MY · Pahang · 3.17°N 102.98°E

bukit ibam

An old iron-mining town and Tasik Biru, a flooded mine pit ringed by red earth.

Best time
March to October, on a sunny day: the colour shows best in bright light. The monsoon from about November to January turns the red-earth track to mud.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
About 3.5–4 hours' drive from KL: the East Coast Expressway to Gambang, then south on Route 12 towards Muadzam Shah and the Bukit Ibam turn-off. It's about 1.5–2 hours from Kuantan. The last stretch to the lake is red earth and rock.
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MY · Pahangbukit ibam3.17°N 102.98°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,An old iron-mining town and Tasik Biru, a flooded mine pit ringed by red earth.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingBukit IbamMY, Pahang
KLbukit ibam
≈ 143 km from KL, as the crow flies

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Bukit Ibam was one of Asia's big iron-ore producers, and locals called it Little England after its British mining staff. The mines left deep pits, and the biggest has filled into Tasik Biru, a blue lake set in red earth. Mining has restarted beside it, so the water isn't always as blue as the old photos.

Makan

  1. Nasi campurRice with the day's lauk at a kedai makan in Bukit Ibam or Muadzam Shah.Map ↗
  2. Roti canaiBreakfast in Muadzam Shah before the drive up to the lake.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Tasik BiruLook down on the lake from the bank. Swimming and water activities aren't allowed, and the edges of the old pit aren't stable.Map ↗
  2. The old mining townA few quiet streets and abandoned buildings left from the mining days, when ore went by rail to the coast at Rompin.Map ↗
  3. Red-earth hillsThe bare, rust-red slopes around the pits make a strange contrast with the plantations on the drive in.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The track to the lake is rough. Use a car with some ground clearance and skip it after heavy rain.
  • Mining is active next to the lake. Keep out of work areas and fenced ground.
  • It's a long way for one lake, so pair it with a night in Kuantan or at the beaches in Rompin.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.