Tok Bali
Tok Balii is a quaint coastal fishing village and port in the Pasir Puteh District in Kelantan, Malaysia, located about 48 kilometres from Kota Bharu.[1] It functions as a key fishing port and an established supply base for the oil and gas industry, supporting offshore operations in the region. The local economy relies heavily on fishing and agriculture, particularly tobacco cultivation, alongside emerging tourism and marine-related activities.
In recent years, Tok Bali has gained popularity as an alternative departure point for ferries and speedboats to the renowned Perhentian Islands. Taxi drivers are reportedly given a hefty commission for delivering passengers here,Some reports suggest that taxi drivers from Kota Bharu or nearby areas receive substantial commissions for bringing tourists to Tok Bali instead of the more conventional Kuala Besut route.[2] The village's main sources of income are fishing and farming (primarily tobacco).
The area also attracts domestic visitors for its serene Pantai Tok Bali (Tok Bali Beach, also known as Pantai Bisikan Bayu or "Whispering Wind Beach"), where locals and nearby residents enjoy relaxation, picnics, fresh seafood, and a peaceful seaside escape.
For infrastructure growth, the Malaysian Marine Department (via the East Coast Economic Region, or ECER) has invested significantly in Tok Bali's development. This includes an allocation of RM5 million to enhance facilities for fishing vessels and tourist boats serving the Perhentian Islands and Pulau Redang. More recent initiatives under the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) feature:
- Expansion and upgrades to the Tok Bali Jetty and port facilities to boost capacity as a logistics and marine hub.
- Development of the nearby Tok Bali Industrial Park (TBIP), a multi-sector zone focusing on marine-related industries, logistics, manufacturing, and related activities—expected to be completed around late 2026 and positioned to attract substantial investments.
These efforts aim to diversify the economy, strengthen connectivity, and position Tok Bali as a growing hub for fisheries, tourism, and industrial activities along Malaysia's east coast.
References
- ^ Van Wijnen, B. "Tok Bali". WINT. Retrieved 2011-07-13.
- ^ Richmond, S. (2007). Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Lonely Planet. p. 321. ISBN 978-1-74059-708-1.