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Cherating River (Sungai Cherating)
Balok, Pahang
The basics
Mangrove cruises are the main way to explore the Cherating River. Daylight tours generally come with a guide who offers information on the mangroves and the ecosystems that rely on them. Firefly trips run in the early evening and generally last about an hour. Night guides tend to focus on firefly behavior as it’s too dark to see much else in the mangroves. By day, you can explore independently by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or pedal boat.
Things to know before you go
A Cherating River cruise is a great choice for nature lovers of all ages.
It’s impossible to capture good firefly photos from a moving boat—professionals use tripods from a fixed location. Consider relaxing and enjoying the view.
The mangrove cruises use small, low-lying boats. These are not wheelchair friendly and may present challenges to people with mobility issues.
How to get there
The Cherating River runs through Cherating, a beach town on Malaysia’s east coast about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Kuantan, the Pahang state capital. Tours generally leave from Cherating.
When to get there
Mangrove cruises are best in the daytime, while firefly cruises run after dark. Fireflies favor warm, humid weather, but they won’t come out when it’s raining. To see them, it’s best to visit in the dry season (roughly April through October).
Other things to do in Cherating
Long, sandy beaches make Cherating a popular vacation choice for Malaysians. But there’s more to do in this unfussy resort town than fireflies. The Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is home to rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles. Cherating is also one of the few places in Malaysia where surfing is possible. Water sports on offer run from kayaking, surfing, and SUP through to windsurfing, sailing, and windfoiling.
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