About Cherating Beach
Cherating Beach is a long sandy beach located in Cherating, about 47 km north of Kuantan city in Kuantan District, Pahang, Malaysia. Facing the South China Sea, it is one of Peninsular Malaysia's earliest tourist beaches and is notable for its wide sandy shoreline, consistent surf breaks, traditional Malay fishing village setting, and turtle conservation efforts. It is home to Malaysia's first Club Med resort established in 1979.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a long, wide stretch of light sandy beach lined with casuarina and palm trees facing the South China Sea. The area includes a fishing village, beachfront resorts, chalets, surf schools and small food stalls. The sea is generally calm outside monsoon season with surfable waves, and the nearby Cherating River offers mangrove cruises. The Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is located close to the beach.
Key highlights
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Long sandy beach facing the South China Sea with casuarina-lined shoreline
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One of Peninsular Malaysia's main surfing spots with surf schools and board rentals
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Cherating Turtle Sanctuary for turtle conservation and hatchery visits
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Cherating River mangrove and firefly night cruises
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Traditional Malay fishing village atmosphere with beachfront resorts including Asia's first Club Med
History of Cherating Beach
Cherating was originally a traditional Malay fishing village. It became one of Malaysia's earliest beach tourism destinations when Club Med opened its first Asian resort here in 1979, establishing Cherating as an international beach resort area.
Culture & Context
Retains traditional east coast Malay fishing village culture and is known for community-based turtle conservation. The Cherating Turtle Sanctuary reflects local cultural respect for sea turtles and supports education on marine conservation.
Route
| By air | Via Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (KUA) in Kuantan, then by road to Cherating |
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