Being that Cherating is a resort town, it’s easy to say that all it has to offer to tourists are swimming, surfing, and other water activities. However, nothing can be farther from the truth. There are, in fact, a lot of tourist attractions in and around Cherating that you can include in your itinerary when you book Cherating tour packages. These attractions include various ecotourism options that will make you appreciate the wonders of nature. Here are just a few examples.
Cherating Turtle Sanctuary
Cherating Turtle Sanctuary, located in Chendor Beach, is one of Cherating’s foremost ecotourism destinations and activities. The beach is a breeding ground for leatherback sea turtles, a threatened species caused both directly and indirectly by human activities. For example, mature turtles can get trapped in lobster pot ropes. Hatchlings, meanwhile, can get lured away from the sea by light pollution. The sanctuary ensures that the turtles can lay their eggs undisturbed and the hatchlings are released back to the ocean safely after they are matured. If you want to volunteer, it’s best to do so during May or June to September when they are releasing the young turtles. Call 2 weeks ahead so that the centre can accommodate you properly. However, if you’re just there to visit and see the turtles, you don’t need any prior appointments.
Cherating Turtle Sanctuary also has turtle pools, where they take care of green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and Olive Ridley turtles. In addition, there’s also a showroom with more information about the turtles that they work tirelessly to protect.
Cherating Firefly Tour
Did you know that fireflies are sensitive to smoke and light? That’s why it’s practically impossible to see fireflies in cities, where the air is congested and there are bright lights everywhere. You have to go somewhere with fresh, clean air to be able to see a magical light show from these little bugs. One such place clean enough to be home to fireflies is Cherating River, where you can take a cruise through mangrove forests to see fireflies up close. The tour usually takes just one hour, which includes a quick talk about fireflies. Your boatman will then take you to the middle of the river, where you can see hundreds of fireflies twinkling against the night sky and the glassy water. It’s definitely a magical experience for the whole family. (Remember, though, that flash photography is not allowed.)
Payung Getaway Campsite
Do you love the outdoors, but haven’t tried camping just yet? No worries, Cherating has the perfect place where you can pitch your tent: Payung Getaway Campsite and Campervan. The campsite faces the sea, giving you an unobstructed view of the sunrise and sunset. At night, the skies are clear enough for stargazing. What’s great about Payung Campsite is that it is strategically located between the beach the river, where the Firefly Tours are held. Moreover, the Turtle Sanctuary and Limbong Art are also nearby.
Charah Caves
Strictly speaking, the Charah Caves are not in Cherating. However, they’re only an hour or so away, so it’s easy to include them in your day trip itinerary. The Charah Caves is complex composed of eight different areas. The most visited section is Gua Gelap, which was discovered by a monk named Tham Achran Sakatapunya and has been open to the public since 1972. The other seven caves in the complex are called Gua Batu Nesan Raja, Gua Gajah, Gua Lubang Dalam and Gua Lubang Hidung, Gua Pecah, Gua Puteri Bersikat, and Gua Tiga Beradik.
The Charah Caves are a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhist communities throughout Southeast Asia. As such, even if the place is often visited by tourists, it retains a quiet, peaceful, even mysterious aura. Another point of interest in the Charah Caves is the hills and rock formations surrounding them. These rock formations are said to guide sailors and fishermen back to land.
Cherating Beach
A visit to Cherating isn’t complete without going to the beaches. They aren’t as popular compared to other beachside destinations in Malaysia, but they certainly have their own alluring charm. In fact, it’s also this bit of obscurity that makes Cherating more peaceful. If you want to have more space to walk or lay on the fine sand and swim in the sparkling blue waters, the beaches of Cherating are for you. With less of a crowd to deal with, it’s easier to appreciate the serene beauty of the place.
As you can see, there’s a lot more to Cherating that just beaches for swimming and surfing. For nature lovers, in particular, Cherating is a little treasure trove awaiting your discovery. Book a tour today and experience it for yourself.
