The last frontier town in Pahang, the north was Kuala Lipis. It was so remote that it could only be reached by boat in the early years. Roads were later made and now traveling to "Lipis" as it is normally called is a breeze. How was the country after Lipis? No idea, absolutely wild and unexplored jungle! Not true, then came the trans Peninsular Railway and made a mid point stop in the famous town of Gua Musang. I was under the impression, that was a compulsory stop because the extended travel time. From Lipis to the next urban town is Kuala Krai, a good 200 kilometers.

Nothing much is known about Gua Musang as well, apart from the assumption that there were some nice caves near the railway station. And that Foxes must have been found in these that gave this "settlement" its name. Back to our story on Merapoh, why should there be another rail road station in this middle of nowhere just another 28 kilometers from Gua Musang.

These were plenty of thoughts and question upon arrival in Merapoh and still seeking for the town. yes, from this so-assumed central point of railway station, the town must surrounding this point. No town, no shops and no houses! Perhaps, it was a few kilometers away from the place where the train passes. So in the nights, let's see where the locals gathered. There was a row of newly erected shop houses, about 12 of them but all vacant in the day. Night fall and sure enough, there was a crowd. Not at the location of the shop lots, but just besides. A lone shed or "Pondok" served drinks, biscuits and some bread. That was life and that was the the town itself. So if you are looking for food or dinner, there were plenty some 24 kilometers away. the outskirt of Gua Musang.

Today, Merapoh is relatively well known among travelers. This is another entry point into the restricted and protected area of "Taman Negara". At the same time, the trail head of a shorter trail to reach Gunong Tahan, the highest peak on Peninsula Malaysia.

Some names that you are obviously not familair with! The road from Cameron Highlands to Gua Musang is opened and passable to all traffic. It is not mentioned here. Rather, unable to understand the minds of the road builders or the authority involved. That vital link is not mentioned on this signage. However, if you have been checking up on your knowledge of Malaysian geography, that link town [a settlement really or 15 houses] is Kuala Betis The parallel road to the trans-peninsula Gua Musang - kuala Krai is the Jeli road. It is passable now.

There are lots of unknown facts about this remote district. For example, Gua Musang did not become important because the rail link passed through it. Long before the British or even the Dutch were in Malaysia, the Chinese gold prospectors were there. they came up by the Kelantan River.

 A tributary took them that far upstream and here they established a temple as old as the "Cheng Hoon Teng" in Malacca. The temple was not well preserved and below you see the upbeat version of the temple in its original spot. 

Above, the river and a solitary outcrop. Nothing significant. In this tiny hills it was hollowed with a small system of caves. Steps a were made to hike up the top for spectacular view of the hinterland.

The remnants of the settlement and descendants of those early settlers could be found. mainly farmers and rubber tappers. This little village, authentic village is Pulai. A sharp contrast to the unseen town of Merapoh.

 If you are looking for tell-tale signs of the long lost gold mining industry! You can see the evidences like this signboard. There were many of such signage. More proof from the looks of the terrain, showing what the land once was. More of that if you go deep beyond the village of Pulai.

More! - There was Rest House here. Or you can visit Taman Negara - via Sungei Relau. Don't forget to have a peep at what this section of the National Park has to offer as well.