pahang tourism tax

Pahang Govt Wants to Implement ‘Bed Tax’ For Tourists Who Stay in Hotels Starting 2020

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It looks like the Barisan Nasional Pahang state government is looking to add a bed tax to the accommodations there! Tourism, Environment and Plantations Committee chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said that there are about 35,000 hotel rooms in the state, and this new tax will increase their revenue.

Source: agoda

This bed tax is expected to start in 2020, and will only be levied on tourists that visit the state and are looking to book a room to stay. Although the rate has not been confirmed, Mohd Sharkar stressed that the amount would not be very high and would probably be around RM2, RM3 or RM5. 

He said that as many as 8.3 million tourists visited Bentong last year and Pahang is becoming a popular tourist destination, Sinar Harian reported. Meanwhile, Kuantan had the second-highest number of visitors, coming in at 2.4 million and Cameron Highlands welcomed 1.4 million tourists.

Source: booking. Com

He added that Bentong had the highest number because many tourists liked to visit Genting Highlands, Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik for their cool air and nature-themed resorts. These statistics were based on the tourists that had stayed in any of the hotels or homestays in the state, and the number would increase significantly if they accounted for day-trippers as well.

Mohd Sharkar explained that Pahang was a good tourist destination thanks to its access points that allow travellers to enter and exit the state easily. Now, he says that the Pahang state government wants to introduce the bed tax, which is similar to the RM2 heritage charge that is levied in Melaka. He added that Penang and Melaka have similar taxes as well.

What do you think of this tax? Let us know in the comments!

Also read: Flying Out Of Malaysia Will Cost You Departure Tax Of Up To RM150 Starting 1st September

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Mutiara Taman Negara

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The East Coast Economic Region (ECER)

The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) is a people-centric socio-economic development initiative created by the Malaysian Government. The ECER covers the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor. Encompassing an area of over 67,742 square kms, approximately half of the size of Peninsular Malaysia, the ECER’s primary mission is to spur the region’s growth towards becoming a developed nation by the year 2020.

This vision is set to be achieved by accelerating the transformation of the region into a major international tourism destination, an exporter of Malaysia’s resources-based and manufactured products, as well as a vital trading, infrastructure and logistics hub.

In order to ensure the success of the ECER, the Government will focus on developing the economic sector on a cluster basis under the five major economic thrusts. The five key clusters have been identified to move the region’s economies up the value chain are: tourism; oil, gas and petrochemical; manufacturing; agriculture and education. The four key enablers identified to support development and attract investment to the region include transport, infrastructure, real estate and the initiatives as outlined in the ECER Master Plan within the next 12 years.

For companies to be eligible for the special ECER package of incentives, projects have to be duly approved by the ECER Development Council. The incentives only apply to projects which are operational before December 31, 2015.

The incentives are tailored to the needs of the five economic clusters which are tourism, petrochemicals, manufacturing, education and agriculture.

Tourism operators, for example, can qualify for 100% tax exemption by bringing in 500 or more foreign tourists a year to the ECER area or organising tourism packages for 1,200 and more local tourists a year.

Many investors can qualify for 10-year income tax exemption, stamp duty exemption on land acquisitions, withholding tax exemptions and exemption from import duty, sales tax and excise duty on imported equipment for their projects.

The abolition of Real Property Gains Tax for approved projects can facilitate investors seeking an exit route once their projects are sustainable. For eco-tourism projects with a minimum of RM5 million established in the state parks of Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu Hills, Setiu Wetlands, Chini Lake, Nenggiri and Stong Hills at the Terengganu Global Marine Turtle Observatory, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary and the Gua Musang Integrated Transport, rest and recreational centre, an income tax exemption for 5 years or investment tax allowance (ITA) amounting to 100% of qualifying capital expenditure for 5 years is offered as an incentive.

The potential for this largely undeveloped region is huge and the rewards could be immense. Investing in the mainland-coastal tourism segment, for example, will allow investors to establish their immediate presence in prime beach front areas with great potential for future growth. The ECER Council and the state governments are determined to make it happen.

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6 Reasons to Love Peninsular Malaysia’s Biggest State, Pahang

Pahang is the largest state on Peninsular Malaysia and home to a variety of environments from the montane forests of the Titiwangsa Range to lush rainforests, plus beaches and islands. Malaysia’s largest national park, Taman Negara is situated on the state’s northern border with Terengganu and Kelantan and the South China Sea fronts Pahang’s coastline and it’s here tourists that can experience Malaysia’s cultural heartland.

Pahang is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur as there’s a freeway all the way to Kuantan, the state capital. Alternatively, fly to Kuantan or catch the train from Gemas to Kota Bharu as a train passes through Pahang. The state also offers exciting theme parks, remote forest trails, Tioman Island, and peaceful hill stations.

Many travellers visit Malaysia specifically for its warm weather and year-round sunshine. While this is a bonus for most, the heat and humidity can take its toll over time, and this certainly adds to the appeal of Malaysia’s cooler mountains. In the days before air conditioning, the only respite from the heat and humidity was to visit mountainous hill stations where the altitude moderated the climate.

Malaysia’s coolest resorts are found in mountainous locations like the Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, Bukit Tinggi and Genting Highlands. Visitors to Fraser’s Hill and the Cameron Highlands could be forgiven for thinking (for a moment, at least) they were in England with their mock-Tudor bungalows, temperate gardens, fireplaces, and scones and cream served for morning and afternoon tea.

