If you ever find yourself bored in Kuantan, don’t fret! There’s so many things to do and places to visit in Kuantan. Nestled on the east coast of Malaysia, Kuantan is best known for its picturesque beaches. It’s also a great place for nature-lovers and thrill-seekers alike, as there are caves to explore and waterfalls to discover. Whether you want a quiet getaway at the beach or something a little more adventurous, there’s something for everyone. Join as we explore the best things to do in Kuantan, Pahang.
Best Things to Do in Kuantan
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1. Explore Taman Negara
Starting off strong with Taman Negara, this is one of the world’s oldest rainforests, dating to about 150 million years old. Declared as a National Park in 1938, this rainforest spans over 4,343 square kilometres across three different states; Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang. There are tons of things to do at the park besides hiking and exploring the rainforest, like walking around the canopy walkway (pictured), go white water rafting, and you can even go camping. There’s no shortage of activities to do at the National Park, which is why there are a few accommodations that you can stay at so you can take part in all the night activities in Kuantan, right here at the National Park.
For more information, click here.
2. Lepak at Taman Gelora
The sun is shining, there’s a sea breeze, and one of our favourite things to do in Kuantan is to spend a beautiful day outdoors at a park. Taman Gelora is near Telok Cempedak, and it’s right by the ocean. The vibes are super chill and relaxing, and it’s a great place for families and couples to spend some time together. You can go jogging, ride a bike, or just have a stroll. The trees give the park lots of shade, and there’s always a sea breeze, so it’s never too hot. The park itself is beautiful and well-maintained, and there’s even an outdoor foodcourt where you can enjoy some minum petang.
For more information, click here.
| Address: | Jalan Dato Abdullah, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang |
| Operating hours: | Open 24 hours |
| Contact details: | 012 364 8866 |
3. Splash Around at Sungai Pandan Waterfall
A really popular tourist attraction, you can’t miss out on visiting the waterfall at Sungai Pandan. In our opinion, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Kuantan, as you can soak in the waters, have a picnic, and just revel in the beauty of the waterfall. You have to cross a hanging bridge to get to the main waterfall, but the views from the bridge are also incredible. The entry price is only RM2 for adults, and kids get to go in for free. Parking is also charged at a flat rate of RM3.
| Address: | Air Terjun Sungai Pandan, 26250 Kuantan, Pahang |
| Operating hours: | Mon – Thur: 9am – 5pm Weekends: 9am – 6am |
| Contact details: | 016 922 4777 |
4. See the View from Kuantan 188 Tower
If you’re afraid of heights, then maybe this isn’t for you. The tower is 104 meters high, and you can enjoy unparalleled views of Kuantan from the observation deck and the sky deck, which is the roof of the tower. It’s the tallest tower on the east coast, and located within a stone’s throw of Kuantan Art Street, Taman Kerang, and the Kuantan Waterfront. The tower even boasts a Japanese restaurant, so if you’re feeling hungry after looking at things, you can just stop by the restaurant.
For more information or to make a booking, click here.
| Address: | Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang |
| Operating hours: | Mon – Thur: 10am – 10pm Fri & Weekends: 10am – 12am |
| Contact details: | 09 513 5821 |
5. Hike Bukit Panorama
An unmissable spot if you’re a nature lover, Bukit Panorama really delivers on its name. It takes about 40 minutes for the average hiker to climb up the hill and it’s even suitable for children, and the views are absolutely worth the trip. You get panoramic views of Sungai Lembing, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a blanket of clouds covering the forest, and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Kuantan. Hikers of Bukit Panorama say that the best views are of the sunrise, so be sure to get a good night’s sleep and get ready to trek your way up to catch the sunrise!
6. Visit the Teruntung Mini Zoo
If you want to trick your kids into thinking that dinosaurs still exist, just visit the Teruntung Mini Zoo. It’s actually a hybrid zoo, which means that it features both live animals and figurines of prehistoric animals. The zoo have all kinds of (live) animal exhibits, like zebras, ostriches, and crocodiles. It’s a great family-friendly place, and it’s one of our favourite things to do in Kuantan. Not only are there animals to see and dinosaurs to learn about, there’s also a Hobbit House for all Tolkien fans to check out!
For more information, click here.
| Address: | Jalan Padang Golf, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang |
| Operating hours: | Weekdays: 9am – 6pm Weekends: 9am – 7pm |
| Contact details: | 09 567 3333 |
7. Explore Gua Charas
In the sleepy town of Panching, lies the mysterious Gua Charas. Estimated to be roughly 400 million years old, this cave is now most predominantly used for religious purposes. Inside one of the first caverns you’ll reach when beginning your descent is the Sleeping Buddha idol, in addition to the Jala Lingam, which represents the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. Not only are there the statues, there are also rock formations that are said to resemble the goddess Kwan Yin, a fish, a nostril, a royal tombstone, an elephant, and a combing princess. The entrance fee is only RM2, and it’s definitely a place worth visiting if you’re an adventure seeker.
| Address: | Jalan Gua Charas, 26090 Kuantan, Pahang |
| Operating hours: | 9.30am – 5pm daily |
| Contact details: | 013 938 7541 |
8. Chill at Pantai Batu Hitam
Literally named Black Rock Beach after the volcanic-like black stones, this is a beautiful beach located just 4km north of Kuantan. The most unique feature of this beach is the black rocks trailing across a section of the beach, which varies in different shades of grey and black. There’s actually tons of things to do at this beach besides hanging out on the sand. You can ride on the ATV train, go to the nearby batik workshop, or just have a bite to eat at the hawker stalls. It’s also a good beach to swim at as the tides aren’t too strong, and the sand is soft.
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