1910: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LOUIS JAMES FRASER

The "disappearance" of Louis James Fraser in 1910 is one of Malaysia’s most enduring colonial-era mysteries—though modern research suggests it may be more of a "myth" than a "mystery."

Fraser was a Scottish trader and prospector who established a tin-mining operation and an opium/gambling den in the Titiwangsa Mountains in the 1890s. The area eventually became the hill station we know today as Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser).

The Classic Legend (The Mystery)

For over a century, the story went like this:

• In 1910, Louis James Fraser supposedly vanished without a trace while walking in the dense jungle surrounding his mining camp.
• In 1917, the Bishop of Singapore, C.J. Ferguson-Davie, led a search party to find him. While they never found Fraser, they were so captivated by the cool climate and beauty of the area that they recommended it be developed into a hill station.
• Because he was never found, rumors flourished: some said he was killed by tigers, others whispered he had fallen into a hidden ravine, and local legends even suggested supernatural involvement.

The Modern Reality (The Reveal)

Historical research conducted by naturalist Richard Hale in 2019 effectively debunked the vanishing act:

• He didn't disappear: Fraser actually retired and left the Malay Peninsula in 1910.
• He died in Europe: Records show that he returned to Great Britain and later died of natural causes in Salzburg, Austria, in 1916 (some records say 1906, but 1916 is more widely cited in the context of his retirement).
• The "Search": When the Bishop went looking for him in 1917, Fraser wasn't "missing" in the jungle; he simply wasn't there anymore because he had moved back to Europe years prior.

Pop Culture Influence

The legend remains so popular that it recently inspired a Malaysian historical horror film titled Misteri Fraser 1910 (released in June 2025). The movie leans into the supernatural theories, blending 50% historical fact with 50% fiction to explain his disappearance through a more "mystical" lens.

SUPERNATURAL SIDE OF HIS DISAPPEARANCE

While history now points to a quiet retirement in Europe, the supernatural lore surrounding Louis James Fraser’s disappearance is far more colorful. In local Malaysian folklore, his story is often treated as the colonial version of a "missing in the jungle" trope, blending Victorian mystery with ancient Malay mysticism.

Here are the primary supernatural theories and legends:

1. The Orang Bunian (The Hidden People)

The most popular local theory is that Fraser was "taken" by the Orang Bunian. In Malay mythology, these are supernatural beings (often compared to elves or fae) who live in a parallel dimension within the deep forests.

• The Trap: Legend says that if a traveler is lured by a beautiful fragrance (like jasmine) or the sound of distant music in the mountains, they may inadvertently step into the Bunian realm.
• Time Dilation: It is said that a day in the Bunian world can be years in our world. Believers suggest Fraser may have wandered into one of their "hidden cities" and simply never found his way back, or chose to stay.

2. The "Curse" of the Opium Den

Historical records mention that Fraser ran a notorious opium and gambling den at his camp. Supernatural enthusiasts often claim that the "dark energy" of this business—fueled by addiction and despair—led to a spiritual curse.

• The theory suggests that the spirits of the mountains (penunggu) were offended by the vices he brought to the pristine highlands, eventually "claiming" him as punishment.

3. The "Tiger-Spirit" (Harimau Jadian)

Before the debunking of his disappearance, a common theory was that he was taken by a tiger. However, local mountain folk whispered about the Harimau Jadian (were-tiger).

• Unlike a normal predator, a were-tiger is a shamanic spirit that guards the forest. If Fraser disturbed sacred ground while prospecting for tin, the legend says the guardian of the hill took him to ensure he would never mine there again.

4. Ghostly Sightings at the Bungalows

Fraser’s Hill is widely considered one of the most haunted places in Malaysia.

• The Lone Walker: Hikers on the Bishop Trail (named after the man who searched for him) have occasionally reported seeing a solitary figure in colonial-era clothing walking through the mist, only for the figure to vanish when approached.
• The "Misteri Fraser 1910" Influence: The 2025 horror film Misteri Fraser 1910 has popularized a new theory: that Fraser discovered something "not of this world" while mining for tin, leading to a haunting that affected his trusted staff, Asan and Wati, who moved into his bungalow after he vanished.

The Reality Check

While these stories are thrilling, they were largely fueled by the fact that the British search party in 1917 found his camp fully intact but abandoned. Finding a man's home filled with his personal belongings but no sign of the man himself is the perfect recipe for a ghost story.

