 |
A seemingly endless curve of golden sand stretches into the distance and the cool, open water of the South China Sea beckons in the heat of the day. A breeze rustles the leaves of palms and Causarina trees that line the shore, where hammocks are tied in the shade. The pace is slow and relaxed, the attitude is laid back and smiles are everywhere.
Cherating Beach is less than 50km north of the city of Kuantan on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and a quick three and a half hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is hard to say whether it is the kilometres of soft sandy beach, the wind and the waves on the sea or just the relaxed vibe that is the real draw card, but travellers have been flocking to Cherating for decades. |
|
|
|
 |
| These travellers were, and still are, armed with backpacks and surfboards and make themselves at home in the many budget chalets in Cherating Village. When Cherating was handpicked as the site for Asia’s first Club Med – for the uninterrupted sea views and the gently sloping beaches no doubt – it became even more celebrated. Today a large number of hotels and resorts are dotted along the Cherating coastline, from Balok Beach in the south to Chendor Beach in the north. |
 |
| While lazing around and doing nothing is perfectly acceptable around here, there is plenty to see and do in and around Cherating – mostly thanks to Mother Nature. The beaches are just as popular with turtles as they are with people and if you are lucky you may get the chance to spot a mother turtle coming to lay her eggs. River cruises amongst mangrove trees are popular and are even more enchanting at night when hundreds of fireflies light up the forest. Other attractions in the scenic state of Pahang are also within easy reach. |
|
|
 |
|
