If there is one thing I’ve been proud about in my 25 years of living, is the fact that I hail from Kuantan, Pahang. Born and raised for 18 years here, there has not been one regret whatsoever. Now that I reside in Selangor, going back to my hometown always puts me in a relaxing mode with its nature and the family/homey feeling you’ll get. #VisitKuantan2020
Photo credits on the right via Andy Kho
This gem of a place that is located on the east coast side of Malaysia is fast developing into a hidden but booming tourist attraction. With its unique old charms, friendly people, incredible local food, lush greenery and picturesque beach views make Kuantan right on the map and the perfect place to retire. Worth to know that Kuantan is known to be one of the cleanest city in Malaysia till today and was the first winner for Malaysia Sustainable City in the year 2007.
Despite its beauty in Kuantan, there have been few misconceptions from people that I endured on what or where Kuantan is.
Example 1 : Eh Nat, Kuantan is in Kelantan right?
Example 2 : Wah Kuantan got MCD and KFC!! So maju one ah?!
Example 3: So do you stay in a jungle?
Example 4: Actually what do you normally do in Kuantan? Macam boring je
First up, to those who fail their geography, Kuantan is located in Pahang, secondly, yes, Kuantan has developed so much since it took time for you to process we have fast-food joints. Thirdly, Kuantan is known for its greenery jungle but that doesn’t mean we stay in one. Well, lastly, what to do in Kuantan? Let me enlighten you.
Cendol Air Putih
This place draws a huge crowd, especially on a sunny day. It gets so crowded sometimes that people would just take away (bungkus) their favourite cendol or ABC. However, one of the main reasons people drop by to this corner, and small shop is for their cendol durians. Yes, and I’m not talking just the durian flavouring alone but real durians. Plus, they are pretty generous when it comes to the number of chunky durians given. Priced at RM12. The shop has a bright yellow paint wall and is located right in front of Nirwana Hypermarket.
Panorama Hill, Sungai Lembing
Get in touch with your nature side and hike up to one of the most stunning views Kuantan has to offer. Thanks to its historical past in Sg Lembing, it has become one of the most visited spots in Kuantan. Although Panorama Hill is about 45km northwest of Kuantan, hiking up to the peak of the hill to see the sunrise is worth it. Just halfway up the hill and you are practically above the clouds. It is 271 meters tall and it’s a staircase type of hike. Takes about 45 mins to an hour to hike up. Best to bring torchlight and to always hold the rail while going up as some path is unstable.
Taman Gelora Park
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If hiking is not for you, then Kuantan has a nice space and park for you to jog. Plus, this place is facing near the beach area too. Taman Gelora regularly has tai chi and aerobics in the morning just in case jogging is also not your thing to sweat it out. Seated right next to Royal Pahang Golf Club, the walking track is not paved by concrete. With its willow trees, playground for children, its famous lotus pond makes the park a perfect place for a family to spend some time together. Be sure to take pictures at the small bridge there and enjoy the hawker stalls’ goreng pisang, fried rice and other food.
Alor Akar Seafood Restaurant
Expect the pleasant smell of the authentic Chinese cooked dishes as you pass by here. The amazing aroma entices a lot of people to dine here. So much so, every weekend especially, you can see long queuing line for people just to get a seat at the table. Be sure to book in your reservation early. One of the things that draw people to this place is its affordable prices, and the fresh seafood/ingredients. Visitors from other countries also come here to eat. Plus, celebrities like Malaysian athlete, Datuk Lee Chong Wei and many others have eaten here before.
Gua Charas
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Before coming to this limestone hill, the scenic view from the outside looks like a Jurassic Park entrance. The cave is a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists and their symbols are dotted around. The famous thing here is their Sleeping Buddha statue. Best to go around 11 am to 12 pm to see the sun shining directly at the statue, giving it a beautiful view to admire. Opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm with an entrance fee of RM2 per person. Also for those who are afraid of heights, this place may not be the best, but worth it after enjoying the breeze from on top.
