East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang face the South China Sea, with the three island groups of Perhentian, Redang and Tioman, plus the rainforest of Taman Negara and the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands.

This region covers three states on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia: Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Sparsely populated, it preserves the strongest Malay traditional culture.

Highlights: the white-sand beaches and coral reefs of the Perhentian, Redang and Tioman islands, with snorkeling, diving and sea turtles; the primeval rainforest of Taman Negara National Park, with its canopy walkway and night walks; the tea plantations, strawberry farms and mossy forest of the Cameron Highlands (administratively part of Pahang); the Central Market, shadow puppetry and kites of Kota Bharu, the Floating Mosque and Chinatown in Kuala Terengganu; and the beaches of Kuantan and Teluk Cempedak.

Classic itineraries: pick one island and stay for 3–4 days; or Kuala Lumpur–Cameron Highlands (2 days)–Taman Negara (2–3 days)–east coast islands, 8–10 days in total.

Getting there: Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan have airports. Boats to the Perhentian Islands leave from Kuala Besut, to Redang from Kuala Terengganu or Pengkalan Berangan, and to Tioman from Mersing or from the Singapore side. The Cameron Highlands are usually reached from Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur.

Good to know: during the northeast monsoon (roughly Nov–Feb) the sea is rough and the islands are mostly shut. Kelantan and Terengganu are more conservative, so dress modestly; Friday is the main day of rest.

Destinations

Itineraries