Tourist Train on beach at Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan is a riverside city with a relaxed atmosphere as well as warm and welcoming locals. It alo has a great range of shops, markets and eateries to enjoy. The capital of Pahang state, this city is well connected to other parts of the state as well as other regions of Malaysia. In particular, it is just a short bus ride or drive away from beautiful beaches and stunning waterfalls. Find out more in this Kuantan destination guide.

What is Kuantan Malaysia famous for?

Kuantan is best known for being the capital of the state of Pahang. It is also well known for its nearby beaches such as Pantai Balok and Pantai Batu Hitam. Another popular nearby attractions is Sungai Pandan Waterfall. Within the city, the tower Kuantan 188 is a distinctive landmark in the Kuantan skyline.

Why you should visit Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan River Malaysia
Kuantan River Malaysia

Kuantan is very livable city with a great range of amenities and attractions on offer. Some of our favourite things to do in Kuantan include relaxing by the river, sampling tasty local dishes, hanging out with the locals as well as enjoying the best nature experiences just a short drive from the city.

Kuantan Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Kuantan Malaysia

Bazaar Karat Padang MBK2 Night Food Market Kuantan Malaysia
Bazaar Karat Padang MBK2 Night Food Market Kuantan Malaysia

  • City name in other scripts – كوانتن (Jawi), 关丹 (simplified Chinese), 關丹 (traditional Chinese), குவாந்தான் (Tamil)
  • Language – Malay. There are 10 dialects of Malay used throughout thought the country, with Standard Malay being the unifying language. English is becoming more widely spoken in the country. However not everyone you meet will be able to speak English. Mandarin Chinese, Malaysian Chinese, Tamil, other Indian languages as well as Creole are spoken by the various ethnic groups that live in Malaysia.
  • Currency – Malaysian ringgit (MYR). This has been the official currency of Malaysia since 1967. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
  • Population – 548,014 (2019)
  • Area – 324 km2 (125 sq mi)
  • District – Kuantan
  • State – Pahang
  • Emergency number – 999
  • Police number – 999

Utilities in Kuantan Malaysia

  • Electricity – Malaysia uses Type G power plugs. The country operates on a 240v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are reasonably common in Malaysia.
  • Water – the tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Therefore most locals boil their water or use a water filter just to be safe.
  • Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets as well as Asian style squat toilets are common in Malaysia. Toilets generally come equipped with a spray hose (sometimes referred to as a Muslim shower). The spray hose is like a European bidet and is used for cleaning personal areas as an alternative to toilet paper. All of the accommodation we stayed in throughout the country was equipped with the western style sit-down flushing toilets with spray hoses. Toilet paper is also usually provided. Don’t flush your toilet paper – use the bins provided. The use of bathroom slippers is customary and is provided in accommodation and sometimes also in public bathrooms. Public bathrooms often offer both sit-down and squat style toilets. Public toilets are common in Malaysia. The charge is usually around 30-50 sens.
  • Telephone country code: +60

Where is Kuantan Malaysia?

Kuantan is in the Kuantan district in the middle of the state of Pahang Malaysia. It is also the capital of the state of Pahang. Kuantan is a coastal city on the South China Sea, near the Kuantan River.

The closest city to Kuantan is Pekan, which is just one hour away by bus.

How to get to Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan destination guide: Arriving by land

Kuantan Malaysia intercity land transport

Ice Cream Man Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia
Ice Cream Man Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia

The main transport options for travelling overland to Kuantan Malaysia are:

  • Private vehicle
  • Private transport operator
  • Bus
  • Bike

Driving to Kuantan from within Malaysia

Streetview Kuantan Malaysia
Streetview Kuantan Malaysia

If you are driving to Kuantan from within Malaysia, here are the travel times and distances:

  • Pekan, Pahang – 51 minutes (47km, 29miles) without tolls
  • Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu – 2 hours 38 minutes (214km, 133miles) with tolls or 2 hours 56 minutes (205km, 127miles) without tolls
  • Kuala Lumpur – 2 hours 38 minutes (245km, 152miles) with tolls or 4 hours 40 minutes (267km, 166miles) without tolls
  • Mersing, Johor – 2 hours 59 minutes (195km, 121miles) without tolls
  • Malacca, Malacca – 3 hours 53 minutes (277km, 172miles) with tolls or 3 hours 54 minutes (272km, 169miles) without tolls
  • Johor Bahru, Johor – 5 hours 7 minutes (369km, 229miles) with tolls or 4 hours 50 minutes (324km, 201miles) without tolls
  • George Town, Penang – 6 hours 45 minutes (583km, 362miles) with tolls or 10 hours 21 minutes (659km, 409miles) without tolls

Intercity trains to Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan does not have a train station. The closest train station is at Mentakab, which is 1.5 hours drive away. Mentakab is a train station on Malaysia’s KTM East Coast Railway Line (also known as the Malaysia Jungle Train). This Malaysian railway line extends from Gemas to Tumpat, servicing the east coast Peninsular Malaysia states of Pahang and Kelantan. At Gemas it also connects to the west coast line which runs from the Singapore border all the way up to the Thailand border. Train travel in Malaysia is a cheap and scenic way to see the country.

Malaysia train travel vlog

We spent about a week travelling along the Malaysia jungle railway, starting at Kota Bharu and stopping along the way at Kuala Krai, Dabong, Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis. Our train journey in Malaysia was a very memorable journey and we never expected to affect us so much. Watch our Malaysia train travel video below to find out all about our Malaysia jungle train experience. In this Malaysia vlog we show you how to travel Malaysia by train. We provide everything you need to know about travel by train in Malaysia, including Malaysia train costs, train amenities in Malaysia, how to book trains in Malaysia as well as Malaysia travel tips so you can plan an amazing Malaysia trip for yourself.

Intercity buses to Kuantan Malaysia

A common way to get around Malaysia is by using intercity buses. These are budget friendly and the network is extensive. Intercity bus companies in Malaysia include KKKL Express as well as S&S International. Popular bus destinations from Kuantan include:

  • Pekan Malaysia – this is on the rapidKuantan number 400 local bus. Travel time 1 hour. Tickets are 4 ringgit one way and no change is provided.
  • Kuala Lumpur Malaysia – travel time 3 hours 30 minutes. Tickets start from 19 ringgit one way.
  • Kuala Terengganu Malaysia – travel time 2 hours 30 minutes. Tickets start from 17 ringgit one way.
  • Malacca Malaysia – travel time 5 hours 15 minutes. Tickets start from 27 ringgit one way.

One thing to keep in mind is that the main bus terminal in Kuantan, Terminal Kuantan Sentral, is not located in the main part of town. It is an 8 minute drive away, or at least 20 minutes by public transport.

Terminal Kuantan Sentral Bus Terminal Kuantan Malaysia
Terminal Kuantan Sentral Bus Terminal Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan destination guide: Arriving by air

The closest airport to Kuantan is Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (Airport code KUA). This airport is 13km (9 miles) away.

Other nearby airports include:

  • Tioman Airport (Airport code TOD). This airport is 144km (90 miles) away.
  • Sultan Mahmud Airport (Airport code TGG). This airport is 177km (110 miles) away.
  • Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Airport code SZB). This airport is 211km (131 miles) away.

The national airline of Malaysia is Malaysia Airlines.

Kuantan destination guide: Arriving by boat

Kuantan is on the Kuantan River. Additionally, Kuantan is on the South China Sea. However we could not find any information about regular boats or ferries to Kuantan. There are however scenic riverboat cruises down the Kuantan River.

Kuantan destination guide: How to get around Kuantan Malaysia

Walking in Kuantan Malaysia

Woman walking near Kuantan Art Street Malaysia
Kuantan Art Street

By far the easiest and also the cheapest way to get around Kuantan is to walk. Most of the main attractions in the town are within easy walking distance.

Local buses in Kuantan Malaysia

600 Bus from Kuantan to Timurbay Malaysia
600 Bus from Kuantan to Timurbay Malaysia

Local buses service Kuantan.

Trams in Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan does not have a local train line.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Kuantan Malaysia

ATV on beach at Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia
ATV on beach at Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Malaysia. This includes:

  • Electric scooters
  • Bicycles
  • Motorcycles
  • Cars
  • SUVs
  • Boats

In Malaysia they drive on the left side of the road.

