Malaysia Kuantan: A Hidden Gem on the East Coast

Are you looking for a new and exciting destination to explore in Malaysia? If you are, then you should definitely consider visiting Kuantan, the capital city of Pahang state. Kuantan is a hidden gem on the east coast that offers a rich and diverse experience for travelers who want to discover the authentic culture, nature, and cuisine of Malaysia.

In this article, we will introduce you to Kuantan and show you why it is a great place to visit. We will cover the best things to do, see, and eat in Kuantan, and how to plan a trip there. By the end of this article, you will be ready to pack your bags and book your flights, hotels, and tours to Kuantan with my.trip.com.

Things to Do in Kuantan

Kuantan has a lot to offer for travelers who are looking for fun and adventure. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Kuantan:

Admire the sunset from Bukit Panorama

Bukit Panorama is a hilltop lookout that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. You can hike up the hill or drive to the parking lot and walk the rest of the way. The best time to visit is in the evening, when you can witness the sky changing colors as the sun sets over the horizon. It is a perfect spot for taking photos and relaxing after a long day.

Go on a Kuantan River Cruise

Kuantan River Cruise is a relaxing boat ride that showcases the wildlife, mangroves, and fishing villages along the river. You can choose from different packages and durations, depending on your preference and budget. You can also opt for a night cruise, which includes a dinner and a cultural show. The cruise is a great way to learn more about the history and ecology of Kuantan and its surroundings.

Learn history at Sultan Abu Bakar Museum

Sultan Abu Bakar Museum is a former palace that displays the royal heritage, artifacts, and costumes of the Pahang sultanate. The museum is located in the heart of the city, next to the Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah. You can explore the museum at your own pace or join a guided tour. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, except on Fridays. The entrance fee is RM5 for adults and RM2 for children.

Explore the Keropok Lekor Factory

Keropok lekor is a fish-based delicacy that is popular in the east coast of Malaysia. It is made from minced fish, sago flour, salt, and water, and then boiled, fried, or grilled. You can visit the Keropok Lekor Factory in Tanjung Lumpur, a fishing village near Kuantan, and see how the snack is made. You can also buy some fresh or packaged keropok lekor to take home or enjoy on the spot.

Things to See in Kuantan

Kuantan has a lot of natural and cultural sights that will amaze and inspire you. Here are some of the things that you can see in Kuantan:

Relax in Teluk Chempedak Beach

Teluk Chempedak Beach is a scenic beach that is ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is located about 5 km from the city center and is easily accessible by car or taxi. The beach has a lot of facilities, such as restaurants, cafes, shops, and water sports rentals. You can also walk along the wooden bridge that connects to a smaller beach, where you can see some monkeys and squirrels.

Visit Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah

Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah is a majestic mosque that is the landmark of Kuantan and a symbol of Islamic architecture. The mosque is located in the city center, opposite the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum. The mosque can accommodate up to 8,000 worshippers and has a distinctive blue dome and four minarets. The mosque is open to visitors, except during prayer times. You will need to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the mosque.

Have a picnic in Sungai Pandan Waterfall

Sungai Pandan Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a refreshing escape from the heat. The waterfall is located about 25 km from the city center and can be reached by car or taxi. The waterfall has a large pool at the bottom, where you can swim or splash around. There are also some gazebos, benches, and toilets available for visitors. You can bring your own food and drinks or buy some from the stalls nearby.

Stroll along Taman Esplanade

Taman Esplanade is a riverside park that features a boardwalk, a playground, a fountain, and a night market. The park is located along the Kuantan River, near the city center. The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax, exercise, and socialize. You can also enjoy the view of the river and the city skyline. The night market is open from 6 pm to 11 pm, every Saturday and Sunday. You can find a variety of food, clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at the market.

Things to Eat in Kuantan

Kuantan has a lot of delicious and unique dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. Here are some of the local cuisine and specialties that you can try in Kuantan:

Savor the ikan bakar

Ikan bakar is grilled fish that is marinated with spices and served with rice, vegetables, and sauces. You can choose from different types of fish, such as mackerel, stingray, or catfish. You can also adjust the spiciness level according to your preference. You can find ikan bakar at many restaurants and stalls in Kuantan, especially near the beach or the river.

Try the laksa kuah putih

Laksa kuah putih is a noodle soup that is made with coconut milk, fish, and herbs. It is a specialty of the east coast of Malaysia and is different from the laksa that you may find in other parts of the country. The soup is creamy, fragrant, and slightly sour. The noodles are thick and chewy. You can add some lime juice, chili paste, or mint leaves to enhance the flavor. You can find laksa kuah putih at some of the local eateries in Kuantan, such as Restoran Zaman or Warung Pak Su.

Enjoy the ais kacang

Ais kacang is a shaved ice dessert that is topped with red beans, corn, jelly, syrup, and condensed milk. It is a refreshing and sweet treat that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. You can also customize your ais kacang with other toppings, such as fruits, nuts, or ice cream. You can find ais kacang at many dessert shops and stalls in Kuantan, such as ABC Corner or Kula Cakes.

Sample the kuih-muih

Kuih-muih are traditional Malay cakes and pastries that come in various shapes, colors, and flavors. They are usually made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and other ingredients, such as pandan, palm sugar, or tapioca. They are often served as snacks or desserts, especially during festive occasions. You can find kuih-muih at many bakeries and markets in Kuantan, such as Kedai Kuih Muih Mak Cik or Pasar Besar Kuantan.

How to Plan a Trip to Kuantan

As you can see, Kuantan is a wonderful destination that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, nature, or food, you will find it in Kuantan. Here are some tips on how to plan a trip to Kuantan:

- The best time to visit Kuantan is from April to September, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you may need to book your flights and hotels in advance. You can also visit Kuantan during the off-season, from October to March, when the weather is wet and cloudy. This is also the low season for tourism, so you may find cheaper deals and less crowds.

- The easiest way to get to Kuantan is by flying from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Singapore (SIN), which takes about an hour. You can also take a bus or a train from Kuala Lumpur, which takes about 4 hours. You can book your flights, buses, and trains to Kuantan with my.trip.com, where you can find the best prices and options for your travel needs.

- The best way to get around Kuantan is by renting a car or taking a taxi, as public transportation is limited. You can rent a car from the airport or the city center, or book a taxi online or by phone. You can also join a tour or a package that includes transportation and activities, which you can find on my.trip.com.

- The average cost of a trip to Kuantan is about RM200 per day, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. You can find a range of accommodation options in Kuantan, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, on my.trip.com. You can also find a variety of food options in Kuantan, from street food to fine dining, for as low as RM5 to RM50 per meal. You can also find a lot of free or cheap activities in Kuantan, such as hiking, swimming, or visiting museums.

If you are ready to visit Kuantan, then head on to trip.com and book your dream vacation today!