7 Days Self-Drive East Coast Explorer

This intrepid 7-day drive across the East Coast starts with us collecting our car from our hotel in Kuala Lumpur. We then hit the road to Kuantan/ Cherating, with a suggested stop at and the Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary Camp in Kuala Ganda hen route. Forget unforgettable memories at this jungle sanctuary for rescued elephants. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks Malaysia-led project is the country’s only conservation project working to relocate displaced pachyderms and boost the population.

After spending some observing these beautiful beasts in their natural habitat, we continue on our journey. Why not pack a picnic lunch ahead of the journey and leave the main road at Lachang to drive about 10 km along a small road to the camp to eat. During our afternoon drive, we recommend visiting the quaint fishing village of Beserah and Pantai Batu Hitam, a beach littered with black rocks. We arrive in Cherating at about 4 pm.

Overnight at Swiss Garden Kuantan

After breakfast at the hotel, we check-out and hit the road north towards Dungun. We pass by Kampung Sungai Ular, where we can see a traditional fishing village and colourful boats bobbing on the water. A bit further on our journey, we will also pass Kijal, which is famous for its powder white beaches. Before arriving in Dungun, we also drive by Malaysia's petroleum industry hub in the town of Kerteh, where oil companies Esso and Petronas have their refineries.

The final stretch of our journey along the Kuantan-Dungun trunk road is dotted with food stalls selling a tasty range of dishes. Must-try meals include Nasi Dagang, which is rice steamed in coconut milk, fish curry and pickled cucumber and carrots; Keropok Lekor, chewy fried fish cake served with a sweet chilli sauce dip; and Laksam, a rice noodle dish with a white fish coconut soup and sambal. At about 3 pm, we arrive in Dungun

Overnight at Tanjong Jara Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the resort, with the day at our leisure to set out and explore Dungun at our own pace. In the 1940s, the quaint coastal town was once a thriving iron mining hub but with the decline of the industry, fishing became its main economic pillar. Suggested activities include exploring Tenggol Island’s natural wonders, one of Asia's best-kept dive secrets; haggling for souvenirs at Dungun night market; and watching turtles lay their eggs between May and September.

Alternatively, embark on an exhilarating jungle trek to the base of impressive 300 m Chemerong Waterfall, passing a colourful array of flora and fauna. Or experience a taste of authentic Malay life with a guided bicycle tour past the shores of the East Coast and along narrow paths that weave through Dungun's collection of fishing villages.

Overnight at Tanjong Jara Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast

We continue on our East Coast adventure as we take a scenic drive to Setiu. On the way, we will stop at the town of Terengganu to have lunch at our own expenses. To learn more about the town, visit Central Market. It is operated by the town council and sells all the items the town needs. On the ground floor, we will find a colourful array of fruit, vegetables, spices and herbs, as well as fish, poultry and other meats, and local snacks. Must-tries include ready-to-eat tamarind (asam jawa) and dry crackers (keropok keping).

The upper level houses stacks of clothes, accessories, handicrafts and trinkets. Traditional Malay batik – hand-printed silk – can be found here at affordable prices, especially for those with a skill for battering. We then hit the road again and continue on a 45- minute drive to Merang, where we check-in at our hotel.

Overnight at Sutra Beach Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, we continue on our driving adventure to Kota Bahru, the bastion of traditional Malay culture. We drive along scenic highways and through the towns of Penarik and Kuala Besut before arriving in Kota Bahru. Along the last stretch of the journey, we may even catch some elephants crossing the road if we’re lucky. Upon arrival in Kota Bharu in the evening, we check-in at the hotel with the rest of the day free to explore the state capital and royal seat of Kelantan. The compact city is home to stunning architecture, great food and a smattering of beaches. We recommend visiting the night market, or what locals call Pasar Malam, where some of the best Malay food can be found. Special events to take note of include May’s spectacular kite festival, the bird-singing contest in August and September’s top-spinning competition.

Overnight at Grand Riverview Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today sees us swop modes of transport as we board a night bus to take us from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur. First, we have the day to explore Kota Bharu. We suggest a visit to Siti Khadijah Central Market, which is one of the most colourful and active markets in Malaysia. A range of fresh products are sold on the ground floor, with first floor stalls selling spices, basket ware and other goods. Kota Bharu is also the centre for Malay crafts and we can visit batik, songket, silverware, woodcarving and kite-making workshops. There are several of these workshops on the way to Pantai Cahaya Bulan, which is 10 km north of the town.At about 8pm, we leave our rental car keys at the hotel and will be picked up by a driver and taken to Kota Bharu Bus Station.Here, we board a night bus for our 7-hour journey to the capital.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

We arrive at Kuala Lumpur Bus Station at 5 am, where we will be met by our driver and taken to either our hotel or Kuala Lumpur International Airport for our onward flight. This brings an end to this intrepid 7-day driving adventure that has introduced us to Malaysia’s stunning East Coast. We’ve navigated roads that wind through stunning scenery, soaked up sublime coastal sunsets and have been warmed by the welcoming hospitality of locals.

Our journey has taken us from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, Dungun, Terengganu, Merang and Kota Bahru, driving past lush countryside and through quaint fishing villages and historic towns. Along the way, we’ve met elephants, learned first-hand about local handicrafts, snapped up souvenirs at bustling markets, feasted on delicious food and refreshed at waterfalls and at breezy coastal locations. We end this driving trip well-equipped with ever-lasting memories.