Rantau Panjang Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and natural attractions of Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, Malaysia. From must-visit museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures and scenic views, this guide provides a detailed itinerary for travelers.


Introduction to Rantau Panjang

Rantau Panjang is a border town located in the district of Pasir Mas, Kelantan, in Malaysia. It’s situated on the east coast of the country and is known for its cultural significance among the tourists. The town shares borders with Thailand at Sungai Golok and is known for its spice trade. In this guide, we will introduce you to the best places to visit in Rantau Panjang, where to stay, what to eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Rantau Panjang

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Rantau Panjang Museum

The Rantau Panjang Museum is the main attraction in the town. It features a unique collection about life in Kelantan, the state’s history, and its local traditions. Displays include textiles, handicrafts, weaponry, and agricultural equipment. The museum is open daily except on Mondays from 9 am to 5 pm.

Kampung Laut Mosque

Kampung Laut Mosque is the oldest mosque in Kelantan, built-in 1530. The mosque is an architectural masterpiece with a traditional Malay-style roof and intricate woodcarvings. It’s located about 5 km from Rantau Panjang town and is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Istana Batu

The Istana Batu is a royal palace built-in 1855 by Sultan Muhammad II. The palace is an excellent example of traditional Malay architecture, which features a mix of Thai, Indian, and Chinese elements. Tourists can visit the palace every day except for Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm.

Natural Attractions of Rantau Panjang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pantai Cahaya Bulan Beach

Pantai Cahaya Bulan Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kelantan. It’s located about 20 km from Rantau Panjang town and offers a picturesque view of the South China Sea. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports activities like banana boat riding, jet skiing, and parasailing.

Gunung Stong State Park

Adventurers will love the Gunung Stong State Park, located about 50 km from Rantau Panjang town. The park features Malaysia’s tallest waterfall, the Jelawang Waterfall, which drops from a height of over 300 meters. The park has several trekking trails, including a challenging climb to Mount Stong, the highest peak in Kelantan.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rantau Panjang

One of the best ways to experience Rantau Panjang’s natural beauty is by hiking or biking. The trails around Gunung Stong State Park offer excellent opportunities for adventure-seekers. Visitors can also take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic routes around the town.

Best Things to Do in Rantau Panjang: Activities and Tours

There are numerous activities and tours that tourists can undertake while in Rantau Panjang. Some of the best ones include:

Spice and Food Tours

Rantau Panjang is famous for its spices and unique cuisine. Tourists can take a spice tour and visit local spice factories to learn about the different types of spices and their uses in Malay cuisine. Food tours are also available, which will take visitors to eat the best local dishes in town.

Shopping Tours

Shopping enthusiasts will love Rantau Panjang’s markets and street stalls. Taking a shopping tour will enable buyers to explore the unique handicrafts, textiles, and pottery that the town is known for.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rantau Panjang

A week-long itinerary for Rantau Panjang could include visiting all the cultural, natural attractions mentioned above, taking a spice and food tour, exploring the local shopping spots, and engaging in tourist-friendly activities like hiking and biking.

[table] | Day | Activity | |—–|—————————————————————–| | 1 | Visit Rantau Panjang Museum and Kampung Laut Mosque | | 2 | Explore Istana Batu and do some shopping | | 3 | Take a spice tour and enjoy local cuisine | | 4 | Visit Pantai Cahaya Bulan Beach for water sports | | 5 | Take a trekking trail around Gunung Stong State Park | | 6 | Visit the Jelawang Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Malaysia | | 7 | Visit local pottery shops, and souvenirs stores | [/table]

Food and Drink Scene of Rantau Panjang

Must-Try Dishes

Rantau Panjang offers a unique blend of Malay and Thai cuisines. Visitors must try some of the local dishes like Nasi Kerabu, a rice dish flavored with herbs and spices, and served with fried chicken or beef rendang. Another favorite dish is Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak, a fish curry flavored with fermented durian.

Local Beverages

When it comes to beverages, tourists should try the Kelantanese specialty, Teh Terik. It’s a sweet, hot tea made with condensed milk and served in small glasses.

Where to Stay in Rantau Panjang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rantau Panjang offers a range of accommodation options for tourists, including budget-friendly hostels, cozy guesthouses, and luxury hotels.

• Treeli Boutique Hotel: A boutique hotel located about 1 km from Rantau Panjang town. • Motel Melati: A budget-friendly motel located in the heart of Rantau Panjang. • Seri Bulan Resort: A luxurious beachfront resort located about 20 km from Rantau Panjang town.

What to Buy in Rantau Panjang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rantau Panjang is famous for its handicrafts, textiles, and pottery. Visitors should explore the local markets and street stalls to buy souvenirs such as batik fabrics, woven baskets, and traditional Malay costumes.

Local Culture and Customs of Rantau Panjang

Rantau Panjang’s local culture and customs are a blend of Malay and Thai influences. Visitors should respect the local customs, dress modestly, and remove their footwear when entering mosques, homes or temples.

Best Time to Visit Rantau Panjang

The best time to visit Rantau Panjang is between March and September when the weather is dry, and the beach is an ideal spot for water sports activities. October and November are considered low season, with heavy rainfalls that could affect outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rantau Panjang

Do:

• Respect the local culture, customs, and dress modestly. • Visit the local markets and street stalls to buy souvenirs. • Take a spice and food tour. • Go on a trekking trail around Gunung Stong State Park.

Don’t:

• Avoid buying counterfeit products from street vendors. • Refrain from littering, and keep the town clean. • Don’t speak too loudly or engage in disruptive behavior in public spaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rantau Panjang

Overall, Rantau Panjang is considered safe for tourists. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings against theft or pickpocketing.

Health in Rantau Panjang

Health facilities in Rantau Panjang are limited, and tourists should ensure that they have adequate health insurance before traveling. Visitors should also take necessary vaccinations like Hepatitis A/B and Tetanus before visiting.

Getting to Rantau Panjang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rantau Panjang

The nearest airports to Rantau Panjang are Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu and Hat Yai Airport in Thailand. From there, tourists can take a taxi or a bus to Rantau Panjang.

Bus Stations Near Rantau Panjang

The nearest bus station to Rantau Panjang is located in Kota Bharu town center, where visitors can take a bus to Rantau Panjang. Visitors can also take a bus from Kuala Lumpur that operates daily at 8 pm.

Other Options

Alternatively, tourists can hire a private car or a taxi to travel to Rantau Panjang from Kota Bharu or any other nearby town.

How to Get Around in Rantau Panjang

Exploring Rantau Panjang is best done on foot or by bicycle. Tourists can also take a taxi or a rented motorbike to get around the town and its neighboring attractions.

Where to Go Next from Rantau Panjang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tourists can explore other nearby destinations from Rantau Panjang, such as:

• Kota Bharu: The capital city of Kelantan, well-known for its night markets and traditional Malay cuisine. • Perhentian Islands: A group of beautiful islands in the South China Sea, about 100 km from Rantau Panjang. • Kuala Terengganu: A city located about 200 km from Rantau Panjang, renowned for its cultural heritage and Batik textiles.

Conclusion

Rantau Panjang offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide highlights the best places to visit in Rantau Panjang, the local culture and customs, the food scene, and where to stay. Plan your next visit to Rantau Panjang and get ready to soak in the best that Southeast Asia has to offer.

Masjid Cina (Chinese Mosque), Rantau Panjang Masjid Cina (Chinese Mosque), Rantau Panjang