Cherating Beach is very popular with surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and general beach activities. Outside of the surf season, Cherating can be very quiet, which adds to the appeal. For family friendly activities, there is a turtle hatchery where releasing baby turtles into the wild is a very popular activity. There are also firefly tours at night on a river cruise along Sungai Cherating.
Surfing, Windsurfing, Yachting
The main attraction in Cherating is the wide sandy beach where water activities including yachting, surfing, swimming and more are available from guesthouses and resorts.
During the monsoon season in November and December, its waves are perfect for surfing.
Visit the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary
The sanctuary is a haven for the nurturing and breeding of endangered leatherback turtles nurturing and breeding. The baby turtles are nurtured until they are three years old, and then released to the sea at night-time from June to September. During other months, you may get the chance to hold the hatchlings in the sanctuary.
To go to the turtle hatchery in Cherating, walk 30 minutes north of Cherating Village. Entry is free; however, donations are welcomed. You can also volunteer at the turtle sanctuary if you arrange 2 weeks in advance at their office in Kuantan.
If you are interested to see a turtle landing, you can register with your guesthouse or tour agent and they will inform you when there is a turtle landing.
Cherating River Cruise
There are two cruises; evening wildlife cruise and night firefly cruise. On the evening cruise, you may spot birds, eagles, monitor lizards, snakes, frogs and squirrels. While on the night firefly cruise, it is a fun experience for both adults and children to learn about the lifecycle of fireflies. As you travel down the river, the guide will shine his torch to the trees to attract fireflies to the boats.
Other Activities
Alternatively, you can pick up traditional batik painting classes offered by some handicraft shops on the main street or arrange for a snorkelling trip to the nearby Snake Island.