Saturday, March 14, 2009

Island and Beaches In Pahang

Tioman Island

Pahang's numerous sandy beaches and idyllic islands in the South China Sea offer endless bliss for sun seekers. The warm and calm waters are ideal for water sports. Most of the state's beaches are situated near Kuantan. Take your pick from a wide range of beach resorts and the delightful beach activities.
About 56 km off the coast of Pahang lies Tioman Island, an alluring holiday paradise in the South China Sea. Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, Tioman was the location of the Hollywood musical, 'South Pacific' in 1959.
According to legend, this island is the final resting place of a mythical dragon princess. Till today, the island bears a startling resemblance to a sleeping dragon. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers. Discover astounding sights such as colorful Gorgonian sea fans, Staghorn corals, nudibranchs and beautifully sculptured sea sponges. Snorkellers can delight in swimming alongside huge Napoleon Wrasse, Golden Striped Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish and shoals of Fusiliers.
This island is an idyllic spot for leisurely days under the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.
Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman's verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured in National Geographic's documentaries.
The island's granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing adventures. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst a backdrop of rolling hills and scenic views.
Getting to TiomanTioman is accessible by boat from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Journey time is approximately 1.5 hours. It can also be reached by a 4 hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.
Berjaya Air operates daily direct 45-minute flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Cherating

The calm blue waters of the South China Sea make Cherating one of the most alluring beach resorts in Malaysia.
Located 47 km north of Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, Cherating is home to the world famous Club Med. A number of water sports such as catamaran sailing and kayaking can be enjoyed here. The excellent wind conditions in Cherating make it the perfect site for windsurfing and kite-flying.
Hire a bicycle and explore the surroundings. Look out for small eateries by the roadside selling delicious and inexpensive local favourites and interesting stalls selling local souvenirs.
Experience the rustic and laid-back atmosphere at the Cherating Village and take home a handicraft or batik souvenir.
Chendor Beach, which is located just a few minutes from Cherating, is a favourite spot for turtle watching. The turtle sanctuary here is where turtles come to lay eggs during the nesting period.
Nearer to Kuantan are the beaches of Teluk Chempedak and Balok. Sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing can be enjoyed when wind and sea conditions are favourable. Beserah, less than ten minutes from Kuantan, is a fishing village where, at certain times of the year, you will be able to see a fascinating sight of water buffaloes transporting the day's catch to the markets.
Getting There
By RoadCherating is a 5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the scenic route to the east coast. There are buses to Kuantan departing daily from Kuala Lumpur. From Kuantan, there are regular bus and taxi services to Cherating. Alternatively, take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Dungun or Kemaman in Terengganu, which is north of Pahang, and disembark at Cherating.
By AirMalaysia Airlines operates daily flights to Kuantan. From the airport, Cherating is just 45 minutes away.

Teluk Chempedak

Teluk Chempedak, only a few kilometers from Kuantan, is a traditionally popular weekend retreat for its calm waters and beautiful casuarina-lined coastline. Enjoy sailing, surfing and water-skiing, or take in the lovely views of the sunrise and sunset on the beach.

Beserah

This quaint fishing village about 10km from Kuantan is the place to watch the seasonal phenomenon of fisherfolk using buffaloes to transport the day's catch to the market.
The unique Beach of Black Sand, just 10km from Kuantan, is a sight to behold, as the black sand glitters under the sun. Its calm waters and seafood stalls make it a popular weekend getaway.

Lanjut / Rompin

Situated about 125km south of Kuantan, the quiet beach areas of Lanjut and Rompin are a haven for those seeking solitude. Go for a nature walk, view the spectacular display of fireflies or watch the nocturnal ritual of turtle nesting. Island-hopping and diving trips can be arranged. These beaches are the venues for the annual International Woodball Competition and the Royal Pahang International Billfish Challenge.
Two well-known resorts here are the Lanjut Golden Beach Resort and Summerset Colonial Villas.

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