The Best Beaches in Kemaman, Ranked: Kemasik, Teluk Mak Nik, Penunjuk and More

Terengganu’s southernmost district has more beach than it knows what to do with. These are the ones worth the drive.

Kemaman’s coastline runs from the Pahang border north past Chukai, Kemasik and Kerteh towards Paka. The Kemaman Municipal Council lists ten public beaches for recreation, from Kemasik and Teluk Mak Nik to Ma’ Daerah, and locals would add a few more. Some are polished family picnic grounds with playgrounds and food stalls; others are little more than a sandy track and the sound of the sea.

We have ranked our favourites on beauty, facilities and the simple pleasure of an afternoon there. Facilities listed are those published by the municipal council.

1. Pantai Kemasik: The Icon

Kemasik earns the top spot for its looks alone. Weathered rock outcrops stand at the water’s edge, and behind the long sweep of sand lies a lagoon that fills at high tide, a favourite of photographers at sunrise. It is also one of the best equipped: the council lists gazebos, a playground, a kiosk and public toilets, parking, a surau and a paved road. Our weekend in Kemaman builds an afternoon around it.

2. Pantai Teluk Mak Nik: The Town Beach

Fondly known as Monica Bay, Teluk Mak Nik sits at Geliga on the edge of Chukai, making it the easiest escape from town. A rocky headland frames a gentle curve of sand, and early evening brings families, joggers and anglers. Facilities include gazebos, a playground, a kiosk and public toilets, parking and a paved road.

3. Pantai Telaga Simpul: Best for Families

At Teluk Kalong, north of Chukai, Telaga Simpul is the most complete of Kemaman’s beach parks. Alongside gazebos, a playground, toilets and a surau, it has food stalls, which makes it the easiest place to spend a whole afternoon with children. The wider Teluk Kalong waterfront also hosts community events; in September 2025 the council held a fun cycle there to mark World Beach Day.

4. Pantai Penunjuk, Kijal: The Quiet Beauty

South of Kemasik, near Kijal, Penunjuk rewards those who prefer space to services. Pale sand and clear water make it one of the prettiest stretches in the district, with gazebos, a children’s playground and a paved road. Currents here can be strong, so this is a beach for walking and photographs first, and swimming only when conditions are clearly calm.

5. Pantai Teluk Puchong, Kijal: For Campers

Also near Kijal, Teluk Puchong is set up for longer stays: the council lists camping alongside picnicking, plus a futsal court, food stalls, a playground, toilets and a surau. It is a popular choice for group outings and weekend tents.

Planning a Beach Day

Kemaman’s beaches are strung out along a long stretch of coast from Chukai to Kerteh, and public transport between them is limited, so a car is by far the easiest way to explore. A simple plan is to start early at Teluk Mak Nik for a sunrise walk, drive north to Kemasik for the lagoon at high tide, then finish with a late lunch at Telaga Simpul’s food stalls. Bring water, sun protection and a sarong for shade; gazebos fill up quickly on weekends and public holidays.

After dark, the coast road’s seafood stalls and Chukai’s night markets are the natural next stop, and between March and September the district’s turtle-nesting season adds another reason to linger, always under the guidance of conservation staff.

How we ranked them: beauty first, then facilities, then the ease of spending a few unhurried hours. Our order would change with the seasons, and on a calm weekday even the simplest beach on this list can feel like the best one.

Worth a Detour

• Pantai Bukit Tampin, Kemasik: a small, simple spot with gazebos and a paved access road.
• Pantai Cagar Hutan: unpaved access and no frills, for those who like their beaches wild.
• Pantai Kuala Kerteh and Pantai Teluk Air Tawar: quieter council-listed beaches, the first at the river mouth in Kerteh.
• Pantai Ma’ Daerah: a turtle sanctuary as much as a beach, established in 1999 by the Department of Fisheries and WWF-Malaysia. Visit with respect and read our guide to Kemaman’s turtle coast first.

For what to wear as the seasons turn, our east coast style guide has you covered. And for the best beach of all, pick any of the above on a weekday morning. You may have it entirely to yourself.

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