Google Gemini AI

24 January 2026: 10.26 p.m

THE LEGEND OF THE DRAGON OF TASIK CHINI, PAHANG

The "Dragon of Lake Chini" (or Naga Seri Gumum) is one of Malaysia's most enduring and captivating mysteries. Located in Pahang, Tasik Chini is the country's second-largest natural freshwater lake, and its folklore blends ancient tribal myths with whispers of a lost civilization.

Here is a breakdown of the legends, sightings, and the history behind the mystery.

1. The Legend of the Dragon

According to the folklore of the Jakun people (the local Orang Asli tribe), the lake was not always there.

• The Forbidden Stick: The legend tells of a group of Jakun people clearing land for crops. An old woman appeared, claiming the land was hers, and planted her walking stick in the ground, warning them never to pull it out.
• The Gushing Blood: Later, the people were alerted by a barking dog to a "log" at the edge of the clearing. When they struck it with their dibble sticks, blood spurted out.
• The Flood: In the ensuing panic, someone knocked over the old woman's walking stick. Water gushed from the hole, flooding the valley for years to create the lake. The "log" they had wounded was revealed to be a dragon named Naga Seri Gumum, who became the guardian of the lake.

2. The Lost Khmer City

The mystery deepens with the theory that a sunken Khmer city lies at the bottom of the lake.

• Archaeological Clues: Divers and historians have found pieces of ancient porcelain and pottery in the area.
• The Pyramids: There are seven "pyramid-like" hills surrounding the lake. While geologists suggest they are natural, local legend claims they were part of an ancient empire from the 12th century when the Khmer Empire extended into the Malay Peninsula.
• The Guardian: Many believe the dragon isn't just a monster but a protector of the sunken city’s treasures.

3. Real-World Sightings

While often called the "Loch Ness Monster of Malaysia," there have been documented reports that fueled the mystery:

• 1959 Sighting: Arthur Potter, a British engineer, reported seeing a dragon-like creature in the lake. His account was so detailed it earned him the local nickname "Dragonwick."
• 1980s Sightings: Several villagers and a tour boat driver claimed to have seen a creature "as thick as a drum barrel" swimming in the water.
• The "Dragon Movie": The legend was so popular that in 1966, a Malay film titled Naga Tasek Chini was made, cementing the creature in national pop culture.

4. Scientific Explanations

Modern skeptics and scientists offer more "earthly" explanations for what people might be seeing:

• Giant Pythons: Reticulated pythons in the region can grow to immense sizes. A large python swimming with its head above water could easily be mistaken for a "naga."
• Large Catfish or Fish: Some believe the sightings are actually of giant freshwater fish, like the Ikan Tapah (Wallago attu), which can reach lengths of nearly 2 meters.
• Rotting Logs: The lake is filled with submerged timber; gas releases can sometimes cause old logs to bob or move suddenly on the surface.

The Mystery Today

Today, the real mystery of Lake Chini is its survival. The lake has faced significant ecological challenges due to mining and logging, which once threatened the blooming of its famous Sacred Lotus flowers. Conservation efforts are now underway to restore the lake to its former mystical glory.

ARTHUR POTTER SIGHTING

The 1959 sighting by Arthur Potter is the most frequently cited modern account of the "Dragon of Lake Chini." It transformed the ancient legend of Naga Seri Gumum into a contemporary cryptid mystery.

According to documented accounts:

The Encounter

• The Date: May 1959.
• The Witnesses: Arthur Potter, a British engineer, was not alone during the event. He was accompanied by his clerk, Baharuddin, and two laborers named Lajan and Malik.
• The Sighting: While on a boat at night, the group reported hearing a "creaking" sound. A large, dragon-like creature emerged from the water and reportedly peered into their boat. Potter described the creature as having glowing red eyes.

The Action Taken

According to some reports of the encounter, Potter was so startled by the creature's proximity that he fired several shots at it. The creature was spooked by the gunfire and swam away at high speed, disappearing into the depths of the lake.

The Aftermath

• The Nickname: Following the incident, Arthur Potter became widely known by the nickname "Dragonwick."
• Legacy: His account is often compared to sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, sparking decades of curiosity from researchers, explorers (such as Stewart Wavell in the 1960s), and tourists.

