Raub District

The Raub District (Jawi: ﺭﺍﻭﺏ; Chinese: 劳勿) is a town, a district and also a parliamentary constituency in Pahang, Malaysia. The town is situated 110 km from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur and 265 km from Pahang's capital, Kuantan. Raub is one of the oldest towns in Pahang.

Raub district consists of 7 mukim (sub-districts), namely Batu Talam, Sega, Semantan Ulu, Dong, Ulu Dong, Gali and Tras. With an area of 2,271 km², Raub district is situated in west of Pahang and between two ranges, Titiwangsa Range and Benom Mountain Range. Raub experiences a temperature range between 20 and 30 °C annually and an average rainfall about 200 mm, and is home to Fraser's Hill.

History

Raub was explored and founded in the 18th century. It is a historic gold mining settlement, and the gold mining industry is now undergoing something of resurgence as the gold price has risen. According to the history, this mining centre was named Raub after a group of miners found a handful of gold in every tray of sand they dig. This is described by J.A. Richardson in his book, (The Geology and Mineral Resources of the Neighborhood of Raub Pahang). According to him (page 36), "People found that for every "dulang" of sand there was a handful (raub) of gold". The old folks' tale recounts that in the early 19th century, an old man and his two sons discovered gold every time they scooped up the earth in Raub. Thus, the town and the district derived their name from the Malay word raub which means "scoop".

Raub became famous in the early 20th century for its mining resource (gold). Then, gold mining in Raub was operated by Raub Australian Gold Mine (RAGM), a company registered in 1889 in Queensland, Australia. The company was initially known as Australian Syndicate Ltd and later as Australian Gold Mining Co. Ltd in 1892. RAGM operated until 1961.

The mining method used in Raub is shaft mining and started at the Raub Hole. This area is now known as Bukit Koman. The mining activity became a valuable heritage for Raub district. The main road in Raub Bibby Road was named after the company's first manager, William Bibby. Mason Road was named after the first district officer J S Mason. Bukit Koman was once dubbed "Malaysian capital of gold" as the result of rapid development of gold mining.

A new company, Peninsular Gold, has restarted gold mining at the Raub mine. Initially, the company recovered gold from the tailings dumps from the old mine, but started mining fresh ore again in 2011. A major drilling campaign is in progress, exploring additional resources adjacent and below the old mine.

Communist threat in the 1940s in Raub resulted in the erection of new settlements. Among them are Cheroh (1948), Sang Lee (1948), Sungai Ruan (1948), Sungai Chetang (1948), Bukit Koman (1949), Sempalit (1950), Sungai Lui (1950), Tras (1950) and Sungai Klau (1960).

There are a lot of British style buildings in Raub, especially along Mason Road (now known as Jalan Tengku Abdullah). Most of the buildings in Raub were built during the pre-World War II era. The Police Station of Raub is probably one of the oldest buildings in Malaysia, it was built in 1905.

Demographics

The population in Raub is much diversified consisting of 50% Malay, 40% Chinese mostly descendants of the gold mining workforce and 6% Indians. The Chinese are concentrated in the original Raub town. The Malays on the other hand, are located primarily on the outskirts of Raub town.

Transport

Car

Highway (8) is the main route to Raub. Motorists from Kuala Lumpur will usually exit the LPT (E8) at Bentong and then enter highway (8) to get to Raub or Kuala Lipis. Raub is also a stopover for motorists travelling to Kota Bharu, which is the northern end of highway 8.

Raub is the eastern end of Route (55), which begins in Kuala Kubu Bharu in Selangor and passes through Fraser's Hill in the process. As a result, Route (55) is an alternative to the Karak Highway (E8) for Selangor/Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley motorists.

Raub is also a gateway to the hill resorts of Cameron Highlands, using Pahang State Route.

Public transport

Currently Rapid Kuantan does not serve Raub as well as most of western Pahang. Instead, buses in Raub are operated by several companies which include Pahang Lin Siong, Union and Central Pahang. The latter two merged a few years ago and has been operating as a single entity by the name of Union since. Besides these local companies, other interstate express coaches also stop by Raub central bus station as the town is strategically located along routes to cities like Gua Musang and Kota Bharu in the eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia.

Raub is also not served by the KTM Intercity, given its mountainous terrain. The closest station will be Kuala Lipis.

Places of interest

Bukit Telaga Waterfalls An ideal stopover as it is on the way to Fraser’s Hill, the Bukit Telaga Waterfall is known for its turbulent rapids which flow through a rugged rocky area. Location: 15 km from Fraser’s Hill and 19 km from Raub Town.

Jeram Besu Rapids (Jeram Besu) is fast gaining popularity as one of the best white water-rafting and kayaking spots in the country. The rapids, (river grade 2 to 4 depending on the river water level) has now attracted a lot of white water enthusiasts i.e. rafters, kayakers and canoeists from all over the country even as far as Singapore. Complemented by its easy accessibility, it is both challenging and thrilling. Other activities such as jungle trekking, flying fox, war games and rubber rafting are also available. Accommodations come in the form of chalets, camping sites and hostels.

Tasik Ria Kundang Puah Recreational Centre Located on Sungai Lipis approximately 6 km before the town of Benta and about 2¹⁄₂ hours drive. It is a former tin mine and now a lake clustered with tiny island that is now a famous spot for fishing. Location: 21 km from Raub.

Sungai Pasu Recreation Centre Located in the village of Sungai Pasu, offers a tranquil lake setting, lush greenery and a freshwater fish pond. It is also a location for the local homestay program. Location: 13 km from Raub.

Fraser's Hill (or Bukit Fraser in Malay) is one of the famous highlands in Malaysia besides Genting and Cameron Highlands. It is 34 km South West of the town of Raub. The road to Fraser's Hill is challenging and is one of the most winding roads in Pahang or probably Malaysia.

Lata Jarum A popular picnic spot next to a series of rapids which culminate in a clear picturesque rock pool surrounded by tropical greenery. It has public amenities such as changing rooms and parking lots. Location: 30 km from Raub.

Lata Lembik Waterfalls This fascinating rock formation, a result of geological change over millions of years, is set amidst lush greenery - a great spot for picnics and family get-togethers. Location: 42 km from Raub.

Raub Lake Park A very popular lake park located near Raub Town. People can have a picnic, jogging, fishing or just relaxing around the lake area. People can also rent a boat and sightseeing around the lake. Location: 2 km from Raub Town

source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raub_District