Several heritage hotels are synonymous with the highlands and have become as legendary as their location. These include the Old Smokehouse and The Lakehouse in the Cameron Highlands and the Old Smokehouse at Fraser’s Hill. The hill stations do in fact comprise half of Pahang’s must-visit places, and are always popular destinations, but there’s much more to the Peninsula’s biggest state. So without further ado, here are the places to put on your travel list:

1. Cool Cameron Highlands

While the Cameron Highlands are a long way from the Cotswolds, there’s definitely an air of English refinement here. The highlands retain much of their colonial charm and offer an escape to a more peaceful and leisurely lifestyle. There are many good reasons to make the trip to these upland parts, but the main ones are that they’re close to Kuala Lumpur (roughly a three hours’ drive) and that the air is refreshingly cool.

In 1885, a surveyor named William Cameron reached and described the highlands that would come to bear his name as a fine plateau with gentle slopes, shut in by lofty mountains. His account was the first official record of the ascent on the mountainous range, although it was of course well-known to the Orang Asli, or indigenous peoples of the area. Difficulties in accessing the area meant that it wasn’t until 1925 that a settlement was first proposed. Despite the steep slopes, indiscriminate land clearing still occurs despite the resultant problems of landslides, river siltation, and forest destruction.

The Cameron Highlands are located on a forested plateau that’s famous for tea production and temperate flowers plus cool-climate vegetables and fruits, especially strawberries, which appear liberally on restaurant menus in the area. It’s also possible to walk in comfort along roads and fern-lined trails which, as the famous silk trader Jim Thompson discovered, aren’t that well signposted. This means lots of physical activities such as hiking, golf on the 18-hole public course, tennis, cycling, and general sightseeing are all possible but a guide is recommended for most walks.

British-born and educated J. A. Russell established Boh Tea Plantation in 1929 and the estate still remains within the family. Today, the meticulously manicured plantation looks like the patterned skin of a snake and while tea cutters once plucked the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plants by hand, some are mechanically harvested these days, though hand harvesting is still seen on the Cameron Highlands tea plantation slopes. Visitors can enjoy a cuppa in Tea’ria teahouse overlooking Sungei Palas Plantation, just out of Brinchang.

There are a few large hotels in the highlands with Strawberry Park Resort and the Copthorne Hotel being two of the largest. Several smaller properties set the trend for those seeking something more exclusive. The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands Resort, and The Smokehouse Hotel are as English as they come and more traditional Colonial fare is served.

While the road from Tapah is winding, it’s a pleasant journey with some interesting attractions along the way. These include the Lata Iskandar Waterfall and several small communities where the Orang Asli people can be persuaded to demonstrate the use of blowpipes. A newer road from Simpang Pulai eliminates some of the bends but accessing this road requires driving almost to Ipoh before making the turnoff to the ascent.

2. Fraser’s Hill: A Sedate Retreat

While similar to the Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill is of a much smaller scale and is more sedate in nature. This highland retreat is closer to Kuala Lumpur (104km), but accessibility is via a similar circuitous road that snakes up the mountains. The last 8km of the road is so narrow that cars drive on it in one direction. In the past the traffic flowed in one direction only on alternate hours (while the other direction waited), but now a new road down means there are no more delays.

There is an Old Smokehouse here that offers homely accommodations in the mountaintop village, although there is a range of other places to stay, too. A public golf course with nine holes presents for keen golfers. Mountain walks, cycling tennis, birdwatching, and horse riding complete the range of recreational activities.

3. Resorts in the Clouds

Further south along the Titiwangsa Range there is a highland resort that’s fully on the opposite end of sedate. The vast mountaintop Resorts World Genting Resort, frequently enshrouded in misty clouds, includes the world’s biggest accommodation complex located in various hotels. There’s an outdoor theme park, indoor theme park, Times Square shopping arcade, a myriad of dining options, indoor swimming pools, convention facilities, and also gaming tables for those who want to give their luck a try. Fox Studio will open soon and will inject new life into the mountains.

Berjaya Hills Resort at Bukit Tinggi is close by and includes the French-themed village of Colmar Tropicale, a Japanese Tea House and botanical gardens, golf course and various accommodation choices. The Chateau, an upmarket spa and wellness retreat with excellent onsite dining and one of Pahang’s very best high tea services, is sited adjacent to Colmar Tropicale.

4. Taman Negara: A Rainforest Refuge

For many people, Malaysia conjures up images of vast expanses of tropical rainforest. While many forests offer a protected home for plants and animals, they’re also a destination for adventurous travellers to explore. There are several parks in Pahang worth visiting including Endau Rompin State Park, Kenong Rimba Park, and the largest of them all, Taman Negara (which translates simply enough to ‘National Park’).

Taman Negara is one of the world’s finest and oldest protected areas of lowland forest and while the park was established only in 1939, its forests are some 130 million years old. The park covers an area of 435,000ha, sprawling across portions of the states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan, making it Malaysia’s largest protected lowland evergreen rainforest.

Peninsular Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Tahan at 2,187m, is located within the park and nine-day return walks to the summit and back provide plenty of backcountry adventure for experienced and self-sufficient walkers. Accessing the park’s more isolated destinations isn’t a problem as there’s a good river transport system and most trails to the main attractions are well-maintained and clearly signposted.

Taman Negara has an exciting range of activities to experience and attractions to see. The park is still home to its original inhabitants, the Orang Asli people, some of whom still lead a traditional semi-nomadic subsistence lifestyle of fishing and hunting.

Activities include caving, shooting rapids, floating down rivers on inflatable tubes, night walks, birdwatching, and guided walks. One of the essential activities is to walk on the world’s longest suspended canopy walk: a 450-m stroll that’s 40m above the forest floor. And if you’re keen to move from the land to the water, a boat journey along the tree-lined Tahan River is the most picturesque of all journeys through the park.

