Federal Route 3
Overview
Federal Route Three, also known as the East Coast Road, is one of Malaysia’s most important highways, stretching along the eastern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia. It was developed in the late twentieth century and is managed by the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR). The highway connects major towns and cities along the east coast, supporting trade, tourism, and local commuting. It links the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, offering travelers a scenic and strategic route along Malaysia’s eastern shoreline.
Route Overview
Federal Route Three runs primarily in a north–south direction along Malaysia’s east coast. It starts in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and ends near Johor Bahru, Johor, passing through coastal towns, regional hubs, and heritage sites. Major stops along the route include Kuala Terengganu, Chukai, and Kuantan, making it an essential highway for both locals and tourists seeking the natural and cultural highlights of Malaysia’s east coast.
Key Cities and Exits
Key towns and interchanges along Federal Route Three include:
- Kota Bharu, Kelantan – Cultural hub with traditional markets.
- Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu – Known for its waterfront, local crafts, and beaches.
- Chukai, Terengganu – Coastal town with charming fishing villages.
- Kuantan, Pahang – Gateway to beaches, river cruises, and nature attractions.
- Segamat, Johor – Inland town with agricultural significance.
The highway connects to other major routes such as the East Coast Expressway for faster travel inland.
Scenic Highlights
Travelers along Federal Route Three are treated to breathtaking coastal views, lush plantations, and heritage towns. Highlights include:
- Pantai Batu Rakit, Terengganu – A scenic beach with traditional fishing villages.
- Chini Lake, Pahang – Tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by forested hills.
- Kelantan heritage towns – Showcasing traditional architecture, temples, and local culture.
The route also passes through palm oil and rubber plantations, offering a unique glimpse of Malaysia’s agricultural landscape.
Rest & Service Areas (R&R)
Popular R&R stops along the highway include:
- R&R Kuala Terengganu – Equipped with food courts, petrol stations, prayer rooms, and restrooms.
- R&R Kuantan – Features local cuisine, convenience stores, and scenic viewpoints.
These rest areas provide comfort and convenience for long-distance travelers and tourists alike.
Toll Information
Federal Route Three is primarily a non-tolled federal highway, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking scenic coastal drives. Travelers can access nearby toll-based expressways for faster travel if needed.
Safety & Facilities
Safety measures along Federal Route Three include:
- JKR and local police patrols.
- Standard speed limits on open stretches and reduced limits in towns.
- Clearly marked emergency lanes and road signage.
- Emergency hotlines are available for police, fire, and rescue services, as well as local highway breakdown assistance.
Useful Apps & Resources
- PLUS Mobile App – Real-time traffic updates and route planning.
- Google Maps / Waze – GPS navigation with live traffic alerts.
- JKR Malaysia Website – Road maintenance and closure updates.
Travel Tips
- Travel early in the day to avoid busy traffic periods.
- Watch for slow-moving vehicles near plantations and coastal towns.
- Take detours to explore nearby beaches, heritage towns, and natural reserves.
Connecting Expressways
Federal Route Three links to several major highways:
- East Coast Expressway – For rapid inland travel to Kuala Lumpur.
- Kuantan Bypass – Helps avoid city congestion.
- North–South Expressway Southern Route – Via Johor for connections to central and southern Malaysia.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expressway Name | Federal Route Three |
| Code | FT Three |
| Operator | JKR Malaysia |
| Start & End Points | Kota Bharu, Kelantan – Johor Bahru, Johor |
| States Covered | Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor |
| Speed Limit | Standard limits on open stretches and reduced in towns |
| Toll Type | Non-tolled (federal highway) |
Conclusion
Federal Route Three is a vital corridor along Malaysia’s eastern coast, supporting trade, tourism, and local travel. Its scenic coastal vistas, cultural towns, and lush landscapes make it more than just a highway—it is a journey through Malaysia’s natural and cultural treasures. Whether traveling for business or leisure, this route offers a memorable and enriching travel experience.
