Kuantan is located in front of the Kuantan River attracting thousands of tourists each month. Kuantan tourism includes beach visits, and a ton more places for indoor and outdoor activities. Kuantan tourism is famous for having a balance between the urban futuristic part of the city and nature.
Things to do in Kuantan: Being one of the cleanliest cities in Malaysia, Kuantan is the best place to explore temples and beaches as well as cafes, restaurants and shopping malls. Kuantan trip is budget-friendly yet refreshing and takes you closer to nature. Kuantan is perfect for a 3 to 4-day tour with friends or family.
Outdoor Activities in Kuantan:
The outdoor activities that are famous in Kuantan are listed below. Being beside the beach city gives you options for snorkelling and cruising. Also, you can hike to Bukit Panoroma, see the waterfalls and enjoy an invigorating shower in Kuantan while enjoying nature.
1. Kuantan Beaches:
Visit Teluk Cempedak Beach:
Location: 5 km from city centre
Visiting Teluk Cempedak is a must for anyone. this serene palm-lined beach is the perfect place for a dip with your family. Spend some time there enjoying the cool windy and relaxed atmosphere. You can engage in various activities like snorkelling, surfing the waves, and walking on the white sand that will refresh your soul and body.
Located just 5 km away from the town, Teluk Chempedak is the perfect start to kick off your Kuantan adventure.
Pantai Batu Hitam Kuantan Beach
Location: 28 km from centre
A clean serene beach with the lining of black stones on the shore is the gateway to a fully relaxed beach holiday. Pantai Batu Hitam tours are quite popular. Book your spot beforehand to get a memorable tour. The sparkling sunlight on the stretch of the black stones creates an unreal beauty and is a sight to be held. Find chalets in Pantai Batu Hitam to stay in and also pre-book your homestay if you want to stay for the night.
Activities to enjoy: swimming, snorkelling, surfing etc.
2. Hike Bukit Pelindung:
Just a few km from the Teluk Cempedak, Bukit Pelindung recreational forest is a nice place to explore. If you want to do an easy hike and get in exercise Bukit Pelindung is perfect. Hike the beautifully maintained trail. The trail from Bukit Pelindung to Teluk Chempedak loop is almost 10 Km and challenges you a little with the slope. But the road is well-maintained and easy to cover.
You can either jog up or cycle for a workout as well. The bird’s eye view of the city from the top is worth the hike.
3. Hike Bukit Panorama:
To get a glimpse of nature that will remain in your memory for the coming years, visit the Bukit Panorama. Watching the sun setting over the city and enjoying the brisk moment of dusk is something magical. Also, the Bukit panorama sunrise is something tourists crave for.
You have to get there around 5 AM to 5:30 AM to watch the sunrise. The beautiful mountain trail and the tranquillity of the place are equally enjoyable for the sunset as well.
Top attractions and things to do in Kuantan:
4. See Architecture of Masjid Negeri Pahang (Sultan Ahmad 1):
This is one of the unavoidable attractions of Kuantan. The city has very few other masjids with the history and architecture of Masjid Negeri Pahang. It’s the state mosque of Pahang. The four-pillar mosque has a large dome with four smaller domes around it with a space-age design. Masjid Negeri Pahang is one of the most peaceful places to visit in the city.
5. Kuantan 188 tower:
One of the latest iconic landmarks of the city Kuantan 188 towers stands on the east coast of the Kuantan River. The tower is 188m tall and the observation deck is at 92meters height. Kuantan 188 tower is the second tallest lookout tower in Malaysia and the tallest tower in the east coast economic region.
The tower gives a stretched view of the South China Sea, mangrove forest and more. It’s a popular spot for nighttime visits among tourists for the changing lighting and it sets the mood for enjoyment.
6. Shower in Sungai Pandan Waterfall:
Sungai Pandan waterfall camping is one of the great experiences to enjoy. The invigorating shower under the Sungai Pandan waterfall is cooling and gives your body the much-needed massage. Sungai Pandan waterfall has three tiers with spectacular views.
