Kuantan

ICAO Code	WMKD/KUA
Last Validated	Nov 2006
City	Kuantan
Position	03°46'11"N 103°12'34"E
Runway(s)	18/36
Elevation	56ft

General

This Royal Malaysian Air Force base is home to the MiG-29 Fulcrums and a squadron of Hawk. Furhermore there is a small civil terminal for domestic travel. The base, located West of the city of Kuantan, offers some nice opportunities for both photography and number crunching.
Spotting at this base so far has been without a hitch. When questioned by the police you are (or at least were) allowed to stay as you do not take pictures.

Layout

The military and civil (dual) role is clearly visible in the lay-out. All military activity is located on the Western part of the base (with the sunsheds housing the fighters located in the middle of it) and the civil terminal is built as an add-on on the Eastern part of the base.

Getting There

If you are travelling the Federal Route 2 (from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan) you will pass the base automatically. It is located just North of this road between Sambang and Kuantan.

Around the Airport

1Runway 18

The first spot is a very nice spot for both photography and reading. Very near to the runway approach lighting there is small diner booth with a small parking lot/spot. From this parking lot you can have a good view of the base and all activity that takes place. Aircraft that approach the runway can be read (and pictured) easily. As the spot is located next to Federal Route 2 finding does not need explanation. This spot is out in the open!

2Runway 18

If you do not feel happy taking pictures from spot 1 you can walk a bit furhter South to get out of the view. From spot 2 you can photograph the aircraft approaching without being seen from the main road. This spot does not give a view of the base though.

3Civil terminal

A spot that is OK for reading but not for photography is from a grass field next to the civil terminal. The view of the base is limited but all activity can be viewed and read from here. To get here just follow the signs to the civil airport from Federal Route 2.