Teluk Chempedak
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A place where everyone needs to visit when you’re in the land where palm trees sway. Teluk Chempedak offers a wide variety of restaurants along the beach, a plethora of fun activities to do with your family and walk alongside to second bay of TC using the bridge(the monkeys there ain’t friendly though, don’t be fooled). Due to its strong waves, visitors are advised to swim at own risk but this builds for a place for water sports activities like jet-skiing, or surfing. The calm and beautiful beach is where one needs to be to unwind.
Ana Ikan Bakar Petai
Ikan Bakar is another famous delicacy that every local in Kuantan enjoys. Ana Ikan Bakar Petai seems to be the Kuantanese favourite here. It’s a difficult place to sit during the peak hours so best to get there earlier before usual dinner timing. You can opt for other seafood and dishes to whack here too. Their seafood is pretty fresh too as the restaurant is located in the fishing village of Tanjung Lumpur. As seen on their Facebook page, Malaysian singer, Dato Siti Nurhaliza even visited this place.
Sun San Seen See Temple

Image via The Star
One of the reasons this Chinese temple is so famous amongst its people is the unique deities they pay homage to and keeps one of the largest scaled freshwater fish in the world. The locals call it as kui loong fish which is directly translated as dragonfish. You can even feed the little tortoises there. The devotees come to pray for good fortune and health from the Gods such as Goddess of Mercy, the character of the Monkey goes West legend, mermaid and many more. Opens from 9 am to 4 pm.
Kuantan River Cruise

Image via visit-malaysia.com
The Kuantan river cruise takes visitors through the picturesque landscape of a 500-year-old mangrove forest reserve that spreads along the Kuantan River. The swamp, which covers an area of 340 hectares, is home to fascinating varieties of estuarine plants, birds and fish species. You can even get a view of the fishermen’s village, and the South China Sea View. Besides that, you can even take a ride during the night tour where you can catch a glimpse of fireflies and even crocodile hunting. Prices are depending on the tour you plan to take. Nearby the cruise starting point is also Esplanade Kuantan, a place for a short stroll and picture taking.
GC Curry House
If you’re looking for amazing Indian food for breakfast, then this is the right place for you. Their roti canai is super ‘garing’ (crispy), but you also need to try their rawa thosai and puri, makes it an amazing spot for a perfect breakfast. If you want something heavy, you can even opt for a banana leaf rice which is equally good too. The upper level is where you can host event and parties too.
Puteh Beach Bar
Drinking cold beers by the beach, what else could anybody want to relax? Puteh Beach Bar is a newly built bar that is located inside of Adena Beach Resort. Just walk inside and along to the beach (Pantai Balok) and you can see purple lights, that’s your bar. Besides that, you can get fantastic value meals especially on the weekend where you get BBQ meals, great service and not forgetting the amazing music. Its operating hour’s starts from 1130 am to 12 am. Tons of amazing spot to take plenty of pictures and an outdoor swing set too! Great place to let your hair down and just be free!
Berkelah Falls
Explore each pool at this 7 tiered Berkelah Falls with one of nature’s most beautiful view ever. With clear and magnificent waterfalls, this place is a popular site for both locals and tourist to enjoy hiking and swimming all year round. The hike up is a bit challenging as the duration will take you roughly about 3 to 4 hours. It’s best to camp out here too. Be careful of the depth of the pools too as its deep and strong current. Best advised to bring along lifejacket, just in case. Overall a great place for all to enjoy.
Bukit Gambang Resort City
One of the main spot attraction here is their safari park. Nestled within 138 acres of secondary jungle, it aims to take you on exciting encounters and experiences that will bring you eye to eye with the wild with our animals here. You can even have an exclusive encounter with the animals as you ride in their trams in their wild savannah. Plus, you have a fascinating water park and you can even book included with suites and villas. This is an integrated resort destination located 218km from Kuala Lumpur and 35km before the town of Kuantan, Pahang. It was voted as the Best Water Park in Malaysia 2011 too.
Kuantan may be a simple town to many but once you’ve visited this Pahang capital city, you’ll be appreciating the gem of an area that this place has to offer to many and be back for more.