| Road Name | Road Short Name | Code | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| North–South Expressway (PLUS) | North–South Expressway | PLUS / E1, E2 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| North–South Expressway Central Link | ELITE Expressway | E6 | Shah Alam – Nilai North |
| New Klang Valley Expressway | NKVE | E1 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Federal Highway | Federal Highway | E5 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Damansara–Puchong Expressway | LDP | E11 | Damansara – Puchong |
| Shah Alam Expressway | KESAS | E5 | Sri Petaling – Pandamaran |
| New Pantai Expressway | NPE | E10 | Subang – Bangsar |
| Maju Expressway | MEX | E20 | Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya |
| Kajang Dispersal Link | SILK | E18 | Kajang – Semenyih |
| Kajang–Seremban Highway | LEKAS | E21 | Kajang – Seremban |
| South Klang Valley Expressway | SKVE | E26 | Pulau Indah – Kajang |
| Guthrie Corridor Expressway | GCE | E35 | Shah Alam – Rawang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway | KLK | E8 | Gombak – Karak |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 1 | LPT1 | E8 | Karak – Kuantan |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 2 | LPT2 | E8 | Kuantan – Kuala Nerus |
| Butterworth–Kulim Expressway | BKE | E15 | Butterworth – Kulim |
| Penang Bridge | Penang Bridge | E36 | Gelugor – Perai |
| Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge | Second Penang Bridge | E28 | Batu Maung – Batu Kawan |
| Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link | EDL | E14 | Pandan – CIQ Johor |
| Senai–Desaru Expressway | SDE | E22 | Senai – Desaru |
| Second Link Expressway | Linkedua | E3 | Senai – Tuas (Singapore) |
| Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway | KL–Seremban | E37 | Kuala Lumpur – Seremban |
| Cheras–Kajang Expressway | Grand Saga | E7 | Cheras – Kajang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Putrajaya Expressway | MEX | E20 | KL – Putrajaya – KLIA |
| West Coast Expressway | WCE | E32 | Taiping – Banting |
| Central Spine Road | CSR | – | Bentong – Kuala Krai |
| Federal Route 1 | Federal Route 1 | FT1 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 2 | Federal Route 2 | FT2 | Port Klang – Kuantan |
| Federal Route 3 | Federal Route 3 | FT3 | Johor Bahru – Rantau Panjang |
| Federal Route 4 | Federal Route 4 | FT4 | Gerik – Jeli |
| Federal Route 5 | Federal Route 5 | FT5 | Ipoh – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 8 | Federal Route 8 | FT8 | Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu |
| Federal Route 9 | Federal Route 9 | FT9 | Karak – Tampin |
| Federal Route 10 | Federal Route 10 | FT10 | Temerloh – Gemas |
| Federal Route 24 | Federal Route 24 | FT24 | Muar – Yong Peng |
| Federal Route 50 | Federal Route 50 | FT50 | Batu Pahat – Kluang – Jemaluang |
| Federal Route 51 | Federal Route 51 | FT51 | Melaka City – Alor Gajah |
| Federal Route 54 | Federal Route 54 | FT54 | Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor |
| Federal Route 76 | Federal Route 76 | FT76 | Kuala Kangsar – Baling – Kulim |
| Federal Route 67 | Federal Route 67 | FT67 | Sungai Petani – Kuala Ketil |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sabah) | Pan Borneo Sabah | AH150 / PBHS | Kota Kinabalu – Tawau |
| Kimanis–Keningau Highway | Kimanis–Keningau Road | – | Kimanis – Keningau |
| Kota Belud–Ranau Road | Kota Belud–Ranau | – | Coastal – Interior link |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sarawak) | Pan Borneo Sarawak | AH150 / PBHS | Telok Melano – Miri |
| Kuching–Serian Road | Kuching–Serian | – | Kuching – Serian |
| Bintulu–Miri Coastal Road | Bintulu–Miri Coastal | – | Bintulu – Miri |
| Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Expressway | KBKK Expressway | KBKK | Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Overall) | Pan Borneo Highway | PBH | Across Sabah & Sarawak |
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