Kuala Tembeling, the departure point for Taman Negara, is a four hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur. From here, the park is a two to three hours’ boat journey away depending upon the river level. There’s a range of places to stay available around the park from near-wilderness experiences to comfortable resort-styled facilities adjacent to the park headquarters.

Most visitors stay at Kuala Tahan, while others opt to stay in a nearby Malay village. The facilities at the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort perched above the junction of the Tembeling and Tahan Rivers are reasonable considering the isolated location. A trip to Taman Negara can be as relaxed or as energetic as visitors like, as different facilities cater to their varied needs.

5. Beaches and Islands of Pahang

Several long beachfronts are located along the Pahang coastline. Offshore, Tioman is the largest island in the group called Serbuat Islands to the east of Kuantan. While there are a few small-scale resorts and other laid-back places to stay, the only large property is the Berjaya Tioman Resort. Despite Tioman’s beauty and its relative proximity to both Malaysia and Singapore, the island isn’t yet in the sights of international jetsetters, and life on Tioman moves at an unhurried pace.

One of the big attractions is that there are basically no roads or vehicles on the islands and visitors have the choice of walking short distances or catching boats to those places which are a little further away. There’s a jungle trail connecting the more remote east coast to the west. Lazing on the beach, a round of golf at the Berjaya Tioman Resort, or enjoying the excellent snorkelling and diving are about as rigorous as the activities get on the island.

6. Kuantan: Gateway to the East Coast

Kuantan is the first major town after leaving the tollway from Kuala Lumpur and rightly deserves the title as the Gateway to the East Coast. From here, visitors can head north to near-deserted beaches or south to Kuala Rompin and Mersing should they choose not to stay in Kuantan. While Kuantan admittedly isn’t brimming with sightseeing attractions, the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri) is an impressive building. As a contrast, the city’s older buildings are located around the open field on Jalan Makhota.

The East Coast is best known for several laid-back towns, picturesque fishing villages, children flying kites, and traditional values. Cherating is one of the better-known ones and it has its own relaxed style, particularly in the quaint village of Cherating Lama (‘Old Cherating’). The golden-sand beaches are never crowded, and are pleasant for walking and relaxing. A sweeping bay of shallow water attracts visitors, but the winds also whip up the occasional good wave for dedicated surfers.

There are several hotels just south of Cherating village and include The Impiana and The Legend Resorts while just to the north, Asia’s first Club Med occupies absolute beachfront. Apart from driving to Kuantan, it’s possible to fly to Kuantan from KLIA, with Kuantan’s Airport about 20km west of the city.

This article was originally published in The Expat magazine (March 2017) which is available online or in print via a free subscription .

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Tourism Tax (TTX) and Local Government Fee

The Malaysian Government has reinstated the Tourism Tax (TTX) of RM10.00 per room per night for all foreign passport holders for hotel stays effective from 1st January 2023. Malaysian nationals and permanent residents of Malaysia will continue to enjoy exemptions from Tourism tax, under Exemption Orders.

With effect on 1st July 2022, Local Government Fee (Penang) of RM3 will be charged per room per night. The fee is not included in the room rate and is payable at the reception desk upon check-in.

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The 12 Most Breathtaking Places In Pahang Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

If you want a pleasant combination of green hills and beaches, Pahang on the east coast of Malaysia is the perfect destination for your dream vacation. Geographically, one of the largest states in Peninsular Malaysia, Pahang is home to Cameron and Genting highlands to the white-floored ocean, primaeval rain forests, wetlands, refreshing freshwater lakes and beautiful mountains. 

One of the most geographically diverse, bounded on the north by Kelantan and Terengganu , on the west by Perak , Selangor , and Negeri Sembilan , on the south by Johor , and on the east by the South China Sea and one of the most visited states of Malaysia, Pahang will take away your breath. You will never regret visiting these Top 12 Must-visit places in Pahang.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

The 12 Most Breathtaking Places in Pahang

1. genting highlands theme park and skyway:.

How to travel to Genting Highland?

Genting highlands itself is a great weekend getaway for the locals as well as international tourists. Genting Highland is a 55 km drive from Kula Lumpur, driving is the best option among locals. There are other options to reaching Genting from Kuala Lumpur is to take the express bus from Kuala Lumpur Sentral station to Awana station and ride the renowned Genting Skyway or Awana from Gohtong Jaya to Genting Highlands Resorts. A group tour from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Island is another option.

Read more: 26 Best Things to Do in Genting Highlands

The gondola ride will show you the awe-striking 130-year-old rainforest in Malaysia. The greenery, the sunrays, the canopy will make you feel thrilled and mesmerize you at the same time. You can visit the Chin Wee Caves Temple at the midpoint and the total tour takes about 10 minutes. You can board the skyway from level 4 of the Awana skyway building.

Genting Highland Main Attractions:

1. Visiting the rainforest through a gondola ride

2. Spending time in the famous Genting indoor theme park

3. Shopping in the high-end fun shopping complex

4. Explore the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

2. Colmar Tropicale

Colmar Tropicale is an enchanting French-themed resort located deep within the lush greenery of Pahang’s Berjaya Hills. Sitting at the height of 2,700 feet, this destination feels like another world and allows visitors to step into a mini-French landscape without having to leave Malaysia. Here, you’ll be surrounded by rolling tropical rainforest and can explore traditional French villas, cobbled pathways and chic restaurants – all at your fingertips!

The resort is perfect for a short weekend retreat from your busy life and offers you tons of things to do. Though it seems like a village, Colmar Tropicale is actually a hotel in Berjaya Hill Resort. But it houses numerous attractions and activities for those who come here to visit and stay.

