When people talk about beaches in Kuantan, Teluk Chempedak and Cherating are usually the first names that come up. Our previous article on Kuantan's prettiest beaches lists 8 you can visit. But one beach that deserves a spot on that list rarely gets mentioned: Pantai Chendor.
Cherating sits in northern Pahang, close to the Terengganu border, though it's not quite at the state's edge. Chendor is the one actually straddling the Pahang-Terengganu line, which is why people often aren't sure which state it belongs to. It also connects to Pantai Teluk Mak Nik, which is fully in Terengganu.
Most people who visit Malaysia's east coast beaches come for swimming, water sports, and family picnics. Chendor offers something different: it's a well-known turtle conservation site. If you want to do something for wildlife recovery while you're there, this beach is worth the detour.
Pantai Chendor: Pahang's turtle hatchery site
About 45 minutes' drive from Kuantan, Chendor is one of Pahang's key turtle landing sites and a popular ecotourism spot. The Kasih Turtle Conservation Project is based here, running hatching programs and awareness campaigns to protect the local turtle population.
During nesting season, from April to September, visitors can join the programs on offer, and with some luck, catch hatchlings making their way to the sea. Chendor is a landing site for green turtles (Chelonia mydas).
The Kasih Turtle Conservation Project is open 9:00am to 5:30pm and 8pm to 6am, every day except Monday. For more information, call +605819087 or +60143741619.
📍 Kasih Turtle Conservation Project
Where to eat around Chendor
Chendor is a town most people pass through on the Kuantan-Kemaman route, and there's no shortage of food stops along the way. Here are three worth pulling over for.
1. Nasi Dagang Tropika Cafe – classic east coast breakfast
Breakfast on the east coast is easy to come by, and Nasi Dagang Tropika Cafe serves it the traditional way.
Their nasi dagang Terengganu is the most popular order: fragrant rice served with tuna curry, boiled egg, fried chicken, and other sides. Beyond the rice, they also serve keropok lekor and battered seafood like squid, prawns, fish, and mushrooms.
2. Warung Aziz Satar Kampung Chendor – satar and seafood
After breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there's still room for something to snack on along the way. Warung Aziz Satar Kampung Chendor is a popular stop for road-trippers looking to bring something back for family in their hometown.
You'll know you're at the right place when you see the thick smoke rising off the grill, with fresh satar sizzling on top. Satar is a Terengganu classic: spiced fish paste wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over hot charcoal.
Besides satar, try the otak-otak, keropok lekor, pais, and the assortment of battered seafood too.
📍 Warung Aziz Satar Kampung Chendor
3. Roti Paung Cikgu Chendor – Roti manis dibakar segar
Another stop worth making in Chendor is this bakery. Roti Paung Cikgu Chendor is a well-known bread shop among people driving the Kuantan-Kemaman route.
People usually stop here to stock up before heading back to their hometown. The bread is made the traditional way, soft with a sweet filling, often still warm out of the oven.
Popular fillings include planta, kaya, cheese, red bean, coconut, and chocolate. Roti Paung Cikgu Chendor is open daily from 11:00am to 6:30pm.
Kuantan still has hidden gems
Teluk Cempedak and Cherating are almost always crowded. If you want something quieter, Pantai Chendor is worth checking out. It's less commercially developed, so you get more of an authentic seaside village feel.
Before you set off, though, make sure your car is in good shape. Bateriku Chendor offers 24/7 roadside assistance whenever you need it. Dead battery, jump start, flat tyre, running out of fuel, or a tow, Bateriku's network can help with all of it.
