The name Kuala Lipis comes from the name of the river.The town is situated at the confluence of two rivers, Sungai Lipis and Sungai Jelai. The town evolved to become the British administration of Pahang. It gained its fame as the trading center, controlling the trades that was carried out through the two rivers. At those time, prior to 1950s, the main mean of transport was by river.
Once Malaya then, gained independence in 1953, the stress was more towards building an international trade, and the importance of rivers as a mean of trade and transport dwindled down. So was the important of Kuala Lipis.As such, the capital was move to Kuantan, a sea port. Subsequently, the town became a dead town.
Things To See.
As the town was the Administrative Centre of the British, it had left some heritage. Most of the British buildings are still in used now.
1. The Pahang Club House was home to British Residents appointed to Pahang. Built in 1867, it is the first building built by the Britisth in Kuala Lipis and served as temporary residence to Sir Hugh Clifford, Superintendent to Ulu Pahang. The building now functions as the Kuala Lipis Rest House.
2. The Clifford School (formerly Anglo-Chinese School) was built by the British in 1913. It is named after Sir Hugh Clifford, the second British Resident to Pahang. Many of the State's leaders and royalty were educated here.
3. The recreational getaways in Kuala Lipis comprise of a lake called Empang Jaleh where visitors can relax and luxuriate in the freshness of air and comfort of its surroundings. You can drive to Merapoh, the gateway to Gunung Tahan. Gunung Tahan is the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, 2,187 metres. If you like to scale the mountain, be prepared for the mountainous jungle trail for about two days.
4. Indian Temple : Just across the road from the hospital, you have an old hindus temple. When the British was in Kuala Lipis, they brought Indian laborer to work in the rubber estates. The estates are still operating now, the Benta Estate about 30 kn from Kuala Lipis has its own landing strip.
5. Kenong Park - This is a jungle park about 20 km from Kuala Lipis. You will enjoy the tranquility of the green jungle and you into the limestone caves.
6. Town Visit - The buildings were built in early 1900, some in late 1800. You visit the post office, a remain of the British Heritage right in the center of the town. The old mosque is only about five minutes walk.
7. The Railway Station - This was the main station on the east coast, serving the local populations, when there was no other mean of transport. Before the 70s, the station was full with peoples, both local and tourist. Travelers to Kelantan from Kuala Lumpur would have to take a bus from Kuala Lumpur through the winding road of 'The Gate' near Fraser's Hill down the mountain to Raub. It would take about five hours journey. Now the station will remain as a reminder of its grandeur past.
8. The Hospital: It is short walking distant from the town center. You walk pass the railway overhead bridge, take the left turn to the hospital. This was the first hospital built to serve the state, when Kuala Lipis was the state capital in the early 1900. Further up the hill is the nursing home, on your left. You can see the British architecture imprinted on it. About a further 1 km is the Pahang Club.
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