Taxis in Malaysia

Taxi at Terminal Kuantan Sentral Bus Terminal Malaysia
Taxi at Terminal Kuantan Sentral Bus Terminal Malaysia

Taxis are common in Malaysia. Fares are regulated and are also usually metered. However taxi drivers in Malaysia do not have the best reputation, which is why alternative services like Grab are very popular.

In general your fare will include the following costs:

  • The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
  • Airport surcharge – this is an additional fixed fee for travelling to an airport.
  • Price per kilometre – the rate is double between midnight and 6am.
  • Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.
  • Surcharge for more than 2 adult passengers – this is an additional fixed fee.
  • Surcharge for using the luggage compartment – this is an additional fixed fee.
  • Surcharge for booking by phone – this is an additional fixed fee.
  • Road toll charges

Check that the meter gets switched on at the start of your journey at the right rate. We also recommend bringing enough change in cash as drivers generally only accept cash and may not have change.

Alternatively, if booking in advance the fare may be a fixed price that is agreed on before the trip. Some taxis also operate on a pre-paid coupon system where the coupon is purchased from a counter at the airport.

It is not necessary or expected to tip taxi drivers in Malaysia.

Ride-share services in Kuantan Malaysia

Grab is the main app based ride-hailing service in Malaysia. Other ride-share services in Malaysia include MyCar, MULA, DACSEE, EzCar, inDriver as well as the women only service Riding Pink. Uber no longers operates in Malaysia after Grab acquired all of its Southeast Asia assets. Lyft services only Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia via its Grab partnership.

Kuantan destination guide: Is Kuantan Malaysia worth visiting?

We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our time in Kuantan. It is beautiful and relaxed riverside city which also has great shops and beaches. Furthermore the city has a great food scene including a wide selection of local and international restaurants as well as street food and food markets. Kuantan truly is one of the hidden gems of Malaysia and is certainly worth visiting.

Kuantan destination guide: How long to spend in Kuantan Malaysia

Restoran Ratu Patin Kuantan Malaysia
Restoran Ratu Patin Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan is a vibrant city set on the banks of the Kuantan River. It has a relaxed atmosphere as well as friendly locals. Some of our favourite things to do in Kuantan include strolling by the river, eating delicious local food, getting to know the locals as well as exploring the natural areas around the city. Located in the middle of the state of Pekan, it has a well developed bus system that connects with nearby cities as well as beach resort areas up the coast. Be sure to also devote some time to relaxing at the nearby beaches! We spent 2 nights in Kuantan city as well as 9 nights at Timur Bay and enjoyed discovering everything this beautiful area has to offer.

Kuantan destination guide: What to do in Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan is a relaxed Malaysian city with a number of interesting activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Kuantan destination guide: Free things to do in Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan Art Street Malaysia
Kuantan Art Street Malaysia

There are enough free activities in Kuantan Malaysia to keep you entertained for a weekend:

  • Teluk Chempedak
  • East Coast Mall
  • Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah
  • Pantai Balok
  • Bukit Pelindung Recreational Forest
  • Taman Gelora
  • Taman Esplanade
  • Berjaya Megamall
  • Hasil Laut Kiah Kee
  • Kuantan City Mall
  • Pahang Public Library
  • Night Market
  • Pantai Batu Hitam
  • Kuantan Parade

Kuantan destination guide: Paid activities in Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan Esplanade Malaysia, Kuantan 188
Kuantan Esplanade Malaysia with Kuantan 188 in the distance

A number of attractions in Kuantan Malaysia charge an entry fee:

  • Sungai Pandan Waterfall – entry fee 5 ringgit (as at 2022).
  • Kuantan 188 – observation deck 38 ringgit, skydeck 56 ringgit or combo ticket 76 ringgit (as at 2022).
  • Sungai Lembing Mines – entry fee 16 ringgit (as at 2022).
  • Mini Zoo Taman Teruntum – entry fee 16 ringgit (as at 2022).
  • 3D Gallery Sg Lembing – entry fee 16 ringgit (as at 2022).
  • Pahang Art Museum – entry fee 4 ringgit (as at 2022).

