MALAYSIA PAHANG KUANTAN

MALAYSIA PAHANG KUANTAN

GATEWAY TO THE EAST COAST

As a bustling administrative centre, Kuantan’s tranquil and idyllic qualities as a sedate coastal  town have not diminished , hence its apt description as the heart of Pahang. The healthy pace of human and physical development over the years has made Kuantan the ideal gateway to the east coast.It is this complete quality that makes Kuantan and its surroundings so welcoming and attractive to tourists. Find yourself a nice spot on the miles of white and golden beaches or leave your cares behind and immerse in the heady cache of tradition and culture that the place has to offer.

SPECTACULAR VIEWS TO BEHOLD

A jaunt through this charming little town, especially the old quarter that runs parallel to the river,will reveal several landmarks that speak layers of history and colours; one of which is the state mosque. Visit also the Sri Mariamman Hindu temple and a beautiful Lao Zi temple at Jalan Sri kemuning and off jalan sg lembing respectively.The pastel blue and white shades of the mosque is a sight to behold. Catch it just before dusk as the golden rays of the setting sun splashes across the minarets and dome, casting surreal shadows over the landscape, while the soul stirring spiritual call of the muezzin echoes across the town to the suburbs. Not too far away is The Royal Pahang Golf Club, situated at the edge of the town that is always open for the avid golfer.

THE AGRICULTURAL PARK

The Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Agricultural Park is a managed green enclave that sits at the edge of Kuantan Town and is spread over 200 hectares. It is a veritable window of tropical and endemic fruit orchards, arboretum, spice garden, recreational park, lake, camp sites and swathes of protected virgin tropical rainforest.

 AGRO RESORT SUNGAI SEMUJI

Tropical fruit lovers will find this spot very tempting indeed, especially during the “durian” season. There are a plenty of adventure activities like beach volleyball, jungle trekking, camping and canoeing. Families and corporate companies may also stay, relax and experience the wide range of facilities such as outdoor and indoor games, excellent corporate programs. Refresh your mind and body by participating in all the activities set amidst the serenity of the tropical wilderness.

THE PAHANG ARTS MUSEUM

The Pahang Arts Museum (also known as Muzium Seni Pahang ) is new local attraction for all art lovers that showcases local and contemporary exhibits such as paintings , fine arts, textile presentation and other local crafts. The museum regularly schedules art exhibitions that consist of works from artists all over Malaysia. This gallery of creative work is not to be missed by everyone.

BUKIT GAMBANG RESORT CITY – ‘WATER PARK’

This development spans across 60 acres offering nonstop fun and excitement! Check ot the 25000sq fy wave pool that will surely offer a whale of a time – including the family river raft rides and 6 line racer slider with a timing scoreboard!

With the Children Fantasy Island ( “ Penguin Island”) , special Kidz Zone, the adventurous Typhoon River as well as a 1 kilometer long man- made sandy beach, never ending fun and merriment awaits both the young and young at heart!

WHERE TO STAY

Find yourself in almost any location in Kuantan and the convenience of a suitable hotel or resort is just  stone’s throw away. Partake in a range of amenities that come with your home , depending on your budget. From the top ranking hotels to the modest, affordable and equally comfortable abodes right on the glorious beaches, or even a quiet inn at the centre of town, take your pick from the complete range of accommodation available.

GETTING TO KUANTAN

Getting there is easy either by air or by road. There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which takes about 45 minutes. If you were to drive from Kuala Lumpur via the Karak Highway, and 320 ms from Johor Bahru/ Singapore, you can drive north along the coastal roads into Rompin, Pekan dan Kuantn from where you can take buses or taxis. Or if you are driving a 45 minute journey is expected from Kuantan to Cherating. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur , it takes about 4 hours.

GET ON A CRUISE

The Kuantan River Cruise will take visitors through picturesque landscapes of a 500 year old mangrove forest reserve that is spread out along the river. Take in scenic sights of the town and the river’s swamp area that is rich with species of estuarine plants, birds and fish.

BESERAH: AN OLD FASHIONED FISHING VILLAGE

The colours of Kuantan are not complete without savouring the cuisine and delicacies of the area Like elsewhere in the east coast of the Peninsular, the omnipresence of the “Keropok”( fish crackers) in its many variations is  must try!

Another popular staple is the many grades of “ Ikan Masin” ( salted fish), which is often used in the culinary styles of the east coast.

Water buffaloes are still used to haul in the day’s catch from fishing boats at Beserah.

For a more complete sampling of the local fare, head for the ever busy Tanjung Lumpur Food Center, a few kilometres cross the Kuantan River Bridge. This sea facing food destination is where a host of “ warung” and restaurants dish up an array of choice seafood preparations, mostly in the Thai-Pahang Malay style fusion cuisines. Don’t expect a 5 star hotel treatment; rather soak in the local culture! The place comes alive after dark and is abuzz with flashed of hot searing pans.

SEPAT BEACH

Tanjung Sepat or better known as Sepat Beach, is a typical Malay fishing village located about 10 km from Kuantan and is also an alternative route to the royal town of Pekan. The beach here has a gradual slope that leads out to sea and is famous among locals as a place for quiet contemplation.

The flat beach area at Sepang Beach is ideal for jogging or even a game of beach football.

