Guide to KUANTAN - widely underrated

In Malaysia, it is very easy and comfortable to travel between touristy hot spots such as the Cameron Highlands or the Taman Negara. There are shuttles and connections, in short people practically carry you from place to place.

Mosque in Kuantan on Malaysia's East Coast — Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque, the state mosque of Pahang.

It’s getting far more complicated and time-consuming as soon as you leave these beaten paths. It’s not impossible, nevertheless, it takes some detours and a little more time.

However, due to this, I skipped some destinations along the east coast I initially planned to visit. Basically, Kuantan was the only place left on that list.

Actually, I don’t know whether I missed that much. Not that the towns and cities in the east aren’t pretty – the east is only far more strict and religious than the west coast.

Shop with traditional Islamic clothing — Obviously, the casual attire for the whole family looks different from what you get at the GAP.

An Islamic World

You notice it immediately: People, men and women alike, in Islamic attires. As a matter of fact, it was the first time in my life that I saw completely covered women. And completely means even the eyes: Eyes covered, not with a net like the Afghan burkas, but with a black veil.

Also, most shops have signs in Arabic, restaurants serve halal food, and boutiques all kinds of headscarves.

A headscarf store – everything you see hanging here is headscarves. The demand must be overwhelming.

This means that as a woman, especially a solo travelling woman, you almost have no chance to do things “right”.

On the whole, although Kuantan is the capital of Pahang state, hence a larger city, it is not very liberal and open. People do look at you in a funny way. Remember the demographic figures I gave you previously in my post on Ipoh, located on the west coast?

The skyline of Kuantan – with minarets as high as a skyscraper.

Well, the over 400,000 inhabitants of Kuantan consist of almost 80% Malay and only 18% Chinese and 3 % Indian; so it’s almost exactly the opposite.

Dried fish and shellfish, one of Kuantan’s main industries.

However, Kuantan is pretty important for the Malayan industry and also transportation – it has a port and an airport – and a bus station located about half an hour from the city center; which is valuable info if you have a specific bus to catch since the street can be incredibly jammed at rush hour.

What To Do In Kuantan

You can actually do some pretty good shopping since Kuantan has a couple of modern malls.

The mighty Kuantan River - seen from the hotel's rooftop terrace. — The mighty Kuantan River – seen from the hotel’s rooftop terrace.

Or take a cruise on the Kuantan River – and you can take the cheap city bus #200 that takes you all the way to the Teluk Cempedak beach.

Here you can either enjoy the deserted white beach or the seafront park Taman Teruntum a small Zoo.

Monkeys at a bus station in Kuantan — These little fellows are not inhabitants of the zoo but were simply hanging out at the bus station.

Practical Information

How To Get There And Around

About 15 kilometers from the city center is the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport. Obviously, the schedule is pretty limited: There are domestic flights to Kuala Lumpur and Pulau Penang and international flights to Singapore.

Most travellers will travel to and from Kuantan by bus which is easy and comfortable. Whether to Kuala Lumpur or to the Taman Negara via Jerantut, you can be sure that you won’t get stuck and find a smooth bus connection.

Since Kuantan is a quite big city, there is a comprehensive local bus system taking you even all the way to the Teluk Cempedak beach. If you prefer, you can, of course also hire a cab.

Talkin’ ’bout cabs: If you are taking a cab to the airport or to the bus terminal, allow a generous amount of time since the traffic on Kuantan’s roads can be crazy!

Best Place to Sleep

The Hotel Sentral Kuantan does not lie: It is very sentral, i. e. centrally located – and right next on the Kuantan River. Since at least the center of Kuantan doesn’t seem to get many international tourists, the price for this standard – which would be an ok business hotel – is incredible: About 20 bucks and a good breakfast is included.

However, on this map you’ll find more great lodging options*:

Booking.com

Best Place to Eat

There is a variety of nice restaurants and good eateries in the neighborhood of the Berjaya Megamall – don’t ask me where the Mega comes from, but yes, it’s a big mall.
I liked the food at Ayam Penyet – although it’s a chain and totally fast food-ish, however, Malayan fast food-ish. They are located at the mall’s southern corner.

Ayam Penyet
Jalan Tun Ismail
25000 Kuantan,
Phone: + 60 – 9 – 513 14 08

They are open daily from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m.

Kuantan was only one stop of my exciting Malaysia road trip. Go to the main post to check out all the other destinations.