Facing the Perhentian Islands, Cherang Ruku is a laid-back town on Malaysia’s South China Sea coast. It’s a convenient base for scuba divers and snorkellers preparing to explore the offshore islands and reefs and is on the doorstep of a legendary paragliding launch site.
Things to do in Cherang Ruku
For a day on the sand, head to Pantai Bisikan Bayu, a casuarina-fringed beach that lies between a tranquil lagoon and the South China Sea. Translating as the “Beach of the Whispering Breeze”, it’s a popular destination for Kelantan city dwellers to escape on the weekend. In addition to dipping your toes in the warm waters, you can feast on authentic Malaysian cuisine at one of the beachside eateries.
Cherang Ruku is located just a stone’s throw from Kuala Besut, which serves as the departure point for speed boats heading to the Perhentian Islands. With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life, the archipelago has become one of Malaysia’s tourism hotspots. Venture underwater to come face-to-face with turtles, clownfish and blue-spotted rays or set out to explore along one of the jungle trails.
To experience the coastline from above, you can soar through the skies with the team from the Bukit Bubus Paragliding Park. Tandem paragliding flights offer a bird’s eye view of the South China Sea and the beautiful beaches that dot the Terengganu coastline before you are safely guided back onto dry land.
Getting around Cherang Ruku
Cherang Ruku is just over an hour’s drive from Kelantan and Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, which has flights to destinations across Malaysia. Buses travel through Cherang Ruku, although renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the town and its surrounding attractions.