Sungai Lembing (30km inland) — a remarkably well-preserved old British tin-mining town. The mine itself is open for guided tours through a labyrinth of underground tunnels; the museum above ground covers the town's boom-era history. The surrounding hills are good for early-morning walks.
Berkelah Falls (60km north) — a series of multi-tiered jungle waterfalls reached by a short hike through secondary forest. A popular weekend destination for Malaysians; go on a weekday if you want it quieter.
Kuantan (75km south) — Pahang's state capital is worth a half-day. The Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque is one of the better examples of modern Malaysian mosque architecture. Teluk Chempedak, a few kilometres from the city centre, is a long beach with a more developed infrastructure than Cherating — useful if you need a bank, a decent supermarket, or a bus connection.