ARCHAELOGICAL SEARCH

The legend of the "sunken city" at Lake Chini is a captivating mix of history and folklore that suggests the lake was once the site of an ancient Khmer settlement, predating its current form as a body of water.

The Historical Theory

Archaeologists and historians have long speculated that a Khmer city existed in the area between the 12th and 15th centuries, during an era when the Khmer Empire's influence extended deep into the Malay Peninsula.

• The "7 Pyramids": In 2007, national interest was piqued by seven "pyramid-like" hills near the lake. While they look like natural formations to the untrained eye, some researchers believe they are man-made structures—possibly temples or fortifications—that have been reclaimed by the jungle and soil over centuries.
• Khmer Linguistic Links: Linguists have noted that the local Jakun (Orang Asli) language contains words with Khmer roots. Even the name "Chini" is thought to be derived from a Khmer word for "monkey" or "place of monkeys."

The 1998 Expedition

The most significant formal search took place in 1998, led by Professor Datuk Dr. Nik Hassan Shuhaimi of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

• Findings: The team discovered shards of porcelain and pottery in the surrounding area, which were dated back to the peak of the Khmer Empire.
• The Setback: During the expedition, the team attempted to drain a small section of the lake to inspect a "rocky base" believed to be a man-made wall. However, the mud and sediment collapsed before they could clear it. Due to a lack of funding and the extreme difficulty of excavating a swampy, sediment-heavy lake bed, the project was eventually halted.

The Legend of the Fall

Folklore provides a "magical" explanation for how the city sank. Local Jakun legend tells of an old woman who planted a walking stick to mark her land. When a group of men accidentally uprooted it, water gushed from the hole for years, flooding the city and creating the 12 interconnected lakes of Tasik Chini.

Today, it is said that when the water is clear and the level is low, one can occasionally see the tips of ancient walls and trees beneath the surface. While modern technology like LiDAR (which found "lost cities" in Cambodia) has not yet been fully deployed at Lake Chini, the site remains one of Malaysia's greatest archaeological "what-ifs."

Further Readings:

1. Juice online: Lost Khmer City or Alien Civilisation? Exploring The Mystery of Pahang's 7 Pyramids.
2. Camdodian Information Centre: Lost City of Khmer Empire - Tasik Chini

 Google Gemini AI

22 January 2026: 10.42 a.m

PAHANG : GUA KOTA GELANGGI, JERANTUT

The mystery of Kota Gelanggi in Jerantut, Pahang, is a fascinating blend of prehistoric archaeology, folklore, and historical debate. While it is a popular destination for eco-adventurers today, its "mystery" stems from three main perspectives: the legend of a cursed kingdom, its identity as a possible "Lost City," and its actual prehistoric importance.

1. The Legend of Sang Kelembai

The most famous mystery surrounding the caves is the Sumpahan Sang Kelembai (The Curse of Sang Kelembai).

• The Myth: Local folklore tells of a giantess or supernatural being named Sang Kelembai who had the power to turn anything she spoke to into stone.
• The Cursed Kingdom: It is said that Kota Gelanggi was once a thriving kingdom. During a great royal wedding or a fierce battle (depending on the version), Sang Kelembai "greeted" the city, instantly petrifying the people, animals, and buildings.
• Visual Evidence: Visitors often point to rock formations that eerily resemble human figures, wedding altars (pelamin), and animals like elephants and turtles as proof of this ancient curse.

2. The "Lost City" Debate

There is a long-standing historical debate about whether Kota Gelanggi is the "Lost City" mentioned in the Malay Annals (Sulalatus Salatin).

• Ganggayu: The annals mention a great city of black stone called Ganggayu (or Klang Kio), which was conquered by Raja Suran.
• The Confusion: In 2005, researcher Raimy Che-Ross sparked a national sensation by claiming he had found this lost city in the jungles of Johor. However, many locals and some historians argue that the "Kota Gelanggi" in Pahang is the true site of that ancient civilization, given its name and massive, fortress-like limestone walls.
• Status: While no massive "Angkor Wat-style" ruins have been found in the Pahang jungle, the sheer scale of the limestone complex makes it easy to see why ancient travelers might have described it as a "city of stone."

3. Prehistoric Secrets

Beyond the myths, the caves hold real, scientific mysteries about early human life in the Malay Peninsula.

