Cherating Beach Guide

Located about 50 km away from Kuantan, Pahang’s state capital, Cherating is the perfect remedy for frantic living and city life.

First popularised by backpackers, many visitors both local and international now regularly come to Cherating to enjoy the sun, sea and beach.

The white sandy beaches of Cherating are beautiful, complementing the peaceful atmosphere of the Malay town and the gentle sea breeze.

Where To Stay In Cherating

Picturesque Cherating with its charming Malay-village seaside scenery and wealth of local culture is the perfect getaway for those wishing to enjoy a little down time on the beach. With a wealth of accommodation to complement your perfect little getaway trip, Cherating has some fabulous options from luxury resorts such as Holiday Villa Beach Resort to affordable yet highly-comfortable chalets and beach houses. (Read more...)

Accommodation

In terms of accommodation, there is a wide range of resorts and chalets to cater for visitors. Of prominent note in Cherating is the establishment of Asia’s first Club Med.

However, there are plenty of other great places to stay with beautiful landscapes, first-class facilities and a piece of nice beach to each.

[ More on Hotels In Kuantan ]

Cultural

The role of culture is important, it shows the customs, arts, civilization and achievements of a particular time or people. Spiritual strength depends on the strength of the culture. Over the years, many mini markets, stalls and art galleries have mushroomed all over Cherating.

Cultural performances are frequently held at these places for the benefit of tourists. Visitors can also shop for cultural souvenirs and handicrafts such as batik, a fabric woven with silk and intricate patterns.

Cultural shows include shadow play (Wayang Kulit) and martial art displays of Silat. The market place in Kemaman is a good area to shop for flowers and fruits.

Cherating Cultural Complex (Kampung Budaya Cherating)

Address: Cherating Cultural Complex, (Kompleks Budaya Cherating), Kampung Cherating Lama, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang, MALAYSIA.
Tel : 006-013-9502793 / 006-09-5819446
Operation Hour: 9am - 4pm        

Pahang Arts & Cultural Department

Address: Pahang Arts & Cultural Department, State Cultural Park, Jalan Telok Sisek 25000, Kuantan
Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 609-555 5466
Operation Hour: 9am - 4pm 

Batik RM

Address: Batik RM, E-594, Tanah Putih Ferry, 25100 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 609-513 9631
Operation Hour: 9am - 5pm 

Malaysian Handicraft

Address: Development Corporation Pahang Branch
Lot 11, Songsang Industrial Area, 28000 Temerloh, Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 609-271271
Operation Hour: 9am - 5pm 

Water Sports

Water sports are very popular in Cherating. You can jet-ski, do catamaran sailing or water-skiing on the warm seas. Daredevils can try wind-surfing or sailing in the sky pulled by a speed boat along the beach.

If not, just sit back among the casuarina trees and enjoy the tropical atmosphere.

Turtles

For a taste of nature, visit the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary in Chendor; a centre for studying sea-turtles and their conservation.

During certain times in the year, you can come here to watch Green Turtles waddle up the beach to nest.

There are a few types of turtle coming ashore on Cherating beaches:

GREEN TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) :
It can grow up to one meter and weigh about 135–170 kg. Eat vegetables, sea-grass and algae. It lays between 80–150 eggs at one time. In Pahang this species is the most common of all those coming ashore, accounting for about 90% of all the turtles.

LEATHERBACK TURTLE( DERMOCHELYS) :
It is the biggest species in the world and can grow up to two meters. Most of its life is spent searching for food in cold deep seas. It can lay eggs 4–5 times per season with 60–10 eggs each time.

HAWKSBILL TURTLE (ERETMOCHELYS) :
This turtle has a beak that is similar to the beak of an eagle. It can grow up to 70–80 cm long. It prefers sea that has coral reefs. It is the most beautiful among all the turtles. It can lay up to 150 eggs.

Cherating Turtle Sanctuary

The sanctuary at Pantai Chendor is recognized as a turtle hatching site, where turtles are able to come ashore and lay eggs. The research centre provides information, education and research on turtles. Under the supervision of the Fisheries Department with the support of the Pahang State Government, it opened to the public in 1998. It is located at chendor, just north of Cherating beach, Pahang.

Location: Just beside Club Med Cherating
Tel: +6 09 581 9087
Operation Hour:
Tuesdays to Sundays : 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 5:30pm
(The lunch break is from 1pm to 2pm. The centre is closed on Mondays.)
Fridays: 9am to 12:00pm, 3pm to 5:30pm
(The centre is closed from 12pm to 3pm for Friday prayer)
Night Visiting Tour: 7:30pm to 7:30am

Other Things To Do

You can also do jungle-trekking in nearby forests such as those in Teluk Chempedak or visit other landmarks in Kuantan.

Cherating’s proximity means you can enjoy both the sights and sounds of Kuantan at the same time. There’s a cave called Gua Charas which is located at Panching on the Sungai Lembing road, a short distance away from Cherating.

What makes the cave special is that it has a Buddhist temple nestled inside along with the usual array of cave wildlife, sights and sounds. Caving enthusiasts and curious visitors should check it out.