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.
Geographically the state is bordered by Narathiwat Province of Thailand to the north, Terengganu to the southeast, Perak to the west, and Pahang to the south and covers a land area of 14922 sq km. Double click the map below for a closer look at Kelantan!
Kelantan is an Islamic state that is famed for its unique cultural diversity. Travellers can find many Buddhist temples and large Buddha statues all around the state especially near the Thai border.
The charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. The traditional sports of giant kite flying, top spinning, silat, wayang kulit and bird-singing competitions offer a glimpse of Malay traditions and culture. The making of exquisite handicrafts such as songket, batik, silverware and mengkuang products are arts that are still very much alive in the state.
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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Kota Bharu, which means “new city” is a serene and peaceful city high on tradition and is home to many fascinating natural wonders. It is a perfect location to check into to explore the nature in and around the city. Kota Bharu offers some modest and very reasonably priced accommodations that can cost from 30 to 200 Malaysian Ringitt depending on the budget.
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. Kelantan is also home to some of the most ancient archaeological discoveries in Malaysia, including several prehistoric aboriginal settlements.
One major tourist attraction in the capital city is its famous four storey market selling both wet and dry goods. 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 fresh fruits, such as rambutans, durians and mangoes. Fresh fish, meats and vegetables are also available. The upper floors sell dried fish, spices and even batik varieties.
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 them than 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, 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 also flights coming in from the country capital Kuala Lumpur.
Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan, which is the highest mountain of Peninsular Malaysia soars 2,187 meters above sea level and is located in Taman Negara. The arduous yet memorable trek is a delight for adventure seekers.
Accommodation is affordable and options include jungle lodges and dorms. The park offers many camping and full board packages at very reasonable rates. Packages are even available from Singapore direct to Taman Negara.