• Age: The limestone complex is estimated to be around 130 to 150 million years old.
• Archaeological Finds: Excavations have uncovered artifacts dating back to the Hoabinhian (Mesolithic) and Neolithic periods. These include:
• Stone tools and pottery shards.
• Prehistoric human remains.
• Evidence of continuous habitation for thousands of years.

4. Notable "Kotas" (Caves) within the Complex

Each cave in the complex is referred to as a "Kota" (City/Fort) due to its vast, room-like structures:

Cave Name	Key Features / Mystery
Gua Balai	Resembles a grand audience hall, believed to be a meeting place for ancient warriors.
Gua Sanding	Contains formations resembling a Malay wedding dais (pelamin)
Gua Tongkat	Known for a massive stalactite that looks like a walking stick supporting the roof.
Gua Terang Bulan	Features unique lighting effects from natural opening in the ceiling.

What to explore next?

The mystery of Kota Gelanggi is best experienced in person, but it can be dangerous to explore alone due to the labyrinthine nature of the 100+ caves.

ARCHAELOGICAL EXCAVATIONS

The archaeological excavations at Kota Gelanggi in Jerantut, Pahang, have provided significant evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The artifacts found suggest that these caves were used as shelters, burial sites, and ritual centers.

Key archaeological findings include:

• Stone Tools (Hoabinhian Culture): Numerous stone tools, such as pebble tools and grindstones, have been discovered. These artifacts date back to the Mesolithic period (roughly 3,000 to 10,000 years ago) and indicate that early hunter-gatherers utilized the caves for processing food and crafting.
• Neolithic Pottery: Shards of decorated and plain pottery have been unearthed, showing the transition to more settled Neolithic communities. Some of these ceramics feature cord-marked patterns common in ancient Southeast Asian sites.
• Human Remains: Skeletal remains and bone fragments have been found in several "Kotas" (caves), suggesting the area served as a prehistoric burial ground.
• Food Refuse (Kitchen Middens): Large deposits of shells (freshwater snails) and animal bones provide insight into the diet of the prehistoric inhabitants, showing they relied heavily on the surrounding river systems and jungle for sustenance.
• Metal Age Artifacts: Some excavations have revealed iron tools and bronze fragments, indicating that the caves continued to be significant through the Metal Age.

These findings support the theory that Kota Gelanggi was a major inland hub for ancient populations in the Malay Peninsula long before the rise of known Malay sultanates.

Google Gemini AI

21 January 2026: 4.34 p.m

PAHANG FOLKLORE: WALINONG SARI

The legend of Walinong Sari is one of Pahang’s most cherished folktales, centering on a princess from the ancient kingdom of Inderapura (modern-day Pekan). She is celebrated not just for her legendary beauty, but as a formidable warrior who mastered the art of silat.

The Legend of the Warrior Princess

The Untouchable Fighter: Puteri Walinong Sari was the daughter of the Bendahara (or King, depending on the version) of Inderapura. She was exceptionally skilled in weaponry, particularly the spear and sword. To maintain her modesty and dignity as a royal, she famously wore a veil (tudung) during her martial arts matches. She vowed that she would only marry a man who could defeat her in a duel—a feat no mortal man could achieve.

The Celestial Encounter : Word of her prowess reached Raja Mambang Segara, a celestial prince who lived atop Mount Tahan (the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia). Intrigued, he descended from the mountain disguised as an "ugly" or "poor" commoner to test her skills himself.

The Three-Day Duel: The disguised prince challenged the princess to a silat match. The duel was so evenly matched that it lasted for three days and three nights. On the final day, in the heat of combat, Walinong Sari’s veil fell off, exposing her radiant beauty.

• The Reaction: Raja Mambang Segara was so stunned by her face that he instantly fainted.
• The Reveal: As the princess and her attendants tended to him, his disguise washed away, revealing his true, handsome celestial form. The two instantly fell in love.

The Tragic Separation : The union was short-lived. From the heavens, the prince's father (Raja Laksamana Petir) was enraged that his son, a celestial being, had been "defeated" or shown weakness before a mortal. He unleashed a massive storm of thunder and lightning, and when the clouds cleared, Raja Mambang Segara had been snatched back to the spirit world.

