Batu Hitam (Black Stone Beach), Balok, Kuantan

Driving back from Kuantan Port we decided to stop off at Batu Hitam (Black Stone Beach) in the Balok area of Kuantan. It is about a 15-20 minute drive from Kuantan town and is located along the coastline a short distance before Swiss Garden Resort & Spa (travelling from Kuantan town).

Batu Hitam is famous for the numerous black rocks strewn across the sand. It's great for a visit, and of course, for me, it's a great photography opportunity too! Obviously, it's best to go when the tide is out.

At Batu Hitam, Balok, Kuantan, with Lauren on a breezy day

Lauren shows a really interesting rock at Batu Hitam, Kuantan

Lauren amongst the black rocks at Batu Hitam

Interesting sand detail on a black rock at Batu Hitam

My wife and I enjoying the breeze at Batu Hitam

Lauren and Leah at Batu Hitam

My wife relaxing on a bench at Batu Hitam

Dozy Lions

Two lions doze on a rock at Bukit Gambang Safari Park;

Sunday afternoons are hard work!

Monkeying around at Teluk Chempedak beach

On our last walk around Teluk Chempedak (TC) beach in Kuantan, we encountered the monkeys hogging the footbridge.

The monkeys at TC are a regular feature. Some love them, some are terrified of them. I stand somewhere in between!

Their favourite time to come out and play is lunchtime, so be careful not to carry food in your hands, or the monkeys will have it! have a look at these photos I dared to snap...

A monkey eats some food at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

A baby monkey follows closely behind its carer at Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan

A troop of monkeys walk along the foot bridge at Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan

Monkeying around at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

Look what this monkey found at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan!

Monkeys relaxing in the shade at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

These monkeys were spotted playing up in a tree at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

This monkey enjoys the view of Teluk Chempedak beach with me

The monkeys start raiding the rubbish bin for food at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

A monkey sits on a small rock at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

A monkey quietly reflects on life whilst sitting on a rock in the shade at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

Man feeds Monkey, at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

The monkeys gather on a small hill at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

The monkeys have some quiet individual moments in the shade at Teluk Chempedak beach, Kuantan

Hope you enjoyed those photos. I had great fun taking them!

Teluk Chempedak beach - Contrasts and Variety

Teluk Chempedak beach in Kuantan sits at the base of a collection of hills. I love the variety of sights including sky, sea, sand, rocks and vegetation.

How does variety in life enhance your existence?

Teluk Chempedak rocks and reflection

Yesterday we went to the beach in the morning. It still wasn't too hot or busy, so I was able to snap some pictures in relative comfort! Teluk Chempedak always charms me, particularly the amazing rocks.

How often do we ponder in the pool of reflection? It tends to make things appear much clearer.

Teluk Chempedak view

Here is a view of Teluk Chempedak taken yesterday afternoon in Kuantan . . .

A tree-lined hill provides a luscious backdrop to the second beach across the bridge at Teluk Chempedak as the waves roll in to splash against the famous rocks. Beautiful, isn't it?

Batu Hitam, Kuantan

Batu Hitam is the name of a beach in Kuantan.

It translates as "black rock" and you'll see why it's named that soon. We went there for the first time recently with a couple of our neighbours.

I wanted to collect a load of seashells to decorate our living room (which I accomplished) and also to go and see the black rocks which it is famous for.

Batu Hitam is located further north up the east coastline from our usual beach visits to Teluk Chempedak. Still, Batu Hitam is only an extra 10-15 minutes drive.

Lauren at Batu Hitam, Kuantan

The children playing happily

Here come the black rocks covered with golden remnants of seashells

There were a number of people fishing here at various points along the coast

It appears that the black rocks are lined with treasure!

Here's a small collection of some of the shells we discovered: