Promoted as a tourist town, Kuantan has little that is unique—better examples of just about everything it offers can be found elsewhere in the country. However, it does have a decent craft center displaying woodcarving and batik textiles, a reasonable beach (Teluk Cempedak) and a Club Med near the settlement of Cherating, 30 mi/50 km to the north (it's one of Malaysia's most popular resorts). Pantai Cherating, a small village near Cherating and once popular with backpackers, has a curving beach and wonderful traditional wooden bungalows situated under swaying palms. Those in the know go there for superb windsurfing, including an annual international competition attended by leaders in the sport.
In Kuantan, 115 mi/185 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, there are several parks that are great for taking a relaxed stroll in the evening. To entertain children, head to the Bukit Gambang Water Park although it does get crowded on weekends and school holidays. There are also some impressive waterfalls nearby, the most popular being the Sungai Pandan Waterfall. Kuantan is also a transportation crossroads, providing good connections for buses traveling across the peninsula to Kuala Lumpur or along the eastern coast.
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