The Search for Mount Tahan: Heartbroken, Walinong Sari later had a dream where a wise man revealed her lover’s true identity. The next morning, she disappeared from the palace to find him at Mount Tahan. Legend says she never returned, with some believing she became a guardian spirit of the mountain.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

• Folk Song: The legend is immortalized in the hauntingly beautiful Pahang folk song "Walinong Sari". It has been covered by famous Malaysian artists, most notably Siti Nurhaliza and Rafeah Buang.
• Symbol of Empowerment: Unlike many "damsel in distress" fairytales, Walinong Sari is celebrated as a Srikandi (heroine) who defined her own destiny through skill and strength.
• Modern Media: In recent years, her story has been adapted into award-winning animated short films and digital projects to preserve the heritage for younger generations.

Key Figures in the Story

• Walinong Sari : Warrior Princess of Inderapura, master of Silat.
• Raja Mambang Segara : Celestial Prince of Mount Tahan who fought her in disguise.
• Raja Laksamana Petir  : The King of Lightning who separated the lovers.
• Mount Tahan : The mystical setting where the prince resided and where the princess eventually vanished.

Google Gemini AI

20 January 2026: 9.36 p.m

HOTEL MEMORIES (PAHANG)

18.7.1998: SELESA HILL HOMES, BUKIT TINGGI, PAHANG

A wonderful trip back to 1998, captures a specific era of Malaysian family holidays.  Selesa Hillhome was, and remains, a beloved getaway for many families seeking the cool mountain air of Bukit Tinggi without the intense crowds of Genting Highlands.

This picture was taken during a CJ Management and Consultants staff vacation in 1998.

18.2.2001: GENTING VIEW RESORT

On 18 February 2001 I attended a meeting at Genting View Resort located in Genting Highland, Pahang. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Genting View Resort is 43 minutes and the travel distance is 40.9 km.

Genting Highland is a hill station located on the peak of Mount Ulu Kali in the Titiwangsa Mountains, central Peninsular Malaysia. 

Genting Highland was established in 1965 by the late Malaysian businessman Lim Goh Tong. 

25-27 MAY 2002: AWANA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORTS, GENTING HIGHLANDS

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia held the ISO Training for staffs and members from 25 to27 May 2002 at Awana Golf & Country Resorts, Genting Highlands. 

In 2002, the engineering world was in the midst of a major transition to the ISO 9001:2000 standard. As a professional body, IEM was likely training its members of staff to align with these new global standards to ensure Malaysian engineering remained competitive. 

The Awana Golf & Country Resort is now known as Resorts World Awama, at 3,100 feet above sea level, was a favourite spot for "residential trainings" like this because of the cool weather (usually 16-24 degrees) kept everyone fresh during long seminar hours.  

11 MAY 2007: GENTING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

The site visit to Genting International Convention Centre is part of 16th Southeast Asian Geotechnical Conference (16th SEAGC) held at Subang Sheraton Hotel & Tower from 8-11 May 2007.

The GICC located 6,000 feet above sea level as part of the Resorts World Genting. 

25 APRIL 2012: HOTEL KRISTAL, BENTONG, PAHANG

During the Health Screening Program at SMK Bentong on 25 April 2012, my colleagues and I stayed at Hotel Kristal, Bentong, Pahang.

Located at Jalan Chan Siang, right behind the KFC in town and is just a short walk from Bentong Walk Night Market.

6 OCTOBER 2013: ISSORIA HOTEL, BANDAR TUN RAZAK, PAHANG

The hotel located at Bandar Jengka, Bandar Tun Razak, Pahang has been in business for many years. It is a budget-friendly hotel with strategic location and conveniet for visitors to the area, including those visiting nearby Universiti Teknologi MARA. 

During the Health Screening Program at Kampung Sungai Jerik, Jengka, Pahang, my colleagues and I stayed at this hotel. 

12.6.2013: HOTEL SRI JAYA, MARAN, PAHANG

A simple, basic and budget-friendly place with free WiFi and hot shower. It is strategically located near the main road of Sri Jaya. We stayed at this hotel during our Health Program at Kg.Sri Jaya at Maran, Pahang.

10.5.2014: VILLA RENGIT, INSTITUT BIODIVERSITI, LANCHANG, PAHANG

During the Health Screening Program at Kg. Bolok Hulu Sokmik at Lanchang, Pahang on 10 May 2014, we stayed at the Villa Rengit located at the Institut Biodiversiti, Bukit Rengit, Lanchang, Pahang. 