Weather in Kuantan Malaysia

Bus from Pekan to Kuantan Malaysia
Bus from Pekan to Kuantan Malaysia

The climate for Kuantan is classified as tropical, with relatively uniform hot temperatures and also high humidity throughout the year. The hottest month is May with an average temperature range of 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) and conversely the coldest month is January with an average temperature between 23°C-29°C (74°F to 84°F). There are two monsoon seasons in Malaysia, November to early March, which is typically the most rainy, and June to September. Kuantan is not impacted by the June to September monsoon and this period is generally the best time of the year to visit. The period of March through to June between the two monsoons is the hottest and also the most uncomfortable weather of the year.

Best time to visit Kuantan Malaysia

The best time of year to visit Kuantan is between February and September. During these months there is the least amount of rain.

Internet and mobile phones in Malaysia

Major internet and phone companies in Malaysia – Celcom, Digi, Hotlink (Maxis), U Mobile, UniFi Mobile, Tune Talk, Yes, XOX Mobile / ONEXOX, redONE, Yoodo, Telekom Malaysia and Time dotCom.

5G has been in Malaysia since December 2021. 2G will not be be switched off in Malaysia. 3G is was switched off in March 2022.

Malaysia is ranked 61st fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 38th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 90mbps and upload is 51mbps (as at October 2022).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in a numbers of places throughout Malaysia. These include phone stores, in shopping malls, at bus stations as well as at airports. Some form of ID, such as a passport, is required in order to purchase a SIM card in Malaysia.

How much to budget for Kuantan Malaysia?

Is Kuantan Malaysia expensive?

Kuantan is an excellent budget-friendly vacation destination that offers great value for your money. With a low cost of living compared to other countries, Kuantan is one of the top 17% least expensive cities in the world according to livingcost.org. You’ll find plenty of affordable local markets, cheap or free activities, and a great range of affordable and high-quality accommodation in Kuantan.

Kuantan destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Kuantan Malaysia

Couple at Sungai Pandan Waterfall Kuantan Malaysia
Sungai Pandan Waterfall Kuantan Malaysia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

  • Low-budget daily spend – 150 ringgit per day for a couple will get you hostel accommodation, meals from bakeries and markets, local transport and free or cheap activities such as visiting shopping centres and markets
  • Mid-range daily spend – 300 ringgit per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, local transport, restaurant meals as well as a few paid activities
  • Luxury spend – 2000 ringgit per day for a couple will get you a premium experience in Malaysia, staying at luxury resorts, travelling by private transport, doing a range of paid activities and eating at high end restaurants

Kuantan destination guide: Accommodation in Kuantan Malaysia

Hotel room, Hotel Classic Kuantan Malaysia
Hotel Classic Kuantan Malaysia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Kuantan Malaysia. Airbnb operates in Malaysia, however the range of Airbnb properties in Kuantan is limited and quite a few didn’t have wifi included. One thing to keep in mind with hotels in Malaysia is that smoking in hotel rooms is often permitted.

Where to stay in Kuantan Malaysia

We recommend the following accommodation in Kuantan Malaysia:

  • Best budget hotel in Kuantan Malaysia – Hotel Classic offers great value accommodation in the heart of Kuantan city. The rooms are bright and clean, the staff are friendly and their buffet breakfasts are a great way to start the day. We’ve stayed here twice and were very impressed with this hotel.
  • Best beachfront apartment in Kuantan Malaysia – if you’re after a relaxing beach side holiday, look no further than Timurbay Seafront Residence. This is a modern complex with excellent facilities and a beachfront location. The apartments are well appointed for a comfortable stay.
  • Best 5 star resort in Kuantan Malaysia – Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort is located on the stunning beachfront of Teluk Cempedak, 30 minutes drive from Kuantan airport. The staff were pleasant and responsive. The room and the common areas are clean and well maintained. There is an Italian restaurant on site which serves tasty food in an ambient setting. Overall, Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort is definitely an ideal place for Malaysian beach vacation.

How much is accommodation in Kuantan Malaysia?

