Chukai

Chukai (also called Kemaman Town) is the capital of Kemaman District in southern Terengganu, near the Pahang border. The name means "taxes" in Malay, dating to the town's role collecting levies on river traffic at the mouth of the Kemaman River during the British colonial period. Its position between the state capitals of Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu, plus its proximity to the oil town of Kerteh and the Kemaman Port (a fishing port and offshore-platform supply base), has made it a commercial hub for the region. Cherating Beach, one of Malaysia's best-known surf and backpacker beaches, is about a 15-minute drive south.

By Plane

Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu is the nearest airport.

By Train

No train service. Terengganu has no mainline railway.

By Car / Road

Chukai is on Highway 3 (or Highway 14 for inland towns), 80–100 km from Kuala Terengganu.

A car is essential. Limited public transport.

• Chukai town centre and Kemaman River mouth — the historic taxation point that gave the town its name

• Kemaman Port — a working fishing port and offshore-platform supply base

• Chukai is mainly a commercial and transit stop for travellers heading to or from Cherating Beach, a short drive south

Chukai is locally known for its stuffed crab (a Kemaman speciality) alongside general east-coast Malay and Chinese fare.

• Kuala Terengganu — state capital
• Kuala Terengganu and other Terengganu destinations