Cherating

Situated on the east coast of central Malaysia, Cherating is one of Malaysia’s most popular beach areas. Blessed with golden sand, clear blue water and pretty palm trees, the intense natural beauty of this area manages to tempt most people to stop for longer than they had intended.

Cherating is a traditional Malay fishing village and this is a great place to dine on fresh seafood while you sit on the sand and listen to the sound of the waves on the beach and the wind in the palm trees. Most people visit the area to chill out on the beach, simply choosing a spot on the sand and sunbathing for a while. Water sports are also popular, especially yachting, surfing and swimming.

Although this is the perfect place for doing nothing all day, there are plenty of things to do if you have extra energy to spare. Bicycles can be hired from most guesthouses and cycling is a great way to explore the village and surrounding area. People wave as you cycle past and beckon you to stop and shop for locally made souvenirs.

Visit the turtle sanctuary and you may be lucky enough to arrive when the turtles make their way to the shore, which takes place between June and August. The Green turtles emerge from the sea late at night during these months to lay as many as 100 eggs at a time and visitors have the chance to watch the event.

The women of Cherating are skilled at arts and crafts and can often be seen weaving pandanus leaves into hats, mats, bags and other souvenirs. Visitors can learn a new skill by taking part in the locally run Batik painting classes.

Evening entertainment in Cherating is more imaginative than simply strolling along the beach and drinking in bars. Taking a cruise on the Cherating River is a relaxing way to see the area, while there are cultural shows displaying the traditional shadow play known as wayang kulit and the Malay art of self-defence.