The wide bay
Long sand and green hills.
Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · nenek kebayan — CC BY 3.0 · Khalzuri Yazid from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0
Cherating Beach is a wide sandy beach at a small coastal town 47 km north of Kuantan in Pahang. It has a calm bay framed by casuarina trees and green hills, and an easy life among guesthouses and cafes. It is one of the best-known holidays on the east coast, popular with families and swimmers in the dry season. The area is known as the site of Asia's first Club Med, and hotels and resorts line nearby Chendor Beach. Even so, it keeps a village feel, with a cultural village selling traditional textiles and handicrafts. The town is also linked to turtle protection, with a sanctuary on the beach; sources say turtles lay their eggs in July and August. The sand stretches far at low tide, inviting long walks, with a calm lagoon and palms behind the beach. Surfing is listed among the activities, and batik printing is on show in the village. The turtle sanctuary lies near Club Med, and Pahang's tourism body has said it was under renovation, so check that it is open before going. If you see a turtle, keep your distance and avoid bright lights. The beach is 35 km from Teluk Cempedak in a straight line. Cherating is among the wettest places in Malaysia, with the rainy season usually from October to April, when many hotels and restaurants close, so plan your visit between April and October. A car or taxi from Kuantan works best.
Long sand and green hills.
Turtle nesting in July and August.
Calm water behind the beach.
Cherating, east coast, north of Kuantan, Pahang
Usually April to October, since the rainy season closes many hotels. For turtles, choose July and August.
Yes. The bay is calm in the dry season and activities are simple, and it is wise to ask where you stay about sea conditions before swimming.