Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristAn introduction to Kelantan
Kelantan is situated at the Northeastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia facing the South China Sea. Its Arabic honorific “Darul Naim”, which means “blissful abode” is an apt name for this agrarian state with its lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages, idyllic life style and beaches lined with casuarinas. Kelantan is predominantly Islamic and is famed for its unique cultural diversity. Travelers, however, can also find many Buddhist temples and large Buddha statues all around the state especially near the Thai border.
Getting there
The state capital is Kota Bharu, which is a bustling town well connected to other major hubs in Malaysia by road and air. Some budget airlines like Air Asia operate up to 4 flights a day into the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport situated about 20 minutes outside the city. The city serves as the centre for Kelantan's administrative and business activities.
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Culture & Activities
The charms of wider Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. Popular pastimes here include bird singing, giant kite flying, and wayang kulit, each of which offers a glimpse into quirky regional Malay traditions and culture. Fine hand-crafted goods are abudant in Kelantan too, where you'll find a sprawling variety of beautiful silverware, pottery and batik items. These arts are still very much alive in the state today and are a great demonstration of traditional skills passed through generations of Malay families.
Things to see & do: Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu, which means “new city” is a serene and calm settlement high on tradition and is home to many fascinating natural wonders. It is a perfect base for getting out and exploring some of Northern Malaysia's finest nature, both in and around the city. Kota Bharu does also offer some modest and reasonably priced accommodation in the range of 30 to 200 Malaysian Ringitt, for the budget traveler. The tourism limelight is often deflected away from towns and cities like Kota Bharu in spite of their beauty and appeal which means good deals on hotels can be easier to find.
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There are many white sandy beaches, waterfalls and lush tropical jungles around. A leisurely boat ride up the serene Kelantan River can reveal some beautiful caves. One of Kelantan's biggest draws for the inquisitive traveler is several sites of ancient archaeological finds. These include include a number of prehistoric aboriginal villages!
Street Market
One major tourist attraction in the capital city is the ever popular street market, which houses vendors selling a range of delicious foods as well as clothes, accessories and souvenirs. Typically in Asia Wet markets sell raw food that require a lot of washing and therefore make the floor area wet. Dry markets sell dry goods that can range from snacks and cooking utensils to clothes and accessories. Locals and tourists throng to this bustling and vibrant market looking for local produce including rambutans and in-season mangoes. Freshly caught fish is available and a range of seasoned meats can also be found. On the upper floors you'll find a range of so called 'dry' goods including everything from spices to a range of lovely batik varieties!
Beach Escapes
Kelantan’s coastline is to date underdeveloped and hence quite undisturbed. This time honoured tranquillity is an ideal getaway for those seeking peace and quiet. Some of the popular beaches are Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Pantai Dalam Rhu, Pantai Irama and Pantai Dasar Sabak. The local fishing villages or the Malay kampong as they are called, are worth a visit too. You can find comfortable chalet accommodations in the beaches and enjoy complete solitude. There is a greater probability of sharing the sands with a stray fishing boat than with another tourist. Pantai Dasar Sabak beach is the famed landmark where the Japanese landed in December of 1941, before making their way down south towards Singapore.
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Taman Negara
Taman Negara, which literally means National Park in Malay is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests and straddles the borders of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. A totally protected area of 4,343 sq km, the diversity of its fauna and flora is a result of undisturbed evolution over 130 million years.
Taman Negara is a particularly favourable destination for trekking. A good network of jungle trails and the availability of expert guides make this trip down 130 million years of virgin rainforests truly memorable The park is also noted for fishing, especially along the upper reaches of the Tahan or Kenyam rivers, and for rafting the rapids of Sungai Tembeling. The only over land route from its southern edge is by a 3 hour boat ride along the river Kuala Tahan. There are, however, organized bus tours from Kuala Lumpur and good road infrastructure makes travelling by car another viable option. Accommodation within the park is affordable and options range from budget jungle lodges and dorms to cosy timber bungalows and luxury chalets at the highly rated Mutiara Taman Negara Resort. The park offers many camping and full board packages at very reasonable rates. Packages are even available from Singapore direct to Taman Negara.
Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan, soars 2,187 meters above sea level and is located in Taman Negara. The arduous yet memorable trek is a delight for adventure seekers.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Kelantan's capital city Kota Bharu and other areas of the state with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Kota Bharu with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Geographically the state has an international border with Thailand's Narathiwat Province to the north. Domestically, Terengganu lies to the southeast whilst Perak is situated to the west and Pahang to the south. Kelantan covers a total land area of 14922 sq km. Double click the map below to zoom in on Kelantan, and double right-click to zoom out!
Photo Credits: yeowatzup and MyLifeStory
