Just 5 km outside of Kuantan is this lovely beach that’s an excellent spot for water sport activities like sailing, surfing, skiing and swimming. Taking a walk along the beach is also a popular night pastime. There is a walking path to a more secluded part of the beach where you can even pitch a tent if you like. It also includes various international class hotels and is very well known amongst local surfers, water skiers and sailors. Plus there are a myriad of nature trails at Teluk Chempedak Forest Reserve and the idyllic Bukit Pelindung for landlubbers.

The Balok Beach in the sub-district of Beserah, is the official venue of the armual international Windsurfing Regatta, the ‘Monsoon Madness’. Catch the many stunts and antics of professional wind surfers as they boldly challenge the waves of Balok Beach. Many of the activities here revolve around the string of international resorts and hotels that line the beach. From Kuantan, Balok Beach is just 15 km towards the north.

Just a little out of Kuantan, 8 km to be exact, you will find an old-fashioned fishing village with its own charm and exceptional splendor. What is unique about this quaint fishing village is the fact that water buffaloes are to transport the catch for the day, from the boats to the processing areas. Beserah is the only place in Malaysia where buffaloes are used on the beaches. The other fascinating thing that Beserah is known for, is its salted fish. Beserah also features a batik factory and many handicraft centres, which produce items made mostly of seashells and local materials.

Situated about 125 km from Kuantan, the quiet beach areas in Lanjut and Rompin are a haven for those seeking solitude. Go for a nature walk, view the spectacular display of fireflies or watch the nocturnal ritual of turtle nesting. Island hopping and diving trips can be arranged. These beaches are the venues for the annual International Woodball Competition and the Royal Pahang International Billfish Challenge. Two well-known resorts here are the Lanjut Golden Beach Resort and Summerset Colonial Villas.

Chendor Beach is known to be the turtle sanctuary where you can learn more about endangered species. Anytime between April to September you can experience how ‘hawksbill turtles’, ‘green turtles’ and occasionally, the ‘giant leather backs’ lay their eggs on the shore. The ‘painted terrapin’ usually lays eggs at the river mouth and is one of the species on the verge of extinction. While you are in Cherating, make a trip to Chendor Beach which is only 3 km from Cherating, and let the turtles amuse your curiosity.