MALAYSIA'S EAST COAST
This tropical region is a tranquil contrast to the bustling West Coast, famed for its pristine offshore islands with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
It is the cultural heartland of the Malay people, offering a deep dive into local life, traditional arts like batik and songket, and rich local cuisine shaped by the sea.
Why Visit The East Coast?
Island Paradises: Home to the stunning Perhentian, Redang, and Tioman islands, offering world-class snorkelling and diving.
Authentic Malay Culture: Explore the states of Kelantan and Terengganu, the custodians of Malaysia’s traditional arts, crafts, and cultural festivals.
Jungle & Nature: Discover the wild interior, including a gateway to Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests.
Smart Travel
Peak Season (March-September): This is the ideal time to visit the islands and beaches. The weather is dry, the seas are calm, and visibility is excellent for diving. Expect higher prices and book island accommodation well in advance.
Shoulder Season (March, October): You’ll find a balance of good weather and fewer crowds as the season begins or winds down. October, in particular, has a risk of increasing rainfall, but the beginning of the month can offer excellent value.
Monsoon Season (November-February): Avoid this period for island travel. Heavy monsoon rains mean rough seas, poor visibility, and most island resorts and ferry services close down entirely. Major coastal cities remain open, but beach activities are limited.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Perhentian & Redang Islands (Terengganu)
These islands are the jewels of the East Coast, known for their stunning coral gardens, sea turtles, and white, powdery beaches. Perhentian (Kecil and Besar) is popular with backpackers and families, while Redang caters more to mid-range and luxury resorts.
Your Smart Tip: To truly experience the underwater wonders, book a snorkelling or diving trip right at the beginning of the season in March/April when the islands reopen, as the water can be exceptionally clear.
Kota Bharu (Kelantan)
The cultural capital of the north, Kota Bharu is a gateway to the region’s traditional life. It’s famous for its vibrant wet market (Pasar Siti Khadijah), traditional crafts (kite-making, batik), and the unique Kelantanese dialect and cuisine.
Your Smart Tip: The weekend in Kelantan (and Terengganu) is Friday and Saturday, with many local businesses closed on Friday. Plan your sightseeing for the busy markets and cultural centres for Thursday or Saturday.
Taman Negara National Park (Pahang/Interior)
Though its main entrance is on the West Coast, the park sprawls across the interior, offering a massive tract of ancient rainforest. It’s an essential stop for jungle trekking, canopy walks, caving, and spotting incredible wildlife like tapirs and elephants.
Your Smart Tip: The park is accessible year-round, but conditions are best during the dry season (March–October). Hire a local Orang Asli (indigenous) guide for an authentic and safe trekking experience.
Kuala Terengganu & Setiu Wetlands (Terengganu)
Kuala Terengganu is the royal capital, home to the iconic Crystal Mosque, a beautiful waterfront, and the Terengganu State Museum. Just north, the Setiu Wetlands offer a tranquil mix of lagoons, mangroves, and fishing villages—a great spot for birdwatching and fireflies.
Your Smart Tip: Instead of staying in the city, check out the traditional villages (kampung) in the nearby Dungun district for a more authentic, community-focused beach experience.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures consistently between 25ºC and 32ºC. The distinct wet season from November to February brings the Northeast Monsoon, causing heavy, prolonged rainfall and rough seas. The rest of the year is relatively dry.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Modesty: The East Coast is generally more conservative, with Islam as the dominant religion. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when away from the main tourist islands, especially in cities and villages.
The Right Hand: Always use your right hand for eating, passing food, and handing over money or objects, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Respect: Avoid pointing with your index finger; use your whole hand or, ideally, your thumb. Avoid public displays of affection.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($10–$25), mid-range chalets/hotels ($40–$70), luxury resorts ($100+). Prices on the islands are significantly higher in Peak Season.
Food: Street food/hawker meal ($2–$5), fixed-price lunch menu ($6–$10), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($15–$30 per person).
Transport: Inter-city bus ticket ($5–$15), island speedboat transfer ($15–$30 one-way), private taxi (local).
Activities: Snorkelling trip ($15–$30), diving (two dives $70+), Taman Negara park entry (nominal fee).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $30–$50 (guesthouses, hawker food, local transport).
- Mid-range: $60–$120 (chalets/hotels, restaurants, day tours).
- Luxury: $150+ (boutique resorts, private transfers, fine dining).
Getting Around
By Car: Driving is the most flexible way to explore the coastal towns and access the park gates. The East Coast Expressway (E8) makes travel between Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu efficient.
By Bus: The bus network is extensive and affordable, connecting the major cities (Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu) with regular services from Kuala Lumpur.
Boat: Speedboats are the only way to reach the islands and operate daily only during the dry season.
Must-Try Food
Nasi Kerabu: (NAH-see ke-RAH-boo) Blue-coloured rice (from butterfly pea flower) served with fried chicken or fish, salted egg, crackers, and a mix of fresh herbs and sprouts, typically dressed with Budu (fermented fish sauce).
Nasi Dagang: (NAH-see DAH-gung) Rice steamed with coconut milk and fenugreek seeds, served with a rich, yellow-hued fish curry (Gulai Ikan Tongkol) and pickled vegetables. A breakfast staple.
Keropok Lekor: (KAY-roh-pok LAY-kor) A chewy, cylindrical fish cracker snack made from fish paste and sago flour, deep-fried and served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce. A Terengganu specialty.
Ayam Percik: (AH-yum PUR-chek) Chicken marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal, generously smothered in a rich, slightly spicy, coconut milk-based sauce.
Sata: A fish and coconut-milk mixture spiced with ginger, shallots, and turmeric, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal.
Laksam: Thick, flat rice noodles rolled and served in a rich, white gravy of blended fish and coconut milk, often topped with fresh vegetables and sambal.
Tapai: (TAH-pigh) Sweet, fermented glutinous rice or tapioca, wrapped in a banana or rubber tree leaf.
Akok: (AH-kor) A sweet, dense, eggy custard-like cake, traditionally baked in a brass mould over charcoal.
Pulut Panggang: Glutinous rice filled with a spicy filling of dried prawns or flaked fish, wrapped in a banana leaf, and grilled.
Kuih Muih: (KOO-ee MOO-ee) A general term for a variety of colourful, bite-sized traditional Malay sweet cakes and desserts, often made with coconut milk, rice flour, and palm sugar.
Must-Try Drinks
Teh Tarik: (TAY TAH-rik) “Pulled tea”—black tea mixed with condensed milk, poured back and forth between two mugs to create a thick froth. The national drink.
Fresh Coconut Water: A classic, refreshing drink served straight from the chilled young coconut, perfect for hydrating after a day at the beach.
Air Kelapa (Coconut Shake): Blended coconut flesh and water with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Kopi-O: Strong, thick, black coffee with sugar (kopi means coffee, o means black/no milk).
Sirap Limau: A simple, sweet and refreshing drink of rose syrup with lime juice.
Milo Dinosaur: An iced Milo (chocolate malt drink) topped with an extra spoonful of undissolved Milo powder.
Local Fruit Juices: Try juices made from local fruits like mango, star fruit, and watermelon.
Tuak (Traditional Rice Wine): While the East Coast is predominantly Muslim, Tuak is a traditional, fermented rice wine that may be available in some non-Muslim communities or in a few specific local eateries. Alcohol is limited throughout the region, but hotels and resorts in tourist areas will usually serve beer and other international drinks.