6 reasons why you should visit Kuantan, Malaysia

Published on August 19, 2020 | by globalgrasshopper.com

On the mouth of the Kuantan River, facing out into the South China Sea lies the under-the-radar Malaysian city of Kuantan just waiting to be discovered by adventurous travellers who prefer to take the road less travelled. The fast-growing commercial side of city life does not overpower the age-old charm of this vibrant place and modern skyscrapers coexist harmoniously with old colonial buildings offering a unique atmosphere that is well worth experiencing.

The surrounding area is also beautiful – typical South East Asian scenes of idyllic beaches with swaying palm trees, stunning waterfalls and mystical temples all lie within an accessible distance. To help you on your way we’ve compiled a list of 6 unmissable things to do when you get there, so hold tight, search online for great hotel deals and then book that flight…

Sungai Pandan Waterfalls

About 40 minutes out of the city and easily reachable by public transport you will find the 25 hectacre expanse of The Pandan Forest Reserve, named for the beautiful (and sometimes edible) Pandan Plants that thrive there. The reserve is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day breathing clean air and nature. Amidst the verdant green plants and the rich tropical jungle are the spectacular Sunghai Pandan Waterfalls.

A network of cool clean crystal waters cascading over rocks into calm clear pools perfect for a dip or a swim. The reserve and falls are very popular with locals who escape there for camping, barbecues and family fun and if you get there you will find yourself enjoying an authentic Malaysian experience far removed from the organised tours and tourist traps that are sometimes difficult to avoid.

State Mosque

The state mosque of Sultan Ahmad the first is an awe-inspiring modern masterpiece of white and blue that almost seems to become part of the sky around it. It rises majestically from the municipal park and provides a centrepiece for the city. All around the mosque are other noteworthy heritage buildings dating back to colonial days. The interior is a wonderful modern moorish style incorporating intricate tile designs and soaring pillars and domes, at capacity it can house up to 8000, yes 8000 worshippers and is a truly unmissable stop when exploring the city.

Thai Buddhist Cave Temple

As you enter the magnificent Pachang cave you will likely be handed incense to offer to the enormous reclining Buddha that resides within. These beautiful limestone caverns attract tourists and geologists alike. Winding their way up a steep hillside like the intricate petals of a flower each cavern has a unique character accentuated by the pale light that filters down and illuminates the strange and wonderful rock formations from a small opening at the top of the caves. When you reach the very top of the network of caverns you emerge to the most verdant of panoramic views across the palm oil estates below.

A day trip to Tioman Island

Reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world Tioman Island is the largest of a group of volcanic islands off Malaysia’s east coast, around 60km away from Kuantan. The island paradise is said to be the final resting place of a fabled dragon princess who stopped at the island en route to find her prince and immediately fell in love with its beauty.

She settled on the island and dedicated the rest of her life to offering food and shelter for weary travellers passing through. The island is now a haven of fishing villages, friendly locals, vegetation and white sandy beaches. Perfect for exploring the underwater landscapes and discovering some rare aquatic life or enjoying the peace and sunshine on the beach, cooling off with a dip in the azure blue ocean.

The Pahang Art Museum

This is more than just a museum, the centre plays an indispensable role in the continuing development of local artists and handicrafts particular to the area, most famously the rich woven silk known as Tenun Pahang Diraja. Brought to the region in 1722 by the master weaver Tuk Tuan karaing Aji the fabric soon became coveted by rich officials and the royal family and the industry flourished. The Pahang Art Museum displays some of the regions finest artwork and also works closely with artisans to ensure that the old skills are passed down to the new generation and continue to flourish. It is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in eastern art and textiles.

Kuantan Night markets

Trade in a night on the town for a stroll around one of Kuantan’s many night markets known locally as Pasar Malam. From 4pm until 10pm many of the city’s streets are blocked to traffic and transformed into a colourful array of stalls selling anything from local artisan designs to fresh produce and food. Kuantan is proud of its culinary history and the night markets are an ideal place to immerse yourself in local culture and try some of the delicious local cuisine such as Laska, Noodle Soups and spiced rice. There are many markets in the city, one of the largest stretches along the river bank by Taman Gelora on a sunday and you will not regret leaving your hotel and wandering along the river with the lights reflecting off the water and a profusion of colours and smells awaiting you at every turn.

Although, Kuantan is often overshadowed by the larger and more well known Kuala Lumpa but it is a city well worth exploring and it provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area, so if you enjoy discovering new places and the quirkier side of travel be sure to add this intriguing under-the-radar city to your bucket list!

