17 Best Things To Do In Kuantan, Malaysia - Updated 2024

things to do in kuantan
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Are you planning to visit Kuantan very soon? If it is so, you would definitely want to have the best possible experience during your vacation. While you may be occupied with your search for the top Airbnb vacation rentals or the best homestays in the area, keep in mind that preparation also means knowing the places you should visit prior to your trip. When you plan your itinerary in advance, you can be certain of not missing out on anything while you visit these Kuantan tourist attractions. Incidentally, it is Malaysia’s ninth-largest city and the capital of the state of Pahang. Continue reading to find out more about the best things to do in Kuantan, Malaysia.

1. Kuantan 188 Tower (from USD 2.19)

Rising 188 meters above the ground, the Kuantan 188 Tower stands as one of the tallest structures in the city, providing an unrivaled vantage point. Ascend to the observation deck and be greeted by sweeping views of the cityscape, the azure waters of the South China Sea, and the lush greenery that envelopes Kuantan.

As you gaze out from the tower, you can spot prominent landmarks like the Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque and the vibrant city center. Take in the contrast between modern developments and the natural beauty of the coastal landscape. The Kuantan 188 Tower is not just about the views—it also offers a range of facilities and attractions. Enjoy dining options, souvenir shops, and interactive exhibits that provide insights into the region’s culture, history, and natural wonders.

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Kuantan 188 Tower Ticket in Kuantan

6 reviews

2. The Keropok Lekor Factory

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Keropok Lekor Ghani Black Kuantan on Monday, April 1, 2019

It is a very common dish loved by the locals of Kuantan. Keropok is a kind of cracker, which has fish in it as an ingredient and is made both soft and hard. The dish can be enjoyed with chili sauce and can be both steamed or fried. A trip to the Keropok Lekor Factory will make you understand how this cuisine is prepared. The entire cooking process can be watched at the site from start to end. You can also enjoy a fast snack prior to leaving this place.

The Keropok Lekor Factory

Address: Kampung Peramu Hulu, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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3. Hafiz Firefly Cherating (from USD 15.0)

When you are one of those people who freak out on a nighttime adventure, going out on a boat to watch the fireflies can be an experience of a lifetime. Hafiz, who is an expert of fireflies, captains the ship. He will tell you the reason behind the unique behavior of the fireflies. Hafiz will also identify the different kinds of fireflies and will also describe why these insects flicker when it is dark outside.

When you are out on this excursion in the right kind of weather, it will be a heart-wrenching moment to find the sky bring lit up beautifully. However, you cannot take any photographs since they are prohibited. The reason for this restriction is that the flash of your camera could startle or kill those fireflies.

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Fireflies Tour in Cherating

Duration: 50 to 60 minutes

46 reviews

4. Teluk Chempedak

Teluk Cempedak beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Malekhanif used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

A visit to this beautiful beach should definitely be on your agenda when you visit Kuantan. Teluk Chempedak is situated only about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Kuantan’s town center. The beach is located near the Royal Pahang Golf Club. The row of pine trees, the charming casuarinas, and the breathtaking white sandy beach will mesmerize you for sure. The combination of all these creates an atmosphere of serenity, delight, and peace on the beach. You can see the fishing boats at the sea during the night and at daytime.

Teluk Chempedak

Address: Pantai Teluk Cempedak, 25050 Pahang, Malaysia

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5. Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah

Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Khalidrizuan91 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

A visit to this beautiful mosque will make you feel tongue-tied. It has the same kind of effect on many other visitors. Welcome to Pahang’s State Museum, which is known as Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah. The architecture of this mosque takes its inspiration from the Ottoman-Moorish style.

The center of the mosque has the biggest dome while there are four other smaller comes and four minarets shaped like rockets. It has the capacity to accommodate as many as 8,000 people simultaneously. The mosque is located in the central business district of Kuantan, which can be conveniently accessed.

Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah

Address: Jalan Mahkota, Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Pahang, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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6. East Coast Mall

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Need to get some new makeup for Raya? Check out WYCON Cosmetics pop-up store happening now until 1 May 2022 at Ground...

