Things to do in Kuantan by car: 12 calm day trips

In town: easy mornings and evenings

1. Teluk Cempedak. Kuantan's town beach sits on a small bay framed by granite boulders, only a short drive from the centre. Come early, when the light is soft and the sand is quiet, and walk the boardwalk along the headland. Cafes and food stalls line the road behind the beach.

2. The Kuantan riverfront and Menara Kuantan 188. The river walk is pleasant in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the fishing boats come in. The tall Menara Kuantan 188 tower stands nearby and offers wide views over the town and the river mouth.

3. Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque. The state mosque in the centre of town is one of Kuantan's best known landmarks. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly, with arms and legs covered.

4. Taman Gelora. A seaside park on the edge of town with shady trees, a long beachfront and space for children to run. It is a good stop for an evening walk and a simple picnic.

Inland: waterfalls, caves and an old mining town

5. Sungai Pandan waterfall. About half an hour from town near Panching, a series of falls drops over smooth rocks into clear pools. Go on a weekday morning for a quieter swim, wear shoes with grip, and keep away from the water after heavy rain.

6. Gua Charas. Also near Panching, this limestone hill hides a large cave with a Buddhist shrine inside. The climb up the steps is steep but short, and the cool air inside is a welcome break from the sun.

7. Sungai Lembing. This former tin mining town lies about 45 minutes north-west of Kuantan. Visit the museum to learn about its mining past, and try the noodles the town is known for. Early risers climb Bukit Panorama in the dark to watch the sunrise over a sea of mist. Plan to leave town around 4am for the sunrise hike.

8. Gambang. About 30 minutes west along the expressway, Gambang is home to UMPSA and the Bukit Gambang Resort City with its water park. It is an easy half day for families with young children.

Along the coast: fishing villages and long beaches

9. Beserah and Balok. Heading north on the coast road, the fishing village of Beserah is known for its dried fish and keropok, and for the black rocks of Batu Hitam beach. A little further on, Balok has a long open beach that is popular at weekends.

10. Cherating. About 45 minutes north of Kuantan, Cherating is the classic East Coast beach stop. Walk the long sandy bay, visit the turtle sanctuary, or join an evening river trip to see fireflies. Our guide to the drive from Kuantan to Cherating has the route and the best stops.

Further afield: a royal town and a quiet lake

11. Pekan. The royal town of Pahang sits about 45 minutes south of Kuantan, on the banks of the Pahang River. Drive past the palaces, visit the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, and walk the quiet riverside in the late afternoon.

12. Tasik Chini. Malaysia's second largest natural freshwater lake lies inland, about an hour and a half from Kuantan. It is surrounded by forest and Orang Asli villages, and it rewards an early start and a full day.

Tips for driving around Kuantan

• Start early: the light is best and the roads and beaches are quieter
• Carry water and some cash for parking and small stalls
• Check the weather in the monsoon months, from about November to February
• Keep to 90 km/h on normal roads and 110 km/h on expressways
• Never drive a rental car on unsealed roads, as that voids the insurance
• Save 018-906 0080 in your phone for help at any hour

Which car for these trips

For two people, a Perodua Axia or Myvi is easy to park at Teluk Cempedak and light on fuel for longer drives to Pekan or Sungai Lembing. Families are more comfortable in a 7-seat Perodua Alza. Collect your car at Kuantan Airport for RM30, at Kuantan Sentral for RM20, or at our office at Stadium Darul Makmur with no location fee.