Kuantan: Coastal Wonders and Tasty Eats

Visiting Kuantan (SULTAN AHMAD SHAH MOSQUE) is incomplete without exploring its stunning beaches, known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. These beaches are a favorite among Malaysians from various regions, especially during weekends, public holidays, and school breaks. They also attract tourists from around the globe.

With the beaches already on my mind, we made our way to one of these scenic spots. I can't pinpoint the exact location, as there were no signboards, but the experience was unforgettable. The blue waters were simply breathtaking, and just gazing at them felt incredibly fulfilling (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE & CAPE TOWN NATURAL STUNNER).

Still craving more beach adventures, our next stop was Teluk Tongkang. This serene coastal area in Kuantan is renowned for its picturesque beaches and the traditional Malay fishing village atmosphere. The village, historically dependent on the rich marine life of the South China Sea, preserves age-old fishing methods and rustic kampung houses, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle passed down through generations.

This tranquil retreat draws visitors who seek to experience authentic local culture and unspoiled natural beauty. Activities like beachcombing and fishing are popular here, providing a perfect balance of development and conservation.

 

It was a quiet weekday, off-peak season, with just a few locals around. Walking along the raised metal path, also known as the mini suspension bridge or steel walkway, I spotted monkeys in the trees. They were quite wild, hoping for food, and if you weren’t careful, they might pull at your bags or snatch what you had in hand.

I admired them but kept my distance to avoid any incidents. Continuing my walk, I felt the wind blowing all around me and listened to the soothing sounds of the waves. Eventually, I arrived at the serene sands facing the beach. Along the way, I couldn’t ignore the big rocks scattered along the shoreline, making me wonder how they ended up there.

Standing there, gazing out at the stunning waters of Teluk Tongkang, I felt a profound sense of awe. Words couldn’t capture the beauty of this place. It was truly magnificent. I now understood why Kuantan’s beaches are often described as some of Malaysia’s or even the world’s natural wonders.

 

As the sun began to set, casting golden and orange hues across the sky, I wished I could stay forever on the beach of Teluk Tongkang. The approaching night added a magical quality to the scene (VARANASI NIGHT BOAT PRAYERS).

It was time to satisfy our hunger as we departed from Teluk Tongkang. As we set off, heavy rain began to pour, flooding the roads and slowing down traffic. Despite the downpour, we made our way to Jalan Tanjung Lumpur, Perkampungan Tanjung Lumpur, on a friend's recommendation. With umbrellas in hand, we navigated to Ana Ikan Bakar Petai, reputedly the most popular eatery among the unassuming roadside stalls offering similar dishes.

The place was packed with customers, and more were arriving. After waiting for about ten minutes without being attended to, we realized we needed to choose our fish at the front counter. We selected our fish and specified the style of ikan bakar. On the way back to our table, we grabbed a plate of Sata and Kerabu Mangga (Mango Salad) from individual stalls, paying upfront before returning to our bench.

Both dishes arrived, and we eagerly dug in. Kerabu Mangga, a Malay-style mango salad, was tangy, sweet, and crunchy with unripe mango strips, roasted peanuts, and shallots. As a big fan of Kerabu Mangga, I was delighted by its flavors.

Sata was a new experience for me. This traditional delicacy from Kuantan is a fish cake made from a blend of fresh fish, grated coconut, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over an open flame. The smoky flavor beautifully complemented the fish's natural sweetness. Sata is a must-try for anyone visiting Kuantan, offering a unique taste of the region's vibrant food culture. While it reminded me of Otak-Otak, another popular fish and spice blend dish in the Malay community, Sata had its unique charm. However, it was served cold, which slightly dampened the experience.

As we tucked into these two dishes, we had to practically beg the busy staff for service to order our drinks. While at it, we ordered Nasi Goreng Kampung (Village Style Fried Rice), Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin (Salted Fish Fried Rice), and Ana Ikan Bakar Petai (Grilled Fish With Stink Beans). Both types of fried rice brought smiles to our faces, but the highlight of this dining experience was undeniably the Grilled Fish.

Served with two types of sambal (spicy dips), the dish was a true palate conqueror. The spiciness, the fresh catch of Kuantan sea fish, and the petai, all wrapped in banana leaves and grilled, were simply divine. Yum! It was exactly to my liking. Conclusively, Ana Ikan Bakar Petai deserves mention as a wondrous part of any Kuantan food trail. It’s an essential Kuantan dining experience.

Next, we headed to Kuantan Waterfront (KOTA KINABALU WATERFRONT). Unfortunately, the rain and darkness limited our visibility to just the bridge across the water, dimming the charm of one of Kuantan's sightseeing spots. After about ten minutes, with no other sightseeing possibilities at this late hour, I returned to the hotel.