Airbnb Timurbay Bay Kuantan Malaysia, Bedroom
Airbnb Timurbay Bay Kuantan Malaysia

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

  • Budget accommodation – 34-50 ringgit for a bed in a dorm
  • Mid-range accommodation – 80-180 ringgit for a private room
  • Luxury accommodation – 180-500 ringgit a night for a luxury hotel
  • Rental property – 185-700 ringgit a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

Tourist tax on accommodation in Malaysia

From 1 January 2023 there is a tourist tax of 10 ringgit per accommodation per night in Malaysia. This tax is collected by the property. Permanent residents and Malaysian nationals are exempt from the tax. Furthermore the tourist tax does not apply to homestays and kampung stays registered with the Ministry of Tourism.

Kuantan destination guide: Food in Kuantan Malaysia

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Kuantan.

How much does food cost in Kuantan Malaysia?

Karipap Giant Samosa Bazaar Karat Padang MBK2 Night Food Market Kuantan Malaysia
Karipap Giant Samosa from Bazaar Karat Padang MBK2 Night Food Market

Our price guide for your food budget in Kuantan Malaysia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

  • Restaurant meal – 30-60 ringgit for a main dish
  • Night market or hawker market food – 5-15 ringgit for a dish
  • Ais kachang – 4-6 ringgit
  • Coffee – 1.50-2.50 ringgit

Regional dishes in Kuantan Malaysia

Nasi Impit Ayam-My Satay (Satay Gemok)
Nasi Impit Ayam-My Satay (Satay Gemok)
  • Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak
  • Laksa Pahang
  • Nasi Dagang
  • Nasi Minyak
  • Beggar Chicken (hak yi gai)
  • Cendol from Cendol Air Putih
  • Curry laksa
  • Nasi lemak bungkus
  • Satay
  • Keropok lekor
  • Kaya toast
  • Three-Colored Pan Mee
  • Nasi Kerabu
  • Nasi Kukus
  • Nasi Pulut
  • Laksam
  • Ikan bakar
  • Yong tau fu

Cheap Eats in Kuantan Malaysia

Sushi-Bazaar Karat Padang MBK2 Night Food Market Kuantan Malaysia
Sushi-Bazaar Karat Padang MBK2 Night Food Market Kuantan Malaysia

  • Bakeries are a great place to get cheap and delicious food.
  • Hawker centres in Malaysia are ubiquitous and have excellent budget friendly food. The variety of stalls available means that you have a good range of options to choose from.
  • Night markets in Malaysia are another of our go to places for affordable and tasty food. There’s also usually stalls selling items like clothes, toys and shoes in addition to the food stalls. Our favourite night market in Kuantan was Pasar Malam Taman Kerang (Depan Masjid Negeri).
  • Street food is also a very common cheap eat option in Malaysia. You can often find street food around transport hubs as well as scattered in various places around the city. Our favourite street food in Kuantan are ABC and cendol from Cendol & ABC Madad, across the road from Kuantan City Mall.
Curry Mee Laksa from Hungree Boy's Kitchen Kuantan Malaysia
Curry Mee Laksa from Hungree Boy’s Kitchen

Kuantan Malaysia food vlog

Known as the King of Fruits, durian has a smell that will knock your socks off! But don’t write it off just yet. Even if you hate durian, this dish will change your mind! In the Malaysian food vlog below we explore the city of Kuantan Pahang in East Coast Malaysia. We go in search of the best Malaysian food including iconic Malaysian dishes such as air batu champur, cendol, curry mee laksa and nasi lemak. We also find the best local dish in Kuantan Malaysia – Pais patin tempoyak (Pais patin badan). Our Malaysia street food tour includes one of the best Pahang Malaysia tourist attractions: a Malaysia night market tour. Additionally, our Kuantan food tour covers some of the best restaurants in Kuantan Malaysia. If you’re considering living in Malaysia or Malaysia travel, this Malaysia vlog is for you!

Kuantan Malaysia culture

Weekends in Pahang Malaysia

Which days are weekdays and weekend days vary in Malaysia depending on the state you’re in. In the state of Pahang weekdays are Monday to Friday and weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Keep this in mind as weekends can affect prices and availability (particularly for accommodation). Additionally weekends may impact opening hours as well as how crowded attractions are.