Bridging a forest: Animal crossings that reduce the perils of roads

When wilderness is sliced apart by a road coursing through it, eco-friendly engineering is needed.

Kuala Terengganu Chinatown a tourist draw

Kuala Terengganu Chinatown or Kampung Cina is a tourist spot that offers aged buildings and structures that go back more than 200 years.

Malaysian architect brings Malacca back to its glory days in 3D

At a first glance one could almost believe that the 3D models pictured in this article are photo-realistic paintings of Malacca at its seafaring prime. Despite what the eyes say, these fantastical scenes were painstakingly crafted on Autodesk 3D Studio Max and rendered on V-Ray 2014 by a history enthusiast.

Making Melaka liveable, resilient, and future-proof

It’s a Catch-22 situation. In being declared by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, George Town and Melaka, both historic cities of the Straits of Melaka, have experienced higher tourist arrivals.

Baba Sohan Singh: Never fails to attend to people

1972: As the cortege wound its way to Melaka for the final rites, at every town people ﬂocked in large numbers to have a last look and to pay their last respects to a man whom they loved and adored from the bottom of their hearts.

A tale of two cities in Seremban

The common perception of Seremban is as a pit stop for holiday makers travelling to Port Dickson, Melaka or even Johor but the Negeri Sembilan capital has much more to offer.

Proud of their paradise

SEREMBAN often has an undeserved reputation of being a sleepy hollow which is only “good enough for retirement”. The capital of Negri Sembilan may have got its boring and “not happening” moniker because of its proximity to Kuala Lumpur.

History of Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan is one of Malaysia's thirteen states and lies on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just south of Kuala Lumpur. The name, which lierally translates as NIne States, is believed to have come from the nine villages settled here in the 14th century by the Minangkabau people, originally from West Sumatra in

5 Strange News from Malaysian Neighbourhoods

All of us have seen those posts going viral on Facebook about strange happenings around us.

Ipoh’s Concubine Lane draws foodies and tourists

IPOH - For decades, the Panglima Lane here, better known as Concubine Lane, is courting visitors charmed by its shady past. This long weekend is no exception. This long weekend is no exception. The narrow alley is a major attraction known for its heritage value, which has been turned into a mini Jonker Street of sorts, with various food, beverage and souvenirs being sold there.

There’s a small, charming town near Ipoh that’s rich in biodiversity

Ever wondered what it is like to go on an adventure in the stillness of the predawn hours? Some 35km from Ipoh lies a hidden gem of unparalleled beauty, a place rich in biodiversity - the rustic town of Malim Nawar, a township once famed for tin mining and premium thermal power.

A port named after Dickson

PORT Dickson in Negri Sembilan is well known around the country. It is a place many make a beeline for with family and friends, especially on long weekends.

Hakka Villa To Reveal Revelational Past

It has an impressive facade, standing tall, standing proud and standing out from the rest of the dilapidated shop houses on Jalan Bijeh Timah (Treacher Street). It has withstood the ravages of time, remaining pristine, imposing and mysterious, long having intrigued local residents who have never, hitherto, been privy to set foot inside the front door.

Ipoh Echo Readers’ Choice: Top 5 Ipoh Curry Mee

These are the places which are repeatedly nominated by our readers online

Royal Belum Welcomes 10 Different Hornbill Species

The Royal Belum Forest Reserve is an important biological resource for the country as well as a valuable natural breeding ground for plants and animals.

Ipoh Echo Reader’s Choice: Top 5 Kai Si Hor Fun In Ipoh

Ipoh Echo has received various responses from our readers online, these are the places which are repeatedly nominated.

Nostalgia: One Man’s Rubbish Is Another Man’s Collectable

The British first arrived in India in 1758, as the British East India Company. In 1858, the British Raj (British India) was formed by the Government of India Act. This lasted for 89 years, during which time there were many changes made to the way of life of the local people. Nonetheless, one thing that remained steadfast was the way they carried their cooked food to work or play – a tower of separate containers clipped together with an arrangement that formed a carrying handle. They called it a ‘Dabba’.

Malaysia-North Korea ties symbolised by rice museum

Nestled among the rice paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see in the northern reaches of peninsular Malaysia is a three-storey circular-shaped complex with walls that offer a rare glimpse into Malaysia's deep ties with North Korea.

New reign for an ancient dynasty

THE installation of the 29th Sultan of Kedah on Oct 22 was truly a special occasion, and the highlights of the main ceremony in the throne room as well as preceding events, such as the intriguing Istiadat Letak Kerja and the royal procession, are viewable on YouTube.