Enjoy a sea-view lunch and feel the relaxed vibe on Cherating Beach.
The place is located less than 50km north from the city of Kuantan on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and a quick three and a half hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is hard to say whether it is the kilometres of soft sandy beach and cool sea breeze or just relaxed vibe to be the real draw card, but travellers have been flocking to this place for decades.
Getting There
Things to see and do
Hotels & Resorts
- From Kuala Lumpur it is a three and a half hour drive. Take the east bound highway (East Coast Expressway) in the direction of Kuantan. From Kuantan, take the coastal road north, in the direction of Kuala Terengganu. Look out for signs to “Kampung Cherating” (Cherating Village) or to your resort.
- From Singapore it is around 370km. Cross the border at Woodlands and from Johor Bahru, take the east-bound road towards Kota Tinggi and Mersing. Continue north past Kuala Rompin and Kuantan. After passing through Kuantan, look out for signs to “Kampung Cherating” (Cherating Village) or to your resort.
By air
- Malaysia Airlines flies to Kuantan Airport several times daily from Kuala Lumpur, and on Fridays and Sundays from Kuala Terengganu..
- Firefly flies from Penang to Kuantan Airport once daily
- There are no other direct flights to Kuantan, however many international airlines have connecting flights through Kuala Lumpur
- From the Kuantan airport you can take a taxi (45 minutes) or arrange with your resort for an airport transfer
By bus
Various coach companies have express services to Kuantan, 45km south of Cherating Village:
- From Kuala Lumpur (Pudu Raya Bus Station) - Approximately 4 hours
- From Singapore (Lavender St Bus Terminal) - Approximately 6 hours
- From Johor Bahru (Larkin Bus Station) - Approximately 5 hours
- From Kuantan you can take a local bus marked Kemaman, leaving every half hour from the bus terminal in Kuantan, and disembark at Cherating Village
Turtle Sanctuary and Turtle watching
Turtles are critically endangered and in Malaysia there is a total ban on the consumption and sale of turtle products. The Turtle Sanctuary at Cherating Beach ensures that the precious eggs hatch safely and that the baby turtles find their way to the sea. One can encounter all four Malaysian species: the Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill.
Most come to shore between the months of May and August, although you may also spot a turtle at other times during the year. Between 21:00 and 06:00, the rangers of the turtle sanctuary scan the beach and keep a look out for turtles. As soon as one is spotted, the lucky people in the sanctuary’s beach waiting hall will have the chance to come witness her lay her eggs. Only a handful of visitors are admitted per night, and no flashlights or cameras with flashes are allowed so as not to disturb the turtles.
The Turtle Sanctuary (+609 5161508) is at Chendor Beach, next to the entrance to the Club Med resort and is also open to visitors during the day. Apart from the hatchery, there is information about turtle conservation as well as a few turtles that are kept here for rehabilitation.
River Cruise
A relaxed cruise down the Cherating river is an excellent way to spend an afternoon and get a glimpse of life within the rich vegetation of the area. The river twists and turns through mangrove forests, home to creatures such as monitor lizards, monkeys, snakes and numerous tropical birds.
You can arrange your river cruise with any of the tour operators in Cherating Village or through your resort if they offer this service. The cruise takes around one and a half to two hours.
Watch fireflies
At night time, the Cherating River gets an entirely different character. A cruise through the mangrove-lined river is an enchanting experience as you watch fireflies dance through the trees and lighting up the darkness.
You can arrange your river cruise with any of the tour operators in Cherating Village or through your resort if they offer this service. The night cruise takes around one and a half hour.
Snorkelling at Snake Island
Just off the coast of Cherating, Pulau Ular (Snake Island) is a popular spot for snorkelling and picnics. Despite the name, you don’t need to be afraid of snakes, however keep your eyes open for the colourful coral and the tropical fish. Snorkelling equipment is usually included but make sure to pack your own picnic lunch!
Tour operators in Cherating Village and some resorts will be able to arrange a trip to Snake Island for you. The trip takes around three and a half hours.
Visit the Night Market
Mondays and Thursdays night, the small town of Kemaman comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of the pasar malam (night market) . Here you can buy anything from cheap clothing to household goods, but the real attraction is the mouth-watering spread of local food, delicacies, sweets and snacks.
Horseback riding
Equestrian lovers can spend hours telling you about getting closer to nature by exploring it on horseback or the thrill of a fast canter along the water’s edge. Cherating’s endurance horses are stabled right at the entrance to the village. Riding lessons as well as longer rides on the beach are available.
Batik Making
At the Natural Batik Village, located between Kuantan and Cherating Village, you can learn the ancient Malaysian art of making Batik, witnessing experts transforming fabric into artwork through the specialist application of paint and wax. The real highlight however, is designing and making your own piece.
Cultural Demonstrations
The Cherating Cultural Centre and some tour operators are able to introduce you to some of the many arts and practices traditional to this region. These include top spinning, kite flying, traditional music, martial arts, batik making and pandamus weaving. A highlight for many is watching the trained monkeys picking coconuts from the high tops of palm trees.