Eastern Region

The states of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu make up the Eastern region. Kelantan and Terengganu are very different from the other states in the peninsula. Both these states have a strong old-world character. Kelantan is often referred to as the cradle of Malay culture and has strong Thai elements. The main economic activities are fishing, agriculture and cottage industries with Kelantan being famous for its crafts, cloth weaving and silverware. Terengganu is noted for its fishing villages and its long, sandy beaches and unspoilt coral islands. Traditional recreational pursuits like kite-flying and top spinning are still very much living pastimes in both Kelantan and Terengganu. The state of Pahang offers a vast expanse of tropical rainforests, idyllic islands and the highest mountain on the peninsula. Pahang's rugged interior has some fascinating flora and fauna in its nature reserves.

History of Kelantan - The cradle of Malay culture

One of the northernmost states in Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan has an area of 14,920sq km. It borders Thailand in the north-east, Perak in the west, Terengganu in the east and Pahang in the south. Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan and the main towns are Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah, Tumpat and Gua Musang. Kelantan is a unique travel destination because of its splendid beaches, rich cultural heritage, ornate handicrafts and wood carvings. The Kelantanese seem to favour huge items and everything is big from the kites to the tops and the drums known as Rebana Ubi.

Kelantan adventures

Mountain Climbing
- Mount Stong (1422m)
- Mount Chamah (2171m)

Caving
- Ikan Cave, Kuala Krai

Terengganu - Beach Paradise
Terengganu was formally established as a state in 1724. Occupying 12,955sq km with a population of over a million, Terengganu Darul Iman has Kelantan on its north border and Pahang in the south and south west. This land of long sandy beaches has a coastline of 240km facing the South China Sea and fishing is the primary occupation. The capital town is Kuala Terengganu. Like Kelantan to the north, Terengganu is one of the states with a strong Malay culture and traditional pursuits such as kite flying, top spinning and batik printing are some of the activities it shares in common with Kelantan. Terengganu is a paradise for beach combers as its main attractions are its beaches, turtles and unspoilt islands. The most beautiful islands along its shores are the Perhentian Islands where the water is a clear blue! An appreciation for the state is best through the eyes of nature lovers.

Terengganu adventures

Jungle Trekking
- Kenyir Lake (Freshwater swamp forest)

Caving
- Taat Cave, Tasik Kenyir
- Bewah Cave, Tasik Kenyir

Angling
- Kenyir Lake (Freshwater Fish)

Scuba Diving
- Perhentian Island
- Redang Island
- Tenggol Island
- Kapas Island

Pahang - Adventure Off the Beaten Track

Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia with an area of 35,960sq km and a coastline of 208km on the east coast. The port of Kuantan is the capital and Pekan some 45km from Kuantan is the Royal Town. The state has a population of more than a million people. It lays claim to having Peninsular Malaysia's longest river, the Sungai Pahang, and its highest peak, the 2,187-metre high Gunung Tahan. The largest state also holds the most adventures:

Pahang adventures

Mountain Climbing
- Mount Tahan, Taman Negara (2187m)
- Mount Gagau, Taman Negara (1376m)
- Mount Brinchang, Cameron Highlands (2032m)
- Mount Berembun, Cameron Highlands (2075m)
- Mount Jasar, Cameron Highlands(1696m)
- Mount Perdah, Cameron Highlands (1529m) 

Jungle Trekking
- Cameron Highlands (Highland and montane rainforest)
- Taman Negara (Lowland and hill rainforest)
- Chini Lake (Freshwater swamp forest)
- Bera Lake (Freshwater swamp forest)
- Genting Highlands (Highland rainforest)
- Fraser's Hill (Highland rainforest) 

Bird Watching
- Cameron Highlands (Montane forest)
- Genting Highlands (Montane forest)
- Taman Negara (Lowland rainforest)
- Fraser's Hill (Montane forest)

Caving
- Daun Menari, Taman Negara
- Luas Cave, Taman Negara
- Telinga Cave, Taman Negara 

White Water Rafting
- Jeram Besu
- Lipis River
- Telom River
- Tembeling River, Taman Negara

Angling
- Chini Lake (Freshwater Fish)
- Bera Lake (Freshwater Fish)
- Upper Endau River (Freshwater Fish)
- Kuala Koh, Taman Negara (Freshwater Fish)
- Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara (Freshwater Fish)
- Tioman Island (Sea Fishing)

Scuba Diving
- Tioman Island

Customised from Malaysia Travel Manual - Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism