THE 3D3N STAY AT SENTRAL HOTEL IN KUANTAN

I chose Sentral Hotel for my accommodation during my stay in Kuantan from 25th - 27th January, 2026. Before this, I had stayed at two other different hotels nearby.

I managed to get the view of the river from my room.

One hotel with reasonable rate for you to choose when in Kuantan. The location is strategic, near to the attractions around the Tower, and many nearby eating places too. Parking could be an issue if you are driving. I did not see any parking space for hotel guests except the ones by the roadside in front of the hotel.

THE [VERY] SHORT STAY IN ELMARK HOTEL IN KUANTAN

   25TH JANUARY 2026   ~ I arrived at Kuantan Sentral at about 5:00 a.m. and the wedding reception would be in the afternoon. Therefore I needed a place to rest a bit. Luckily I found this hotel called Elmark Hotel that allowed short stay from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

I managed to lie down a bit and take a shower after that before checking out.

Looking at the embroidered writing on the hotel towel, I also have the same brand for my ceiling fans at home.

The hotel was decent enough at the rate given. There were things that could be improved. For example, I was not allowed to get into my room when I arrived at 7:30 a.m. even though the room was not occupied. The guy at the reception did not look friendly at all. If only he could smile a bit, it would have been much better.

WHEN IN KUANTAN, EAT DINNER LIKE KUANTAN PEOPLE DO

   27TH JANUARY 2026    ~ Before catching the bus back to Johor Bahru at 11:00 p.m. I needed to get dinner first. Eventually I ended up at this one food court with stalls selling variety of food and open air dining area in between two blocks of buildings opposite the hotel called Tangga.

I was one of the early birds who was there finding food for dinner.

I chose to eat Patin Tempoyak - a local dish synonymous with the state of Pahang. It was definitely a brilliant decision as it was real good.

That should conclude my gastronomic adventure in Kuantan for January 2026. I do not know when I will be back again but you never know when opportunity could suddenly knock.

THE BREAKFAST AT PICKERS IN KUANTAN

   27th JANUARY 2026    ~ The last episode of my gastronomic adventure in Kuantan with my TESL [UPM Class of 1993] friends took place in Pickers Cafe. It was actually located opposite the hotel where I was staying.

I was the first to be there to book a place for the big group. The dining area was almost empty as it was a working that for other people in the city.

For one thing, there choices of food for breakfast here were just unlimited, and I had trouble deciding what to eat. I ended up drinking the signature coffee of the cafe and eating Shakshuka, something that I had never tried before.

I had to bid goodbye to my friends as I had to embark on a road trip to Kemaman right after. It had been another fun-filled trip to Kuantan and there was no chance to be hungry at all. We perhaps have to wait for another wedding receptions of friends' children for more gatherings and gastronomic adventures.

DINNER TIME AT A SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN KUANTAN

   26th JANUARY 2026    ~ The second dinner gathering in Kuantan took place at a seafood restaurant called Ana Ikan Bakar Petai. This place must be popular as it was jam packed with people dining in when we arrived at about 8:30 p.m.

We found out there were two restaurants bearing the same name, and the one we went to was located right by the main road.

So we had everything seafood that evening sent to the tables.

coconut water

white rice

otak-otak and sata

butter prawn

fried squid

That was another one huge dinner happening in Kuantan for us the UPM TESL Class of 1993 gang. That was not the final gastronomic adventure though as there was one last one [for me] the next morning for breakfast.