For some reason, most of us tend to undervalue the charms of Malaysia’s east coast towns, particularly Kuantan. With attractions like magnificent landscapes, beautiful beaches and stunning nature trails, Kuantan offers a rejuvenating escapade for those who wish to take a break from the busy city. Let us help you uncover this peaceful seaside town’s best-kept secrets.
1. Panorama Hill
Undoubtedly the best-kept secret in Kuantan, Panorama Hill is a stunner that you can’t afford to miss during your visit to this coastal town. A 45-minute hike will take you to the peak where you can admire one of — if not the most beautiful panorama in the whole of Kuantan. If you’re an early riser, you’d want to start your hike before dawn as the view of the sun peeking out from the sea of clouds is an unforgettable one. It’s the perfect place to kickstart your day in Kuantan!
P.S. The next time you're in Kuantan, stay at these 6 awesome beachfront resorts!
2. Rainbow Waterfall
Nestled deep in a rainforest not far from Panorama Hill, Rainbow Waterfall is another crowd puller in Kuantan’s Sungai Lembing area. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the waterfall, and while it doesn’t sound like an easy feat, the view at the end of the journey will definitely be worth it! The mesmerizing rainbow phenomenon happens after the morning mist clears and as sunshine hits the waterfall, usually between 9am to 10am.
Do note that during monsoon season, the rain would affect the chances to see this rainbow, so plan your trip well!
Entrance fee: RM10 to enter the forest reserve
P.S. One of our contributors went to Sungai Lembing to hike. Read about her experience here!
3. Petrosains PlaySmart Kuantan
Credit: Fasya Rizi on Facebook
Did you know that Petrosains PlaySmart centres are available in Kuching, Kuantan, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu so that they can extend the experience to communities outside Klang Valley? Residing inside the Pahang Public Library, this science centre features various engaging science-based activities, exhibits as well as interactive games, like solving a crime case. Take your little ones on an educational playdate this weekend!
Entrance fee: Free
Address: Pahang Public Library, Jalan Kemunting, Tanah Putih, 25100 Kuantan, Pahang
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday (9am - 12pm, 1pm - 3pm), Friday (9am - 12.30pm), closed during the weekends and public holidays
Contact: 09-514 2290
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4. Cherating Turtle Sanctuary
Located just next to Pahang’s Club Med, Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is a small but animal-friendly turtle hatchery where visitors can get closer to this endangered sea creature. Since it was established in 1972, this sanctuary has protected the turtles and helped them to safely land and lay eggs, and at the same time raised awareness regarding turtle conservation through campaigns and exhibitions. There’s also a hatchling programme where lucky visitors can witness the magical moment when baby turtles which are of age are released into the sea!
Entrance fee: Free
Address: Pusat Penerangan Dan Santuari Penyu, KM 45 Jalan Kuantan-Kemaman, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am - 4.30pm (closed on Mondays and public holidays)
Contact: 09-581 9087
P.S. Check out our East Coast road trip itinerary to explore Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan!
5. Lena Cafe by Kayuwoods
Combining great coffee, music, lush plants and stylish decor, Lena Cafe joined the growing cafe scene in Kuantan just early this year. Concealed within the quiet Jalan Teluk Sisek, this lovely cafe is run by the same people behind Kayuwoods, a wedding and event planning agency. Enjoy your handcrafted coffee and palatable meal in a serene and relaxing ambience surrounded by greens and flowers in every corner of the place.
Halal status: Muslim owned
Address: No 36, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am - 11pm (closed on Mondays)
P.S. Looking for cafes in Kuantan? Check out our Kuantan cafe guide!
6. Natural Batik Village
Unleash your inner artist at Natural Batik Village! Located near Balok Beach (or Pantai Balok), Natural Batik Village is especially popular among school students and international tourists who wish to learn more about this traditional local fabric. Visitors can try their hand at the art of batik painting to create their own batik design at this show factory. Aside from that, Natural Batik Village alsoallows visitors to witness the manufacturing process. Don’t forget to shop for various Batik merchandise at the retail section to bring home as souvenirs!
Address: Lot 4898, Batu 9 1/2, Jalan Kemaman, Kampung Chengal Lempong, 26100 Balok, Pahang
Opening hours: Daily 10am - 7pm
Contact: 09-544 7335
7. Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum
If you’re looking to take your kids to a small animal shelter, Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum is the right place for you. Home to animals like bears, foxes, antelopes and porcupines, this place is managed by the local town council. You might not be able to find wild animals and typical crowd favourites like tigers and elephants, but the animals here are well taken care of and in good health! There’s also a lot of space for kids to run and families to have a picnic.
Entrance fee: RM2 for adults, RM1 for kids, free for toddlers under age of 3
Address: Jalan Padang Golf, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang
Opening hours: Daily 9am - 6pm
Contact: 09-567 3333
8. Berkelah Falls
Berkelah Falls is a magnificent cascade of waterfalls that consists of seven tiers. Situated about 35 km from Kuantan town, near the Kuantan airbase of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), Berkelah Falls was actually named after ikan kelah (or mahseer) which was once in abundance in the river. It’s an ideal place for campers or those who want to have a picnic in nature. Do note that since the water is deep and has a strong current, swimming is not recommended for amateur swimmers and kids. Please remember to wear a lifejacket if you’re planning to take a dip here ?
9. Joe Mee Calong Berserah
Ever heard of mee calong before? This noodle soup dish with homemade fish balls and fried tofu is a specialty in Beserah, a quaint little fishing village located north of Kuantan. It’s simple comfort food for the locals that have been loved for generations, but it’s definitely worth trying. This humble roadside eatery also serves keropok lekor (fish sausages), rojak mee and fried mee—all at a very cheap price!
Halal status: Muslim owned
Address: 2/1138, Kampung Alur Tuan Haji, Berserah, 26100 Kuantan, Pahang
Opening hours: Daily 8.30am - 6.30pm
Contact: 013-903 0910
Whether you want to spend a day out in nature, relax at the beach, or hunt for some good food, Kuantan has it all! If you have yet to explore the East Coast of Malaysia before, there’s no better place than this beautiful coastal town to start your journey.