Posted by East Coast Mall on Thursday, April 21, 2022

Shopping is one of the many things we enjoy doing on vacation, so definitely add this to your list of what to do in Kuantan. East Coast Mall is conveniently situated in Pahang’s city center, which is right in the heart of the city of Kuantan. This mall is a contemporary lifestyle mall for families and takes pride in its mix of international and domestic retail stores ranging from local delicacies and fashion to art and culture, international gourmets and entertainment. It is a single stop entertainment and shopping destination for the tourists as well as the local residents.

East Coast Mall

Address: East Coast Mall, Jalan Putra Square 6, Putra Square, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Website: East Coast Mall

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7. Taman Esplanade

Esplanade Park 4
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Terence Ong used under CC BY 2.5

Esplanade Park or Taman Esplanade is situated behind River Kuantan and at Jalan Besar. The headquarters building of Kuantan Municipal Council is located nearby. Children love to visit the place and can enjoy different types of exercise and climbing structures, slides, see-saw and swings to release their endless energies. If you fond of fishing, the esplanade next to the park is an excellent place to do so.

Taman Esplanade

Address: Jalan Tanah Putih, 25100 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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8. Gallery in SG Lembing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Posted by 3D Gallery SG Lembing on Saturday, November 7, 2020

This three-dimensional gallery has an interesting collection of 15 painted three-dimensional sceneries and another 15 3D digital prints on its ground floor. When a digital camera is used for photographing them, these art pieces get a life of their own. The shadows create special 3D effects begin appearing and the emotions portrayed in these art pieces start getting highlighted.

3D Gallery in SG Lembing

Address: 27, North Canton Street, Sg Lembing, 26300, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Website: 3D Gallery SG Lembing

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9. Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

WILD NIGHT ADVENTURE KEMBALI LAGI SEMPENA HARI RAYA! . Pada Sabtu dan Ahad: 7 & 8 Mei 2022 . Mari...

Posted by Zoo Teruntum on Friday, May 6, 2022

As is obvious from the name, it is a small zoological park located right next to a playground for kids. It has a good variety of both foreign and native animal species. You must take your kids to visit the Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum to enjoy watching the animals and learn about them. Bicycles can be rented inside the zoo and children will have plenty of spaces to play and run. There is a safety track also inside this mini zoo.

Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum

Address: Jalan Padang Golf, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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10. Taman Bandar

There is probably nothing else that beats a weekend in Kuantan than a quiet walk by the lake. If you happen to be staying in the area, Taman Bandar is the ideal spot to have a picnic with your family or even go for a jog! Make sure to bring your kids as they will surely have a good time at the playground and the basketball court located in the area. The brick walkway by the lake will give you a spectacular view of Taman Bandar. Lakefront benches are also scattered throughout the area for those who wish to simply take a moment and watch their surroundings.

Taman Bandar Kuantan

Address: Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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11. Lao Zi Temple

For the Eastern philosophy enthusiasts out there, your itinerary of the trip to Kuantan is incomplete without a visit to Lao Zi Temple. It is dedicated to Laozi, the highly regarded sage behind the classical text Tao Te Ching, which is said to be the cornerstone of the Taoism philosophical tradition. The temple and its surrounding areas are filled with picturesque statues depicting ancient history. Put your thinking cap on, get inspired, and travel back in time by arranging a visit to one of the lauded tourist spots in Kuantan.

Lao Zi Temple

Address: No. Lot 362 KM12, Taman Impian Ku, Darul Makmur, Jln Sungai Lembing, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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12. Esplanade Kuantan

The Esplanade boasts scenic water views and a refreshing sea breeze along the Kuantan River. Take a stroll along the promenade, soak in the picturesque surroundings, and embrace the laid-back ambiance of this coastal city. The Esplanade is a hub of activity, offering a range of recreational facilities and amenities. Enjoy outdoor exercise equipment, jogging tracks, and cycling paths that invite you to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. You can also find playgrounds for children, allowing families to spend quality time together.

Indulge in local delicacies and street food from the food stalls and vendors that line the promenade. Sample traditional snacks or savor a refreshing coconut drink while enjoying the scenic views. As evening falls, the Esplanade comes alive with various events and performances, so be sure to stick around for those!

