Kelantan, Malaysia Travel Guide

Discover Kelantan: A Cultural and Natural Oasis in Malaysia's Northeastern Corner, Rich in Tradition, Art, and Culinary Delights.

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan is a treasure trove of culture, tradition, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Malay heritage, the state offers visitors a glimpse into the life and customs of the local people. Kelantan is often referred to as the 'Cradle of Malay Culture,' and for good reason. From traditional arts and crafts to vibrant festivals, this state is brimming with cultural experiences that are both captivating and educational. The capital city, Kota Bharu, is a bustling hub of activity. Here, you can explore bustling markets like Pasar Siti Khadijah, where colorful stalls sell everything from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts. For history enthusiasts, the city's museums, such as the Kelantan State Museum and the Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, offer fascinating insights into the region's past and its artistic heritage. Nature lovers will find plenty to admire in Kelantan. The state boasts beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and tranquil rivers. One of the most popular natural attractions is the Gunung Stong State Park, home to the impressive Stong Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Whether you're keen on trekking, bird-watching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Kelantan has something for everyone. Kelantan's cuisine is another highlight not to be missed. The local food is rich, flavorful, and distinct from other Malaysian cuisine. Be sure to try local dishes such as Nasi Kerabu, a blue rice dish served with a variety of herbs and meats, and Ayam Percik, grilled chicken marinated in a spicy coconut sauce. The night markets are excellent places to sample these culinary delights while mingling with the friendly locals.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kelantan.

Visit local markets early in the morning for the freshest produce and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and rural areas to respect local customs.
Hire a local guide for trekking in Gunung Stong State Park to ensure you don't miss any hidden gems.
Try local food at night markets for an authentic culinary experience at a reasonable price.
Learn a few basic Malay phrases; the locals appreciate the effort and it enhances your travel experience.

Top City Travel Guides in Kelantan

The cities of Kelantan, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Ipoh

Kota Bharu

Cameron Highlands

Destinations in Kelantan

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Taman Negara National Park

Perhentian Islands

Explore Kelantan: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Kelantan

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Siti Khadijah Market

Explore the vibrant Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu, a cultural hotspot filled with local delicacies, crafts, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.

4.2

Cameron Highlands Flora Park

Explore the vibrant beauty of Cameron Highlands Flora Park in Malaysia, where nature, tranquility, and stunning floral displays await every visitor.

4.8

Green View Garden Cameron Highlands

Explore the enchanting Green View Garden in Cameron Highlands, a hidden gem filled with beautiful flora, delicious food, and serene landscapes for nature lovers.

4.4

Cameron Highland Butterfly Farm

Experience the vibrant world of butterflies and nature at Cameron Highland Butterfly Farm, a must-visit tourist attraction in Malaysia's highlands.

3.8

Best landmarks in Kelantan

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Siti Khadijah Market

Explore the vibrant Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu, a cultural hub offering local delicacies, crafts, and a genuine taste of Kelantanese life.

4.2

Pengkalan Kubor Duty Free Zone

Explore the vibrant Pengkalan Kubor Duty Free Zone in Tumpat, Kelantan - your ultimate destination for unique shopping and local cultural experiences.

4.0

Muhammadi Masjid

Discover the architectural beauty and spiritual richness of Muhammadi Masjid, an iconic landmark in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

4.8

Taman Negara

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Taman Negara, Malaysia's oldest national park, where ancient rainforests and diverse wildlife await your exploration.

4.4

Best restaurants in Kelantan

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Kopitiam Kita

Discover the authentic taste of Malaysia at Kopitiam Kita in Kota Bharu - where every breakfast is a delightful journey.

4.4

Seoul Garden Kota Bharu

Experience authentic Korean cuisine at Seoul Garden Kota Bharu—where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

4.8

Medan Selera R&R Gua Musang

Discover the flavors of Malaysia at Medan Selera R&R Gua Musang – a must-stop culinary haven for every traveler.

4.1

Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu

Experience the rich flavors of traditional Malay cuisine at Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu in Kota Bharu—where every meal tells a story.

4.3

Best bars in Kelantan

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Siti Khadijah Market

Explore the vibrant Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu, a must-visit destination for authentic local culture, exquisite handicrafts, and delicious street food.

4.2

Kopitiam Kita

Discover the authentic flavors of Malaysia at Kopitiam Kita, a must-visit breakfast spot in Kota Bharu for food lovers.

