What is known
State tourism committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris announced the find to reporters after the World Ranger Day 2025 event at Wisma Darul Iman, Kuala Terengganu. He said the site has more than 10 active springs and that the water temperature is close to La Hot Spring's, but no measured figure has been released. Reports differ on when it was found: Sinar Harian says early 2025, while TRDI says early the previous year.
The springs lie deep inside an oil palm plantation. Sinar Harian and Utusan put them about 20 km from the forest area; Harakahdaily says more than 20 km from the main road. Only four-wheel-drive vehicles can reach them. Harakahdaily quoted Razali as saying the land is understood to belong to MAIDAM, Terengganu's Islamic religious council, and that the Land Office was helping to confirm who the actual stakeholders are.
What is planned
The state wants to turn Cek Mek into an eco-tourism site for recreation and alternative therapy using the hot water. Harakahdaily reported that a rough plan drawn up with the District Office and the local council includes gender-separated pools. Razali also said the state wants to keep the rough access road as an off-road trail, because 4WD trips could bring income to nearby villages.
As of the August 2025 reports, development had not started and the state was still consulting stakeholders. No budget or timeline has been announced.
Should you go
Not on your own. The springs are on plantation land with no public facilities and an unconfirmed landowner. If you want a hot soak in Terengganu today, La Hot Spring in Hulu Besut has built pools, a surau and chalets.
Getting there
The springs are inside Ladang Cenderung Putera North at Ban Hol, Cerul, in Kemaman district, more than 20 km along plantation roads from the main road. Only 4WD vehicles can get through. The exact location has not been published, so the map pin marks the general Cerul area, not the springs. There are no signposts, parking or public transport, and access may need permission from the landowner.
Before you go
- Do not drive in without a 4WD and local guidance; the state describes the access route as an off-road trail.
- Check for news from the Terengganu tourism committee or Kemaman district office before planning a trip, as development had not started in 2025.
- For a developed hot spring in the state now, go to La Hot Spring in Hulu Besut instead.
Questions people ask
Where is Cek Mek Hot Spring?
In Ladang Cenderung Putera North, Ban Hol, Cerul, Kemaman, Terengganu, deep inside an oil palm plantation.
Is Cek Mek Hot Spring open to visitors?
Not as a developed site. In 2025 there were no facilities, and the state was still consulting stakeholders before any development.
How hot is Cek Mek Hot Spring?
The state says the temperature is close to La Hot Spring's, but no measured figure has been published.
Can I get to Cek Mek Hot Spring in a normal car?
No. Officials say the springs can only be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Other springs within 150 km
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources. Prices and hours change; confirm with the operator before a long drive.
- Sinar Harian: Cek Mek Hot Spring, kolam air panas semula jadi kedua ditemui di Terengganu (31 July 2025)
- Utusan Malaysia: Cek Mek Hot Spring, kolam air panas kedua Terengganu (2 August 2025)
- Harakahdaily: Cek Mek Hot Spring berpotensi jadi tarikan baharu (31 July 2025)
- TRDI: Terengganu bangun kolam air panas kedua (31 July 2025)
- OpenStreetMap Nominatim: Sungai Cerul, Kemaman (area reference for map pin)
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