Kuantan, Administrative capital of Pahang state in Kuantan District, Malaysia
Kuantan is the capital of Pahang state in Kuantan District on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The city sits near the mouth of the river bearing its name and spreads parallel to the shore with residential areas between downtown and the beaches.
Haji Senik founded the first settlement called Kampung Teruntum along the river in 1851 and created the core of the later city. By the end of the 19th century this place became the administrative capital for the eastern part of Pahang.
Early morning markets bring together fishers selling their catch alongside vendors of spices and tropical fruits from nearby plantations. The local kitchen combines Malay tradition with Chinese influence, visible in small food stalls lining the streets.
Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport lies roughly 15 kilometers (9 miles) west of downtown and serves connections within Malaysia. The East Coast Expressway runs directly through the city and links it with Kuala Lumpur to the west and Terengganu to the north.
Just offshore lies the island Pulau Ular with a colony of water monitors that fishers and boat operators enjoy showing visitors. The name means Snake Island and refers to earlier observations of these large lizards.
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