Kuantan, Malaysia – Travel Guide

Kuantan, is a place for authentic exposure to the daily lives of locals.

With attractions like fireflies, baby turtles, river tours, cultural gems, and a vibrant culinary scene, Kuantan is a must-visit city on your exploration of Malaysia’s eastern coast.

Having typically tropical temperature, the summer heat can extend up to 40 degrees Celsius. Best to avoid the rainy season between October and March, as activities will be tormented by and diminished by the incessant downpour that can occur.

Despite local warm temperature, there are plenty of exciting activities that you and family can explore around like a local do. Check on below!

1. Outdoor Activities – Beach

Teluk Cempedak Beach

Visiting Teluk Cempedak is a must do thing for anyone. The beach is the perfect place for a swim or walk with your family.  Spend time to enjoy cool, windy and relax beside beach. Also, you can join in activities like snorkelling, surfing waves, and could just simply walking on the white sand that will refresh your mind and body.

Located just 5 km away from town, Teluk Chempedak is the perfect start to kick off your Kuantan trip.

Tip : Let your kids to experience flying kite and sand playing beside beach, while there’s public toilet and restaurants are at nearby area for your needs anytime. Kids can play and elderly could take a rest at the beach under tree shelter or even at restaurant. Click here for map coordinator.

Pantai Batu Hitam Kuantan Beach

A clean beach which located 28km away from town, it’s with the lining of black stones on the shore is the gateway to a relaxed beach holiday. The sparkling sunlight shine on black stones that creates an unreal beauty that you should witness yourself. Book a night or two, holiday chalets in Pantai Batu Hitam to experience the stunning night view. Click here for map coordinator.

2. Hike Bukit Pelindung

Located few kilometers away from Teluk Cempedak, Bukit Pelindung recreational forest is a great place to hike and grab wonderful view. If you want to do an easy hike and get in exercise Bukit Pelindung is the choice. Hike the magnificently maintained trail. Trail from Bukit Pelindung to Teluk Chempedak loop is almost 10km and challenges you a little with the slope. But the road is well-maintained and easy to cover even for young kids. You have the option to either jog or cycle for your workout. The panoramic cityscape seen from the summit is worth for everything.

Address : 227, 25250 Kuantan (Click here for map coordinator).

3. Hike Bukit Panorama

To own an unforgettable memory of nature, make sure to visit Bukit Panorama. Watching the sun setting over the city and enjoying the quick moment of gloom is something magical. Also, the Bukit panorama sunrise is surely thing tourists crave for.

Tip : To get there around 5 to 5:30 morning to watch the sunrise. The beautiful mountain trail and the peaceful of the place are equally enjoyable for the sunset.

Address : Kampung Kuala Kenau, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

4. Architecture of Masjid Negeri Pahang (Sultan Ahmad 1)

This stands out as a must-see attraction in Kuantan. Few masjids in the city boast the rich history and distinctive architecture found in Masjid Negeri Pahang, the state mosque. Featuring a large dome surrounded by four smaller domes in a space-age design, this four-pillar mosque offers a unique aesthetic. Masjid Negeri Pahang is a serene and tranquil destination, making it one of the city’s most peaceful places to explore.

Address : Jalan Mahkota, Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Pahang, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

5. Kuantan 188 Tower

Located on the east coast of the Kuantan River, the Kuantan 188 Tower stands out as one of the city’s latest iconic landmarks. Soaring to a height of 188 meters, with an observation deck at 92 meters, it claims the title of the second tallest lookout tower in Malaysia and the tallest tower in the east coast economic region.

Offering an expansive view of the South China Sea, mangrove forests, and more, the tower provides a breathtaking panorama. Particularly popular for evening visits, tourists are drawn to the Kuantan 188 Tower for its captivating changing lights, creating an enjoyable and mood-setting experience.

Tip : You may buy ticket from here (from RM 9), offering from individual to group purchase. Opening from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 12am on weekends.

Address : Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

6. Visit Mini Zoo Teruntum

The Zoo teruntum is located in the middle of city, a zoological park to visit with your family definitely children would love on it. It has a modest collection of animals including crocodiles, monkeys, and ostriches. Remember to apply sunscreen due to humid hot weather in Kuantan and we also suggest to bring along mini fan if sweat is not your thing.

You may purchase tickets from here, zoo is opening daily from 10am to 6pm.

Tip : You may rent bicycles and ride inside the zoo, children will have plenty of spaces to play and run. There is safety track built for bicycle ride too.

Address : Jalan Padang Golf, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

7. Roaming Taman Esplanade

The esplanade of Kuantan is in near presence to Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah. Stroll along the promenade, soak in the picturesque surroundings, and enjoy the laid-back ambiance of this coastal city. The Esplanade is a hub of activity, offering wide range of recreational facilities and amenities. Enjoy outdoor exercise equipment, jogging tracks, and cycling paths. You can also find playgrounds for children, allowing families to spend time together.

If you want to go on a shopping walk and culinary experience in the same area, go to Taman Esplanade. Roam around in the Begaraya Megamall and Gio Mall, both of which are just 4 miles from the esplanade. Also, you can visit nearby restaurants like Hai Peng Kopitiam, La Gourmet Noodle House and more. These are restaurant places that you could find local signature dishes and taste.

Address : Jalan Tanah Putih, 25100 Kuantan, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

8. Visit Sungai Lembing Mines

Explore Sungai Lembing, home to one of the world’s deepest and longest tin mines, renowned for its historical significance as one of the oldest mines with a vibrant cultural heritage. The mines in Sungai Lembing offer a unique experience, requiring train travel to access tunnels that stretch almost 785 km underground. Across various engaging activities and visuals, you can learn about the mining history of the Sungai Lembing mines.

Address : Sungai Lembing, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

9. Visit the Keropok Lekor Factory

One of the signature dishes of Kuantan is their fish sausage, called ‘Kepor Lekor’. Check out keropok lekor factory when you are visiting this city. See how the fishballs and sausages are made step-by-step and taste some fresh delicious ‘keropok lekor’. Keropok is a kind of cracker, which has fish paste inside as an ingredient and is made both soft and hard. The dish can be enjoyed with chili sauce while serving can be both steamed or fried. I personally prefer the fried version.

You may take a taxi from city centre to the Kampung Peramu Hulu factory for the visit.

Address : Kampung Peramu Hulu, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

10. Night Activity – Kuantan River Cruise

An evening river cruise is certainly an uncommon experience not readily available in every city. Kuantan river cruise at night is an experience as the fireflies light up around the mangrove and the thrilling experience of spotting crocodiles is another reason to not miss this.

There are several offer tickets from website, cruise tour varies from 30mins to 1hour 30mins.

Address : JETI SHAHBANDAR, Jalan Tanah Putih, 25100 Kuantan, Pahang (Click here for map coordinator).

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