How to Get to Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hill

Within just a 45-minute drive from KL city centre, you will reach Bukit Tinggi. Or, if you don’t have a personal vehicle, you can opt for public transport that runs from Kuala Lumpur to Berjaya Hill.

From Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur, you’ll get a shuttle service that will directly lead you to Colmar Tropicale. The ticket may cost RM 55.00 (U$13.05) for adults and RM 50.00 (U$11.86) for children.

Things to do at Colmar Tropicale

1. Experience the Old French in Malaysia

2. Enjoy Fun Activities at Adventure Park

3. Have a Taste of Japanese Village

4. Visit Over 200 Rabbits of Various Species

6. Enrich Your Holidays with Indoor and Outdoor Sports

3. Frasers Hill

Fraser’s Hill in the Pahang district is a perfect location to enjoy chilly hills and take a rest and recover. It is a great hill resort to escape from the tropical hot weather of other parts of Malaysia. Fraser’s hill is the place where you will find migratory birds, get lost in the beauty of trails, and have a great time with your family while learning its history. You can reach Fraser’s Hill from Kuala Lumpur simply by driving through routes 1 and 55.

Bukit Fraser is mostly famous for its cooling weather and interesting activities that will entertain not only you but your whole family. Though Fraser’s Hill is not as large as Cameron Highlands , still it offers you tons of things to do. This highland is pretty popular for its lush greenery, and most of the visitors come here to watch the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race that occurs yearly.

How to Go to Fraser’s Hill

In spite of being one of the most popular holiday destinations, Fraser’s Hill has no direct public transport to this highland from Kuala Lumpur. The only way to get to Bukit Fraser from the capital is by car, and it takes only two hours to reach.

The highland is nearly 100 km away north from Kuala Lumpur, and most visitors come here in their personal car, though you can also take a taxi to get there. But the taxi cost is too high.

Booking a trip from a tour company can be helpful to get there. Moreover, they will also guide you on your trip.

Things to Do in Frasers Hill

• Birdwatching
• Visiting the Clock Tower
• Trekking along Bishop trail, pine tree trail
• Enjoying Jeraiu waterfall and Allan’s waterfall
• Visiting the luscious flora and fauna of the rainforest

Eateries and foods to try:

Fraser’s Hill has few restaurants that are actually worth visiting. While it is not known for any particular delicacy here are few recommendations for you to try: Tea House restaurant for scones and tea and basic Malay cuisine food, Ye Olde Smokehouse for steak.

4. Cameron Highlands

Travel lovers are always eager to do interesting and exciting things at some outstanding places. Cameron Highlands is that particular spot where you can do tons of activities, from hiking and trekking to visiting lush hillscapes to the sea of green. Its cool, aromatic weather and ancient vibe make this hill station a unique and surreal attraction to visitors.

How to get to Cameron Highlands

To get to the Cameron Highlands from Kuala Lumpur, you have to pass nearly 200km to 270km, depending on the route you choose. Driving may take 3 to 4 hours, while the bus and train will take 4.5 and 5.5 hours respectively.

If you choose to drive, you can take the new route, the Simpang Pulai road. This road is less windy and takes nearly 4 hours to reach.

On the contrary, you can take the Tapah toll exit 132 (after North-South Expressway) as this route takes only 3 hours to reach Cameron Highlands.

Use google maps for the direction.

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Cameron Highlands. It may cost you RM 35.00 to RM 47.00, and you can reach there within 4.5 hours. There are many bus lines available, and all these buses depart from the TBS Bus Station in KL. Check out the bus schedule and buy your ticket from 12GoAsia .

Read Bus to Cameron Highland from kl details: Plan the perfect Weekend Gateway

You will not get any direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. You have to catch a train from KL Sentral which will take you to Ipoh or Tapah road. The train ride may cost you RM 25.00 to RM 46.00. From there, take a TBS ( Terminal Bersepadu Selatan ) bus that will drop you off at the Tanah Rata Bus Terminal. In total, the train and bus ride may cost you from RM 70.00 to RM 90.00. Buy your train ticket from 12goasia with hassle free.

Things to do in Cameron Highlands

To occupy your tour days Cameron Highlands has to offer a lot of things. Touring the tea plantation like the oldest plantations such as Boh tea plantations , trekking or driving up to the mountain Brinchang while unwinding its thrilling beauty. At the higher elevation of the Cameron Highlands, you will see beautiful large species of roses at Mrs Robertson’s Rose Garden. The garden at the hillside is filled with the sweet aroma and the sight of beautiful valleys.

If you want to get lost in the wonders of nature for some time Cameron Highland has a lot of places for jungle trekking. The other attractions include Tanah Rata and Ringlet. Visiting farms, beautiful villages, buying locally cultivated honey is simple yet enjoyable activities to do Cameron Highlands.

Visiting Cameron Tea Plantation

Tour of Cactus Valley

Picking Fresh Strawberries

Visiting the Purple World of Lavender

Visiting Cameron Highlands Butterfly Garden

Get Acquainted with Natives at Orang Asli Village

5. Kuantan:

The capital of Pahang, Kuantan will offer you the mix of the cityscape as well as white sand beaches just outside the city. Sightseeing of Kuantan and the places just outside the city will take one to two days.

How to reach Kuantan?

There are three ways to travel to Kuantan from Kuala Lumpur: by bus , car, or train. You can take a bus from anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia to anywhere in Pahang, including Kuantan.

