Introduction
This part of the country contains many of the finest beaches, including some of the least spoilt in southern Asia. In effect, the whole east coast is one huge beach, backed by jungle. The region, which covers two thirds of Peninsular Malaysia, comprises the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor, as well as the islands of Tioman and Rawa.
Kuantan, the state capital of Pahang, is fast gaining popularity as a beach resort. The region around Kuantan is also well known for village festivals and for the craft of weaving pandanus leaves into mats, hats and baskets.
Woodcarving and batik are also traditional crafts in this part of the country. Telek Chempadek, just 5km (3 miles) north of Kuantan is another popular beach resort with a wide range of watersports available, including windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing. It has a good selection of restaurants along the seafront. 7km (4 miles) north of Kuantan, Besarah, an attractive fishing village, is famed for its shellcraft, batik and crafts modelled from coconuts.
Asia’s first Club Mediterranée holiday village is in Cherating, about 45km (30 miles) north of Kuantan.
The beaches at Cherating are some of the finest on the east coast and conditions are particularly favourable for windsurfing.
Malaysia’s answer to Loch Ness is Lake Chini, in whose waters mythological monsters are said to lurk, guarding the entrance to a legendary sunken city. Kenong Rimba Park, located in the valley of the Sungai Kenong, is a must for adventure seekers.
Activities available include cave explorations, jungle trekking, fishing and rock climbing.
In the north of the state is Malaysia’s largest national park, Taman Negara. Surrounded by the world’s oldest tropical forest (supposedly 130 million years old), the park has remained virtually untouched and is a favourite haunt for outdoor enthusiasts, especially birdwatchers. The journey to the park headquarters involves travel by train, road and a three-hour boat ride. Accommodation is mostly modest and the more comfortable lodgings are limited.
The island of Tioman, in the South China Sea off the coast of Pahang, will be familiar to fans of the film South Pacific, as it was here that the film-makers found their mythical Bali Hai. The sweeping palm trees and luxuriously white beaches are still there, but fame has come at a price with a rush of development, which on one side has brought the ease of direct flights and express boats from the mainland, but also a raft of accommodations, not all of them of the same quality and aesthetic standards. Tioman is the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, and also the largest island on Malaysia’s east coast.
The three most popular resorts are ABC, Salang and Juara. Tioman is also one of the best destinations in Malaysia for scuba diving and snorkelling. The jungle-clad interior is also popular for trekking, with many swathes of jungle still unspoilt.
The state of Terengganu has 225km (140 miles) of white sandy beaches. Swimming and all forms of watersports are favourite pastimes.
There are several turtle-breeding beaches; at Rantau Abang, the Visitor Centre can arrange for guests to watch giant turtles laying their eggs.
Many Malays consider the twin islands of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil to be the two most beautiful islands in the country. They both boast pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters and are still relatively unexploited. The strict local beliefs mean that alcohol is not common and this has helped deter major companies from setting up here, leaving the islands in their natural state for those who do choose to visit. The islands are popular for scuba diving and snorkelling with easy access to reefs and good visibility. |