MY · Pahang · 3.45°N 102.42°E

temerloh

Ikan patin capital: patin masak tempoyak by the wide Pahang River.

Best time
Any time of year, but the monsoon from about November to January brings heavy rain, and the river floods in some years. Sunday mornings are best for the market.
How long
Half a day, or a full day with Kuala Gandah
Getting there
About 1.5–2 hours' drive from KL on the Karak Highway and the East Coast Expressway. It's an easy lunch stop on the way to Kuantan, and buses run from KL too.
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MY · Pahangtemerloh3.45°N 102.42°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Ikan patin capital: patin masak tempoyak by the wide Pahang River.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingTemerlohMY, Pahang
KLtemerloh
≈ 88 km from KL, as the crow flies
Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia

Photo: Chongkian · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A river town in central Pahang where the Pahang and Semantan rivers meet. Most people stop for one thing: ikan patin, the river catfish the town is known for. Come on a Sunday and you can add the big riverside market.

Makan

  1. Patin masak tempoyakPatin in a sour, spicy gravy of fermented durian. This is the dish the town is known for.Map ↗
  2. Patin masak lemak cili apiPatin in a yellow coconut gravy with bird's eye chilli, for anyone not into tempoyak.Map ↗
  3. Other river fishBaung and other freshwater fish, grilled or in gravy, at the Malay restaurants near the river.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Pekan SehariThe big Sunday market along the riverbank, with river fish, ulam, kuih and fruit. Go early.Map ↗
  2. The riversideWalk the riverfront where the Pahang and Semantan rivers meet, and watch the boats and fish cages on the water.Map ↗
  3. The old townA few streets of colonial-era buildings and old shophouses near the river.Map ↗
  4. Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation CentreThe national elephant centre at Lanchang, about 45 minutes away, where rescued elephants are looked after.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Wild river patin and farmed patin taste different and are priced differently. Ask which one you're getting.
  • Kuala Gandah's visitor programme changes from time to time, so check what's on before you drive out.

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