Kuantan

Kuantan, the state capital, is located on the east coast and facing the South China Sea. It is fast developing into a modern commercial centre, yet retaining its unique age- old charms. Now, modern high-rise structures coexist harmoniously with pre-war shop houses and colonial buildings.

Kuantan is vibrant, clean and punctuated by lush greenery that gives the town a refreshing countryside atmosphere. Food is easily available as there are many restaurants and open air food stalls selling local culinary delights. Its nightlife is an affair of colorfully decorated stalls selling anything from handicraft to costume jewelry and farm produce.

The State Mosque, with its distinctive dome and minarets in a pastel shade of sky blue and mint green, stands regal in the middle of the town. It is a prominent landmark to all visitors coming into the town. Nearby, in stark architectural contrast are the Kuantan Parade, Berjaya Megamall, East Coast Mall and Teruntum Complex, three modern shopping and office complexes. The colonial-styled Courthouse, Art Museum and the office of Pahang Tourism at Jalan Masjid, the Forestry Department office and the post office, all add a lovely contrast to the many new buildings sprouting around them.

Old Kuantan, however, is not lost amongst new developments. Take a stroll down Jalan Besar and you are likely to savor the obvious and pungent aroma of salted fish and squids. Across the river, there are eating stalls famous for their ‘ikan bakar’ (grilled fish), a not to be missed fare when visiting Kuantan.

A tour of the town will take visitors to the Cultural Centre at Jalan Teluk Sisek where cultural performances are held every weekend, the Tourist Information Centre at Jalan Mahkota, a batik factory at Tanah Putih and the Esplanade where tourists enjoy the scene in Kuantan river view with its vast mangrove reserve in the opposite bank and a busy jetty on the other. In the far distance and yet visible from the Esplanade is the fishing village of Tanjung Lumpur.