Introduction

The “Cradle of Malaysian Culture”, Kelantan offers a delightful profusion of colourful traditions, charm and scenic beauty.  Located in the NE corner of the peninsula, Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is an agrarian state with lush padi fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches.  Nature-based activities range from simple river cruises, rafting, and bird watching to jungle trekking. Caving, a goldmine, and deer park, ethno-botanical garden and aboriginal settlements are also in Kelantan.

Kelantan was known from earlier times as a seat of powerful kingdoms that established trading links with the Chinese Empire which referred to Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan.  The state has at various times been a vassal of Siam. In the 18^th century, a Kelantanese prince, Long Yunus, ascended the throne and the present-day royal family is descended from him. Kelantan along with the other states of the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained independence on 31^st August 1957.

Malaysia Maps

Kelantan boasts its own unique cuisine with many popular dishes such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu and Nasi Dagang.  Ayam Percik is barbecued chicken marinated with rice, and spicy coconut gravy. Nasi Kerabu, is rice based dish served with coconut milk, flaked fish, desiccated coconut and a variety of herbs, spices, and sauces.  Nasi Dagang, which is a type of rice with a brownish tinge steamed with coconut milk and served with rich, spicy fish gravy. 

Getting There

By Road – There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsula Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the Karak highway to Kuantan in Pahang (a journey about 3and a half hours) and northwards to Kota Bharu (about 5 hrs). An inland route  to Kota Bharu turns off the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu. Another alternative route exits the Karak highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en-route to Kota Bharu. There are regular air-conditioned busses operating from 

K. Lumpur and major towns to Kota Bharu.  

By Rail ~ Train services from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan terminate at Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat. From these two points, one can get to Kota Bharu either by taxi or bus. Stop over points en-route include Gua Musang, Kulal Krai, Tanah Merah and  Pasir Mas.  

By Air ~ MAS operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from K. Lumpur and Penang .  

State capital of Kelantan

Shopping

New Central Market - Bazaar Buluh Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar) - Jln Temanggong

Places of Interests

Istana Batu (Royal Museum)  

- Istana Balai Besar - Islamac Museum 

- Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace)

- State Museum - Merdeka Square 

- Handcraft Village and Craft Museum  

- War Museum (Bank Kerapu)

Places

- Kuala Krai Museum and Mini Zoo

 - Kuala Koh - Gunung Stong

Beaches

- Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Beach of Moonlight)  

 - Pantai Irama (Beach of Melody)

- Pantai Bisikan (Beach of the Whispering Breeze) - Pantai Seri Tujuh (Beach of Seven Lagoons)  - Pantai Sabak

Kampung Sabak - Pantai Sabak – Where the Japanese fist invaded - pillboxes - war  account - war museum.

Primarily a Malay state, the people of Kelantan have carefully preserved their customs, traditions and craft skills over time.

A  thriving cottage industry produces extremely fine batik material and paintings, exquisite gold and silverware, intricate wood carvings and beautiful kain songket.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum / Songket Factory / Batik Factory / Kite Making / Kelatan Silver

Eco

River Cruise & Jungle Trekking 

Upriver cruise of Sungai Kelantan into the virgin rainforests of Kelantan.

Waterfalls

Jeram Lenang - Jeram Pasu - Lata Beringin