The old Cherating Village has a blend of the modern and traditional. A stretch of road about 1km long runs parallel to the beach, dotted with charming and comfortable chalets, many of which face the beach front. Cherating has the perfect combination of great surf, a wide stretch of white-sandy beach, a wealth of accommodation, dining choices and a classic surfers’ nightlife scene. Surfers linger for days and even months in this small enclave to catch the best waves and chill out with fellow surfers, exchanging the day’s conquests at one of the chic bistros or bars.
In fact, “Surfers’ Haven” has long been the description of old Cherating Village since the 70’s. Each year, surfers from around the world return to Cherating to test out the surf and catch up with local acquaintances. Cherating beach is immaculate and breath-taking. So much so that Club Med decided to build its first Asian base right here. And surfers take the opportunity to have local friends take them through some of the most charming rural villages along the coast and soak in the gorgeous scenery along the way.
Key Tips
The best time to wind surf and surf is between November and December.
How To Get There
By Road
Cherating is a 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the scenic route to the east coast. There are buses to Kuantan departing daily from Kuala Lumpur. From Kuantan, there are regular bus and taxi services to Cherating. Alternatively, take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Dungun or Kemaman in Terengganu, which is north of Pahang, and disembark at Cherating.
By Air
Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights to Kuantan. From the airport, Cherating is just 45 minutes away.
Who To Contact
For more information, please contact Pahang Tourism Action Council. (Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Pahang). Phone : +(609) 517 1111 / 1112. Fax : +(609) 514 6900. Website: www.pahangtourism.com.my
Accommodation: www.dynamictourism.com
Cherating Beach
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Also known as ‘Balai Getam Guri’, the museum is located in the heart of Kota Bharu’s cultural zone and is walking distance from the Istana Balai Besar an the Buluh Kubu Bazaar. The Craft Museum houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship.
The museum features a selection of Kelantan handicraft in traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silversmithing and matting. On the ground floor of the building, there is a restaurant called ‘Balai Sulur Gadung’, where visitors can savour some of Kelantan’s famous refreshments.
The adjacent Handicraft Village provides visitors the chance to see just how these crafts are made. Demonstrations of traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver work and wood carving are carried out by skilled artisans. Their products are also on sale at the centre.
Key Tips
If you are thinking of buying any local handicrafts as souvenirs, why not buy from the artisans who work here?
How To Get There
By Road
Located in the heart of Kota Bharu’s cultural zone, the Handicraft Village is a walking distance from the Istana Balai Besar and the Buluh Kubu Bazaar. It is easily accessible from Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hilir Kota.
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A good way to get to know a Malaysian town is to visit its markets, the economic centre of the community. Siti Khadijah Market is named after Prophet Muhammad’s entrepreneurial wife. A fitting name for a market mostly run by women.
This market has something for everyone, from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. It is also a slice of life in Kelantan, abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.
Key Tips
By all means, take photos, but if you want to take close-ups of the sellers with their vibrantly coloured wares, it’s a good idea to ask for permission first.
How To Get There
By Foot or Taxi
The Siti Khadijah Market (Central Market) is on Jalan Hulu.
Pulau Tenggol is another beautiful diving getaway and lies just 45 minutes off Kuala Dungun in the south of Terengganu. It is small – just 3 km long and 2 km wide. However, this doesn’t prevent it from being a paradise, especially diving enthusiasts.
The interior of the island is filled with steep, rocky cliffs. This rocky terrain extends from the interior of the island right into the ocean and has created a dramatic ‘drop-off’ – a sort of vertical canvas of marine life – that divers never seem to tire of.
Key Tips
Beware of the strong currents Tenggol has if you are a diver. Most dives are scheduled for the calm inter-tidal window, but even so, currents can be strong – perfect for drift diving!
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| By Road Take a bus or taxi to Dungun. From Kuantan, take a bus at Jalan Besar Terminal. If you are coming from Kuala Terengganu, take the bus at the Syed Hussin Central Bus Station. By Sea |
Accommodation Booking: CLICK HERE
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Pulau Perhentian, meaning ’stopover island’, is not to be missed. Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, it consists of the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Covered by unspoilt jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary for fishermen, migratory birds and of course, discerning holiday-makers.
Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian’s coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving. Arrangements can also be made for island cruises, and boats can be hired to go exploring for private bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep-sea fishing.
Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is more geared towards backpackers. Here, you’ll find a wide range of budget options for both food and accommodation. Pulau Perhentian Besar, on the other hand, is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.
Key Tips
For the best sunsets in the Perhentian Islands, go to Coral View Island Resort , get a cool drink at the café overlooking the sea, and soak in the view.
–Tourism Malaysia
How to get there
By Road
From Kuala Terengganu, take a taxi or bus to the fishing port of Kuala Besut. It lies about 1 hour north of town. The jetty is here.
By Boat
Board a boat at the Fisheries Complex for Pulau Perhentian. The boat ride to the island takes about an hour.
Accommodation Booking: Click Here
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