Cherating

Cherating is a popular beach resort area in Pahang. It is located about 30 km north of Kuantan on Peninsular Malaysia's East Coast.

Cherating village is a typical small lazy East Coast fishing village although backpacker-tourism now is the major income earner here. The village, which is just off the main East Coast trunk road between Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu is dotted with guesthouses and small hotels (called chalets here). Asia's first Club Med is also located here. The place is extremely laid-back and the beach is nice and wide, although not as beautiful as the beaches on the islands off the East Coast.

By road
Cherating is located off the main East Coast trunk road (Federal Route 5) about 30 km north of Kuantan. From Kuantan town, follow signboards to Kemaman which will bring you past Beserah and Balok. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur on the East Coast Expressway (Route E8), you can bypass Kuantan and head straight to Cherating. Stick to the expressway until the final exit (Jabor exit). After paying toll, follow signboards to Kemaman, along the new highway. At Sg Ular you will join the main East Coast trunk road. Cherating is another 15 km from there. Coming from Kuala Terengganu, proceed south along the East Coast trunk road. The Cherating turn off (left turn from this direction) is about 25 km south of Kemaman.

By bus
is a shed along the main road so don't be afraid if the bus driver drops you in the middle of nowhere. The center of the town is only a 5-minute walk away.


 * To/from Kuantan: After the introduction of the rapidKuantan bus service in 2015, the same red-white-blue buses as in other metropolitan areas of Malaysia can be used to travel between Kuantan and Cherating. From Kuantan city bus terminal (Hentian Bandar) you can take the rapidKuantan bus 600 or 602 to Balok Makmur (MYR 4) and change to rapidKuantan bus 604 to Cherating (MYR 2, takes about 1h, run only every 2h, July 2017). To go to Kuantan from Cherating you also have to use the rapidKuantan buses, no express buses will stop for you. (Updated in July 2017)
 * To/from Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu: Some interstate express buses to/from Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu pick up/drop off passengers from/at Cherating. To get on the bus at Cherating, you will have to book the ticket beforehand and the agent will inform the bus company to stop for you. You will be given a time (about half hour after the bus departs from Kuantan) and be told to wait at a particular spot along the main road. If coming from the north, just tell the bus driver/assistant that you want to get off the bus at Cherating.
 * To/from Perhentian Islands: No direct buses are available from Kuala Besut to Cherating. From the jetty you can walk to Kuala Besut bus station (10 min) and take a bus to Jerteh or Kota Bharu if you feel like going the wrong way). Express bus can stop at Jerteh but a red cityliner bus is cheaper. From Jerteh, express buses runs to Kuantan and can stop at Cherating (30-35RM, the journey takes at least 5 hours, July 2017). You will have to request the stop to your bus driver. (Updated in July 2017)

From other destinations, it will be easier for you to get to/go to Kuantan first where there are connections to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Johor Bahru, Mersing (for Tioman Island, Jerantut (for Taman Negara) and elsewhere. Plan your journey ahead as the local buses to Kuantan do not run often.

By taxi
Taxi from/to Kuantan can be hired for about 80RM.

Get around
Cherating village is tiny, and you can get around on foot. Some guesthouses and tour agents have bicycles for rent.

Surf

 * Cherating beach, during the monsoon season (November–March but surfing is recommended during high-peak season from December–February), is one of the only beaches in Peninsula Malaysia with waves good enough for surfing. Sand-bottom point breaks with left waves starting from chest height up to 4.5 ft. Ride up to 500 meters or longer. Can be packed during weekends. A long sandy beach with a lack of dangerous rocks or coral, makes the area attractive for beginners.
 * Boards and instructor can be hired on the beach or in town (about 75RM for full day without lesson, private 1h lesson starts from 200RM). If you have your own board, repair shops can also easily be found in town.

Kitesurf

 * At the beach, the wind also offers opportunities for kite surfing. During dry season (July–September especially) winds can be expected between 8-14 knots and the sea will be flat and shallow. Perfect conditions for beginners. In rainy season (November - March) wind goes up to 25 knots.

Eat
During off season (outside of Dec-March and even in July–August) the town can feel a bit abandoned as lots of shops close (sometimes unexpectedly).



Go next

 * Kuantan For most of the destinations you will have to go to Kuantan first
 * Kuala Terengganu
 * Kota Bharu