Pahang’s Royal Seat of Legacy, Learning, and Loyalty
Pekan District, located in the southeastern region of Pahang, Malaysia, is the royal town and birthplace of Malaysia’s current monarch, and a place steeped in history, tradition, and Islamic scholarship. Nestled along the Pahang River and the South China Sea, Pekan balances heritage, education, and rural charm in a truly majestic way.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Pekan District |
| State | Pahang |
| District Capital | Pekan Town |
| Area | Approx. 3,805 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 120,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Pekan) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Pekan (MDP) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Pekan District includes several mukims, such as:
- Pekan Town
- Kampung Ubai
- Pulau Rusa
- Lepar
- Ganchong
- Nenasi
- Pahang Tua
Key Towns and Areas
- Pekan Town – Royal capital and administrative center
- Nenasi – Coastal fishing village and eco-tourism hotspot
- Lepar & Ganchong – Agricultural areas
- Kampung Ubai – Cultural and rural community
Economy & Livelihood
- Government administration & royal institutions
- Agriculture:
- Paddy, oil palm, coconut, and river fishing
- Craftsmanship: Songket weaving, boat making
- Eco-tourism and heritage tourism in coastal and riverine zones
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) – premier technical university
- International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Pekan Campus
- Government secondary schools and Islamic schools
- Royal military academies and Quranic institutions
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Pekan – government hospital with full services
- Klinik Kesihatan in major mukims
- Pharmacies and private clinics in Pekan Town and surrounding areas
Transport & Connectivity
- Accessible via Federal Route 3 (coastal road) and Route 12 from Kuantan
- About 45 minutes from Kuantan by road
- Local buses and vans for internal transport
- Main gateway to Nenasi Beach and Pahang River Cruise
Tourism & Attractions
- Muzium Sultan Abu Bakar:
- Showcases Pahang’s royal history, weapons, and traditional arts
- Royal Mausoleum & Palaces (Istana Abu Bakar, Istana Sultan Abdullah)
- Pekan River Cruise – explore historical sites from the water
- Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah – grand mosque with unique architecture
- Pantai Nenasi:
- Fishing, camping, stargazing, turtle spotting
- Songket & Kraf Tangan Villages – traditional handwoven textiles
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Strong Malay royal and Islamic identity
- Cultural highlights:
- Royal processions, Maulidur Rasul, Nuzul Quran celebrations
- Local specialties:
- Nasi Dagang Pekan, Gulai Tempoyak Ikan Patin, Kuih Badak Berendam, Air Asam Ubai
- Artisanal crafts: Songket, wood carving, traditional boats
Summary
Pekan is the royal soul of Pahang, a district that gracefully reflects Malaysia’s monarchy, Islamic values, and traditional craftsmanship. Whether you seek history, nature, or education, Pekan offers a serene journey through legacy, learning, and loyalty—where every corner whispers the pride of a royal past.