Can't think of a place to go for a perfect day trip out of the city? It's time to discover Sungai Lembing - a historical town located just a short drive away from Kuantan, Pahang.

Read also: Exploring Gua Charas Temple Cave at Panching, Kuantan

Table of Content

1. History of Sungai Lembing
2. Traditional Hakka Chinese Food
3. Pasar Sungai Lembing Local Market
4. Unique Antiques & Treasures
5. Trail to the Rainbow Waterfall
6. Hiking at Bukit Panorama
7. Real Crystals & Gemstones
8. Learn About Sungai Lembing
9. Picnic at the Berkelah Waterfall
10. How to Get to Sungai Lembing

8 Best Attractions in Sungai Lembing, Pahang

8 Best Attractions in Sungai Lembing, Pahang

History of Sungai Lembing

In the past, Sungai Lembing is best known as the world's largest and deepest tin mining town. It has a tunnel spanning 322 kilometres with an approximate depth of 700 meters. The first mining activity took place in 1886 by a British firm known as the Pahang Consolidated Company Limited (PCCL). During the mining days, the company is said to have employed up to 5,000 miners which collectively produced over 4,000 tons of tin a year.

The thriving mining industry has resulted in the development of the relatively small town, equipping them with important facilities such as electricity, schools, hospitals, shops, housing and even entertainment outlets such as a cinema. It is important to note that areas with tin mines in Pahang were  the first places in Old Malaya to receive electricity.

In olden days, the buildings for the rich and wealthy was inaccessible to lower class workers. Outsiders were also prohibited from entering Sungai Lembing, with security checkpoint set up at entries to the town.

While visiting a town that is so rich in culture and history, visitors will have plenty to explore, see, and taste. Listed below are just 8 of the most popular things to do when you drop by this beautiful town!

Traditional Hakka Chinese Food

In the past, Chinese migrants were brought in to be trained as tin miners in this town. They settled here, bringing along their cultures and recipes from the mainland of China. Visitors to the town today are still able to taste the delicious dishes prepared meticulously using recipes that have been passed down from the previous generations. The most popular picks include Hakka Mee, Yong Tau Foo, and crispy coconut biscuits.

Try Traditional Hakka Chinese Food at Sungai Lembing

Pasar Sungai Lembing Local Market

Pasar Sungai Lembing is host to a variety of shopping and dining options which comes with a laid-back, traditional kopitiam vibe. The market gets crowded from the minute it opens till it closes, often packed with curious and hungry visitors from nearby cities who are here for hiking and a quick food adventure. Make sure to come early and grab a table to satisfy all your cravings!

Visit the Pasar Sungai Lembing Local Market

Unique Antiques & Treasures

Sungai Lembing may be a small quaint town, but you can find a variety of unique items here. This includes antiques and equipment from the mining days, vintage clock collections, or even pure copper. There are other cool mineworkers' costumes, furniture and tableware.

Buy Unique Antiques & Timeless Treasures at Sungai Lembing

Trail to the Rainbow Waterfall

Many visitors to Sungai Lembing have one mission in mind: to catch the magical rainbow stretching across the Rainbow Waterfall. However, the rainbow is only visible in the morning before 11am, so be sure to plan your journey ahead to get there in time! The one-hour walk to the waterfall is relatively easy, but requires a little climbing. There are clear and easy-to-follow signs along the way that will lead you to your destination.

Hiking at Bukit Panorama

Besides catching the rainbow, visitors are typically keen to catch the incredible sunrise from the peak of Panorama Hill. To get there, you need to climb a few flights of stairs to the top, which takes approximately 45 minutes depending on your pace. If you are starting your journey early, remember to bring along a torch light to help you with your ascend. To avoid large crowds and congestion, choose to go on a weekday instead!

Read also: Hiking at Bukit Panorama at Sungai Lembing, Kuantan

Hike Up Bukit Panorama at Sungai Lembing

Real Crystals & Gemstones

There are several crystal houses in Sungai Lembing which sell beautiful, shiny crystals taken from the caves of the hills. It is important to find the right type for you, so be sure to let the seller know about your needs when you go crystal-shopping. These semi-rare stones come in all shapes, colours and sizes, and are used for anything from stress to focus.

Buy Real Crystals & Gemstones at Sungai Lembing

Learn About Sungai Lembing

Several events took place in Sungai Lembing, such as a devastating flood in 1926 and the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. As the demand for tin fell across the world in 1986, the operations of the mines in Sungai Lembing were shut down. As a result, 800 miners became unemployed and the mining company suffered financial losses. Despite the small size, this town is steeped in history. Learn about them during your visit!

Discover the History of Sungai Lembing

Picnic at the Berkelah Waterfall

Berkelah features a series of seven beautiful cascading waterfalls, with the highest tier being about 50 metres tall. Located in the direction of Maran about 35 kilometres from Kuantan, it is an ideal destination for swimming, camping or even just a picnic. It is claimed that the name ‘Berkelah’ comes from a type of fish called Ikan Kelah or Mahseer that lives in its river. However, this species is now considered threatened due to the loss of habitat.

How to Get to Sungai Lembing

By Car

The Sungai Lembing town is located about 42 kilometers northwest of Kuantan in the state of Pahang. If you are starting your journey by car from Kuala Lumpur, it takes approximately 4 hours to arrive at your destination using the East Coast Expressway.

By Bus

Alternatively, you can take a bus departing from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur to Terminal Kuantan Sentral located in Bandar Indera Mahkota.Next, hop onto a public bus to reach Anjung Selera Sungai Lembing from Hentian Bas Bandar Kuantan. From there, you can walk to Sungai Lembing that's located 400 meters or 5 minutes away.

Finally, don't forget to immerse yourself in the beauty of this quaint little town!

Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!