4.4

Perdana Kota Bharu

Experience luxury and comfort at Perdana Kota Bharu, your gateway to the cultural wonders of Kelantan.

4.4

Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu

Discover authentic Malaysian cuisine at Restoran Nasi Ulam Cikgu, where traditional flavors meet a welcoming atmosphere in Kota Bharu.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Kelantan

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Perdana Kota Bharu

Discover luxury and local charm at Perdana Kota Bharu, where comfort meets culture in the heart of Malaysia's vibrant Kelantan state.

4.4

Golden City Restaurant

Experience a taste of Western cuisine in Kota Bharu at Golden City Restaurant, where flavor meets a welcoming atmosphere.

4.3

Jungle Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Jungle Bar in Tanah Rata, where lush surroundings meet a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

4.2

Restoran Kim Leng

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kota Bharu at Restoran Kim Leng, where local culture meets modern bar experience.

4.2

Best shops in Kelantan

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Siti Khadijah Market

Experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Malaysia at Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu, a premier destination for tourists and food lovers alike.

4.2

ÆON Mall Kota Bharu

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at ÆON Mall Kota Bharu, where local culture meets modern retail in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

KB Mall

Explore the bustling KB Mall in Kota Bharu - a shopping haven with diverse stores, delectable dining options, and family-friendly entertainment.

4.3

Zon Bebas Cukai Rantau Panjang, Kelantan.

Experience the vibrant shopping scene at Zon Bebas Cukai Rantau Panjang, Kelantan's premier duty-free market with local flavors and international goods.

4.0

Explore Kelantan on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kelantan, mapped for you.

Kelantan Essentials

Kelantan is located in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The nearest airport is Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan's capital. The airport receives domestic flights from major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. International travelers can fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and then take a connecting flight to Kota Bharu. Alternatively, you can reach Kelantan by bus or train from other parts of Malaysia. The train journey, specifically on the Jungle Railway, offers scenic views of the Malaysian countryside.
In Kelantan, transportation options include taxis, buses, and car rentals. The local bus service, operated by Cityliner and SKMK, connects Kota Bharu with other towns and cities in Kelantan. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps. For a more personalized experience, renting a car is a good option, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Bicycles and motorcycles can also be rented for shorter distances or for a more immersive experience.
The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Kelantan, including in Kota Bharu and other major towns. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport, in banks, and at licensed money changers.
Kelantan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. While Kelantan has a low crime rate, it's best to stay vigilant. Specific areas to be cautious in include some parts of Kota Bharu, especially at night. Always use registered taxis or ride-hailing services to ensure your safety.
In case of emergencies, dial 999 for ambulance, police, or fire services. The main hospital in Kelantan is Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II in Kota Bharu, which provides comprehensive medical services. For minor health issues, there are numerous clinics and pharmacies available. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police station is also available for assistance in case of theft or other emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should consider wearing long skirts or pants and covering their shoulders. Religion: Do respect local Islamic customs. Remove your shoes before entering mosques and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Salam' or handshake. Use your right hand for giving and receiving items. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Kelantanese delicacies like Nasi Kerabu and Ayam Percik. Don’t refuse food offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Kelantan like a local, visit the local markets such as Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kota Bharu, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kelantanese goods. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the chance to watch traditional performances like Wayang Kulit and Mak Yong. For a unique experience, visit the floating market in Tumpat, which is held every weekend.

When is the best time to visit Kelantan?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kelantan

