About 260km eastwards from Kuala Lumpur is Kuantan, the administrative centre and capital of the state of Pahang. Facing the South China Sea in the direction of the Philippines and the wide expanse of Pacific Ocean beyond, Kuantan is where the hundreds of miles of fine beaches and exhilarating beach retreats spread out to the north and south of the Peninsula's east coast.

The town itself is located at the mouth of the Kuantan River - spreading progressively along the northern coastline for about 55 kilometres to the edge of Kemaman town, which is the southern-most town of the neighbouring state of Terengganu. Similarly, this bustling town and district is steadily creeping into the interior with its fast expanding urban borders.  Progressive but attractive if one cares to peer beneath the often-described bland and nondescript surface by the unadventurous few, Kuantan still retains vestiges of the old and quaint both in its architecture, lifestyle and colour.

The heavy industry zones of Gebeng, Peramu and Kertih in southern Terengganu are all within 1½ hour's drive from Kuantan. The town has excellent connectivity with the East Coast Highway, Kuantan airport and the Kuantan port. A dedicated 50km railway line has been laid out between Kuantan port and the Kertih Petrochemical Complex in Terengganu. There are plans to further connect the  line to Kuala Lumpur or Mentakab in central Pahang.

Kuantan is destined to be a major population centre in the near future, as the forecast in the growth of industries, tourism and trade chalks positive. This is also in line with the blueprint mapped out under the National Physical Plan 2005 that has identified four cities (Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown, Johore Bahru and Kuantan) as future growth hubs.

Life in Kuantan is pleasantly sedate although the occasional traffic congestion may reason otherwise. Such traffic gridlocks occur not so much because of the pace of life, but due to the old road system that mostly follow the layout of the old town and new development. There are excellent beaches, riverside and parks to hang out. Notwithstanding all the years of development, the small town pace of life still allows you make your own time and catch your breath at your convenience.

Jalan Mahkota
This is the oldest street in Kuantan. It is still mostly lined with the original pre-war shop houses built in the 1920s. The one-way street continues its bustle daily with the old and new making up the soul of the town.

Jalan Besar
The road used to be known as 'Jalan Ikan Kering' (salt fish street) due to the numerous shops selling dried sea products. Today, most of the traders have moved out to the town's outskirts where ample land space allow better options for expansion.

Sultan Ahmad Shah I Mosque
Also known as the 'Masjid Negeri' (state mosque), this beautiful landmark is right at the heart of town and is not easily missed. As is usual with most of the bigger mosques that allow non-Muslim visitors, a dress code must be observed. If necessary, visitors are required to put on hooded cloaks. The interior of the mosque is cool and pleasant with the exterior in blue, white and green. Blue and yellow stained-glass windows cast beautiful coloured patterns when the morning and afternoon sun blazes at certain angles.

Pasar Besar
This serves as an annexe to the main Kuantan wet market. The place comes to life from early morning and again in the afternoons following the late catch from the seas. Plentiful and diverse, the plus factor is the freshness of the catch unlike the iced varieties that make their way to the other urban centres in the peninsular.

Kuantan River Esplanade:
The Kuantan Esplanade is a makeover of the old riverside public hangout that has held on to its popularity since the 1960s. Clean and airy, it is a great place to chill out in the afternoons or evenings. There are cafes and food stalls to cater for visitors. For the fishing enthusiast, the 1.3km-long esplanade offers some good spots. During weekend evenings do make a point to come early as the best locations are usually taken up.

Taman Gelora
This sprawling green park is located along the road to Teluk Chempedak. Locals love the place for recreational purpose, especially in the evenings when the place is crowded with joggers and visitors. It is one of the most serene places in Kuantan for hanging out, with many man-made lakes, shaded areas and its own beachfront amidst the verdant landscape.

Tanjung Tongkang
North of Taman Gelora is Tanjung Tongkang, which separates Taman Gelora and Teluk Chempedak. The place is mostly occupied by the Kuantan Tembeling Resort comprising five blocks of condominiums that offer a great view of Kuantan town and the sea.