Kuantan

Gateway to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, with Teluk Cempedak beach and the surf bay of Cherating nearby, and limestone cave temples, sea-of-clouds views and the Rainbow Waterfall around the old tin-mining town of Sungai Lembing inland.

Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, sits at the mouth of the Kuantan River on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is the largest city on the east coast and the region's main transport hub. The city centre is small: the State Mosque, the Kuantan 188 observation tower and the riverside promenade are all along the Kuantan River, and in the evening you can take a boat to see fireflies in the mangroves or cross to Tanjung Lumpur for grilled fish. Teluk Cempedak beach is 5 km east. Heading north along the coast road you reach Balok, Batu Hitam beach and, about 45 km away, the surf village of Cherating, which also has a turtle sanctuary. To the northwest are Charah Cave and the old tin-mining town of Sungai Lembing, where you can climb Panorama Hill at dawn to see a sea of clouds and take a 4WD out to the Rainbow Waterfall. To the south are the royal town of Pekan and Tasik Chini lake. March–October is the dry season and the best time for the beach; from November to February the northeast monsoon brings big waves and rain, and swimming is often banned – but it's surf season. Kuantan is about 3–4 hours from Kuala Lumpur by car or bus, or you can fly into Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport. Allow 2–3 days; public transport to sights outside the city is very limited, so it's best to drive or hire a car with driver. The area is conservative, so dress modestly when visiting mosques and villages.

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Itineraries