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The East Coast of Malaysia
has a wide selection of the finest beaches, including some of the
least spoilt in southern Asia. The entire east coast is one big
beach, backed by jungle. The region covers two-thirds of Peninsular
Malaysia and comprises the states of Terengganu, Kelantan,
Pahang and Johor, and many of the islands such as
Tioman and Rawa.
The
Coast - Pahang
Kuantan is the state capital
of Pahang. It is gaining popularity as a beach resort. The
region is also well known for village festivals and for craft weaving
pandanus leaves into hats, mats, and baskets. Batik and woodcarving
are also traditional crafts here.
Telek Chempadek
is located just 5 kilometres or 3 miles north of Kuantan. It is
a famous beach resort with a host of water sports available such
as windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing. It has a wide collection
of restaurants along the beachfront.
7 kilometres or 4 miles north of Kuantan is Besarah, an attractive
fishing village that is well known for its batik, shell craft, and
crafts modeled from coconuts.
Asia’s first Club Mediterranée holiday village is located
in Cherating. About 45 kilometres or 30 miles north of Kuantan,
the beaches at Cherating are some of the finest on the east
coast and a good place for windsurfing.
The
Interior - Pahang
Go in search of Malaysia’s Loch Ness at Lake Chini.
These mythological monsters are said to guard the entrance to a
renowned sunken city.
Kenong Rimba Park in the
valley of the Sungai Kenong, is a must see for adventure
seekers. Activities include jungle trekking, cave explorations,
fishing and rock climbing.
In the north is Malaysia’s largest national park called Taman
Negara. Surrounded by one of the world’s oldest tropical
forest that supposedly dates back 130 million years, the park has
remained untouched. It is a favourite site for outdoor enthusiasts,
especially bird watchers. The journey to the park involves train
travel, road and a 3-hour boat ride. Accommodations are mostly modest
and the more comfortable lodgings are limited.
Tioman
Island
Tioman is just off the coast of Pahang
in the South China Sea. This island is familiar to fans of the movie
South Pacific, as it was here when the filmmakers found their
mythical Bali Hai. The white sandy beaches and palm trees are still
there. The fame though has come at a price with a rush of development.
There are direct flights and express boats from the mainland.
It is the largest island on the east coast of Malaysia and amongst
64 volcanic islands. ABC, Salang and Juara are the 3 most famous
resorts.
Tioman is known as one of the best sites
in the country for snorkeling and scuba diving. The dense jungle
interior is also renowned for trekking. The island trek from Telek
to Juara is a popular trek with no special equipment needed.
Terngganu
Terengganu has 225 kilometres or 140 miles of white sandy beaches.
All water sports and swimming are favourite activities.
Turtle-breeding beaches can be found at Rantau
Abang. The Visitor Centre can arrange for guests to view giant
turtles laying their eggs.
Perhentian
Islands
The twin islands of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil
are considered to be the most beautiful in Malaysia by its people.
They have peaceful white beaches and clear blue sea and are still
comparatively unspoiled.
Strict local beliefs mean that alcohol sales and consumption
is unusual. The islands are renowned for snorkeling, scuba diving
and its easy access to reefs with good visibility. |
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