Cherating

With a sweeping white beach bordered by coconut palms, this small village of guesthouses and shops is a very popular spot for surfing, windsurfing and general beachfront slacking. Outside of the surf season, Cherating can be dead quiet, which only adds to the appeal, with the occasional sound of a guitar strumming between the rustling palms or the heavy thud of a falling coconut.

The beach is lovely and another gorgeous golden length is hidden away north around the headland. A handful of excellent beach bars are located on Pahang's coast and you can find some of the state's best food here too. There are also magical firefly tours at night on cruises along Sungai Cherating – with the phosphorescent beetles flying towards your boats in little swarms – while animal-friendly turtle watching and baby turtle releasing is another very popular activity.