The Villa is situated within the Institute's grounds. The Institut Biodiversiti is a training centre for staff of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). It is nearby the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre and the Krau Wildlife Reserve. 

SEASON VIEW HOTEL, KUANTAN, PAHANG

Located at Lorong Haji Abdul Rahman 1, an active hotel that still hosts events as 2015. My colleagues and I stayed at this hotel during programs at Kuantan Parade in 2014 and 2017.

2014: SEASON VIEW HOTEL

2017 - SEASON VIEW HOTEL

17.5.2015: HOMESTAY AT KG. SOKMIK BOLOK HULU, LANCHANG, PAHANG

This homestay located at Kg.Sokmek, Bolok Hulu, Lanchang,Pahang, popular for outdoor activities such as visiting the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary and the nearby Deer Park. Other homestays in the surrounding area include Inap D'Kebun dan Mutiara Homestay Bolok. 

We stayed at this program during our Health Program at FELDA Lakum at Lanchang, Pahang. 

13.11.2016: EV WORLD HOTEL, MENTAKAB, PAHANG

My colleagues and I stayed at EV World Hotel in Mentakab during the Health Program at Taman Saga Indah in Mentakab on 13 November 2016. 

The hotel located at Jalan Orkid,Kampung Catin, Mentakab, Pahang, strategically located in the town. 

23.7.2016: HOTEL GAMBANG SELESA VIEW, GAMBANG, PAHANG

The hotel located at Jalan Bandar 3, Gambang, Pahang is the hotel that my colleagues and I had stayed during our event at SJK (Cina) Gambang on 24 July 2016. 

3 JULY 2018: THE V HOTEL, KUANTAN, PAHANG

The Hotel located at Jalan Haji Abdul Rahman, just a short walk to Kuantan Parade and the famous Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque in Kuantan. We stay at this hotel during our event at Kuantan Parade from 4-8 July 2018.

AUGUST 2018: BB INN & PERUMAHAN MAKMUR, CAMERON HIGHLANDS,PAHANG

During our events at Kg. Pos Brooke Lama at Gua Musang, Kelantan, we stayed overnight at the BB Inn and the Perumahan Makmur at Cameron Highlands. 

Pahang is widely considered worth visiting due to its incredible natural diversity, offering a unique blend of ancient rainforests, cool highlands, and pristine beaches and islands. It caters to a wide range of interests, from nature enthusiasts to adventure seekers and those looking for relaxation.

Compiled by:

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

20 December 2025: 11.02 p.m

PAHANG > OTHER DISTRICTS

BY HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

15 MAY 2024

There are several other districts in Pahang that I have been to, most of these places I just pass by or stop for a while just to eat and drink or buy necessities along the way.

1987 - PULAU TIOMAN

Pulau Tioman is an island that we often visit while on duty with the Royal Malaysian Navy ship KD Panah based in Kuantan, Pahang.

Pulau Tioman is one of Malaysia’s most famous islands, located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, in the South China Sea. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, clear waters, lush rainforests, and vibrant marine life. 

We will rest in Tioman Island after a few days of patrolling in the South China Sea.

One of the few islands on the east coast of Malaysia that's popular with Westeners, Pulau Tioman has a reputation of being to party and dive. Located 32 km off the east coast of Rompin District, Pahang, it is 39 km long and 12 km wide and has seven villages. 

The island is accessed via ferry service from the coast town of Mersing and Teluk Gading as well as by air. 

24 APRIL 2012 - R&R GENTING SEMPAH, PAHANG

Genting Sempah is a transit town and also a mountain pass a border of Pahang and Selangor. Mostly know as a transit point to Genting Highlands. For me this is one of the best RnR with various foods the place is cleaned. 

Janda Baik is just nearby, the best place to stay on weekend. Escapes from the city and stay in a village. 

12 OCTOBER 2012 : KUALA LIPIS, PAHANG

We only passed through Kuala Lipis on our way to Kota Bharu, Kelantan in 2012 before the construction of the East Coast Highway.

Kuala Lipis is a mukim and capital of Lipis District, Pahang with population of 20,000. 