You will find frequent buses from Bersepadu Selatan Terminal (TBS) leaving on an interval of 30 minutes from 10:30 AM.  The whole journey takes around 2 and a half to 3 hours, and the ticket price varies from RM 19.5 to RM 25. If you want to buy bus ticket in advance you can do that with bus12go.asia

There are also trains available from Bersepadu Selatan Terminal (TBS) to Kuantan but you have to change the route and break the journey into several connecting routes to reach there by train.

The second best option after the bus is renting a car service. You can either find taxis from the streets and talk to them about rental cars or book online rental car services like Pacific , Sixt, Sunnycars online for booking.

The legendary Lao Zi temple is where the record-breaking 823m long golden dragon is the main attraction along with the Lao Zi scriptures and the book Tao Te Ching, the statue of Tao Zi himself. You may need to pay RM 5.00 to walk inside the temple to visit the whole premise.

5 km away from the main city The white sand with the breeze of the sea and a beautiful sight of green jungles. Palm Beach will welcome you with refreshing sights. It’s a must-visit place while in Pahang and you can just rent a car to visit the beach.

And, the next must-visit place while in Kuantan is the Sungai Padan Waterfall which is the largest multi-level waterfall in Malaysia. It’s grand, cold and gorgeous and best for playing with the children or having a barbeque party. The opening hours are 9 AM to 5 PM.

Best Places to visit in Kuantan: Lao Zi temple, parks like Taman Gelora, Taman Negara , The Palm Beach, Sungai Pandan Waterfall.

6. National Elephant Conservation Centre:

The Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation centre is situated in Temorloh in Pahang and started the elephant conservation programme in 1974. You can reach there by taking bus service from anywhere in Pahang. From Kuantan Bus Terminal to Temerloh Sentral Terminal it takes about two hours and the cost is around RM 8.00 ($4.00)

You will see the conservation centre has few injured or disabled elephants as permanent residents who couldn’t be relocated in the wild. You can get up close to them and give them baths and feed them to make them feel your love.

Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM

Things to remember: You have to book quotas before going to the sanctuary to give the elephant bath. For more information visit wildlife Malaysia portal

7. Tioman Island:

Hands down, Tioman Island on the east coast of Malaysia in the Pahang state is one of the most heavenly tropical beaches in the world. Blessed with nature’s boundless beauty and as well as resources, Tioman island is one of the finest places for scuba diving, snorkelling and heaven for regular divers.

How to get to Tioman Island from Kuala Lumpur?

 If you are travelling to Tioman from there is obviously no directly connecting route to Tioman island to Kuala Lumpur but you can find a bus from KL Sentral Station to Tanjung Gemok Jetty or rental cars which are the best available option.

You can reach Tioman Island from Tanjung Gemok jetty if you are in Pahang state or from Mersing Jetty if you are travelling from Johor state and you have to take a ferry service to Kampung Tekek Jetty and you will find there are seven villages on the island

Things to Do in Tioman:

Sun basking in the Paya Beach

 Surfing in Juara Beach

Snorkelling at Salang

 Visiting Asha Falls near Kampung Mukut

Trekking to Air Batang

Foods to try in Tioman Island:

Tioman has a great range of foods to offer including Malay and Chinese cuisine. While you are there the few obvious foods to try are Nasi goreng, barbequed chicken and seafood from Salang Complex, delicious drinks and snacks from Air Batang, delicious breakfast from Santai Bistro in Juara Village. The foods are as satisfying, insta-worthy and as satiating for each meal on this island.

8. Bentong

In the western part of Pahang Bentong may not be on the top of the list while visiting places in Pahang but is worth the visit. Beautiful peaks, with waterfalls, botanical garden and scenic villages Bentong, is quiet yet charming.

You can visit all the visiting places of Bentong in one day by starting off with the Bentong Historic Gallery and then by spending time in the Bentong Botanical Garden and finish off by visiting Mount Nuang or go to the Bentong Kolam Air Panas for soaking in the hot spring.

9. Taman Negara

Taman Negara is the largest national park in Peninsular Malaysia. It protects a 130-million-year-old deciduous rainforest that is home to endangered species like the Binturong (bearcat) and Malayan Sun Bear. The park also features caves and waterfalls and plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming and jungle exploration.

Taman Negara was established in 1938 by the British colonial government to protect the area’s rich biodiversity. It has since been expanded from its original 500 square kilometres (193 sq miles) to 1,367 square kilometres (525 sq miles).

The park is divided into two areas: Taman Negara National Park and Gunung Tahan National Park. Taman Negara National Park is located in Pahang state; Gunung Tahan National Park is located in Kelantan state but also has a small section within Pahang state close to Gua Tempurung cave.

How to reach Taman Negara?

From Kuala Lumpur: From Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara, it takes around 4 to 5 hours by road and almost 7.5 to 8 hours by train. The options are plenty when it comes to travelling from the capital. Public buses are available from Titiwangsa’s Perkeliling Bus Terminal to Jerantut, and you have to change buses from Jerantut to Taman Negara, costing you a total of 28MYR. You can also rent a cab or a minivan. The minivan route from Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara takes around 8.5 hours and costs around 120 MYR.

From Penang:   Public buses are the most common option in Penang. There are routes through Cameron Highland and through Temerloh but no direct buses. Another option is renting a cab. All the option take you around 8 to 9 hours. The bus fare ranges from around 74 to 90 MYR.

From Johor: From JB Sentral, you have to take a train to Jerantut, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. You must get a bus to Kuala Tahan or Kuala Templing jetty from there. There you can avail of ferry service to Johor.

