Things To Do
in Raub

Raub, Malaysia sits in the highlands of Pahang, about an hour from Kuala Lumpur and surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The town serves as a gateway to Fraser's Hill and nearby strawberry farms, offering cooler climes and scenic drives. Visitors can explore markets, enjoy hillside cafés, and use Raub as a base for nature and culture excursions.

The area combines rural charm with easy access to larger urban centers, making it suitable for relaxed weekend getaways.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the historic Raub Town, where you can stroll down Jalan Besar and admire the colonial architecture. Stop by the Raub District Museum to learn about the town's rich tin mining history and local culture. Enjoy a traditional Malaysian breakfast at a nearby kopitiam, savoring dishes like kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Raub Heritage Trail for a guided walking tour that showcases the town's significant landmarks, including the iconic clock tower and the old post office. Engage with local artisans at their workshops and witness traditional crafts such as batik and pottery being made. Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to the nearby Raub River for a refreshing dip or a peaceful moment by the water.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a local night market, where you can sample a variety of street food dishes from grilled satay to sweet desserts. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with locals and visitors alike as you shop for handmade products and souvenirs. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Excursion
morning
:

Begin your morning with an exciting trip to the nearby Bukit Fraser, where you can hike along picturesque trails surrounded by lush rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife, as this area is known for its rich biodiversity. Enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst nature while soaking in the serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

After your hike, take a guided tour of the Fraser's Hill Golf Club, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Spend some time at the cool, refreshing Puncak Indah, where you can take in panoramic sights and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the café. If time allows, consider visiting the Mushroom Farm nearby to learn about local fungi cultivation.

evening
:

Return to Raub in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Malaysian cuisine. Try dishes such as Nasi Lemak or Roti Canai, paired with a refreshing drink. As night falls, take a peaceful stroll around the town, enjoying the cool breeze and the sounds of night creatures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Coffee or tea at a local cafe$1-2
🏨Budget hotel room (per night)$15-40
🚌Local transport (per ride)$1-5
🛍️Souvenirs or groceries$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Cool climate and scenic highlands
  • Gateway to Fraser's Hill and strawberry farming
  • Friendly locals and delicious street food
  • Relatively affordable travel base in central Pahang
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Limited direct international flight access
  • Rural transport can be less frequent outside town
  • Weather can be humid and rainy in certain seasons
  • "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
  • "Terima kasih" - Thank you
  • "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
  • "Di mana tandas?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Saya tidak faham" - I don’t understand
  • "Boleh tolong saya?" - Can you help me?
  • "Maaf" - Sorry
  • "Boleh saya duduk di sini?" - May I sit here?

Places to Visit in Raub

Visit one of these nice places.

Raub Clock Tower and town center

Historic clock tower with colonial-era architecture and the lively street life of Raub—great for sunrise or golden-hour shots.

Fraser's Hill viewpoints

Colonial-era hill station with winding roads, tea plantations, and panoramic views over the valley.

Gunung Benom footholds

Forest trails near the mountain with lush greenery and misty mornings ideal for nature photography.

Raub Riverfront

Riverside scenes and palm-lined banks offering tranquil reflections during early mornings.

Culinary Guide

Food in Raub

Raub's cuisine reflects Malaysia's diverse flavors, with Malay staples, Chinese-influenced fare, and rustic hill-country treats. In the highlands, expect cooler-weather snacks like strawberry-based desserts and tea-time offerings at café stalls and markets.

Raub Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Nasi Lemak

The national dish of fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, ikan bilis, fried egg, and crunchy accompaniments; widely available in Raub eateries.

Must-Try!

Ikan Bakar

Fresh fish grilled with spicy sambal, commonly found at seaside-like stalls and local eateries near markets.

Patin Tempoyak

A traditional Temerloh specialty featuring catfish in a creamy durian-tinged sauce; available in larger towns nearby, often on spicy samplings.

Strawberry desserts

Seasonal strawberry-based desserts, ice creams, and jams from farms around Raub; enjoy with a hot cup of local tea.

Rendang and Satay

Savory beef rendang and skewered satay with peanut sauce are commonly served in local restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Raub Market (Pasar Raub)

Bustling daily market where you can sample fresh produce, tropical fruits, and local snacks.

Night markets and street stalls

Evening stalls around town offer fried snacks, ice cream, and hot drinks; great for a casual bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tropical highland climate with warm days and cooler nights, especially at Fraser's Hill; humidity is high year-round; expect frequent rain in the wet season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress modestly in religious sites

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or temples; remove shoes where required.

Respect elders and personal space

Greet with a nod or light handshake; avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.

Noise and tipping norms

Keep noise low in residential areas; tipping is polite but not obligatory in many places.

Safety Guide

Safety

General travel safety applies: watch your belongings in crowded markets, be cautious on rural roads at night, and heed weather warnings during the rainy season. Mosquito protection is advised year-round; be mindful of wildlife and slippery trails after rain.

Tipping in Raub

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory; if service charge is not included, consider rounding up or leaving a 5-10% tip in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted in markets; cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants; carry some cash for small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season (approximately March–May)

Warmer days with cooler evenings at higher elevations; ideal for outdoor activities but stay hydrated.

Rainy season (approximately November–February)

Frequent showers and higher humidity; trails can be muddy; good for lush greenery and dramatic skies.

Shoulder seasons (June–October)

Unpredictable showers but generally pleasant temperatures; good for hiking and exploring outdoor markets.

Nightlife Guide

Raub at Night

Raub's nightlife is quiet and family-friendly, centered on cafés, casual eateries, and small markets rather than club scenes; weekend evenings may feature food stalls and live music at some venues.

Hiking in Raub

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Gunung Benom (Benom Mountain) trails

Forest trails offering panoramic views and potential wildlife sightings.

Fraser's Hill nature trails

Series of easy to moderate trails through pine forest and tea plantations.

Chamang Waterfall (Bentong area)

Popular waterfall near Bentong with scenic pool and photography spots.

Airports

How to reach Raub by plane.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Main international gateway to the region, located about 70-100 miles (110-160 km) from Raub; reachable by car or bus in around 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)

Subang airport serving domestic and limited international flights; closer to Kuala Lumpur; shorter transfer to Raub by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Raub town center is walkable for a compact visit, with markets, cafes, and heritage sights within a short stroll. Hilly terrain around Fraser's Hill and some nature areas means a few climbs but well-marked trails and scenic viewpoints. Private transport or taxis are often needed for distances outside town.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Malay

Main ethnic group in Raub with rural communities surrounding the town.

Chinese

Present in smaller communities and markets, contributing to commerce and cuisine.

Indian

A smaller community that adds to local cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Badminton

Widely played in towns and clubs; a popular recreational sport across Malaysia.

Football (Soccer)

Common in schools and local leagues; casual games in parks and community centers.

Trail running and hiking

Popular outdoor activities in the hills around Raub and Fraser's Hill.

Transportation

Traffic

Road access to Raub is via major highways with regular traffic; within town, roads are usually calm, though markets can cause congestion on market days. Public transport is limited; private cars and taxis are the main modes of transport; from Kuala Lumpur, buses and private transfers run to Raub.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Raub.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in Malaysian cuisine. Look for vegetable curries, nasi lemak without meat, and tofu dishes; ask for no fish sauce or meat stock.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare in Raub includes government clinics and a small hospital; for specialized or emergency care, travel to larger centers such as Bentong, Temerloh, or Kuala Lumpur may be necessary. Bring personal medication and ensure travel insurance.

Discover Malaysia

Read more in our Malaysia 2025 Travel Guide.

Malaysia Travel Guide