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The Mid Autumn Festival (中秋节 also known as the Mooncake Festival and Lantern Festival) is just around the corner. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar calendar (which falls on 25th September for 2007). It is a major celebration in the Chinese calendar and community. In Malaysia, many events are organised to celebrate the occasion. One such event is the Mid Autumn Festival held annually along the sandy strip of Teluk Chempedak.

On Mid Autumn’s day, most shops in Kuantan close early. The streets of Kuantan town are relatively deserted by 6pm. In contrast, the scene on Teluk Chempedak, one of the most popular beaches in Kuantan, is alive with activity. Festive goers gather on the sandy beach to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Be sure to arrive early as the beach will be packed by sundown. As the sun sets and darkness falls, the beach slowly begins to glow as a myriad of colourful lanterns are lit and scattered across the beach under the pale moonlight. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Groups of friends and family will gather on the beach, dig small holes in the sand and light a candle within. Wonderful creations will slowly take shape as sand sculptures are dug out on the rough sandy beach. While most are nothing more than deep ditches in the sand, some groups take it to a whole different level. The candles within add a finishing touch and breath life into the creations. This is one of the main draws of the Mid-Autumn celebration of Teluk Chempedak.

The movers, shakers, and celebrities of the town will all gather on the beach. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Shrek.

There have also been reports of Bigfoot sightings!

After all, it is a romantic starry night on the beach with a cool breeze blowing in your face and a bright full moon in the sky.

You could even say that the sun never sets and the party never ends at Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan.

If you’re in Kuantan during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Teluk Chempedak is the place to be.