Categories: Food & Dining

When a Museum Cafe itself is a Collection Worth Exploring

Of all its treasured curiosities, Sultan Abu Bakar Museum’s Cafe Belibis puts the “loco” to their “motive”. Acquired from the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) in 2018, three locomotive carriages were transformed into a restaurant and given a sleek makeover as a homage to Pahang’s transportation history. Dating back to as early as 1909, the state’s railway industry was considered the first in the country. Today, visitors are able to step back in time and relive its halcyon days and dine amid centuries-old memorabilia—all, against the serence landscape of the iconic Pahang River. A must-visit when in Pekan, Pahang, here, five things to do at this one-of-a-kind establishment.

1. Indulge

…and feast like a king. Helmed by a former royal chef, the eatery serves up rich offerings like ‘Opor Daging’ and ‘Lempeng Kelapa’. For a luxurious treat, try the decadent ‘Puding Raja’, a creamy banana-based dessert favoured by the Queen, too.

Consisting of bananas and cream, the decadent ‘Puding Raja’ is a favourite of Her Majesty The Queen

2. Explore

…the forgotten ‘Jungle Route’. Also known asthe East Coast Route, Pahang is home to one of the earliest known tracks in all of Malaysia. Decked with memorabilia from the state’s railway industry, learn about its past since its inception in 1909.

A vintage train map of Pahang tells the tale of Malaysia’s earliest transportation routes

3. Learn

…to cook, straight from the Queen! A talented chef herself, Her Majesty Queen Azizah’s recipes are available for purchase at Café Belibis.

Various paraphernalia, including a cookbook penned by Her Majesty Queen Azizah (then Tengku Puan Pahang), is showcased proudly in Cafe Belibis

4. Discover

… artefacts, hidden in plain sight. Peppered throughout the brasserie is a collection of precious items, some dating back to the 18th century. From earthenware to literature, every corner at Café Belibis is a historical account of old Pahang.

Antique chinaware reflects not only the state’s diverse heritage but also the history of Pekan as a key trading port

5. Relax

…in nature. Situated right next to the iconic Pahang River, take in all the tropical sights while sipping on a traditional cup of Kopi O. Pro tip: grab yourself a window seat, or one right by the terrace—you’ll never know which wildlife you might encounter.

The restaurant is located idyllically next to the iconic Pahang River

Explore Pahang’s Rich Heritage through Carefully Curated Collections

Cafe Belibis is located right next to the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum in Pekan and open from Saturday until Thursday.

The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum in Pekan is open for public daily from 09:00AM to 4:30PM (the Museum is closed on Mondays). For more information go to the website here.

Frank Nelwan