Bachok is shaped by its coastline along the South China Sea: the district borders the sea to the east and is flat and low-lying. Its beach destinations each have their own distinctive features. Pantai Kemasin combines a coastal landscape with the setting of a fishing village, while Pantai Tapang is associated with sunrise and a community-based approach to tourism. In Kampung Kemasin, Wayang Kulit adds another cultural dimension.

Beaches with distinctive features

Pantai Kemasin is a beach in a fishing village in Kampung Kemasin, in the district of Bachok. Its appeal includes attractive views and fine, beautiful sand. Pantai Tapang lies on the coast of the South China Sea. It has a relaxed, safe and family-friendly atmosphere, and its sunrise panorama is one of its main attractions. As a community-based tourism destination, Pantai Tapang focuses on family recreation, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability. Pantai Melawi is also part of Bachok’s coastal tourism network.

A dated look at water sports

The Kemasin Beach Surf Competition 2025 was held at Pantai Impian Kemasin in Bachok and brought together 45 participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Portugal. The event began on 31 December 2025 and ended on 1 January 2026. Alongside the beach and landscape, this specific event, with its dates, is another part of the coast’s story.

Wayang Kulit in Kampung Kemasin

Wayang Kulit is a traditional performing art of Kelantanese society. It is usually performed on a stage or in a pavilion, accompanied by a musical ensemble and featuring various figures. The Tok Dalang moves the figures to suit each story. The stories originally came from Hindu epics and were adapted to local Malay culture. Wayang Kulit is made in Kampung Kemasin. The distinctive character of this art form lies in the interplay of music, moving figures and storytelling.

Kelantan in a wider context

Beyond Bachok’s flat coastal landscape, the wider destination of Kelantan offers a different natural profile. Taman Negara Kuala Koh is in the state of Kelantan, in the district of Gua Musang and within the Bukit Hantu and Lebir forest reserves. Its diverse flora and fauna, along with its tropical rainforest ecosystem, make it suitable for ecotourism. The comparison highlights different natural attractions within Kelantan without equating the forest landscape with Bachok.

Kelantan also offers other distinctive cultural attractions. Muzium Wau Kelantan serves as an information and reference centre on the history of the development of wau and its craftsmanship around the world, and displays various types of kites from across the globe. Istana Jahar now serves as the Muzium Diraja Negeri Kelantan. It presents the history of the Sultanate from its beginnings to the Sultan’s present reign, including weapons, traditional clothing and other exhibits relating to the Sultanate. These regional themes complement the picture of Bachok’s coast and Wayang Kulit making in Kampung Kemasin.

Discover more destinations: Bachok.

Go to the wider travel overview: Kelantan.