Teluk Chempedek

Around five kilometres from Kuantan lies Teluk Chempedek, a quite attractive double bay that makes for a fine lazy day off the hard life of travelling.

The beaches here are surprisingly attractive -- where the bus drops you off the view is blocked by Western fast food chains -- and while this certainly isn't the Perhentians it is nevertheless pleasant enough.

The second beach, which lies to the north, is reached via an elevated walkway that runs around the headland. It is an easy walk -- some cycle or even ride motorbikes along it -- and it is worth the effort as we think the second beach is the nicer of the two.

The beaches here have a reputation as being good for windsurfing, but it was dead calm and windless when we visited and we couldn't find any means of renting gear there.

Accommodation is available; choose between the upmarket Hyatt, towards the southern end of the main beach, or cheaper accommodation above the shops where the bus stops.

Plenty of eateries aside from the fast food joints are here, so grab some takeaway snackies and walk around to the top beach for a lazy afternoon on the sand -- you've earned it.

To get here from Kuantan, either get a taxi (12 ringgit) or a bus.