Cherating is a great place to relax, but there are still much to do, including some place of interest, and delicious local food.

I departed from KL early 6am in the morning. The first destination is not Cherating, but Tasik Chini. To reach Tasik Chini, you have to exit at Gambang. Gambang Exit is located along Karak Highway, about 2 hours drive from KL. After exit to Gambang on your left, you will cross Sungai Pahang. As soon as you cross the river, turn right into a smaller road. There will be a few sign point you to Tasik Chini, and you will not get lost, although you will pass through some deserted areas.

If you join a one-day tour to Tasik Chini which can be arranged by your hotel, you will need to pay at least RM100 per person. I only pay RM60 to rent a boat (which could carry four adults) with a tour guide. It’s a one hour trip. You’ll be brought to a few lakes, a Kampung Orang Asli (local village) which only has six families, and the most exciting part: A narrow river which actually link Tasik Chini to Sungai Pahang. Just like the movie Anaconda where you will be like cruising through Amazon Jungle River.

I stayed at Holiday Villa Cherating. A hotel next to it is Legend Hotel. Holiday Villa is located before the infamous ClubMed Cherating, with direction from Kuantan to Terengganu. The hotel is clean, with two swimming pools. The beach is clean and beautiful. I didn’t go to other beaches because I don’t think I need to.

There are few places of interest:

1. Turtle Conservation Center (ClubMed junction). Be there in day time to visit a museum displaying photos and article about sea turtles. There're also turtles in a pool. Be there at 10pm and you'll be shown a video and witness baby turtles being released into the sea. And even get a chance to witness Sea Turtle laying egg on beach at night, if you are lucky. Since it's free, it's worth a visit. (Close on Mon and Tue).

I went to Cherating in June and I was told that almost every night there are Sea Turtle come to the beach to lay egg, however I’ve missed that. You can rent a camp at that center for a small fee and the Ranger on duty will wake you up if there’s any Sea Turtle come to the beach. Very different from Rantau Abang, Terengganu, the rules from Pahang State Government is very strict, you are not allowed to bring torch light, go near the turtle, or make noise.

2. Cherating Culture Complex (Enter Pantai Cherating junction) - A place where you could learn to draw Batik, witness monkey picking coconuts, and “Gasing”. However, all these demonstration shall be pre-arrange as there's no schedule on these activities. I was lucky that during my visit, there's a group of S'porians and they had made the arrangement.

 3. Cukai Wet Market – Behind the market was a fishing boat docking station. You could witness fishes being transferred from boat to the market by fishermen. This is also the place for you to buy Keropok, as it’s far more cheaper than those road side stalls. Cukai is located 20km from Cherating, Kuala Terengganu direction. (Close by noon)

Food:

1. Stuffed crab – You can have it either at a Chinese restaurant, Dong Yuan, or another restaurant next to it, Restaurant Malaysia. Both restaurant is located near Maybank, ask around for Maybank if you need direction. Don’t eat sea food at Dong Yuan. It’s expensive. Stuffed crab is worth a try at RM7 or RM8 each (can’t remember). Close on Friday.

2. Nasi lemak – located opposite of Dong Yuan, crowded at night, not bad, worth a try. (11am till late night)

3. Keropok Lekor – you can buy from road side stalls (along Cherating-Cukai) if you want to eat the fried type. Buy it from Cukai Wet Market if you want to bring some home to fry (dry type) as it’s much more cheaper.

4. Sea Food – Try out Duyong at Pantai Cherating. It’s the first restaurant on your left after you enter the Pantai Cherating junction. You won’t miss the junction as there’s a big sign board. The junction is located approx 100 meter before Clubmed junction (from Kuantan).

5. Hai Peng Coffee – Seems very popular, worth a try. It’s located along the road before Cukai Wet Market, as soon as you turn in the junction of Pusat Bandar (Inside Cukai town). The toast is very popular. There also have Nasi Dagang (I found it quite delicious), two types of nasi lemak bungkus, mee and some of the local delights which I don’t know the name. Most of these local foods could also be found in Cukai Wet Market, which I think could be cheaper (not sure though).