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kelantan. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHai
  [hai]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [səˈlɑːmət ˈtɪŋɡəl]
- YesYa
  [ja]
- NoTak
  [tɑk]
- Please/You're welcomeSila
  [ˈsiːlə]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [təˈrimə ˈkæsi]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mɑːf]
- How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ˈɑːpə ˈkəˈbɑr]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [ˈbaɪk. dæn əˈwɑk]
- Do you speak English?Awak boleh cakap Inggeris?
  [əˈwɑk ˈboʊlɛ ˈtʃɑːk ˈɪŋɡərɪs]
- I don't understandSaya tak faham
  [ˈsaɪə tɑk ˈfæhəm]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya nak tengok menu, sila
  [ˈsaɪə nɑk ˈtɛŋɒk ˈmɛnu, ˈsiːlə]
- I don't eat meatSaya tak makan daging
  [ˈsaɪə tɑk ˈmɑːkən ˈdɑːɡɪŋ]
- Cheers!Selamat!
  [səˈlɑːmət]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya nak bayar, sila
  [ˈsaɪə nɑk ˈbaɪər, ˈsiːlə]
- Help!Tolong!
  [ˈtoʊlɒŋ]
- Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [pərˈɡi ˈdʒɑʊ]
- Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [ˈpæŋɡɪl pəˈliːs]
- Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [ˈpæŋɡɪl ˈdɑːktər]
- I'm lostSaya sesat
  [ˈsaɪə səˈsɑːt]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [ˈsaɪə ˈsækɪt]
- I'd like to buy...Saya nak beli...
  [ˈsaɪə nɑk bəˈli...]
- I'm just lookingSaya cuma tengok
  [ˈsaɪə ˈtʃuːmə ˈtɛŋɒk]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [bəˈrɑːpə ˈhɑːrɡənɪə]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ˈɪtu tərˈlɑːʊ ˈmɑːhɑl]
- Can you lower the price?Boleh turunkan harga?
  [ˈboʊlɛ ˈtuːrʊŋkɑn ˈhɑːrɡə]
- What time is it?Jam berapa?
  [jɑm bəˈrɑːpə]
- It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jɑm ˈsɑːtu]
- Half past (10)Setengah (10)
  [səˈtɛŋə (10)]
- MorningPagi
  [ˈpɑːɡi]
- AfternoonPetang
  [pəˈtɑːŋ]
- EveningMalam
  [ˈmɑːləm]
- YesterdaySemalam
  [səˈmɑːləm]
- TodayHari ini
  [ˈhɑːri ˈiːni]
- TomorrowEsok
  [ˈɛsɒk]
- 1Satu
  [ˈsɑːtu]
- 2Dua
  [ˈduə]
- 3Tiga
  [ˈtiːɡə]
- 4Empat
  [ˈɛmpɑt]
- 5Lima
  [ˈliːmɑ]
- 6Enam
  [əˈnɑːm]
- 7Tujuh
  [ˈtuːdʒʊh]
- 8Lapan
  [ˈlɑːpən]
- 9Sembilan
  [səˈbɪlən]
- 10Sepuluh
  [səˈpʊlʊh]
- Where's a/the...?Di mana...?
  [di ˈmɑːnə...?]
- What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ˈɑːpə əˈlɑːmɑt]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan (pada peta)?
  [ˈboʊlɛ ˈtuːnʤʊkən (ˈpɑdə ˈpɛtə)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [ˈbila bɑs səˈtɛrʊsnjə?]
- A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ˈtɪkɪt (kə ....)]

History of Kelantan

Kelantan, known as 'The Land of Lightning,' has a rich history dating back to the first millennium CE. It was originally part of the Langkasuka kingdom and later became a significant region within the Srivijaya Empire. By the 12th century, Kelantan had established itself as an independent sultanate under the rule of local chieftains.
In the 14th century, Kelantan fell under the influence of the Majapahit Empire. By the early 15th century, it became a tributary state to the Malacca Sultanate, which brought it into the fold of the larger Malay Muslim world. The spread of Islam significantly influenced the region's culture and governance.
Throughout the 19th century, Kelantan's strategic location made it a focal point of British and Siamese interests. The 1909 Anglo-Siamese Treaty saw Kelantan being transferred from Siamese to British control as part of the Unfederated Malay States. This period saw significant administrative and infrastructural changes.
Kelantan was the first point of invasion for Japanese forces in Malaya during World War II. The Japanese landed on December 8, 1941, and quickly occupied the state. This period was marked by hardship and significant changes in local governance.
After Malaya gained independence in 1957, Kelantan became part of the newly formed Federation of Malaya, which later became Malaysia in 1963. Known for its strong adherence to traditional Malay culture and Islamic values, Kelantan has maintained a unique socio-political landscape, often governed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).
Kelantan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly the traditional shadow-puppet theatre known as Wayang Kulit and the classical Malay dance-drama called Mak Yong. These art forms have been recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Kelantan is famous for its intricate batik and songket textiles. These traditional crafts are not only a testament to the state's artistic heritage but also play an essential role in its economy. Visitors can explore numerous workshops and markets showcasing these beautiful textiles.
Kelantan holds a significant place in the Islamic history of Malaysia. The state is home to some of the oldest mosques, such as the Kampung Laut Mosque, and numerous religious schools that contribute to the strong Islamic identity of the region.