BALOK BEACH

Venture further north of the town to Balok Beach, which is the official venue of the annual International Windsurfing Regatta- Monsoon Madness. It’s all there – the infectious thrills and spills of international prosurfers as they dance with the waves and the wind,pitting man and nature to the ultimate test of endurance and skill. Leave the beach activities and head for the river nearby and enjoy the relaxing and invigorating riverine cruise.

TELUK CHEMPEDAK BEACH

It’s a beach life at Teluk Chempedak Beach, located only 5 kilometres from Kuantan town. Go for a swim , take to the sails, surf the waves or just while away the hours on the promenade with a purpose built local food court, an international fast food outlet and a 5 star resort hotel in the vicinity. Teluk Chempedak is a complete beach getaway that can get rather busy on weekends. If you like companion, then this place is for you!

SPECTACULAR FALLS

Founded on the periphery of the world’s oldest rainforest, Pahang is resplendent of a paradise found, with its placid and mysterious lakes, rivers and cool cascades of inviting waterfalls ensconced in green enclaves. For Kuantan, the most accessible of these is the popular Sungai Pandan waterfall, located only 25 kilometres from town. Cascading 100 metres into a cool pool at the bottom, Sungai Pandan is a panacea for tired nerves. If you would like to savour the variety of sights offered by different waterfalls, you can opt to venture further to Berkelah falls ( a series of seven cascading waterfalls), Jerangkang and also Pelangi waterfalls, for which you may need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to access.

PAHANG KUANTAN CHERATING

CLUB MED CHERATING

The all in one inclusive holiday concept founded by the international French vacation group has long made its mark in Kuantan.Re-branded and revived, Club Med Cherating still holds sway in this pristine beach area of Pahang.

PRISTINE SANDY BEACHES

Cherating is located about 50 kilometres north of Kuantan, nestling on the Terengganu –Pahang border and fronting the South China Sea. Here, wide and gentle sloping sandy beaches extend as far as the eye can see and it is a perfect place for a quiet holiday.

THE TURTLE SANCTUARY

This sanctuary is a tribute to the gentle giants of the South Seas- the near extinct Leatherback turtles that made Chendor Beach their destination of choice to lay their eggs. The Chendor Turtle Sanctury is located only a few minutes’ drive from Cherating. A small turtle information centre, a souvenir kiosk and turtle pools with live Green or Ridley Turtles pools with Live Green or Ridley Turtles are kept for conservation purposes. It is a recommended spot for turtle watching.

The golden white sand that edges the clear blue waters will entice sun lovers to laze around and enjoy the warmth of the tropical sun, while many will opt for a dip in the invitingly cool, clear water that wash the shore of Cherating. For thrill seekers, challenge the wind that ride alongside waves by going windsurfing. You can also try snorkeling to view the beautiful underwater corals and sea life.

TRADITIONAL ARTS & CRAFTS

Pahang has a vibrant cottage industry and Kuantan is the hub for such activities .Populardestinations and major hotels –even the town itself- has a sampling of various handicrafts available for sale, making it easy for visitors to stock up on souvenirs. Do visit the unique art of silk weaving at “ Kompleks Pengembangan Pahang Di Raja Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah’at Kampung Soi. Beautifully-crafted traditional kites of varios colours and designs, elegant woodcarvings , pottery and fine batik , songket and Pahang Silk textiles are at the top of list for souvenir hunters. Find them all at the Kompleks Kraftangan Kuantan in Cherating village. You even can learn how to make mengkuang mats and paint your own batik piece to bring home.

Traditional Pahang Malay style mats woven from mengkuang leaves (screw pine pandanus) are popular as souvenirs or practical paraphernalia for toting around. The same material is also used to create beautiful, functional handicrafts such as handbags, baskets, food covers. Batik painting is popular too, with motifs derived from nature. Cotton and fine silk are turned into exquisite blouses, shirts and “ baju kurung’ Pahang.

SUNGAI LEMBING

THE TOWN THAT TIME FORGOT

Sungai Lembng is a small hamlet in the hills, approximately 45 kilometres northwest of Kuantan. It is now a quiet settlement from a bygone era of tin mining but visitors could still catch a glimpse of its past glories. About 25k from Kuantan is the well hidden Gua Charah ( Charah Caves) with a labyrinth of complex cave structures made up of eight separate caves and is spread over an area of 92 hectares. There’s Gya Gelap, Gua Batu Nisan Raja, Gua Pecah, Gua Gajah, Gua Tiga Beradik , Gua Puteri Bersikat and many others to explore.

SUNGAI LEMBING MINING MUSUEM

A foray into the “cities of the underground “ can be had at the Sungai Lembing Museum, which is located 42 kilometers from Kuantan. The museum is where the legacy of the heydays o the world famous Sungei Lembing underground tin mine are showcased. The subterranean shafts may be closed now but the view from the Panorama Hill opens up to a great vista of the Kuantan sunrise.

PANORAMA HILL

Today, the center of attraction in Sungai Lembing is Panorama Hill, where visitors can watch sunrise in the early morning. The health conscious would most welcome an jaunt at the hot springs at Sungai Jin.. They could later make a short detour to the nearby deer breeding farm or stop at Air terjun pelangi (rainbow waterfall) for a short frolic in the natural pool.