Pekan is known for its historical culture, architectural buildings, and beautiful lakes. After reaching Pekan, you must visit Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, Sultan Abdullah Mosque Museum, and Istana Abu Bakar. Start the trip with the residence of the current Sultan of Pekan, Istan Abu Bakar. Then, also visit the Royal Polo field just beside the palace. Then travel to Sultan Abdullah Mosque. This historical mosque has an art museum inside it.

After the historical trip, pay a visit to the centre of Royal Pahang silk weaving centre. Spend some time along Chini Lake. The lake, the 2nd large freshwater lake, is majestic and mythical.

Things to Do in Pekang

• Taking a historical trip to the museums and mosque.
• Unwind and enjoy a slow walk along the Pekan riverfront.
• Visit Istana Abu Bakar & royal polo club to enjoy a game
• Take a tour of Windcraft galley and silk weaving gallery.
• Visit Lata Mentagan Waterfall.

One of the quintessential and old towns of Pahang. Raub is known for colonial architecture, gold mining, beautiful waterfalls and durian farming. There are a lot of unique activities to try and places to visit in the district of Raub.

Things to Do in Raub

• Try archery in Bilut Extreme Park; visit it with your friends and family for the best ATV adventure. Also, there is a rabbit farm in the park which you can see.
• Trek the Gunung Ulu Semanko mountain to have a beautiful bird’s eye

view of the city.

• Try and buy fresh and tasty durians at Raub Durian Orchard- Sejati or YES Durian Orchard.
• For a perfect chill-out spot, visit Taman Tasik in Raub. Children’s parks, lakes, and nature walk paths are there to refresh.
• Visit the Tras Road Guan Ying temple and Muzium Felda Lurah Bilut.

 Raub is just a half-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur city. Transport options included taxi or rented car. Public buses from the Perkelling bus terminal are also available.

Bera is a small district, perfect for a weekend gateway and can be explored within a day. Spend some time within nature near Bera lake and the adjacent forest is the best way to refresh yourself. Visit the local communities’ temples like Guanyin temple kemayan. In the middle of Kamaiyan and Teriang, there is a spectacular temple in Menkuang.

Seng Huat Temple’s architecture and local community will make you feel happy. Also, while in Bera don’t miss the scenic Bera waterfront. Bera is a small district but definitely a beautiful one. So, if you got one or two days in your holiday schedule, visit Bera.

Pahang is one of those destinations in Malaysia which offers a diverse range of geographical, regional and cultural aspects that attract millions of tourists each year. If you are thinking of taking a trip to Malaysia put Pahang on your bucket list and have your dream tour.

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Penang visitors set to face two tourism taxes for hotel stays

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GEORGETOWN — Visitors to Penang will soon be subjected to two tourism taxes — one that will be imposed by the federal government from next month and an existing charge put in place by the state.

Sunbeds lie empty on Ferringhi beach at George town on the Penang resort island in Malaysia. AFP file photo

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the existing charge was still needed to fund the promotional activities for the state.

“The sum collected was used to promote tourism in Penang and it has seen success because the number of tourists have increased drastically,” Mr Lim said yesterday.

Penang currently charges a fee of between RM2 (S$0.65) and RM3 per room night through its local councils.

In addition, the federal government will impose a tourism tax of between RM2.50 and RM20 per room, per day for hotel stays from next month.

East Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak have opposed the introduction of the tourism tax by the federal government. Sarawak on Monday withdrew its representative from the Malaysian Tourism Board with immediate effect, as the tiff between the Borneo state and Putrajaya over the new tax escalated.

The move followed a sharp exchange of words between Sarawak’s Tourism Minister, Mr Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and his federal counterpart, Mr Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Mr Abdul Karim had urged the federal government to defer the July 1 implementation of the tourism tax for Sarawak and Sabah.

Yesterday, Sabah’s Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Mr Masidi Manjun, said in a statement: “Sabah shares the same view with Sarawak that there have been little or no consultations with the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak prior to the enactment of the law on tourism tax.”

He added that the tax will affect Sabah’s tourism industry, which was just recovering from a slump following security breaches in the east coast and an earthquake that hit Mount Kinabalu.

Meanwhile, Mr Nazri, the Tourism and Culture Minister, said states which have implemented their own tourism charges would be asked to stop the collection when the new policy comes into effect. He said this move was to avoid double charges on tourists, which would be counterproductive.

But Mr Lim, Penang’s Chief Minister, has disputed claims that the cessation of existing tourism charges in Penang, Malacca, Langkawi and Kota Bharu was raised when the Bill was debated in Parliament.

Mr Lim said the Tourism Ministry did not convey this to his state administration. “This is something new, I’ve not heard about this, when debating the Bill, I do not recall this being mentioned,” he said, adding that he will wait for an official notice from the Tourism Ministry.

Mr Lim also said that most states are seeking reassurances from the ministry that the money collected from the tourism tax will be channelled back to the respective states.

The new policy announced by the government in April has been criticised by the tourism industry and Malaysians, who are not exempted from paying the tax. AGENCIES

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Why you should expect to pay more tourist taxes – even though the evidence for them is unclear

Senior Lecturer in Economics, Bangor University

Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, Bangor University

Disclosure statement

Rhys ap Gwilym has received funding from Welsh Government to conduct research relating to various devolved taxes, including the proposed visitor levy.

Linda Osti has received funding from Welsh Government to conduct research relating to the proposed visitor levy.

Bangor University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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In April 2024, Venice began its controversial experiment to charge day trippers €5 (£4.30) to visit the city on some of the busiest days of the year. But it’s not just the lagoon city, with its 30 million visitors a year which is interested in trying out new tourism taxes.

