Pahang’s Golden Valley of Durian, Heritage, and Highland Beauty
Raub District, located in the western highlands of Pahang, Malaysia, is a district steeped in mining history, known today for its premium durian production, scenic hills, and traditional villages. It lies strategically between Bentong and Lipis, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism and highland retreats.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: Late 19th century during the British colonial era
- Historical Role: Raub was one of the earliest gold mining towns in Malaysia, with British companies actively mining gold in the late 1800s.
- The name “Raub” originated from a legend where a group of miners found a “handful of gold” (“raub” in Malay means handful).
- After the decline of large-scale mining, the district shifted towards agriculture and tourism, especially famous for Musang King durian farming in recent decades.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Raub District |
| State | Pahang |
| District Capital | Raub Town |
| Area | Approx. 2,271 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 100,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Raub) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Raub (MDRa) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Raub District consists of 7 mukims:
- Raub Town
- Dong
- Gali
- Batu Talam
- Sega
- Ulu Dong
- Teras
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| District Officer (DO) | Tuan Haji Mohd Shahid Ismail | District administrative head |
| Member of Parliament (MP) | YB Chow Yu Hui | Representing Raub (DAP) |
| State Assemblyman (ADUN – Dong) | YB Fadzli Mohamad Kamal | Youth and Sports EXCO, Pahang |
| District Police Chief (OCPD) | Supt. Mazlan Hassan (as of last update) | Head of district policing |
| Notable Figure | Dato’ Tan Sri Jimmy Choo | Famous shoe designer born in Raub |
| Islamic Scholar (Ulama) | Ustaz Abdul Hadi Raub | Local preacher and religious teacher |
Key Towns and Areas
- Raub Town – Administrative and historical town
- Sungai Ruan & Dong – Major durian cultivation areas
- Batu Talam & Ulu Dong – Forest fringe and eco-tourism zones
- Sungai Krau – Cultural and Orang Asli communities
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture-based economy:
- Durian (Musang King), rubber, oil palm, vegetables
- Tourism: forest retreats, river resorts, homestays
- Small industries: food processing, handicrafts, local snacks
- Legacy gold mining sites still explored at small scale
Education & Institutions
- Government primary and secondary schools
- Pondok, tahfiz centers, and Sekolah Menengah Agama
- Community learning hubs and Orang Asli education projects
- Agricultural and tourism training programs for youth
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Raub – main public hospital
- Klinik Kesihatan in Dong, Ulu Dong, and Sungai Ruan
- Rural clinics and mobile healthcare outreach
Transport & Connectivity
- Linked via Federal Route 8 and Route 55
- Accessible from Bentong, Kuala Lipis, and Fraser’s Hill
- Local buses, taxi services, and private transportation
- Nearest train station: Kuala Lipis
Tourism & Attractions
- Fraser’s Hill (Bukit Fraser):
- Highland resort, bird watching, hiking trails
- Lata Lembik & Lata Berembun Waterfalls – Nature lovers’ spots
- Raub Museum & British Heritage Buildings
- Durian Farms (Musang King Tours) – tasting & farmstay packages
- Orang Asli Cultural Visits in Ulu Dong and Batu Talam
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Predominantly Malay-Muslim, with significant Chinese community
- Famous dishes:
- Durian-based dishes, Gulai Tempoyak, Ikan Patin, Lemang, Kuih Kekabu
- Strong traditions of:
- Gotong-royong, Quranic education, silat, and pasar malam
Summary
Raub is Pahang’s “Golden Valley”, where the glitter of history meets the richness of nature. With its legacy of gold, famed durian farms, lush highlands, and diverse culture, Raub offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, agriculture, and authenticity.