Kuantan
Kuantan is a practical base on Malaysia's East Coast for beaches, nearby waterfalls and the old tin-mining town of Sungai Lembing.
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Kuantan is the state capital of Pahang, on Peninsular Malaysia's East Coast near the mouth of the Kuantan River on the South China Sea. It is the largest city on the coast and the commercial center of Pahang, and locals sometimes call it Kontaeng. Because the city is relatively young, much of its everyday food and dialect comes from Terengganu and Kelantan rather than from Pahang.
Go for the beaches, the waterfalls and Sungai Lembing, a former tin-mining town about 26 km northwest of the city. Palm Beach, also called Teluk Cempedak, is the main city beach. Kuantan 188, a 188-metre tower, gives 360-degree views from its open sky-deck. The rainy season runs roughly from October to March, when heavy rain and possible flooding are common, so the drier months are the easier time to visit.
Kuantan in five
- Fly or take the express bus into KuantanFirefly has scheduled direct flights from Singapore and Penang to Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport. Express buses from Kuala Lumpur leave from Hentian Pekeliling or TBS and stop at Terminal Kuantan Sentral in Bandar Indera Mahkota.Getting around
- Set up a ride app and phone data before you landGrab and MyCar both operate in Kuantan. Get an eSIM or a local SIM before you leave home.Phones and eSIM
- Check the road before you drive to Sungai LembingSungai Lembing lies about 26 km northwest of Kuantan, and flooding is possible on the road and in several areas along the Kuantan River. Ask your lodging about conditions on the day you travel.
- Take the Pasar Besar buses for Cherating and PekanLocal buses leave from the Kuantan General Market (Pasar Besar), near Darul Makmur Stadium, for Cherating and Pekan. RapidKuantan buses reach most places in the city.
- Eat grilled fish at Tanjung Lumpur or BeserahIkan bakar, grilled fresh fish, is sold near the fishermen's villages at Tanjung Lumpur and Beserah. Kuantan is also known for keropok and salted fish, which are dried in the sun and sold at Serambi Teruntum market in Tanjung Lumpur.
Need to know
- Currency
- Ringgit (MYR)
- Entry
- Visa-free entry for many passports; fill in the MDAC arrival card online Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; some restaurants add a service charge
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryRainy, flood risk
- FebruaryRainy, flood risk
- MarchRains ending
- AprilDrier, warm
- MayDrier, warm
- JuneDry, warm
- JulyDry, warm
- AugustDry, warm
- SeptemberBetween seasons
- OctoberRains begin
- NovemberRainy, flood risk
- DecemberRainy, flood risk
Right now in Kuantan
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 98%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Kuantan
04:40 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°23°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed30°22°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu30°22°100%Thursday: Rain. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri29°22°96%Friday: Rain. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Sat30°22°100%Saturday: Rain. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun29°22°100%Sunday: Rain. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Mon27°22°100%Monday: Rain. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 02:13 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 4.057 MYR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Sungai LembingAbout 26 km northwest by roadA former tin-mining town with a Tin Museum, a hanging bridge and Panorama Hill for views before dawn.
- Charah CaveOn the road from Kuantan to Sungai LembingA limestone cave in the hamlet of Pancing, with a large reclining Buddha inside.
- CheratingLocal buses from Pasar BesarA beach village with turtle sanctuaries nearby, and Snake Island a few kilometres away.
- PekanLocal buses from Pasar BesarA coastal town south of Kuantan, on Federal Route 3.
Before you go to Kuantan
Rules for Kuantan, checked
- Fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online before you arrive. Check entry rules for your passport on the Immigration Department site (imi.gov.my).
- Drug laws are strict and penalties are severe, including the death penalty for trafficking. Check Malaysian law before you travel.
- Take off your shoes before entering mosques, including the State Mosque, and cover your shoulders and knees.
- Ride-hailing and local buses are the practical options in Kuantan, so keep cash for local bus fares and taxis.
Plan around Kuantan
Entry, transport and money for a Malaysia trip
Read the guideGetting around KuantanBuses, flights and ride apps for Kuantan
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules and the arrival card before you fly in
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for a day in Kuantan
Read the guideWhere to stayBeach and town options near Teluk Cempedak
Read the guidePhones and eSIMMobile data for ride apps, maps and bus times
Read the guideKuantan FAQ
Is Kuantan worth visiting?
Yes, if you want beaches, waterfalls and the old tin-mining town of Sungai Lembing from one base. If the beach is the main goal, Cherating is the coastal village to compare with Kuantan.
How do you get from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan?
Take an express bus booked at Hentian Pekeliling or TBS to Terminal Kuantan Sentral, or drive the East Coast Expressway, which starts in Gombak, Selangor. Check bus times with the operator before you book.
Are there direct flights to Kuantan?
Yes. Firefly has direct flights to Singapore and Penang, and flights also go to KLIA, Subang and Singapore Changi. China Airlines runs seasonal flights from Taipei, so check the schedule for your dates.
Which beach is best in Kuantan?
Teluk Cempedak, also called Palm Beach, is the main city beach. Batu Hitam, Balok, Chenor and Beserah are other beaches near the city.
When is the rainy season in Kuantan?
The rainy season runs roughly from October to March, when north-east winds bring heavy rain, cloud and possible floods. During the hot dry spell, temperatures may reach 40 degrees Celsius.
How far is Sungai Lembing from Kuantan?
Sungai Lembing lies about 26 km northwest of Kuantan. Flooding is possible on the road, so check conditions before you set out.