rescued elephants

One of the baby elephants at Kuala Gandah. She was rescued by volunteers and already had part of her foot amputated by traps set in the jungle.

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary National Elephant Conservation Centre was set up in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Their main goal is to relocate wild elephants to parts of the country where they are not a threat and are not threatened.

At this elephant sanctuary, you get to be up-close and personal with the elephants like never before! Interact with rescued baby elephants and watch on as the mahouts bathe the elephants in the river. Visitors also get to feed the gentle giants fresh fruits and nuts. It was exciting to feel their trunks nuzzle and (literally) vacuum the food from your hands!

Admission to the park is also free! (Yippee!) Guests are also welcomed to donate amounts of their choice to do their part to help the organization with their relocation programme.

Address: 28500 Lanchang, Pahang, Malaysia

5. Have a go at traditional sports – like the Spinning Top!

Nothing spells kampung more than food and….. traditional games! The owner of the spinning top (or gasing, in Malay) court in Temerloh has spent a large portion of his life playing and perfecting his skills for the game. The court itself is located at his home, and has even been recognized by UNESCO Malaysia! His efforts in preserving this game is truly commendable. Visitors can also have a go at spinning the top, although it must be warned that it’s more challenging than it looks.

The spinning top court at Kampung Sanggang is a great place for families or friends to bond and spend time together during their kampung stay in Temerloh. Everyone will be challenged to try something new and along the way, learn something about the culture and history behind this traditional sport.

Address: Lot 609, Kampung Sanggang, 28020 Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia

6. Taste traditional Malaysian food at incredible prices

Just like many states in Malaysia during the Ramadan (fasting month) period, many food bazaars are available in Temerloh. Ranging from endless variations of fruit juices and milo contortions, to interesting and unique dishes like blue rice and ikan patin, you’d be spoilt for choice.

Ikan patin (Malay for catfish), is one of the many speciality dishes of Temerloh. One of the restaurants you should definitely check out on your trip there is Gobang Maju Patin Tempoyak. The restaurant specialises in their Tempoyak Ikan Patin (Patin in fermented durian paste). Many restaurants in the area will be seen selling this dish (even at the Ramadan bazaar stalls).

Address: 1/4 Mile Jalan Triang, Temerloh, 28000 Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia

7. Witness the rearing of the ikan patin

As mentioned, Temerloh is well-known for their ikan patin, and is not short of fish farms that are abundant with this popular catch. Make your way to one of these farms and witness the farmers keep and rear their fishes using nets and wooden planks. You can purchase live ikan patins from these farmers and if you’re brave enough, you can also take a walk down the hill to where the ikan patin is being reared. Careful, though! It’s a bumpy way down.

BONUS: Make a day trip out of Temerloh

If you’re up for it, you could also consider taking day-trips out of Temerloh to nearby areas to experience more of what Pahang has to offer. Bukit Gambang Resort City consists of a safari park and water park. The water park is filled with many thrilling water slides and wave pools, while the safari allows visitors to view the free-ranging animals whilst inside a safari van. This way, visitors are able to truly learn and appreciate the natural habitats of animals! Get your shopping done for incredible prices at the Pekan Market, have a look at the process done in order to make silk at the Royal Pahang Silk Weaving Centre and trek through nature at the Krau Wildlife Centre. Whatever you decide to do, we’re sure you’ll naturally have a great time in Pahang!

A big thank you to Tourism Malaysia for the amazing opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Pahang.