Kuala Lipis was a gold-mining centre before the British arrived in 1887. In 1898, it became the capital of Pahang during the British-Administered Federated Malay States. However, in August 1955, the state capital was shifted to Kuantan,Pahang. 

14 OCTOBER 2012 - HULU DONG, PAHANG

Hulu Dong or Ulu Dong is a mukim in Raub District, Pahang. Hulu Dong became widely known in 1993 when the story of the gruesome murder murder of Batu Talam state Assemblyman Datuk Mazlan Idris between July 2 and 3 1993, was among Malaysia's most heinous crimes of the decade. 

Mazlan's murder was orchestrated by former pop-singer turned bomoh Maznah Ismail alias Mona Fandey and her husband, Nor Affendy Abdul Rahman, and helped by their assistant Juraimi Husin. Mazlan's body was dismembered into 18 parts and buried in an uncompleted house on a property owned by Mazlan in Kampung Lata Jarum, Hulu Dong, Raub, Pahang. Mona, Affandy and Juraimi was hanged in the early morning of 2 November 2001 at Kajang Prison. 

Reference:

NST : The gruesome tale of Mona Fandey

My friend and I once stopped at Hulu Dong on our way back from Kota Bharu, Kelantan to Kuala Lumpur after completing the Health Screening Program in Ketereh on 13 October 2012. We stopped for lunch at Patin Sangkar, Hulu Dong, Raub, Pahang.

SMK Dong, Raub, Pahang, is where my late uncle, Cikgu Win Bin Yasin, used to be the Headmaster. In the 70s, we used to spend the night at his house, which is located inside this school compound.

KARAK HIGHWAY

Karak Highway is famously known in Malaysia as the most haunted highway in Malaysia and in the world (refer Wikipedia). Rumors has it that the highway is filled with urban legends and strange accidents on the same particular place. Opened to traffic back in 1977, the interstate highway was constructed to provide road users with an alternative route when travelling on Federal route 68, or Jalan Gombak. 

This route is frequently used by us to reach the East Coast. As long as we go through this route, no strange things ever happen to us, maybe because we pass through this route during the day, rarely at night.

Famous Ghost Stories / Urban Legends

• The Yellow Volkswagen (VW) Beetle: One of the most talked‑about legends is of a yellow VW Beetle that appears out of nowhere at night. It drives slowly in front of travelers — and no matter how many times you pass it, it keeps reappearing ahead of you. Some versions say there’s no driver at all when you look inside. 
• Lost Schoolboy:Several stories talk about seeing a young boy in a school uniform walking along the roadside late at night, sometimes asking if you’ve seen his mother. According to legend, he and his mom died in a crash on the highway, and he’s eternally searching for her. 
• Pontianak / Woman in White:Some tales include sightings of a Pontianak — a well‑known Malay ghost of a woman who died in childbirth. She might appear by the road asking for a lift or hovering near cars at night. 
• Other Odd Encounters:There are also whispers of phantom figures crossing the road, unexplained shadows in mirrors, headlights flickering without source, and overall eerie feelings reported by late‑night drivers.

LEBUHRAYA PANTAI TIMUR (LPT)

Lebuhraya Pantai Timur or The East Coast Expressway is an interstate controlled-access highway running parallel to the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. 

Phase 1 (Karak-Jabor > 2001-2004) - opened on 1 August 2004

Phase 2 (Jabor - Kuala Terengganu > 2003-2015 ) - Opened on 31 January 2015.

Phase 3 (Kelantan) : Kuala Nerus to Kota Bharu

Phase 4 (Pahang and Johor) : Gambang to Johor Bahru.

TEMERLOH

Temerloh is a town located at the junction of the Semantan River and the Pahang River. The Temerloh District was created on 1 July 1889 with E.A. Wise appointed as the first "Collector and Judge". The position was later renamed "District Officer". W.L. Conlay was the first Temerloh District Officer in 1898.

(See Wikipedia)

I attended a Program Coordination meeting with members of the Temerloh District Youth Council held at McDonald's, Temerloh on 27 October 2016.

My best memories of Pahang....

Home to the famous Taman Negara (National Park) and the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Most of Pahang's land area is covered by wide stretches of ancient rainforests and beautiful national parks, that houses the longest mountain range and tallest mountain in West Malaysia, Gunung Tahan. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

16 May 2024 > 8 Zulkaedah 1445H: 19,17 p.m