Located on the shoulder road of Raub-Lipis KM 6, Sekolah Menengah Sains Tengku Abdullah was first fully developed in 1982 in an area of 17 hectares of rubber plantations and enrolled its first 280 students in early 1983. Due to it being one of the largest boarding school in Malaysia, it is never hard to spot the unique building in Raub. The school later then was later officiated by the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah on the 4th of July 1989 during the opening day. Up until now, the students take pride in the name of His Majesty and continue to create success in terms of academic and co-curricular aspects. 

SEMESTA’s first principal was Mr. Abdul Rahim bin Mohammad, who served until the end of 1986. Since 1982, the school has been led by 16 high calibre principals.