Malaysia P208-237 14/9/06 15:46 Page 232

Cherating & Kuantan Introduction & Kuantan Off the beaten track

CHERATING PANCHING CAVES & PANDAN WATERFALLS LAKE CHINI A sunken Khmer City and mythical Located on the less developed, laid-back Visit a Thai-Buddhist Cave Temple found in the ‘naga’ (dragon), Lake Chini remains an attraction Bukit Charah limestone outcrop, situated north for the nature lover with a spirit of adventure. east coast of Peninsula , Cherating west of Kuantan towering above oil palm and Located south west of Kuantan in the wilds is approximately 30 miles from Kuantan rubber plantations. At the top you will find a 9 surrounded by mountains, Lake Chini is metre Reclining Buddha figure that is lit up. accessible by an out-board motorboat ride. You airport. Cherating is divided into two parts: Close by is the Nature Reserve where you will find the beautiful Pandan Waterfalls and an will visit the ‘Orang Asli’ (aborigines) settlement the main village and 2km further north opportunity to take a dip in the cool waters. to witness their way of life and how they use the Half-day tour. Price £28 per person. hunting blow-pipe. An added bonus is the Pantai Cherating - the beach area. beautiful pink lotus in full bloom covering TURTLE WATCHING BY NIGHT You will depart almost the entire lake (not all year round). Full in the early evening for Beach, day tour. Price £29 per person. The wide sandy beaches extend as far as the eye Cherating to visit one of the worlds major nesting can see and are excellent for sun bathing, sites for the giant leatherback turtles – claimed to swimming, snorkelling and windsurfing. grow to up to 3.5 metres and 750 kilos. The best times to see them are from May to September, at night, especially at high tide. You will watch the KUANTAN turtles slowly crawl up the beach and dig a pit to fit her massive size, once sufficiently deep she Located midway up the east coast of Peninsula will lay her eggs. She will then conceal the spot by throwing sand and bulldozing the Malaysia, and just a short flight from Kuala surrounding area before crawling back to the sea. Price £26 per person.

Lumpur, Kuantan’s main attraction is Teluk ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES PULAU KAPAS You will journey two and a half Chempedak Beach, about 4km from the hours to Marang and then a 30-minute boat ride bustling town of Kuantan. to reach the dream hideaway island renowned for its clear emerald waters and fantastic coral. This unspoilt area still retains its traditional charm On the island you can enjoy the snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, wind surfing and hook and east coast culture, offering distinctive arts and and line fishing. Approximately 4 hours will be crafts including renowned batik painting. spent on the island. Full day tour. Price £40 per person. Away from the long stretches of beach you can explore local markets, dense jungle and little fishing villages.

232 For more information visit www.travelpack.com/fareast