Pahang’s Former Capital of Heritage, Hills, and Hidden Riches
Lipis District, located in the northwestern region of Pahang, Malaysia, is a district rich in colonial history, hilly landscapes, and mining legacy. It served as the capital of Pahang from 1898 to 1955, before Kuantan took over. Today, Lipis continues to thrive on its natural beauty, agriculture, eco-tourism, and strong cultural roots.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: As an administrative district since the British colonial period, formalized structure during late 1800s
- Historical Capital: Served as the state capital of Pahang from 1898 to 1955, when it was moved to Kuantan
- Developed as a tin and gold mining town, and was home to British officers and royal administration
- The old British Rest House, Lipis Railway Station, and colonial buildings still reflect its administrative past
- Known for its connection to the Royal Pahang family, traditional Malay leadership, and multi-ethnic mining communities
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Lipis District |
| State | Pahang |
| District Capital | Kuala Lipis |
| Area | Approx. 5,198 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 90,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Lipis) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Lipis (MDL) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
- Kuala Lipis
- Padang Tengku
- Benta
- Cheka
- Tembeling
- Jelai
- Budu
- Telang
- Penjom
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| District Officer (DO) | Tuan Haji Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail | Leading district administration |
| Member of Parliament (MP) | YB Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamad | Deputy Minister of Works, Malaysia |
| State Assemblyman (ADUN – Jelai) | YB Dato’ Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail | Pahang State Assemblyman, former MB |
| District Police Chief (OCPD) | Supt. Azli Mohd Noor (as of last update) | Local law enforcement chief |
| Notable Figure | Tuan Haji Ahmad Zabidi | Senior FELDA community advisor |
| Cultural Contributor | Ustaz Azhar bin Lipis | Local Islamic scholar and community da’ee |
Key Towns and Areas
- Kuala Lipis – Administrative and historic town
- Benta – Riverside town with transport and small-scale commerce
- Padang Tengku – FELDA areas and Malay rural communities
- Penjom – Known for gold mining history
- Tembeling & Cheka – Border areas with forest reserves
Economy & Livelihood
- Historically important for gold and tin mining
- Modern economy includes:
- Agriculture: palm oil, rubber, fruits
- Eco-tourism and homestays
- FELDA settlements and community markets
- Timber and small manufacturing present in rural towns
Education & Institutions
- Government secondary and primary schools
- Islamic schools (SRA, SMA, Tahfiz) in every mukim
- Agricultural training centers and FELDA education initiatives
- Literacy and community centers in town areas
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Kuala Lipis – Main public hospital
- Klinik Kesihatan in Benta, Cheka, Padang Tengku
- Outreach clinics and rural health visits available
Transport & Connectivity
- KTM Intercity Kuala Lipis Railway Station – heritage and current service
- Connected via Route 8 and Route 102 to Raub, Gua Musang, and Cameron Highlands
- Bus terminal in Kuala Lipis, plus local taxis and vans
Tourism & Attractions
- Taman Negara (via Sungai Relau, Merapoh):
- Wildlife watching, hiking, caves, eco-camps
- Penjom Gold Mine – One of Malaysia’s largest
- British Colonial Heritage Buildings & Rest House
- Kuala Lipis Clock Tower and Lipis Gallery
- Jelai Mosque, Kampung Budu, and traditional Malay houses
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Rich Malay traditions blended with Orang Asli and Chinese mining legacy
- Local foods:
- Nasi Daging Lipis, Gulai Lemak Tempoyak, Ubi Rebus, Lemang Budu
- Folk music, silat demonstrations, Maulid celebrations, and pasar malam
- Cultural homestays, traditional games, Quranic education
Summary
Lipis is the historic heart of Pahang, once its proud capital and now a charming district where heritage, hills, and hospitality converge. From its colonial roots to its forested edges, Lipis remains a living museum of Pahang’s political and cultural evolution, perfect for history lovers, eco-travelers, and traditionalists alike.