The
beach at Balok is said to be the cleanest in these
parts. Upon inspection this is, indeed, true.
Here, its about miles and miles of beach
interspersed with some occasional Malay fishing
villages. The beach itself is about 15km north of
Kuantan and is a lure for avid wind-surfers. This
is not surprising as Balok is the venue for the
International Monsoon Madness Challenge, which
pits the world's most skillful windsurfers against
the elements and each other. The event is held
annually, around January.
If you are an
urban rat, you will initially attach yourself to
the facilities at the resorts and hotels that are
located along the Balok coastline. However, in due
course you will begin to gravitate to the rustic
pull of the rural ambiance and venture forth into
the heart of the fishing settlement. Truly perfect
and serene with soothing tropical breezes, swaying
casuarinas, unending white sand in harmony with
the azure blue sea, indeed. Relaxation is never
easier.
Balok Beach is a peaceful and relaxing sandy beach
on its own. It still retains these qualities on
weekends when families with their little ones in
tow would set up camp at choice locations for
their picnics and off-day sojourn. It is great
relaxing on the soft white sands, play volleyball
and various other beach activities. It's waters
are suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving,
swimming, skiing, sunbathing, surfing or sailing.
Among public
facilities available here include the Pusat
Rekreasi Air Balok (Balok Water Recreation Center)
where you can hire recreational equipment. The
center includes a camping site, picnic area,
restrooms, restaurant, hostel that can accommodate
40 persons (male and female), children’s
playground, and function rooms for seminars and
meetings.At Balok, swimming is 'permitted' between March
and October. Kite boarding can be enjoyed
throughout the year when the wind permits.
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