#25 Kuantan, Pahang

 


District: Kuantan, Pahang
Towns in the district: Beserah, Hulu Kuantan, Hulu Lepar, Kuala Kuantan, Penor, Sungai Karang, Gambang, Bandar Kuantan, Beserah & Tanjung Lumpur
Last time I was there: 2022

The story:
We’ve had some great family getaways in Kuantan over the years -- the last one in 2022 still fresh in memory.


But beyond the holidays, Kuantan has also been the backdrop to some pretty defining moments in my working life. From a Judges’ Conference during my time in the judiciary, to a World Cup-themed treasure hunt and intimate industry sessions in my magazine days, and later, a couple of management retreats during my Media Prima chapter -- this town has seen it all.

One that really stands out goes back to February 2009.

The economy wasn’t exactly friendly then, but we pushed on with our annual management retreat in Kuantan. It had been a while since I last stepped into the Hyatt, but it still carried that same grand, polished feel.



This time, though, the vibe was noticeably different. More relaxed. Gone were the late-night scrambles at 1am trying to piece together business plans. Instead, the focus shifted to people -- how to stay resilient, maximise resources, and navigate tough times together.

The whole retreat felt lighter because of that. Well, mostly.

We still had our fair share of “action” -- including a War Games-style activity that had us trekking through jungles and plantations, dodging “terrorist attacks”... all simulated, of course, and safely within the ballroom 😄


Food was decent -- not over the top, but enough variety to keep everyone happy. I even managed to show some restraint... at least until the barbecue dinner.


And then there was D’Kechewas -- our small in-house band -- getting their moment on stage. What started as a simple performance quickly turned into a full-blown karaoke session.


It all wrapped up on a high note, with everyone belting out “We Are The World” together.

All in all, a retreat that was equal parts meaningful and memorable -- the kind you don’t forget easily.

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