Pahang public holidays

Pool-Airbnb Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia
Pool-Airbnb Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia

Malaysia has one of the highest number of public holidays in the world. In total, there are between 18 and 20 public holidays observed in each state. This includes national holidays as well as state based holidays. Public holidays for the state of Pahang are as follows:

  • New Year’s Day – 1st January
  • Chinese New Year’s Day – 1st day of 1st lunar month, in January or February
  • Chinese New Year Holiday – 2nd day of 1st lunar month, in January or February
  • Labour Day – 1 May
  • Wesak Day (Buddha’s birthday) – May or June, date varies
  • Hari Hol Pahang – 22 May
  • Hari Nuzul Al-Quran – 17th day of Ramadan, date varies
  • Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa – the last day of Ramadan, date varies
  • Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday or Hari Raya Puasa Holiday – day after the last day of Ramadan, date varies
  • Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday (King’s Birthday) – 1st Monday in June
  • Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday – 30 July
  • Hari Raya Qurban (Aidiladha) (Feast of the Sacrifice) – date varies
  • Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) – date varies
  • Merdeka Day (National Day, Independence Day) – 31 August
  • Malaysia Day – 16 September
  • Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) – 12th day of the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar
  • Deepavali – date varies, October or November
  • Christmas Day – 25 December

National symbols of Malaysia

  • Malaysia flag – 14 alternating red and white stripes with a blue canton with a yellow crescent and 14 pointed star. The Malaysian flag is called the Stripes of Glory.
  • Malaysia coat of arms – two tigers supporting a shield with a yellow crescent and a 14 pointed star on top and a yellow banner with words that translate to “Unity is strength” written in both romanised Malay and Jawi at the bottom.
  • National flower – hibiscus
  • National bird – rhinoceros hornbill
  • Malaysia national animal – the Malayan tiger

Malaysia pastimes

Masjid Negeri Pahang (Sultan Ahmad 1) Kuantan Mosque Malaysia
Masjid Negeri Pahang (Sultan Ahmad 1) Kuantan Mosque Malaysia

  • National dish – nasi lemak
  • Popular drinks – teh tarik, Ipoh white coffee, milo ais, sirup bandang
  • National sport – sepak takraw
  • Religion – 64% Islam, 19% Buddhist, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu (as at 2020)

Famous people from Kuantan Malaysia

  • Famous people born in Kuantan Malaysia – actor Saharul Ridzwan, prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, actress Liyana Jasmay, singer Rosmayati Sidik, actor Mohamed Nurhakim Zaidon
  • Sports stars from Kuantan Malaysia – badminton player Chooi Kah Ming, cricketer Shahrulnizam Yusof

Is Kuantan Malaysia Safe?

Malaysia travel guide: Safety in Malaysia

Muay Thai Fight at Kuantan Carnival Malaysia
Muay Thai Fight at Kuantan Carnival Malaysia

We have spent around 4 months travelling extensively through Malaysia over two separate trips. In our experience the country is extremely safe. Malaysia ranks 18th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2022). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatching particularly at crowded tourist attractions. In particular, when eating out don’t leave your bag, phone or wallet on the table or next to you where someone can quickly grab it and run away. Instead keep your belongings physically attached to you at all times. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

General safety considerations in Malaysia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Malaysia:

  • Drinking water – tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Therefore most locals boil their water or use a water filter.
  • Mosquitoes – mosquito borne illnesses are a significant risk in Malaysia, particularly dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Malaysia is in the pre-elimination phase of malaria. While malaria is a greater risk in Malaysian Borneo, there have also been cases on the Malaysian peninsula. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Altitude sickness – Malaysia has areas of high altitude and therefore altitude sickness risk. If you visit high altitude areas in Malaysia, allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience signs of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
  • Road safety – Road accidents are a significant risk in Malaysia. While road conditions in Malaysia are generally very good, traffic is often very heavy. Furthermore drivers in Malaysia tend to speed up rather than slowing down for amber lights. We also found that roads in Malaysia are not typically built with pedestrians in mind, and footpaths often stop unexpectedly in busy areas.
  • Water safety – take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
  • Earthquakes – Malaysia experiences both regional and local earthquake activity. In an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If inside, get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
  • Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.
  • Dogs – rabies from rabid dog bites is a risk in Malaysia. For more on dog safety while travelling, check out this video.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Kuantan Malaysia travel vlogs

Kuantan travel guide vlog

What makes travel special isn’t the sights, the attractions or even the food – it is the people that you meet. In the Malaysia vlog below we’re on East Coast Malaysia at Kuantan Pahang. We spend the day with our new friends Safwan and Wan and find out the best things to do in Kuantan Malaysia.

