Peninsular Malaysia’s largest state, Pahang, is home to several superlative sights ranging from its highest peak, Gunung Tahan, to its longest river, Sungai Pahang. Pahang’s capital, Kuantan is situated near the mouth of the Kuantan River and is the state’s busiest tourist hub. Malaysians recognise Kuantan as the site for popular local products ranging from traditional textiles such as batik prints to local savouries such as prawn crackers and salted fish.
Even though Kuantan may have more than a few eateries sprinkled across its landscape, its variety of watering holes is limited. The town’s after-hours scene is dull – there are a few nightclubs operating within hotels but beyond that most locals enjoy early dinners with a few drinks at popular Chinese restaurants. There’s an art bistro along Jalan Besar that’s startlingly trendy, the ever popular Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan has a few good places to enjoy a cold beer and the posh Hyatt Regency features three watering holes that are sure to keep you entertained till the wee hours of the morning.
Located at the rear of Mega View Hotel, this quiet bar enjoys a nice view of the river and has large TV screens that broadcast the latest live sports events. The music is good but the drinks selection is limited.
Located within the sprawling Bukit Gambang Resort City, the Caribbean Bistro serves up an excellent selection of wine and has a good food menu. There are live shows on stage and the outlet also screens films that you can enjoy while sipping on your drink.
Located within the five-star Hyatt Regency Kuantan, Coals on the Beach is a typical beachside watering hole that serves drinks and light snacks while a live band belts out hits to keep guests on the dance floor. Be sure to grab a table on the outdoor veranda where you can enjoy great views of the sea.
Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan’s Malibu Club, is one of the town’s most-frequented watering holes. Featuring a contemporary island theme, this outlet serves up specially blended cocktails while the in-house DJ spins contemporary music; daily Happy Hour is from 17:00 – 23:00.
Shaded by a lush canopy of trees, the Parrot Bar is one of the Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan’s most visited bar. The beach bar is a good place to enjoy specially blended cocktails and cooling coconut juice while watching guests play a round of volleyball. Alternatively you can choose to belt it out at their karaoke section while enjoying the resort’s signature juicy and succulent satay served with homemade peanut sauce.
Located within the Blue Chip Lounge, this café serves up an array of homemade pastries and cakes. Their beverage menu is limited but the freshly brewed coffee is satisfying; it’s a good place to sip your cup of java before you retire for the night.
Built out of a converted boat, this bar is one of the five-star Hyatt Regency Kuantan’s unique attractions. The boat was originally a Vietnamese refugee craft that landed on the shores near the hotel in May 1980; it was purchased by the hotel, anchored on the beachfront and converted into a beachside bar with the proceeds for the purchase going to United Nations Vietnamese Refugee Fund. The bar serves up an extensive variety of drinks and cocktails.
This artsy establishment – featured in the Lonely Planet – has contemporary art pieces that hang from its walls and soft jazz music that reverberates through the room. The eatery serves up a heady combination of pastas, salads, sizzling steaks, noodles and desserts; the cuisine is delicious and you can enjoy it all while knocking back a cold beer – bliss!