Temerloh, the second largest town in Pahang and the center of Peninsular Malaysia, is famous for freshwater fishing, as it rests on the junction of the Pahang and Samantan Rivers. It’s populated with fishing boats and traditional cottages, and along the riverside you’ll find several shops and market stalls. Temerloh has a lively food scene best experienced at a Sunday market, or Pekan Sehari, where you can find dishes made with local fish, particularly patin or river catfish.

The city is also near several forests and national parks with dense vegetation and rich wildlife. Hikers in Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest will discover caves, lush waterfalls, and high hilltops, offering scenic resting places and sightseeing opportunities. If you’re looking to explore a little further afield, the French-themed village of Bukit Tinggi is only a 1.5 hour drive from Temerloh.

Due to its tropical location so close to the equator, Temerloh remains very hot and humid all year round, with little variation. Rain is also common throughout the year, though you’ll see the most rain from October through January. The most pleasant time to visit is from February through April, as temperatures are slightly cooler.

Visit during Ramadan to experience local religious programs and events, and for a chance to experience local food markets decked out with lights and colorful lanterns. Bear in mind that the local Muslim population will fast from sun-up to sun-down during this month-long celebration, making this a good time to check out the local night market culture and enjoy the region’s delicacies after dark. The dates of Ramadan change each year based on the lunar calendar, so be sure to check if you will be visiting during the holiday.

Pekan Sehari Temerloh

Every Sunday, the riverside shores of Pahang are populated by vendors selling locally caught fish and fresh produce, as well as various handmade goods, including colorful Batik sarongs, carved wooden souvenirs, and herbal teas. Fishermen and crafters from different cities around Temerloh come by riverboat to set up shop on Pekan Sehari. Here you can sample tasty local food, like satar, a paste of fish, coconut, lemongrass, and chilies wrapped in banana leaves, or curried and fried fish puffs.

Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest

Gunung Senyum Recreational Forest provides an escape into the wilderness, where you can learn about the fascinating limestone caves that are found here. Some of the caves are home to rare and diverse species of tree or contain interesting rock formations, while others have a deep connection to the Muslim relgion as passages of the Quran are carved in to the walls. Many of the caves can be viewed from the outside, but only three are open for visitors to explore. The forest also provides hiking trails through the scenic landscapes, where you can view rare plant and tree species that populate the landscape of this forest such as a variety of mosses.

Taman Tasik Bandar Park

This tranquil oasis just off the main drag in town is a great place to take a stroll or a jog around the picturesque lake or have a picnic at one of the covered seating areas. Paths surrounded by lush vegetation will make you feel like you’re miles outside of the city, and there are playgrounds for kids, free exercise equipment to use, and a small amphitheater and stage for events within the park.