Pahang

Coastal Vibes and City Landmarks

Begin your adventure with a local breakfast at Pak Mat Mee Calong Beserah, which is managed by Baharum Mat Husin, also known as Pak Mat, a 55-year-old man who has been in business for over 25 years serving the rich flavours of Pahang's famed Mee Calong. This is a special cuisine unique to Kuantan that has grown in popularity due to its excellent taste. Mee Calong, which is similar to a meatball soup, is served with homemade fish balls and tofu in a fish-based broth. Despite its rather secluded setting, Pak Mat's Warung has long maintained a devoted client base, comprising both locals and those travelling from outside the state. He learnt the recipe from his village elders and is committed to keeping Mee Calong as a symbol of Beserah's culinary identity. The warung also offers Nasi Lemak Bungkus, otok-otok, pulut panggang and other Malaysian traditional dishes (kuih-muih).

After a delicious breakfast, continue your trip by visiting the Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque, which was completed in 1994 and named after Pahang's first king, Sultan Ahmad Al-Mu'adzam Shah, and has since been a major landmark in Kuantan. This majestic mosque, located near Jalan Mahkota, is known for its elaborate architecture, spectacular domes and well-kept grounds, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the neighbourhood. Visitors may experience a spiritual retreat in the tranquil atmosphere, taste great Malaysian food at the local cafe and take breathtaking images of the stunning buildings and its surroundings.

Next, do not pass up the opportunity to explore Pahang's top shopping destination, the East Coast Mall, which is located in the heart of Kuantan's city centre. This four-storey mall offers parking on many levels and provides a wide range of goods and services, including fashion, entertainment, arts, culture, as well as both local and foreign food options. Renowned as Kuantan's most prominent mall, it features a well-established mix of domestic and foreign brands and retailers, drawing both local and non-local shoppers alike.

End your first day of exploration at Pantai Teluk Cempedak, often known as PTC. Located just five kilometres from Kuantan, PTC is a popular and well-maintained beach that offers a full beachfront experience. It is well-known for its immaculate sands and quiet ambience, making it excellent for swimming, beach sports and picnics. Visitors may also enjoy local eats at the food court, dine at popular fast food restaurants or at a neighbouring five-star resort. The beach is extremely busy on weekends as it is very popular amongst residents. PTC also offers chances for light shopping and forest-trekking, making it a diverse destination for both leisure and adventure.

Eclectic Finds and Nature’s Wonders

Enjoy your second day of exploration with a cup of morning coffee and breakfast at Kuantan Pickers & Kedai Kopi, which serves up exquisite flavours of rural coffee within the setting of a premium cafe. Located on Jalan Besar near Laman Teruntum, this beautiful Muslim-friendly café is operated by a young vintage aficionado. The cafe, which is decorated with nicely placed antiques, provides a relaxing environment in which visitors may enjoy a choice of local breakfast options, beverages and homemade desserts. It is suitable for those looking for a pleasant and nostalgic dining experience.

Continue your journey with a visit to Zoo Teruntum, a family-friendly mini zoo in Kuantan that offers a unique mix of animal encounters and a captivating dinosaur exhibition featuring over 30 life-sized replicas, some of which are animatronic, providing an interactive experience as they move and 'roar' as approached. The zoo also has a Hobbit House, a T-Rex Cage, animal feeding sessions and a Dinomon Hunter attraction, making it a fun place for all ages.

Before moving on, make a beeline for Akob Patin House for lunch. It is a popular, Muslim-friendly restaurant in Kuantan known for its original Pahang cuisine, notably the distinctive ikan patin served in tempoyak sauce. With three locations across the city, it offers a clean and comfortable dining environment paired with quick yet polite service. Find them at Capitol Square, Bandar Indera Mahkota and Putra Square. All outlets are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offer takeaways as well. Other popular menu items are ikan kerai goreng kunyit, daging salai masak lemak cili api, sambal hitam, and pais patin. Think no further, Akob Patin House is a must-visit for seafood lovers and for those looking for a taste of authentic local cuisine.

Wrap-up Day 2 at the Sungai Pandan Waterfalls, which is a spectacular natural marvel encompassing eleven hectares, located only 25 kilometres from Kuantan. The waterfall features a series of rapids that cascade into a big, crystal-clear pool, providing a refreshing respite as well as a gorgeous setting for a picnic. Surrounded by rich tropical greenery, it offers a peaceful getaway and is easily accessible by road, making it an ideal location for both residents and visitors looking to immerse themselves in Pahang's natural beauty.

Artistic and Cultural Discoveries

For the last leg of your adventure, immerse yourself in a series of visually captivating and vibrant artworks. Explore the mural paintings along Kuantan Art Street, which has been stunningly transformed by the vivid murals of 13 Pahang artists aged between 26 and 52, turning the previously dismal and dreary back lanes of Jalan Besar into a lively and colourful paradise.

These intriguing paintings, which depict local folk legends and Pahang's cultural identity, revitalise the region by increasing its attractiveness as a must-see destination. One of the most remarkable pieces is a portrayal of a black buffalo hauling a cart loaded with seafood, paying homage to the 1970s fishing town of Beserah Beach. Kuantan Art Street is currently adorned with lights that beautify the streets after dark, providing a pleasant and immersive artistic experience that appeals to both locals and tourists.

Before leaving, consider stopping at Kula Cakes for some scrumptious desserts. Kula Cakes, located at A96 Jalan Besar in Kuantan, is a well-known dessert destination that rose to prominence in 2011 with its unique mango cheesecake, which was first provided to Lila Wadi Restaurant. The cheesecake's growing popularity prompted the development of the bakery in a strategically chosen site in Kuantan's core. While Kula Cakes serves a range of scrumptious delights such as pavlovas, chocolate cakes and red velvet, the company stays committed to improving its signature mango cheesecake.

With an emphasis on unrivalled quality, the bakery's dedication to its crowd-pleasing signature is the reason why this sweet treat continues to fascinate and satisfy its customers.

The final stop on your Kuantan journey should be the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, located in Bandar Diraja Pekan, Pahang Darul Makmur, which serves as a magnificent storehouse of Pahang's royal history and tradition. This architectural jewel, initially built by the British Government in the late 1920s, has served as a British Resident's official house, an army barracks during World War II and Sultan Abu Bakar's formal palace. The museum's extensive collection includes ancient Chinese ceramics, glassware and a variety of historical items. It was recently restored over four years and now has cutting-edge technology such as high-definition TVs, Wi-Fi and interactive touchscreens, as part of the East Coast Economic Region Development Corporation's ambition to transform the old town into a top tourist attraction.