Kuantan, Malaysia: travel guide
Pahang's east-coast capital with beaches, seafood and tin-mining history
Coastal state capital of Pahang on the South China Sea, known for Teluk Cempedak beach, seafood, and as a gateway to Sungai Lembing's old tin-mining town.
About Kuantan
Kuantan is the state capital of Pahang, on the South China Sea side of peninsular Malaysia. It is a working city with a beachfront close by, and it serves as a gateway to the surrounding east coast.
Teluk Cempedak, also known as Palm Beach, is the city's main stretch of sand, and seafood is a highlight of eating out. Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque and Sungai Pandan Waterfall give some sights for a day or two, and the old tin-mining town of Sungai Lembing is a popular excursion inland.
Kuantan suits relaxed beach breaks and road trips along the east coast. The monsoon brings heavy rain from about November to February, so the drier months from roughly March to September are the better time to visit.
- Country
- Malaysia
- Currency
- MYR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
- Nearest airport
- KUA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kuantan
Teluk Cempedak (Palm Beach)
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
White sandy beach lined with casuarina and palm trees, 5km east of Kuantan city centre.
Menara Kuantan 188
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A 188m telecommunications tower, the tallest on Malaysia's east coast, with a public observation deck.
East Coast Mall
Market · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The largest shopping mall in Kuantan, with retail stores, a cinema and a food court.
Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri Pahang)
Mosque · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Pahang state mosque, built 1991-1993, with four minarets and a large blue dome.
Pantai Batu Hitam (Black Rock Beach)
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Beach roughly 4km north of Kuantan known for distinctive black rocks along the shoreline.
Sungai Lembing (heritage tin-mining town)
Heritage · 4.2 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic tin-mining town once known as the El Dorado of the East, with a tin-mine museum and hanging suspension bridge.
Gua Charas (Panching Cave Temple)
Cultural · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Limestone karst cave temple containing a large reclining Buddha statue and altars to Buddhist and Hindu deities.
Bukit Pelindung Forest Eco Park
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Lowland dipterocarp forest reserve with short hiking trails and a small waterfall; free admission.
Kuantan River Cruise (Jeti Shahbandar)
Activity · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Boat departure jetty for river and mangrove cruises including firefly-spotting and crocodile-viewing night tours.
Beserah Forest Eco Park
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Forest reserve with two swimming pools and a network of caves along the Sungai Celagi.
Berjaya Megamall Kuantan
Market · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Shopping centre in the city centre with retail, dining and entertainment outlets.
Sungai Pandan Waterfall
Waterfall · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Multi-tiered waterfall roughly 25km from Kuantan with natural swimming pools.
Things to do
- Sungai Lembing Heritage Day Trip Cultural · 8 h · from MYR 80 per person
- Kuantan River Eco Cruise Sightseeing · 2 h · from MYR 99 per person
- Kuantan River Night Cruise Nature · 2 h · from MYR 60 per person
- Za Nusantara River Cruise Sightseeing · 1.5 h · from MYR 18 per person
- Gua Charas Cave Temple Visit Cultural · 1.5 h · from MYR 20 per person
- Sungai Pandan Waterfall Hike & Swim Nature · 4 h · from MYR 10 per person
- Batik Painting Workshop Cultural · 1.5 h · from MYR 40 per person
Where to stay in Kuantan
Hotels
- Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan 4-star · MYR 250 to MYR 450 per night
- The Zenith Hotel Kuantan 4-star · MYR 200 to MYR 380 per night
- Hotel Grand Continental Kuantan 3-star · MYR 130 to MYR 220 per night
- Swiss-Belhotel Kuantan 3-star · MYR 180 to MYR 320 per night
- Sri Manja Boutique Hotel 3-star · MYR 90 to MYR 160 per night
- Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort 5-star · MYR 450 to MYR 900 per night
Where to eat
- Alor Akar Seafood Restaurant Seafood, Chinese · about MYR 34 per person
- Pak Su Seafood Restaurant Chinese, Seafood · about MYR 34 per person
- Restoran Hoi Yin Chinese · about MYR 14 per person
- Hai Tian Restaurant Chinese · about MYR 34 per person
- Swan Seafood Restaurant Chinese, Seafood · about MYR 34 per person
- Restoran HLS Chinese · about MYR 14 per person
- Restoran Thong Kuok Chinese, Bakery · about MYR 14 per person
- Restoran Hoo Seng Chinese · about MYR 14 per person
Getting to Kuantan
Airport: Kuantan (KUA)
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Walking