Our Quiet & Serene Stay @ The Kasturi Resort Cherating

The June holidays had rolled around once more, and this year, we decided to break away from our usual routine with a little road trip adventure—our destination: Kuantan.

Rather than flying, we opted for the flexibility and fun of driving, and the journey turned out to be just as memorable as the destination.

Our trip began in Johor Bahru, where we arranged a rental car through TM Holiday. The process was refreshingly convenient. They picked us up right from Singapore and accompanied us through the border checkpoint. Once we cleared customs, the car was officially handed over, and just like that, our journey began.

We took the fastest route north to Kuala Lumpur, where we spent two nights soaking up the city’s vibrant energy and sampling its incredible food scene. But that chapter deserves a story of its own. After a short but satisfying KL stopover, we hit the road again in the early morning, heading east toward the tranquil coastline of Kuantan.

We made a few stops along the way for quick sightseeing—charming roadside towns, lush stretches of greenery, and local eats—but truth be told, we were eager to reach our destination:

The Kasturi Resort Cherating.

Tucked away along the unspoiled shores of Chendor Beach in Pahang, The Kasturi is a secluded five-star beachfront resort that instantly took our breath away. Designed as a harmonious blend of land and sea, this hidden gem offers panoramic views of the South China Sea to the east, with the forested headland of Tanjong Geliga framing the sunrise. Behind the villas lies a verdant rainforest, giving the entire resort an almost dreamlike sense of isolation and serenity.

The resort itself is intimate and exclusive, with only 23 villas and suites spread across 15 acres of beachfront property. It’s designed with luxury and sustainability in mind, creating a space that invites you to disconnect from the chaos of daily life without sacrificing modern comforts. Every detail—from the architecture to the landscape—feels thoughtfully curated to enhance the natural surroundings.

One of the most enchanting features is the stretch of 800 meters of private beach, backed by gently forested dunes. To the north, the beach continues for nearly another kilometer, all the way to the estuary of Sungai Pak Siak—a perfect trail for morning walks or peaceful evening jogs.

It was there, in those quiet morning hours, that Shahrom managed to get a few photos from his camera. Overhead, sea eagles soared gracefully, while at night, fireflies flickered along the winding walkways of the resort.

The beach holds its own stories too.

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Locals come here for fishing, and the area is a known nesting ground for endangered green turtles.

We booked ourselves a three-bedroom Forest Villa—one of the newest and most spacious additions to The Kasturi. Nestled within the lush greenery of the rainforest just steps from the beach, these double-storey family villas offer the perfect blend of seclusion and luxury.

Designed with families or groups of friends in mind, each villa features three well-appointed bedrooms and three elegant bathrooms, ensuring plenty of space and privacy for everyone.

The villa comes complete with its own private pool and a generous outdoor dining deck—ideal for long, leisurely meals surrounded by nature. Inside, the open-concept lounge area is both stylish and inviting, a comfortable space to unwind and connect. The interiors are a celebration of refined Asian design, with carefully selected natural materials and textures, complemented by exquisite artworks that lend a sense of warmth and authenticity.

Whether you’re traveling with family or sharing a getaway with close friends, the Forest Villa offers an exceptional retreat—where comfort, beauty, and tranquility come together in perfect harmony.

We spent two serene nights at The Kasturi, fully embracing the opportunity to rest and recharge. Our mornings began with peaceful walks along the quiet beach, followed by a delightful à la carte breakfast buffet that offered both local favorites and international treats.

One of the highlights of our stay was releasing turtles by the shore—a truly special and memorable experience for all of us.

Seth and Nadine were absolutely thrilled with the entire stay, from the villa’s private pool to the wonders of nature just outside our doorstep.

It was a getaway that checked all the boxes, and looking back, we couldn’t have made a better choice.

• Check out: The Kasturi Cherating Rates

Till next time. Safe travels.