After visiting Kuantan City Mall we stop at a Malaysia street food stall for a refreshing Malaysian dessert, air batu champu. We meet the owner of the stall, Safwan, who becomes our Kuantan Travel Guide. Safwan takes us to Pahang Malaysia tourist attractions such as Sungai pandan waterfall. We also discover other great things to do in Malaysia, like Kuantan 188 tower, Kuantan night market and Pantai Balok. In this Malaysia travel vlog we share where to stay in Kuantan – Timurbay seafront residence and Hotel Classic Kuantan. We also give you Malaysia travel advice on how to get to the main travel hub of Kuantan – Terminal Kuantan Sentral (Kuantan bus station). This Malaysia travel guide is perfect for anyone considering living in Malaysia or visiting Malaysia.

Kuantan beach travel vlog

Dreaming of a fun beach vacation in Malaysia? Skip Penang and Langkawi and come to the Malaysia East Coast! Kuantan Malaysia has gorgeous beaches and beachfront luxury apartments that are a fraction of the price that you’d pay at other Malaysia beach destinations. Moreover, there are so many great things to do in Kuantan which will have you wondering why you didn’t come to East Coast Malaysia sooner! In the Malaysia travel guide below we take the Rapid Kuantan bus to Pantai Balok in Kuantan Pahang and stay at the Timurbay seafront residence. We explore Pahang Malaysia tourist attractions, find out what to eat in Kuantan including Malaysia street food such as Satay and Nasi Impit Ayam. If you want to know about some of the best things to do in Malaysia as well as explore what it’s like living in Malaysia, be sure to watch this Malaysia travel vlog.

Malaysia Blogs

You can find our Malaysia travel blogs below.

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Raub Destination Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

The Malaysian capital of gold, Raub is one of the oldest towns in the state of Pahang. Gold in this ...
Kuala Lipis Streetview

Kuala Lipis Destination Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Kuala Lipis, also known as Lipis and Little KL, is a charming Malaysian town with a rich history. In its ...
Malaysia Flag - Gua Musang Malaysia

Gua Musang Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Famed as the birthplace of Musang King durian, Gua Musang is a small inland town on Peninsular Malaysia. Located on ...
Couple at God Light Gua Keris Cave Kompleks Gua Ikan Dabong Malaysia

Dabong Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Dabong is an inland Malaysian town surrounded by an abundance of natural wonders. Also known as Kuala Krai Selatan, this ...
Kuala Krai Sign Malaysia

Kuala Krai Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Kuala Krai is a convenient on the Jungle Railway in Malaysia. It is a relaxed town with a good food ...
Murals Kota Bharu Malaysia

Kota Bharu Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Kota Bharu is a city full of surprises. This city in the north east of Peninsular Malaysia is a place ...
Beach Umbrellas - Tuna Bay Island Resort Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Perhentian Islands Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

The Perhentian Islands are a picture perfect set of islands on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. They are the ...
Boat from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Kuala Besut Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Gateway to the Perhentian Islands, Kuala Besut is a small town with a number of hotels and eateries. The town ...
Beach Umbrellas-Laguna Redang Island Resort Malaysia

Redang Island Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Redang Island is a gorgeous Malaysian island which is famous for being one of the most beautiful islands in the ...
Malaysian Traditional Dress-Terengganu Drawbridge - Jambatan Angkat Terengganu Malaysia

Kuala Terengganu Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Kuala Terengganu is a modern Malaysian city with strong Malay influences. This beautiful city is located in the north east ...
Tourist Train on beach at Timurbay Kuantan Malaysia

Kuantan Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

Kuantan is a riverside city with a relaxed atmosphere as well as warm and welcoming locals. It alo has a ...
Woman in Pool, Ancasa Royale Pekan Pahang Hotel Malaysia

Pekan Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

The Royal Town of Pekan is a sprawling town set on the banks of the Pahang River. Home of the ...

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