KUANTAN
Gateway to the Delightful East Coast

Kuantan, the capital city and main administrative center of the state of Pahang Darul Makmur, lies on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 170 miles east of Kuala Lumpur - the capital city of Malaysia - and 215 miles north of Singapore.

It is situated on the banks of the Kuantan river mouth, facing the South China Sea.

This town is the gateway to the delightful East Coast states of West Malaysia.

You can travel north along the coastal road to the states of Trengganu and Kelantan. And further up north towards the borders of Thailand.

Although Kuantan has grown into a bustling modern town in line with the rapid development of Malaysia, it still retains its delightful cultures, traditions and values, making it a modern yet traditional town.

Populated mainly by the Malays, Chinese and Indians, you will also find in the outskirts, communities of indigenous people ( known as "Orang Asli" in Malaysia), some living the modern way while others maintaining their traditional lifestyle.

GETTING THERE

BY CAR

From Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan is about 3-4 hours drive by car, accessible either via the new North-South Highway that bypass towns along the way, or the older route passing through relatively quiet towns and villages.

Or if you’re coming from Singapore, you can also take the scenic coastal road from Johor Bahru to Mersing passing through Kuala Rompin and Pekan and then up north to Kuantan.

This route winds through verdant forests and small coastal towns, and a stretch of beautiful quiet beaches at Rompin and Lanjut.

BY BUS AND TAXI

There are many express bus services operating from Singapore and from all the major northern and southern Malaysian towns to Kuantan. The fares cost less than RM50.00 (US$1.00 = around RM3.70) depending however on the standard of the coaches and the distances traveled.

From Kuala Lumpur, the Transnational, Plusliner and Nice coach services operates daily from the Puduraya Bus terminal. Check here for their contact numbers.

Taxi services are also available from the southernmost city of Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and all major towns for slightly more fare.

AND BY AIR ...

Alternatively, if you prefer to fly, it will be just a short 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur ("K.L.") to the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, a modern, albeit small, airport, located about 15 km away from Kuantan town.

The government owned Malaysia Airlines("MAS"), operates daily flights to and from Kuala Lumpur airport. Check here for MAS flight schedules and booking details around the world.

TO KUANTAN BY TRAIN?

Well, VERY SORRY, you can’t, not directly. Although the KTM trains from the north and south criss-cross Peninsular Malaysia, they unfortunately don’t go to Kuantan.

However, you train travelers out there don’t be discouraged! You can still reach Kuantan by train if you’re coming...

... from the south (Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur), or

... north (Kota Bahru or Kuala Terengganu),...

... just stop at the nearest train station at Mentakab town, about 140 km west of Kuantan.

Alight the train at Mentakab and from there, you can travel to Kuantan (around 2 hours journey) by bus or take the taxi.

GETTING AROUND AND ABOUT

Getting around in Kuantan is no hassle. You’ll find taxis and town-buses plentiful, though you might find a few certainly seem to be in need of touch-ups and repair...urgh!!

An air-conditioned taxi from the airport to town normally costs less than RM20.00 per trip. And, it should not cost you more than RM10.00 per taxi trip to move around the town and its vicinities.

WHY NOT SELF-DRIVE?

And, if you possess a valid international driving license or certificate, recognized in Malaysia, take the bolder option - self-drive - and take your own sweet time to explore the many places of interests. The Malaysian roads are good (but I can’t say the same for some of the drivers, though), and not to worry, Malaysia is relatively safe if you follow the common safety and security rules.

P.S. If you drive, do take note that driving in Malaysia is on the left side of the road – British style - not right, as in the American style.

You will find some reputable car rental companies in Malaysia with offices in Kuantan. They offer competitive and affordable rates and you can probably ask for the make of cars of your choice... but... please wait a minute...

...DO TRY THE MALAYSIAN CAR FOR A CHANGE !!!

While you are in beautiful Malaysia, why not try driving the Malaysian-made cars –- the PROTON , PERODUA or NAZA. All models -–big (for families) and small -- are available and, don’t you worry, the vehicles are all of international standards, and definitely SAFE!!!

HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Finding suitable accommodation and hotels to stay in Kuantan is usually not a big problem.

This is because in the town and its nearby surrounding areas especially near the popular beaches, you will find a variety of international standard hotels catering for tourists, businessmen and the like. In addition there are other smaller hotels and hostels to suit your financial budget.

Do check with the Tourist Information Center for a full list of hotels and accommodation available.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

If you want specific information on hotels and accommodation or have queries on getting around to places of interest in Pahang, or even those in Malaysia, there is a Tourism Malaysia Information Centre in Kuantan to provide you with the information you want.

Its wooden traditional house office is located at Jalan Mahkota, and is directly across the road opposite Kompleks Teruntum (Teruntum Complex), the tallest building in this east coast town. You can see Kompleks Teruntum when you enter the town from Kuala Lumpur.

(P.S. - This 22-storey Kompleks Teruntum building is WIFI enabled. So don't forget to bring your laptop and browse the internet on the ground floor area where you can comfortably eat and drink at the cool air-conditioned fast-food outlets and eateries while you surf.)

The Tourist Information Centre building fronts the padang (field) where you can see the huge and colorful "Welcome to Kuantan" billboard and a high flagpole with the Malaysian flag flying. The field is normally crowded with sports and social activities during the evenings and weekends.

This quaint office used to house the Kuantan Club, the oldest social club in town.

If you have enquiries, you can come to the Centre and meet the ever helpful staff or telephone or fax the Tourist Information Centre Kuantan office at:

Telephone : 09-5161007
Telefax : 09-5157006

P.S. You can sometimes see a few trishaws in front of the Tourist Information Centre. There is actually a trishaw ride package with designated trishaw routes that you can take for a glimpse of the local lifestyle.

THINGS TO DO

Well, don't just stay in your room while you're in town...take a peek outside and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Partake in the activities.

And you'll find that there are plenty of joyful things and activities you can do in Kuantan.

The popular beaches of Teluk Chempedak, Batu Hitam and the tranquil Sepat Beach are just nearby.

You can enjoy and experience the vibrant night markets or watch the unique sight of buffaloes hauling carts laden with catches of the sea at Beserah.

Or go to Jalan Masjid in the middle of Kuantan and visit the Pahang Heroes Museum (Muzium Tokoh Pahang) depicting the notables of Pahang's political and social history.

Or visit the Pahang Art Gallery (Balai Seni Lukis Pahang) at Jalan Tanah Putih near the MPK Office Building.

And if you wish to take a fast jog to burn your fats away or just have a leisurely stroll to exercise your eyes, this capital of Pahang has several recreational parks and a popular waterfalls spot with friendly facilities.

Take the exciting river-cruise on the River where you'll get to observe and walk through untouched mangroves swamp along the river bank.

Or just go...SHOPPING!

So, pick your choice and enjoy Kuantan, the delightful gateway to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

And as always, from me....