Of Cherating and Tourism...

Cherating has much potential to attract tourists from near and afar for it has much likeness to places like Bali, Hawaii; where million visit every year. I have travel the world and know for sure that tourists go to a place because of its uniqueness and with Cherating the beach is the asset. The beaches all along the coast from Teluk Sisek right up to Gebeng where the port is now is by itself an attraction for tourist who want to enjoy the sea. I know these stretches of beaches very well for during my childhood growing up in Kuantan we would hike along the beaches from Tanjung Api up to Gabeng, walking along the beaches, climbing over the rock at the cape and when dark we would camp along the riverbank near the beach. The beaches all along the stretches are covered with clean golden sand. This beach would be a heaven to tourists who wants to spend their time enjoying the sea like wading, boating, sailing or just for swimming and basking in the sun. What should be done is not to allow any formal building be built there since as it is there are already many buildings like shops, chalets that are enough to cater for the tourists. What is needed is to upgrade these places and kept it clean all the time. Folks should be allow to operate entertainments centers for after sunset entertainment and relaxation and if possible the whole area be covered with Wifi.

Last year when I visited Cherating I saw a large building there which someone say is a sort of a Cultural Center. Why would they build such a building in Cherating? I wonder! It is a concrete building and it look out of place in that enchanting beach environment. Had they build a traditional house it would made lots of difference. The architectural of a traditional building built of Malaysian timber with intricate carving would by itself be an attraction to the tourist. The space in the house could be an office space for the tourist officer in charge of the resort area. It could also house exhibitions of local interest that are of significant to the state of Pahang. But a large concrete building to me is not a good idea and besides the building by itself hardly attracts attention. Well that is my thought and I still wonder what's in the mind of the planner when they embark on such a project.

And on my latest visit to Cherating two weeks ago I saw the building again and someone quip that it's hardly been used. Well, what could I say. The money could better be used to improve the resort area, like landscaping the area with more trees, flowers etc. as well paying for the maintenance crew to clean the beach everyday, so that it remain pleasing to the eyes of the visitors both local and foreign. Remember tourist visit a place not to come to see a modern concrete building but to find a place which is unique and interesting. A wooden structure made of timber from the Pahang forest would surely make the difference. It would put the timber of the forest of Pahang into an exclusive display where visitors could see the timber as well learn about the type of trees it came from. Remember that the forest of the mountain range of Pahang including the National Park is millions of years old and an exhibition of a living species of those trees would be a tourist draw by itself.

A proper Bus Stand should be build near the roadside at the entrance of the resort area. It should be made of timber and the architecture should be just a simple one. At this Bus Stand there should be amenities like washroom and a cafeteria to cater for the tourist who wait for the bus or for those who had just arrived and waiting for their accommodations arrangment. It could also house the local authority officer supervising the resort area. A section should be set aside to sell real souvenir to the tourists. Anyway there is a stand alone Bus Stand there now but an integrated concept as suggested above would be ideal for the convenient of the visitors.

Another important concern to tourist is the atmosphere of the peace of mind and from what I saw this place do provides that atmosphere. Folks come to such place because they want peace and tranquility. Some comes just to enjoy the sea and may stay a few days but some may come to stay for a longer period, perhaps to write books and at the same time enjoy the environment. Tourist would spend money to enjoy good foods as well enjoying themselves at entertaining places after sunset. All these activities would surely bring money to the local and a boost to the local economy.

What tourists both the local and foreign ask for is simple; a clean environment and an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity for them to enjoy themselves. And of course the accommodations with clean wash-room as well hygienic eating places are a must. Otherwise they would come once and would not come again or it would be a bad publicity to the place. Proper management of tourist spot would bring prosperity to the local. So with such potential, Cherating could be another Bali for its uniqueness especially its golden beaches, turquoise blue sea, blue sky with plenty of sunshine. Its paradise already!

For those adventurous folks out there do come for a visit to this enchanting place under the sun call Cherating. It is just three hours drive from KL or about four hours by bus. You would surely be surprised by what it had to offer.

The images here were taken on my visits to the place. Enjoy it.

Have a nice day.