Kelantan

Malaysia’s northeasternmost state is often considered to be a waypoint between Thailand and the white-sand beaches of Pulau Perhentian, Redang or Kapas. Those who don’t linger miss out experiencing a stronghold of traditional Malay culture and one of Southeast Asia’s great buffer zones, combining a distinctive blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai cultures.

Ride the jungle railway inland to feast on blue rice and spot siamang gibbons, or join the bustle at Kota Bharu's markets and Chinatown. Kelantan is one of Malaysia’s most conservative regions, and the state has been ruled by the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) since 1990. It is one of only two states left under PAS rule after the 2018 elections. PAS has made ongoing attempts to introduce strict sharia laws, but this has been continually overruled by the federal government. Despite the conservative political environment, the Kelantanese are friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Explore Kelantan

0

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kelantan.

  • Beach

    Pantai Cahaya Bulan

    Kota Bharu’s main beach was once known as Pantai Cinta Berahi, or the Beach of Passionate Love. In keeping with Islamic sensibilities, it’s now known as…

  • Cultural Centre

    Gelanggang Seni

    Local cultural events, including gasing uri (top-spinning), silat (a Malay martial art), kite-making, drumming and shadow-puppet shows are held regularly…

  • Museum

    Bank Kerapu

    Built in 1912 for the Mercantile Bank of India, the Bank Kerapu building was the first stone structure built in Kelantan. During WWII it was the HQ of the…

  • Museum

    Istana Jahar

    Kota Bharu’s best museum focuses on Kelantanese ritual and crafts. It's housed in a beautiful chocolate-brown building that dates back to 1887 and is…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Maisuwankiri

    Wat Maisuwankiri, near the village of Kampung Bukit Tanah, boasts a ‘floating temple’, a richly decorated dragon boat surrounded by a murky moat.

  • Museum

    Muzium Islam

    Muzium Islam occupies an old villa once known as Serambi Mekah (Verandah to Mecca) – a reference to its days as Kelantan’s first school of Islamic…

  • State Park

    Gunung Stong State Park

    Named for the 1422m-high Gunung Stong mountain, this 219.5 sq km park, only 15km from Dabong, features beautiful stepped waterfalls and offers amazing…

  • Cave

    Gua Ikan

    Close to Dabong this cave features a limestone grotto carved out by a flowing river that can rise rapidly and dangerously after rain. Usually, however, it…

  • Arts Centre

    Kampung Kraftangan

    This handicraft market, a touristy affair opposite Istana Batu, has a one-room museum with displays of woodcarving, batik-making and other crafts.

  • Museum

    Muzium Negeri Kelanta

    Next to the tourist information centre, this is the official state museum. The exhibits on Kelantan’s history and culture are interesting, but the…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Phothivihan

    Wat Phothivihan features a colourful 40m-long reclining Buddha statue. It is one of the largest Buddhist statues in Southeast Asia.

  • Buddhist Statue

    Wat Pikulthong

    On the apex of a mound of earth, this gold mosaic standing Buddha shimmers under a tropical sun.

  • Museum

    Istana Batu

    The pale-yellow building, constructed in 1939, was the crown prince’s palace until it was donated to the state. Now a museum, the richly furnished rooms…

  • Public Art

    Streetart Gallery

    This colourful display of street art covers several connecting back alleys between Jln Ismail and Jln Dato Pati. There are depictions of smiling locals at…

  • Mosque

    State Mosque

    The original wooden mosque built here in 1867 was replaced by the current masonry and concrete structure in 1922. It can accommodate over 2000 worshippers…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Kok Seraya

    Wat Kok Seraya features a golden stupa and a statue of a standing female Buddha.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Kelantan.

  • Activities