Sungai Lembing was once famous for being the world’s largest and deepest tin mining town. It has a 322-kilometer tunnel with a depth of about 700 metres. The thriving mining industry has resulted in the development of the relatively small town, which has equipped it with important facilities. Visitors to this culturally and historically rich town will have plenty to explore, see, and taste. Listed below are the 7 things to do in Sungai Lembing, Pahang.
1. Visit the Pasar Sungai Lembing Local Market
Pasar Sungai Lembing offers a variety of shopping and dining options with a laid-back, traditional kopitiam vibe. The market is often packed with curious and hungry visitors from nearby cities who are here for hiking and a quick food adventure. Make sure to arrive early and reserve a table to satisfy all of your cravings.
2. Discover the Trail to the Rainbow Waterfall
Many visitors to Sungai Lembing are on a mission to capture the magical rainbow that spans the Rainbow Waterfall. However, the rainbow is only visible in the morning before 11 a.m., so plan your journey accordingly! The one-hour hike to the waterfall is relatively easy, but it does require some climbing. Along the way, there are clear and easy-to-follow signs that will lead you to your destination.
3. Easy Hike Up Bukit Panorama
Visitors are usually interested in catching the incredible sunrise from Panorama Hill’s peak, in addition to the rainbow. To get there, you must ascend a few flights of stairs, which takes about 45 minutes depending on your pace. Remember to bring a torch light with you if you start your journey early.
4. Picnic at the Berkelah Waterfall
Berkelah features a series of seven beautiful cascading waterfalls, with the highest tierbeing about 50 metres tall. Located in the direction of Maran about 35 kilometres fromKuantan, it is an ideal destination for swimming, camping or even just a picnic. It isclaimed that the name ‘Berkelah’ comes from a type of fish called Ikan Kelah or Mahseerthat lives in its river. However, this species is now considered threatened due to the loss ofhabitat.
5. Try Traditional Hakka Chinese Food
Chinese migrants were once brought into this town to be trained as tin miners. They came here, bringing their cultures and recipes from the Chinese mainland. Visitors to the town today can still sample the delectable dishes meticulously prepared using recipes handed down from previous generations. Hakka Mee, Yong Tau Foo, and crispy coconut biscuits are among the most popular dishes.
6. Buy Unique Antiques & Timeless Treasures
Sungai Lembing is a small quaint town with a variety of unique items. This includes mining antiques and equipment, vintage clock collections, and pure copper. Other cool mineworker costumes, furniture, and tableware can be found.
7. Learn the History of Sungai Lembing
A devastating flood in 1926, as well as the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, occurred in Sungai Lembing. As global tin demand fell in 1986, the Sungai Lembing mines were closed. As a result, 800 miners lost their jobs, and the mining company lost money. This town, despite its small size, is rich in history.