Bachok: Coast and Wayang Kulit

The administrative district of Bachok borders the South China Sea to the east and has a flat, low-lying landscape. Named coastal locations include Pantai Kemasin, Pantai Tapang and Pantai Melawi. Wayang Kulit, found in Kampung Kemasin, is a cultural highlight.

Beaches and coastal scenery

Pantai Kemasin is located in a fishing village in Kampung Kemasin. The beach is known for its appealing views and fine, beautiful sand. Its beach scenery and connection to the fishing village give this place a distinctive character among Bachok’s coastal destinations.

Pantai Tapang offers a relaxed, safe and family-friendly atmosphere on the coast of the South China Sea. One of its main attractions is the panoramic sunrise view. Its tourism profile is also clearly defined: Pantai Tapang is a community-based tourism destination focused on family recreation, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability. The beach, recreation and these three areas of focus together make the place distinctive.

Pantai Melawi is also part of Bachok’s network of coastal tourism destinations. Those exploring the district’s coastal side will find another named beach to use as a point of reference, alongside Pantai Kemasin and Pantai Tapang.

A dated surfing competition

The Kemasin Beach Surf Competition 2025 took place at Pantai Impian Kemasin in Bachok. From 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, it brought together 45 participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Portugal.

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 music ensemble and various figures. The stories originally come from Hindu epics and were adapted to local Malay culture. Wayang Kulit craftsmanship can also be found in Kampung Kemasin.

Wayang Kulit can therefore be viewed from two perspectives: as a performing art featuring music and figures, and as a cultural tradition whose stories have been adapted to local Malay culture over time. Its connection to Kampung Kemasin adds another aspect: the craft found there. For trip planning, this offers a different way to explore Bachok from its beaches and coastal scenery.

More topics in the wider destination of Kelantan

Archaeology and nature are also among the topics in the wider destination of Kelantan. The crouched burials found at Gua Cha are dated to the Hoabinhian period, about 10,000 years ago. Taman Negara Kuala Koh is located in the Gua Musang district and in the Bukit Hantu and Lebir forest reserves. Its features include diverse flora and fauna, as well as a tropical rainforest ecosystem suited to ecotourism.

Kelantan’s cultural history is also reflected in other regional attractions: Istana Jahar now serves as the Muzium Diraja Negeri Kelantan. The museum presents the history of the sultanate from its beginnings to the Sultan’s current reign, including weapons, traditional clothing and other exhibits related to the sultanate. These examples add distinct perspectives from the wider destination of Kelantan to Bachok’s coastal and cultural themes.

When looking for a hotel in Bachok, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the district’s coastal locations or Wayang Kulit and its connection to Kampung Kemasin. This lets you start planning with the experiences that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Bachok

Go to the wider travel overview: Kelantan.