Overlooking the South China Sea, Balok is a sprawling township on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s a short drive north of Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, which is renowned for its handicrafts and batik. Black and white sand beaches fringe the coastline while the town’s waterfront eateries offer everything from traditional Malaysian snacks to pizzas.
Things to do in Balok
In the heart of town is the Masjid Taman Balok Makmur, which is an important house of worship for the local community. Topped by a turquoise dome and twin minarets, the mosque is a hive of activity during Friday prayers. In the surrounding streets are several warungs serving traditional Malaysian fare, as well as a sweet waffle shop.
Picturesque views across the coastline can be enjoyed from Pantai Batu Gajah, a small, sandy beach between the town centre and the port. On the other side of Balok is Pantai Balok, a long stretch of sand where you can refresh with a swim. Pizzas are served beachside at Mint Restaurant while freshly caught fish is on the menu at Planet Seafood.
Balok makes an ideal base for visiting Kuantan, a lively city that serves as the state capital of Pahang. At its heart is the blue and white Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque, which is topped by five magnificent domes and four minarets. Dominating the seafront is Taman Teruntum, a sprawling park famed for its Mini Zoo. In addition to real-life animals, it boasts more than 30 life-sized dinosaur replicas.
Getting around Balok
Balok is around 35 minutes’ drive from Kuantan and 40 minutes from Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, which has regular flights to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Buses connect to Balok, although renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.