In the UK, a council in the county of Kent has recommended introducing a tourism tax on overnight stays in the county. In Scotland, it seems likely that visitors to Edinburgh will be paying a fee by 2026, and the Welsh government plans to introduce similar legislation later this year.

Such taxes may seem new to the UK, but there are more than 60 destinations around the world where this type of tax is already in place. These vary from a nationwide tax in Iceland to various towns across the US. Some have been in place for a long time (France was the first in 1910 ), but most were introduced during the last decade or two.

Before the pandemic really struck (and tourism was put on hold), 2020 was described by one newspaper as the “year of the tourist tax” , as Amsterdam joined an ever-growing list of destinations, which includes Paris, Malta and Cancun, to charge visitors for simply visiting.

Introducing these tourist taxes has often been controversial, with industry bodies voicing concerns about the potential impacts on the tourist trade.

And it appears that the link between such levies and visitor numbers is not simple, with several studies reaching different conclusions. For example, some have suggested that tourism levies have hindered international tourism in the Balearics and the Maldives , and that they may dissuade people from participating in domestic tourism .

Yet in one of the world’s most popular tourism spots with a levy, Barcelona, visitor numbers have consistently risen , with hotel guests increasing from 7.1 million in 2013 to 9.5 million in 2019.

In fact, the relationship between a visitor levy and tourist flow is so complex that there is no unified view, even within the same country. Italy has been one of the most studied, and results are inconsistent there too .

Another study, looking at three neighbouring Italian seaside spots finds that only in one destination has the visitor levy reduced tourist flow . And a study on the Italian cities of Rome, Florence and Padua shows that these cities have not experienced any negative effects either in terms of domestic or international demand.

So the impact of tourism taxes on visitor numbers is inconclusive.

But what about other effects, such as the potential benefits of spending the revenues raised? As part of an ongoing research project, we looked at seven different destinations in which tourist taxes are levied to look at how the money raised is then spent.

For most places, tourism tax revenues were being used to fund marketing and branding – so invested directly into promoting more tourism. The income was also commonly used to fund tourism infrastructure, from public toilets and walking or cycling paths to a multi-billion dollar convention centre in Orange County, Florida.

In the Balearics , revenues tend to go to projects that mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, culture and society of the islands. These include waste management, conserving natural habitats and historical monuments, and social housing.

But in general, tourism taxes have been implemented successfully across the destinations we looked at, and there is little evidence of tourists being put off from visiting.

Research also suggests that when tourists are told what the levy is used for – and when it relates directly to improving their experience or enhancing sustainable tourism – tourists are willing to accept and pay the levy.

Day trippers

For many tourism destinations, the major problem is not overnight tourists, but rather day visitors who use local resources while making little in the way of a financial contribution. For these reasons, taxes might also be used to deter day visits and instead encourage longer stays.

Venice is at the forefront of this shift. And in April 2024, after long discussions between the local authority, residents and business owners, Venice started a trial of a day visitor tax (a so-called “access fee” ).

Read more: An entry fee may not be enough to save Venice from 20 million tourists

Back in Kent, it may take longer for any such radical plans to come to fruition. In contrast to Scotland and Wales, there are currently no national plans to introduce tourist taxes in England.

This might be considered shortsighted, given the dire need of many destinations in England to improve local infrastructure that tourists rely on, including clean bathing water and public transport . In Manchester and Liverpool , businesses have implemented voluntary overnight charges on visitors, in the absence of the statutory basis to implement compulsory levies.

Many other English towns and cities will probably follow their lead. Tourism taxes are something we might all have to consider budgeting for in our future travel plans, wherever we choose to visit.

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What to Know About the ‘Tourist Tax’ Many Countries Are Implementing This Year

S everal destinations, including Iceland, Bali, and Barcelona, are implementing new taxes aimed at tourists this year. Tourist taxes are usually small daily fees typically levied against overnight guests. The taxes are usually part of a destination’s plan to lessen or avoid overtourism . These additional fees generally have to be paid before or on arrival at your accommodation of choice. It’s also another way popular tourist destinations can earn more revenue from visitors.

How Much Is It?

Most countries that utilize a tourist tax have either a per-night fee or a flat fee. However, the fee ranges greatly from place to place.

One of the world’s most expensive taxes on visitors is in Bhutan. Its Daily Sustainable Development Fee is $100 per night and helps to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Until recently, it was $200 per night.

Alternatively, travelers can visit Bali or Indonesia, and pay a flat tourist tax of $10. According to Balinese officials, the fees will be used to “contribute to the nobility and preservation of Bali’s unique culture and nature environment” as well as island sustainability and tourism management.

In Barcelona, due to overtourism, the government has to set a tourist one-time fee of about $3.50 with plans to raise it over the next two years. In Iceland, the government reintroduced its tourist tax to better handle the environmental impact of travelers into the country. Iceland’s nightly tourist tax rate is about $7.50.

Are Tourist Taxes New?

Though not new, this form of taxing travelers is increasing globally, with other first-time destinations entering the tourism tax world. Several destinations are still undecided about implementing a new tax but are considering them. 

Hawaii is a popular tourist destination that has dealt with overtourism and its impact for years. Recently, many residents have engaged in campaigns for people to stop visiting, fearing greater negative impacts on the island’s natural beauty, culture, and resources. Hawaiian officials are currently considering adding a one-time “climate tax” of $25 paid directly at check-in. 

The Impact of Taxing Tourists

Most tourist taxes around the world are small fees, but some can be deciding factors in whether or not to visit a destination. Bhutan, at $100 per night, is relatively steep and could deter certain guests from visiting or staying for long. A two-week vacation in Bhutan would cost $1400 in taxes alone, but the same two-week vacation in Bali would only be a flat fee of $10.

