Cerating is located about 45 kilometers north of Kuantan, nesting on the Terengganu-Pahang border and fronting the South China sea. Here, wide gently sloping sandy beaches extend as far as the eyes can see and it is a perfect place for a quiet holiday. Cerating was discovered in the 1960s, by backpackers who stayed at guesthouses and wooden huts among the coconut groves by the sea. Cerating became well known among visitors since around 1970s when a family called Mak Long Teh share their house with visitors. Today, there are world-class hotels and chalets, including the world renowned Club Med. Visitors can begin their vacation by strolling along the white sandy beach. A walk on the beach will offer opportunity to collect beautiful seashells and occasionally you may find tiny crabs struggling to find their way out of the sea.
The Pahang capital, with a population of 500,000 residents is located at the mouth of the Kuantan River, whose tributaries start in the mountainous interior. Kuantan has been the state capital since 1955, but its importance as a strategic trading port dates back several centuries, when it was referred to as Kampung Teruntum. Kuantan’s coast is lined with tranquil beaches and resorts, making it an ideal beachside destination. Just inland, there are limestone caves, waterfalls, the historic tin town of Sungai Lembing and a water theme park in Bukit Gambang. The river is important especially for transportation and fishing purposes. Visitors can also admire its beauty by taking a river cruise, or admire it from Kuantan 188, Malaysia’s second tallest tower. This 188-m high tower is located along a riverfront esplanade in the capital’s commercial heart. It is surrounded by shops, offices, malls and dining outlets. This area is also Kuantan’s historic precinct, with Jalan Besar being a fascinating location to admire the city’s colorful heritage and street art. Some shoplots have been revitalised as cafés and restaurants, but they often present a window into the past. Bazar Serambi Teruntum in Tanjung Lumpur houses outlets selling handicrafts including batik, wood carvings, pottery and songket as well as food products.
No one goes hungry in Kuantan, with seafood restaurants in Tanjung Lumpur and smart coffeeshops, especially along Jalan Besar. Fresh seafood offered at affordable prices is a delight for most visitors. The rustic Jaman Tory Restaurant is well patronised for its retro setting and dishes like patin bakar tempoyak. Ana Ikan Bakar Petai specialises in grilled fish and seafood served in a relaxed setting. A local favourite is the rice dish nasi dagang. While traditional cakes are available, contemporary interpretations are served in trendy outlets like Kula Cakes, Kopi & Teh, Watak Kopi and MiCo2 Café. Shoppers can visit malls including Kuantan Parade, East Coast Mall, Kuantan City Mall and Berjaya MegaMall. Superior accommodation is available in hotels like Rocana, Swiss-Belhotel, AC Hotel by Marriott Kuantan and Zenith. The closest beach to Kuantan is Teluk Cempedak located just 6 km to the east. Its beachfront is popular for its international hotel and beachfront food stalls. Holidaymakers can relax or enjoy watersports like kayaking and windsurfing. The Beserah to Balok beachfront is lined with fishing villages, with some resorts providing direct beach access. While locals still fish the waters, adventurous kite and windsurfers ride the waves. The long sandy beaches and resorts of Cerating appeal to those seeking a laidback holiday, as the village retains a relaxed 1970s atmosphere that appeals to budget travellers.
Join a cruise along a mangrove-lined river or engage in numerous watersport activities. Resorts like the Royale Chulan, Club Med and Kasturi cater to discerning travellers, while chalets appeal to those on a budget. Marine life is important along coastal Pahang, with the Cerating Turtle Conservation Centre overseeing turtle management. Turtles lay their eggs in coastal sands from January to September. Head inland to explore Gambang with its water theme park resort and, nearby, the luxurious Mangala Resort and Spa. Bukit Gambang Resort is a theme park with accommodation, restaurants and various fun rides. The Mangala Resort is located around a serene lake within palm forest. Nature activities and pursuits like biking, archery and kayaking set this deluxe resort apart. Sungai Lembing, northwest of Kuantan, was from 1921 to 1941, Malaya’s largest tin mine and one of its few underground mines. The streets are a living museum, while its museum is a valuable educational resource. Many people visit Sungai Lembing to enjoy dishes like mee Jawa, bak kut teh and steamboat, stay in small hotels and visit the weekend market. An interactive tin mining display is located at the site of the former mine shaft. Panorama Hill with its rainbow waterfall is popular among photographers; while nearby Charas Cave and Sungai Pandan Waterfall also appeal.
