Kelantan Travel Guide

A complete travel guide to Kelantan, Malaysia with information on attractions, food, accommodations, culture, safety, transportation, and more.


Introduction to Kelantan

Kelantan is a state located on the eastern coast of Malaysia in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional ways of life, serene landscapes, and delicious cuisine. The state is easy to explore with friendly locals, modern transportation facilities, and affordable accommodations. This guide provides an in-depth look at the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and culture to discover in Kelantan.

List of Places to Visit in Kelantan

Kelantan is well known for its cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and historical significance. Here are the top places to visit in Kelantan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Istana Jahar: The royal palace of Kelantan with intricately designed architecture and exhibitions of royal regalia, traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.
  • Muzium Warisan Melayu: A museum displaying a collection of Malay artifacts, traditional costumes, and crafts dating back to the 19th century.
  • Kampung Laut Mosque: A 300-year-old mosque built completely from wood.
  • Wat Photivihan Buddhist Temple: Home to the largest reclining Buddha statue in Southeast Asia.

Natural Attractions of Kelantan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gunung Stong State Park: A nature reserve which includes Mount Stong, one of the tallest mountains in Kelantan, and the thrilling seven-tiered Jelawang Waterfall, suitable for trekking and camping.
  • Pantai Cahaya Bulan: A serene and peaceful beach with azure waters and golden sands.
  • Kuala Koh National Park: A forest reserve that is a popular spot for wildlife sightings, hiking, and bird watching.
  • Gunung Reng: A scenic hill that offers beautiful views of Jeram Linang waterfalls and Gunung Stong.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kelantan

Kelantan is an excellent destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some popular routes to explore:

  • Jungle Trek to Gunung Stong: A challenging yet rewarding hike to one of the most important peaks in Kelantan with an elevation of 1,422 meters.
  • Kuala Krai to Dabong Heritage Trail: A 22-kilometer trail that passes through villages and rice fields, plantations, and traditional markets with panoramic views of the landscape and culture of Kelantan.
  • Bukit Keluang Trail: A 5-kilometer hike to the top of a hill that offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea.

Best Things to Do in Kelantan: Activities and Tours

Kelantan has plenty to offer for people of all ages and interests. Here are some of the best activities and tours to enjoy in Kelantan:

  • Taste Traditional Malay Cuisine: Kelantan is known for its delicious food such as Nasi Kerabu, Laksam, and Ayam Percik.
  • Watch Wayang Kulit: Traditional shadow puppetry performances that take place regularly in Kelantan.
  • Visit Artisan Villages: Kota Bharu is home to several villages where visitors can watch artisans creating traditional handicrafts such as batik, kite-making, and silversmithing.
  • Attend Kelantan Festivals: Kelantanese are proud of their cultural heritage and celebrate many traditional festivals such as Negeri Sembilan, Hari Raya, and Korban.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kelantan

A week is enough time to explore the best of Kelantan. Here is a suggested itinerary for a week in Kelantan:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival. Visit Istana Jahar and Kuala Krai
Day 2 Trek Gunung Stong, visit Jelawang Waterfall
Day 3 Explore Kampung Laut Mosque and Muzium Warisan Melayu
Day 4 Visit Wat Photivihan Temple and Gunung Reng
Day 5 Discover Pantai Cahaya Bulan and Kota Bharu city center
Day 6 Take a bike tour of artisan villages
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Kelantan

Kelantanese cuisine is a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Thai influences, making it deliciously spicy and flavorful. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Kelantan:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nasi Kerabu: Blue rice served with generous helpings of fish, fried chicken, vegetables, crackers, and sambal.
  • Laksam: Thick rice noodle rolls served with a fish-based gravy and topped with herbs, cucumbers, and beansprouts.
  • Ayam Percik: Grilled chicken cooked with coconut milk and served with peanut sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Sirap Bandung: A sweet and refreshing drink made with evaporated milk and rose syrup.
  • Teh Tarik: A popular tea-based drink that is frothed and poured in a unique way that causes it to produce a sweet, creamy yet strong tea flavor.

