The Best Hotels to Book in Kuantan, Malaysia, for Every Traveller

If, like many Malaysians these days, you’re hitting the charming and rurally-situated former tin-mining village of Sungai Lembing, then consider crashing in one of these buzzworthy capsules. Scattered throughout the rugged compound, they’re little more than a bed in a tube, but they’re comfortable, with inviting beds, lots of natural light and enough room to stretch, if not walk. Spacious conventional rooms are available in the main structure, and both the jungle and the steeped-in-time village of Sungai Lembing are a brief stroll away.

Need a sensible, capable, centrally-located base for your visit to Kuantan? Then consider the Shahzan, ostensibly the city’s largest hotel. An earth-toned tower with views over the city and the Kuantan River, the Shahzan offers 152 contemporary rooms and access to a pool. Prayer mats, the Holy Quran and other facilities are thoughtfully provided for the hotel’s Muslim guests.

Dive into the charming countryside of Pahang State with a stay at Mangala Resort & Spa. Located on land that was previously consumed by tin mining, this lush, natural-feeling resort centred around a large pond is the result of a 15-year rehabilitation project. Borrow a pair of binoculars from the hotel and identify more than 100 species of birds directly from the veranda of your villa.

We’re not entirely sure what this expansive resort, located at Balok Beach, 15km (9mi) north of Kuantan, has to do with Switzerland. Perhaps it’s the emphasis on food, drink and hospitality? Truth be told, the rooms have subtle design touches that are more Bali than Basel, and windsurfing, not snow skiing, is the local pastime. Regardless of provenance, when it comes to a comfortable, family-friendly place to stay, the Swiss-Garden delivers.

Located at the edge of the river in central Kuantan and delivering on that eponymous perspective is the imposing Mega View Hotel. The exterior boasts a clever Malaysian design theme in pastel hues that bring to mind the ’90s, while the spacious, inviting rooms seem to gain their colour inspiration from the ’70s. Join locals at the attached, open-air, riverside cafe.

The Riverside is easily Kuantan’s most modern place to stay. The exterior and lobby are contemporary and inviting, establishing a loft-inspired vibe that extends to the 15 rooms, which are equipped with puffy beds and decked out in earth tones and the occasional splash of primary colour. A location near the Kuantan River and the city centre are additional perks.

Located at Balok Beach, 15km (9mi) north of Kuantan, Adena Beach Resort takes the form of a well-manicured, park-like compound of vaguely Malay-style tile-roofed villas and more international-feeling larger structures. Rooms get a bright boost from local textiles, and most flaunt shiny wood floors and lots of natural light. A central pool tempts, and the beach is only a brief walk away.