Known as a tropical getaway, one of Kuantan major economic activities is tourism. Domestically, it is famous for the production of handicrafts, batik, keropok (dried fish crackers) and salted fish. Kuantan serves as the administrative and commercial capital
of Pahang.
Kuantan's main sightseeing attraction is the beach at Teluk Cempedak. There are also other scenic beaches popular with vacationers in the city's vicinity, such as Batu Hitam, Balok, and Cherating ( There is Club Med in this island). Near Cherating there is a Turtle Sanctuary. A few kilometers away from Cherating is Pulau Ular (Snake Island). There is a legend connected with this island.
Kuantan is also known to tourists for its waterfalls. The most well-known is the Sungai Pandan Water Fall. Two other waterfalls are the Sungai Berkelah Waterfall and the Jerangkang Waterfall. There are also 3 parks within the city. These are the Gelora Park, Teruntum Mini Zoo and Agriculture Park at Indera Mahkota. A small park located in front of the Hospital is named the Esplanade Park. Here, it is possible to go on a river cruise from the small jetty. The Kuantan area also produces handicrafts and batik. Other tourist attractions include the State Mosque (Masjid Negeri).
A Tin Museum in the former mining town of Sungai Lembing. Sungai Lembing is located about 26 km northwest of Kuantan and used to contain the world's deepest underground tin mines. Just north of the Tin Museum is a hanging bridge. Access to this bridge is via a narrow, winding road at the base of the entrance to the <