Pahang's 210 kilometres of coastline, stretching continuously from north to south on the eastern side of the state facing the South China Sea is a haven for seaside vacationers. Along the way, nature's handiwork have carved out bays with secluded stretches of soft golden sands washed by rolling waves. This is a physical manifestation of what dream tropical holidays are made of.

For most of the year, the turquoise-blue waters are calmly enticing, but with the onset of the monsoon season, strong offshore winds bring up the surf dramatically to offer yet another form of sea delight - windsailing.

Monsoon is a natural facet of the Pahang tropical persona. It is no reason to eschew this slice of paradise in the tropics just because nature has decided to dictate otherwise. Pahang welcomes the sun, sea, monsoon and you -- warts and all!

Tourism's  incursion, or perhaps 'sharing,' of the coastline of Pahang fits nicely with what nature has created. Resorts such as the Club Mediterranee, Asia's first of the international chain at Cherating, 47 kilometres north of Kuantan, is a fine example of this sharing concept. The resort has invoked various elements of Malay architecture that blend nicely with the natural environment of the beach and Malay villages in the vicinity. This picture prevails along the entire coast that includes the likes of Pantai Balok, Pantai Teluk Chempedak, Pantai Beserah, Pantai Chendor and others.

Hotels that range from top flight internationally-affiliated establishments to medium and budget accommodations await you with a range of creature comforts to suit your wallet.

Throughout the year these beaches are sanctuaries of tranquillity. And tranquillity being a pre-condition that tops the bill in the mindset of tropical vacationers is god-given. It stays with the place and you, unless of course, if you wish to add value by partaking of the numerous water-based sea activities such as surfing, windsailing, diving, or snorkelling. These are thresholds to days of fun in the tropics with the sun smiling and, occasionally, beautiful surreal black clouds with the smashing of rain and monsoon tempest taking centre stage.

From the mute solitude of dawn to the magical blazing of the sunset that paints the horizon with various shades of back, blue and red, Pahang's beaches and islands are the perfect setting for romance, rest and family bonding.

Beyond the fine beaches of mainland Pahang is the world-famous Pulau Tioman, which proudly stands out from the string of islands that make up the Seri Buat Archipelago. Thrown into the limelight of the world's great tropical islands by Hollywood, today's Tioman comes complete with a wide range of resorts and accommodations - from a sprawling international chain to boutique hotel and personally-run friendly Malay-style island offerings.