Things to Do in Sungai Lembing, Malaysia

Sungai Lembing: Things to Do

This tin mining town in Malaysia is a simple getaway for those seeking peace and solitude. While not to be compared with the bustling activity of resort towns, those who enjoy nature, history, and Asian culture will delight in the things to do at Sungai Lembing and its surrounding areas.

Natural Trails and Sites

With Sungai meaning “river” and Lembing meaning “spear” in the Malay language, local legend says that a ruler long ago had a vision of a spear in the river and named the town after it. There are a number of nature experiences in Sungai Lembing that will satisfy adventure-seekers.

A famous trail leads to the Rainbow Waterfall, a secluded spot where a rainbow lies at the bottom of a waterfall each morning before 11 AM. One tour takes you partway through the jungle by 4WD vehicle, then on foot through the jungle’s exotic beauty to reward you with a refreshing swim at the waterfall. The price for the tour is high-end but well worth it.

Another notable site is Panorama Hill with its striking sunrises, but be prepared for a 45-minute stair climb to the hilltop before 7 AM. Weekends are busier at this popular tourist destination, so consider planning your stay around a weekday if you are looking for a more peaceful experience.

A short distance from town is the popular local picnic spot of Sungai Kanau. Located by the river beach, cars can go right to the river bank, and there are plenty of pebbles to be picked up as souvenirs. The beach is very wide and bare, so be sure to take sunscreen and a source of shade to protect yourself from the sun!

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History and Adventure

Sungai Lembing has a few hanging bridges to connect the people from the other side of the river to the main town, and you can’t help feeling like Indiana Jones when you cross them. One bridge, “Jambatan Gantung,” means hanging bridge in Malay, and you can even ride a motorbike on this bridge.

Visitors can experience a taste of the local culture on Sungai Lembing’s Main Road. There are two rows of shops on each side, and the road is divided by a row of old trees. One tree, called the Askpuha, is said be the oldest and was planted in 1775.

Visit Sungai Lembing Museum to know more about the town’s glorious tin mining days. Sungai Lembing was one of the largest, longest and deepest subterranean tin mines in the world. It was mined by the British company Pahang Consolidated Company Limited from 1906 until 1986 when world tin prices collapsed. The Museum’s entrance ticket permits you to enter the old mine tunnel and see their broad collection of mining paraphernalia, including a drilling machine, railway track, safety helmet and furniture from the mine manager’s office.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Sungai Leming.