It’s also a great spot for picnics and camping. The waterfall has three tiers and quite a pleasant natural forest around it.
6. Visit mini zoo teruntum:
The Zoo teruntum in the middle of Kuantan city is a zoological park to visit with your children for fresh air. Zoo Teruntum is located in the middle of the city and has a modest collection of animals including crocodiles, monkeys, and ostriches.
7. Roaming Taman Esplanade:
The esplanade of Kuantan is in near proximity to Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah. If you are planning to go on a shopping spree 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.
8. Visit Sungai Lembing Mines:
Visit one of the world’s deepest and longest tin mines, Sungai Lembing is famous for being one of the oldest mines and having a rich culture. The Sungai Lembing mines are quite an experience as you have to take the trains to reach the tunnels which are almost 785 km spread underground.
Through various engaging activities and visuals, you can learn about the mining history of the Sungai Lembing mines.
9. Visit the keropok Lekor Factory:
One of the infamous dishes of the city, Kuantan is their fish sausage, Kepor Lekor. While visiting Kuantan take some time out to visit the keropok Lekor Factory. See how the fishballs and sausages are made step-by-step and taste some fresh delicious keropok lekor.
Take a taxi or cab from the city centre to the Kampung Peramu Hulu factory for the visit.
10. Dine at Ana Ikan Bakar Petai:
Ikan Bakar is a speciality of Malaysian cuisine. Ana Ikan Bakar Petai is one of the top restaurants to have a nice, juicy meal of grilled or stewed Ikan Bakar. Book earlier to get a sit and to avoid waiting. The restaurant is a must for seafood and fish lovers. You can try out Ikan Masak Tiga Rasa, Kangkung Goreng Belacan along with Ikan Bakar Petai. The restaurant has three locations.
Price Range: Around RM 19 per person
Locations: Ana Ikan Bakar Petai 1, address:Jalan Tanjung Lumpur, Perkampungan Tanjung Lumpur, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang
Ana Ikan Bakar Petai 2: Perkampungan Tanjung Lumpur, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang
Night Activities in Kuantan:
If you are looking for a place to dine in or to party to enjoy the nightlife of Kuantan.
11. Kuantan River Cruise:
A nighttime river cruise is definitely not something common that you find 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 additional reason to not miss this.
12. GSC East Coast Mall:
East Coast Mall is one of the happening places in Kuantan and a perfect place for weekends and nights. Over more than 44000 retail stores, movie theatres and food spaces, east coast mall is one of the best places to visit for fun and enjoyment.
Stores include international and infamous brands like Adidas, A Gift with Care, F& W for dining, Bata, Birkenstock, Bath & Body Works, Celcom and more.
13. Go to a beach bar:
In Kuantan, going to a beach bar in front of Cherating beach. Sit under the shack and enjoy the breeze with alcohol or juices. It will be a refreshing environment for those who love to drink and if you are staying in any of the beach resorts in Kuantan, like the Swiss Garden, there is nothing like relaxing in a beach bar nearby.
Kuantan is the perfect city for nature lovers, as well as party lovers. Next time when you visit the city incorporate some beach activities, visit local factories, and shopping malls and take a cruise along the river to have an exuberant experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Kuantan known for?
Kuantan is one of the beautiful seaside beach towns where you can take a retreat for a few days. Get closer to nature, visit the zoo, and falls, and explore the beaches of Kuantan for a spectacular holiday.
What are the best things to buy in Kuantan?
Some of the indigenous and typical items of the east coast that you may buy from Kuantan are packaged lekor and silk, wool or exclusive batik from the natural batik village.
What to do in Kuantan at Night?
Go shopping, clubbing and dining with hundreds of choices like Beach bar, and Kenari fun pub, to enjoy the nightlife in Kuantan. Some of the other activities for the night is cruising through the Kuantan River through the mangrove.
How far is Kuantan from Kuala Lumpur?
Kuantan from Kuala Lumpur is 253.7Km and the driving time is around 3.5 to 4 hours via the E8 highway.