Esplanade Kuantan

Address:Jalan Tanah Putih, 25100 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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13. Ana Ikan Bakar Petai 3

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

jom makan

Posted by Ana Ikan Bakar Petai on Friday, September 18, 2020

If you have a hankering for seafood after a long day of adventure in Kuantan, look no further than Ana Ikan Bakar Petai 3! This restaurant specializes in seafood and even racks up long queues during the dinner rush. That shouldn’t be an obstacle, though, as they are open until midnight, making it perfect for your late-night cravings. The dishes at Ana Ikan Bakar Petai 3 are modestly priced, which is one of the reasons why it has gained popularity since its opening. Seafood doesn’t come cheap for some of us, so when you find yourself in Kuantan, grab the opportunity to dine at this quality restaurant!

Ana Ikan Bakar Petai 3

Address: Jalan Tanjung Lumpur, Perkampungan Tanjung Lumpur, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Opening hours: 5pm - 12am (daily)

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14. Beserah Beach

Pantai Batu Hitam, Beserah, Kuantan
Source: Photo by Flickr user Emran Kassim used under CC BY 2.0

For the ocean lovers out there, another beautiful beach on this list is Beserah Beach. Located just less than a half-hour drive from Kuantan’s city center, this attraction in Kuantan is a great spot to be with your loved ones and wait for the sunrise. Plenty of beachfront hotels and other rentals are established in the area, so you don’t have to look far when you want to make your chilled weekend happen. With how majestic the view of the South China Sea is from the beach, you might even opt for a longer stay!

Beserah Beach

Address: Kampung Pantai Batu Hitam, 26100 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

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15. Puteh Beach Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Cap your night off at the waters by dining at Puteh Beach Bar, which is one of the best tourist attractions in Kuantan. Whether you’re out looking for a hearty dinner with your family or you’re up for some chat and a few drinks with friends, you may just find this bar exactly to your liking. Besides delicious Malaysian dishes, the bar also brought the world to Kuantan by introducing other cuisines to its menu. For the freshest meal at Puteh Beach Bar, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member what their catch of the day is!

Puteh Beach Bar

Address: Lot 1260, Adena Beach Resort, Pantai Balok, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang

Website: Puteh Beach Bar

Opening hours: 11:30am - 12am (daily)

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16. Sungai Pandan Waterfall (from USD 111.0)

This waterfall is also called Panching Waterfalls by many. It is located at a distance of 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the city of Kuantan, Malaysia. The dwellers of the city love yo come here for picnics and other recreational activities as well as for people who reside in the nearby areas. Get enthralled by the beauty of this cascading waterfall and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding. It is one of the great places to visit in Kuantan.

Traveler's tips

Good Tip

Nature never goes out of style. Surrender to its flow at Sungai Pandan Waterfall in Kuantan, the capital city of Pahang in the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia.

Known as Malaysia's largest multi-tiered waterfall, the waters cascade down from a height of 250 metres, past multiple cliffs and into a gigantic, azure-coloured pool.

Visitors love to soak in the cool waters, enjoy a picnic or trek around the area to capture Insta-worthy shots. The waterfall is surrounded by the verdant greens of Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve, making it the perfect place to rejuvenate the senses. It's open daily with minimal admission fees.

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Panching Caves and Pandan Waterfalls

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

17. Sultan Abu Bakar Museum (from USD 128.0)

It is an educational and extremely interesting museum in Kuantan, Malaysia. Sultan Abu Bakar a Museum has a rich and varied collection of artifacts that belong to Pahang’s Sultan. You can find photos of the parents of the Sultan, pictures of his family, wedding and his old photos. You will also find artifacts of OrangAsli who are the tribal people belonging to Pahang.

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Royal Pekan Tour

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Have a fun holiday in Kuantan, Malaysia

After going through the above points, you may have also made up your mind to visit these Instagrammable places in Kuantan, Malaysia, very soon. Whether it is shopping, being in the midst of nature, sightseeing, exploring the beach, or food, you name it and the city has it all to keep you and your loved ones engaged. Just don’t forget to secure comfy accommodation in one of the beach resorts. There are plenty of stunning hotels with a private beach as well if you are planning to stay by the pristine waterscape.

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Kuantan


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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