Pahang, covering about 35,960 sq. km (22,475 sq. miles) of mostly inland forests, is the largest state on peninsular Malaysia. Travelers come to Pahang's east coast resorts for the long sandy beaches, which stretch all the way up the east coast along the South China Sea. Jungle forests promise adventures in trekking, climbing, and river rafting. In fact, much of Taman Negara, Malaysia's main peninsular national forest preserve, is in this state, although most people access the forest through Kuala Lumpur. Kuantan, although it's the capital, doesn't have the feel of a big city; however with the recent construction of a few big shopping malls, there's more choice for entertainment, shopping, and fast food. If you're staying at the beach at Telok Chempedak, 5km (3 miles) north of Kuantan, the atmosphere is even more relaxed.
Here's an interesting piece of trivia: Kuantan has the highest property values in the country, higher than the capital city and cosmopolitan Penang. Why? The discovery of offshore oil reserves means all the big oil companies have operations in this region, and I can assure you, their executives ain't livin' in no wooden bungalows on stilts.