Travelers are encouraged to research their chosen destination and be aware of the tourist taxes they might be signing up for.

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Less than half of foreign visitors to Bali pay newly imposed tourist tax

JAKARTA – Less than half of inbound visitors to Indonesia’s resort island of Bali have paid a new tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah (S$12.60) imposed since Feb 14, its tourism agency said.

Experts have attributed the lack of compliance with the new levy to insufficient checks and coordination among the authorities.

Bali hopes to reap 250 billion rupiah from the levy in 2024, which it intends to use on the preservation of Bali’s nature and culture, including for cleaning up its beaches.

Tourism – which is the province’s main source of income – has created a wide range of problems for the authorities and locals who struggle with issues such as waste management and misbehaving tourists, experts say.

The volume of waste generated, for instance, has amounted to over 700,000 tonnes each year since 2019.

Currently, foreign visitors can pay the tax online at the Love Bali website or via mobile phone app using bank transfer, a virtual account or QRIS payment even before their arrival in Bali.

They can also make payment in person at counters set up at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport or seaports.

After making payment, they will receive a voucher sent by e-mail, which they can use as proof of payment.

But, in the first two months of its implementation, only around 40 per cent of 15,000 foreign visitors arriving in Bali daily had paid the tax, said Bali tourism agency’s marketing chief Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini.

“Many foreign tourists don’t know about this tax,” she told The Straits Times.

“This is something completely new and applies only in Bali. We don’t have such a tax at the national level. So it’s quite challenging.”

Bali tourism officers currently carry out daily random checks at the main island airport, as well as at top tourist spots such as the Uluwatu temple, Ms Indah said.

The agency continues to disseminate information about the new tax and works with various stakeholders, such as the Foreign Ministry and airlines, in hopes that more tourists will comply with the levy.

Over the last two months, several foreign visitors to Bali told ST that they did not undergo any checks over the tax upon their arrival at the airport.

Australian Anne Oleary, who spent 10 days in Bali from March to April, said that she heard about the new tax from her friend, who advised her to make the payment online in advance.

“I paid through the Love Bali website before I went on my holiday. I had no issue with paying, it’s not a large sum in the overall consideration of planning a holiday... I love Bali and if the tax is a help to the province, I am very happy to pay it,” said the 73-year-old retiree. 

“Nobody checked but it didn’t bother me at all,” she added.

Another Australian, Mr Enzo Dalessandro, who was visiting Bali with his wife, Ms Grace Dalessandro, said he learnt about the levy on the news and thought that if they did not pay it, they could not enter the place.

“If they use it to clean the beaches and streets, that’s not a problem,” he said.

Others, however, were not aware of the newly imposed tax and had missed paying it.

“It should have a positive impact on Bali. For those who are able to pay for the flights to Bali, this tax is just a minor part of it. I don’t think it should be a problem,” said Singapore tourist Abdillah Mcqueen, 39, who visited in March.

He will make sure to pay the levy on his next visit, he said.

Bali welcomed 5.24 million foreign visitors, or 45 per cent of overall foreign visitors to Indonesia, in 2023. It hopes to lure around seven million inbound visitors in 2024, half of the total visitors Indonesia hopes to garner.

Bali tourism expert Agung Suryawan Wiranatha said that Bali tourism relies on the blend of nature and culture, citing temples located at beaches or lakes as examples.

Over the years, he said, tourism has created various environmental impacts, such as mounting waste, surging pollution and overuse of groundwater, hence the importance for Bali to collect such a levy to mitigate these issues.

“If all these issues are left unaddressed and no efforts are taken to conserve the environment, tourism in Bali will no longer be interesting,” he said, adding that the money would be useful to help promote recycling and composting to tackle the waste issue.

Dr Agung, who is the head of Udayana University’s Centre of Excellence in Tourism, said that to ensure the levy is collected, the authorities should set up a checkpoint before airport immigration counters where everyone would be required to show proof of payment.

To ensure that the collected levy will be used properly, Dr Agung said there should be an independent supervising body, which comprises non-governmental elements such as customary leaders, to oversee how the fund is spent.

Some other countries in Asia apply similar tourism taxes.

Visitors leaving Japan must pay an international tourist departure tax of 1,000 yen (S$8.80). Malaysia, meanwhile, collects tourism tax through accommodation providers, charging tourists 10 ringgit (S$2.85) per room each night.

As the tourist tax was only recently imposed, tourism officers will be lenient to those who did not pay upon arrival and allow them to pay during inspections, said Ms Indah.

Ms Indah expects a 100 per cent compliance rate will be achieved in the next two or three years as awareness grows and visitors become accustomed to the notion that they are in some way contributing to the conservation of Bali.

“The tourists come to Bali to enjoy its culture. It is good if they take part in helping the Balinese preserve their culture as, in the end, they will benefit from their contribution through our culture,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Bali tourism agency has received some reports about tourists being tricked into making payments for the tourist levy on fake websites.

Ms Indah said the authorities have asked Google to take the fake sites down and she advises tourists to pay only through the official channels.

The foreign tourist levy is among the measures introduced to enhance tourism on the island, which is home to 4.3 million people, the majority of whom are Hindu.

And in recent years, the authorities have been trying to tackle the issues of over-tourism and misbehaving tourists.

In 2023, Bali authorities issued a list of restrictions after a series of incidents involving misbehaving foreign tourists.

These included a Russian influencer posing with his pants down around his ankles, a Russian woman posing naked on a 700-year-old holy tree, and a naked German woman interrupting a dance performance at a temple.

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