Introduction to Kuantan, Malaysia

It's virtually inevitable that you'll pass through the dull, concrete town of KUANTAN at some stage, since it's the region's transport hub, lying at the junction of Routes 2 (which runs across the Peninsula to KL), 3 and 14. Kuantan's one real sight is the stunning Masjid Negeri on Jalan Makhota, boasting an impressive pastel exterior (green for Islam, blue for peace and white for purity).

The local bus station is on Jalan Basar, beside Sungei Kuantan, and the Makmur express bus terminal is on Jalan Stadium, in front of the Darulmakmur stadium. Taxis (tel 012/950 5526) can be found between Jalan Besar and Jalan Makhota, while long-distance taxis (tel 09/513 4478) leave from the express bus station. The airport is 15km west of town (tel 09/538 1291) – a taxi to the centre costs RM20. The MAS office is on the ground floor of the Wisma Bolasepak Pahang, Jalan Gambut (tel 09/515 7055).

The Tourist Information Centre (daily 9am–1pm & 2–5pm; tel 09/516 1007), at the end of Jalan Makhota facing the playing fields, can help you out with accommodation in and around Kuantan, and also organizes day-trips to the surrounding area. The GPO, with poste restante, is on Jalan Haji Abdul Aziz; the Telekom office is next door (8.45am–4.15pm); and the Immigration Office is on the first floor, Wisma Persekutuan, Jalan Gambut, for on-the-spot visa renewals (Mon–Fri 9am–4.15pm; tel 09/521373). Internet options include De'Fa Net Cafe (tel 012/952 2313), near the express bus station on Jalan Tun Ismail, where an hour online costs RM3. Otherwise, the TIC has terminals at slightly higher rates.

For cheap accommodation the best place is the Meian, 78 Jl Teluk Sisek (tel 09/552 0949; under $10), which is basic and spotless with a communal hot shower for the simplest rooms. The Embassy, 60 Jl Telok Sisek (tel 09/552 7486; $5–10), is a similar second choice. In ascending price order: the Oriental Evergreen, 157 Jl Haji Abdul Rahman (tel 09/513 0168; $5–10), tucked down a side street off the main road, has air-con rooms; the Suraya, 55 Jl Haji Abdul Aziz (tel 09/555 4266; $15–20), is a comfortable mid-range place, and the Holiday Inn, Jalan Beserah (tel 09/555 5899; $60–80), is very reasonably priced for what you get, with a swimming pool and a dim sum restaurant.

For food, the stalls near the mosque on Jalan Makhota behind the Ocean Shopping Complex on Jalan Tun Ismail are the best bet. Otherwise, try Restoran E & E, 219 Jl Tun Ismail, which does Malay versions of Western food: steaks in cashew sauce, pizzas and Cantonese spaghetti for example. New Yee Mee, Jalan Haji Abdul Aziz, a large busy, budget Chinese restaurant has a wide-ranging menu, while Restoran Beryani, Jalan Bukit Ubi, is one of the few Indian restaurants in town.

Information by Rough Guides

Back to Kuantan, Malaysia Overview