Cherating travel and tourist guide
One of the fine beaches on Cherating
The beach resort of Cherating is found 50kms north of Kuantan and is a laidback travellers hangout with backpacker chalets and watersports. The wide expanse of beach is pretty and it is common to see turtles strolling down the sand – there are hatcheries nearby which accept visitors. The conditions here are perfect for windsurfing and equipment can be rented at the beachfront guesthouses. Otherwise, there are art classes and craft shops for those that choose to stay a while.
Cherating is situated just off the main east coast Route 3 which links Kuantan with Marang. There is a Beach Road which loops one kilometre from the highway to the coast and back again that is peppered with guesthouses, bars and restaurants. All establishments mentioned here are on the Beach Road unless otherwise stated. There is no bank in town but a moneychanger and internet at the Travel Post office in the middle of Beach Road.
Cherating activities and attractions
There’s not a great many things to do in Cherating other than soak up some sun and relax on the wide expanse of silver sand. Most watersports and activities can be arranged through the guesthouses on the beachfront which double as tourist agencies and restaurants.
Turtle conservation: Cherating Turtle Sanctury is one of the few places where leatherback turtles continue you lay their eggs between May and September. Volunteers fence off these nests to protect them from predators and poachers, and the hatchlings are released in the early morning. Cherating, tel: (01) 195 1444.
Cherating Cultural Complex: cultural shows including dancing and Silat martial arts, batik painting and shadow puppets are performed here regularly. Open: 09:00-16:00. (South of Beach Road by river), Cherating, tel: (013) 950 2793.
The bus drops passengers near the Beach Road
Windsurfing
The sea around Cherating is perfect for windsurfing and equipment is easy to rent from any one of the beachside guesthouses for around RM20 per hour. Tuition is also available at extra cost.
Art workshops
Many of the guesthouses put on classes for guests with Matahari Chalets (Beach Road, Tel: +60 (0)9 581 9835) helping visitors with some of the finer points of traditional Batik painting.
Cherating hotels and guesthouses
The Shadow of the Moon at Half-Past Four: This bohemian place is decked out with hippy paraphernalia and has well-appointed chalets (US$15) and a dorm (US$5). Situated up western loop of beach road opposite Bay Resort, tel: (09) 581 9186.
Ruby’s Resort: beautiful setting right on the beach with friendly staff and extremely comfortable chalets. Tel: (016) 360 0009. Rooms from US$15.
Little Cherating Chalet: Great little ensuite rooms with superb discounts during the week or the off-season. Tel: (012) 938 3654. Rooms from US$15 to $30.
Coconut Inn Cherating: Friendly, family-run place where rooms and chalets are popular with single travellers; great discounts for long-stay guests. Tel: (09) 581 9299. Rooms from US$10.
Cherating restaurants and bars
Although there are a few places for travellers to congregate and sink a few beers in the evening, nightlife in Cherating is never going to set the world alight.
There are a collection of food stalls at the far south of Beach Road and practically all guesthouses in the vicinity have their own restaurant. But for the best dining trust our recommended Cherating restaurants.
Deadly Nightshade: Homely Cherating restaurant and bar with board games and plenty of reading material where one can relax and meet fellow travellers. Food embraces local and European flavours with mains from US$4. At The Shadow of the Moon at Half-Past Four.
Duyong: This Chinese restaurant on the northern extreme of the beach features glorious views along the bay and sells claypots and fresh seafood by weight.
Care4Café: Lovely Cherating restaurant and bar with sea views, cold beer and some lovely local noodle dishes. Local bands sometimes entertain guests live and it stays open later than most establishments in the area. Right on beach at south end.
Getting to Cherating
Cherating is situated just off the main east coast highway and travellers approaching from Kuantan or Marang can get dropped off at the bus stops at the entrance to the Beach Road loop. The resort area is so small there is no real need of public transport, but some guesthouses rent bicycles for exploring father afield.
For getting away again, travellers are best heading south to Kuantan where there are direct connections to Singapore, KL, Johor Bahru, Mersing (for Pulau Tioman) and Jerantut (for Taman Negara). Bus tickets can be purchased at the Travel Post office in the middle of Beach Road.