Where to Stay in Kelantan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kelantan has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some recommended options:

  • Grand Riverview Hotel: A 5-star hotel with luxurious amenities and fantastic views of the Kelantan River.
  • Nusa Holiday Village: A mid-range resort on the beach with excellent facilities and activities.
  • Crown Garden Hotel: A budget-friendly option in Kota Bharu city center, with clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Kelantan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kelantan is famous for its traditional crafts, which make excellent souvenirs. Here are some things to buy in Kelantan:

  • Wau Bulan: Traditional kites that are handmade in the area.
  • Batik: Local artisan-made textiles that use wax-resist dyeing techniques.
  • Songket: Elaborate handwoven fabrics which come in intricate designs and are often produced with gold and silver threads.

Local Culture and Customs of Kelantan

Kelantanese culture is steeped in traditions, customs, and dialects, with a strong influence from Islamic practices. Here are some cultural customs and practices to know when visiting:

  • Dress Respectfully: Kelantanese culture is conservative, so it’s important to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing in public areas.
  • Respect for Elders: Kelantanese culture respects elders, so it’s essential to show respect to the elderly.
  • Observing Islamic customs: Visitors should also be aware of Islamic religious practices and dress appropriately when entering mosques.

Best Time to Visit Kelantan

The best time to visit Kelantan is from April to September, where the weather is dry and the rainfall is minimal. The weather is typically humid throughout the year, so visitors should bring light clothing and sunscreen.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kelantan

Here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting Kelantan:

Do:

  • Respect local customs.
  • Take off your shoes before entering a mosque, temple, or house.
  • Learn some basic Malay phrases, as it will help with communication.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing.
  • Touch someone’s head, as it is considered disrespectful in Kelantanese culture.
  • Consume alcohol in public places.

Safety and Health

It’s essential to be aware of safety and health issues when traveling to Kelantan, as with any destination.

Safety in Kelantan

Kelantan is generally considered a safe destination, but visitors should take normal precautions against theft and scams.

Health in Kelantan

Visitors should ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to Kelantan. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, should also be a concern. Visitors should take necessary steps to avoid mosquito bites and carry mosquito repellent.

Getting to Kelantan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to Kelantan by air, bus, or train:

Airports Near Kelantan

  • Kota Bharu Airport: The nearest airport to Kelantan, located 8 km from Kota Bharu city center.

Bus Stations Near Kelantan

  • Terminal Kota Bharu: Located in the city, terminal Kota Bharu is close to many tourist attractions and serves primarily the central region.
  • Terminal Machang: Located approximately an hour outside of Kota Bharu and serves destinations such as Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah, and Bachok.

Other Options

There are also train services running between Kelantan and major destinations such as Kuala Lumpur.

How to Get Around in Kelantan

Kelantan is relatively small, so getting around is easy. Visitors can use taxis, buses, or car rentals. Grab or Uber are also popular ride-hailing services available in Kelantan.

Where to Go Next from Kelantan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kelantan is a great place to base your travels from to explore nearby destinations such as:

  • Taman Negara National Park: Situated north of Kuala Lumpur, this national park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and features some of Malaysia’s most incredible wildlife.
  • Perhentian Islands: These idyllic islands are known for their turquoise waters, coral reef, and white sandy beaches.
  • Cameron Highlands: A highland paradise that offers a cool escape from the heat of Malaysia’s lowland cities. The area is known for its tea plantations, lavender farms, and rolling valleys.

Conclusion

Kelantan is a fantastic destination to explore Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and delicious cuisine. With easy access to international airports, modern transportation facilities, affordable accommodation options, and friendly locals, Kelantan should be on every traveler’s bucket list. This guide provides comprehensive information to help visitors plan their trip to Kelantan with ease.

Jawi calligraphy, spelling out the name of Makam Diraja Langgar, a mosque in the Kota Bharu area Jawi calligraphy, spelling out the name of Makam Diraja Langgar, a mosque in the Kota Bharu area The Kampung Laut Mosque, a traditional 18th-century wooden mosque in Tumpat The Kampung Laut Mosque, a traditional 18th-century wooden mosque in Tumpat Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah (day market), Kota Bharu Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah (day market), Kota Bharu


    Dabong
    Kuala Krai
    Rantau Panjang