In the vicinity of Kuantan, there are tempting beaches as the world-renowned; they are-

Teluk Chempedak - On the mainland, 5 kilometers from the town of Kuantan and overlooking the South China Sea, is Teluk Chempadak. A sun drenched beach with two international class hotels, it offers excellent water sport activities such as sailing, surfing, water skiing and sunbathing. Just a short trek through the Teluk Chempadak Forest Reserve will take you through scenic overlooks of the sea and on the Pelindung Beach. If you are game for more jungle trekking, there is an alternative route leading to the mini-zoo. Permission from the authorities and a local guide must be obtained. A showcase if the state's handicraft can be also found at Telok Chempadak. The Balai Karyaneka (Handicraft Center) has treasures and trinkets galore, including wood cravings, pandanus household articles, gold threaded songket material, shell crafts and batik.

Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to Kuantan. Express bus services and taxis ply the routes from major towns to Kuantan. You can then proceed to Teluk Chempadak by taxi.

Besarah - Seven kilometers north of Kuantan lies the fishing village of Besarah. Well-known for its salted fish, it is one of the few places in Malaysia where fishermen employ water buffaloes to transport their fish from the boats to the processing area. Aside from fishing, Besarah supports many cottage industries, including a batik factory and a handicraft workshop that produces items made from sea shells and coconuts. You can take a taxi from Kuantan town or from the airport to reach Besarah.

Balok Beach - Another welcome haven in Pahang is Balok Beach. Approximately 15 kilometers north of Kuantan, its seemingly unending stretch of white sand, swaying casuarinas and tropical breezes make it the ideal location for camping, sunbathing and swimming.

Those in search of something less sedate can try out the sport facilities around the Coral Beach Resort. You can paddle out from the beach, unfurl a sail and get ready for the roller-coaster ride of your life as Balok Beach is reputed to be one of the ten best wind surfing spots in the world. You can catch a taxi either at the Kuantan Airport or in town to reach Balok.

Cherating - One beach synonymous with Asia's first Club Mediterranee is Cherating. Located approximately 47 kilometers from Kuantan, this world famous Club occupies only a small part of the beach. A variety of accommodations are available in Cherating, including affordable but comfortable rooms and chalets.

Foremost among Cherating's attractions is the rustic atmosphere and warm hospitality of the village folk who usually play host to its visitors. To enjoy this friendly environment, you can arrange to stay at an inexpensive village hut. Cherating also offers the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, and to see how village maidens weave pandanus leaves into mats, hats, bags and other handicrafts.

Close to Cherating, approximately one and a half kilometer away lies Chendor Beach. A favorite sunbathing spot noted for its seclusion, it is also home to Green turtles and the occasional Giant Leatherback turtle. To catch their annual migration, come between early July and September, when they swim ashore nightly to nest and lay their eggs. On the southeastern coast of Pahang, approximately 118 kilometers from Kuantan, is Lanjut Beach in Rompin. A golden stretch of sand, it has a host of recreational facilities, including scuba diving and swimming. For the golfer, one of the nest courses in the state can be found nearby, at the Lanjut Golden Beach Golf Resort. Visitors can also travel 65 kilometers form Lanjut to make a day trip to Endau-Rompin State Park. One of the oldest rainforest jungles in the world, it provides an intriguing glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Visitors to Cherating should make prior arrangements with the hotels for pick-up services at Kuantan Town or from the Airport. Traveling by taxi or self-drive car are the most practical modes of transportation to reach Lanjut.

Pulau Tioman (Tioman Island) - The largest in a group of 64 volcanic islands which includes Pualu Seri Buat, Pulau Sembilang, Pulau Tulai, Pulau Chebeh, Pulau Labas and Pulau Renggis, is situated about 80 kilometers northwest of Peninsular Malaysia's east coast. Said to be the final resting place of the fabled dragon princess who had turned herself into an island in the South China Sea. Pulau Tioman is truly one of the most beautiful islands in the region.

Blessed with miles and miles of soft white sand, swaying palms, wild flowers growing in vivid profusion and cool waterfalls cascading down the green slopes, Pulau Tioman is an adventure's paradise for quiet retreats, trekking, sunbathing and sea sports. Noted for crystal Clearwater as far down as 33 meters, Pulau Tioman is a veritable garden of colorful marine life, offering underwater sportsmen some of the best dive sites in the world.

One such site is Salang Beach. A few fin strokes away a dazzling underwater garden of corals, sea fans, sea anemone, cardinal fish and damsel fish awaits the diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

The shallow reefs at the nearby islands of Pulau Tulai and Pulau Renggis are also popular spots for scuba diving and snorkeling, and should not be overlooked. Divers can also explore the underwater world caves around Pulau Chebeh and the incredibly beautiful reefs at Pulau Sepoi and Pulau Labas. All of these islands are uninhabited and within an hour's boat ride from Pulau Tioman.

When you scuba dive and snorkel at Air Batang Beach on Pulau Tioman, be sure to bring along a camera. The neon hues of parrot fish, butterfly fish, Napoleon fish and silver snappers swimming amid a colorful sea garden are well worth capturing on film. Pulau Tioman's oasis of coral and tropical fish can also be viewed without ever getting wet. Round the island, tours are available on glass bottom boats operated by Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort. The waters around the island also offer plenty of adventure for sportsmen wishing to windsurf, canoe, sail or fish; your choice of catamarans, canoes, sailboats and fishing rods may be easily hired.

For those who search for tranquility and sunshine, Jura Beach is the perfect hideaway. Blissfully deserted, it I located on the east coast of the island and accessible only by foot.

The more adventurous can head for the jungle clad hills of Tioman and scale the island's spectacular twin peaks in the south. The trek offers the serenity of undulating waterfalls and lush greenery at Mukut Village.

Around the waters near Mukut Village, divers have a chance to view a coral encrusted wreck of a Japanese war ship. Those who prefer to see the island by bicycle or horseback can make arrangements at Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort. Indeed, Tioman's simple modes of transport and your own two feet are the best ways to take in the sights. Getting around the island is also possible by sea bus. For details, check with your hotel reception and tour desk.

Pelangi Air operates daily flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Berjaya Air operates daily flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur. Flight time is approximately one hour. Tourists from Singapore may take bus No.170 at Queen Street to the Johor Bahru Bus Station in Larkin. From there, take the Johor Express to Mersing followed by one and a half hour boat ride to Tioman. Tourists may also hire a taxi from Johor Bahru to Mersing or Tanjung Leman, the jumping off point to Tioman.

The Island Pearl catamaran ferry operates daily trips to Tioman from the Singapore World Trade Center. It departs in the morning, and makes the 122 nautical mile trip in about 4 ½ hours.