The most rustic of the three states in the region, Kelantan truly lives up to its name as the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture’. The state’s landscape is a charming blend of quaint villages, small towns and riverine settlements. Amidst the houses built on stilts and covered with thatched roofs, one can revel in the time-honoured Malay heritage and culture.
The capital city of Kelantan is Kota Bharu.
Kelantan’s hinterland is a dramatic mix of mountains, caves and pristine jungles. Scale the imposing Mount Stong or trek into the Kuala Koh National Park.
Experience the rustic charm of Kelantan!
Places of Interest:
- Handicraft Village – this is a good place to begin your tour of Kota Bharu. Set within a beautiful courtyard, the complex houses a Craft Museum, souvenir shops, tourismoffices and a restaurant. Browse through the unique handicrafts and souvenirs or watch the cultural performances held occasionally. Visitors can drop by at the tourism offices here for more information on the state’s attractions.
Opening hours: . 0am- 4.45pm(Closed on Friday) Admission to the Handicraft Village is free, but there are separate charges to enter the museum.
- Craft Museum – Viewan impressive collection of the state’s crafts, from embroidered fabrics, songket, batik, silver to pandanus mats. Visitors can learn about the history and the processes of making these unique handicrafts. Opening hours: 8.30am- 4.45pm (Closed on Friday) Admission fee: RM .00 (Malaysian) RM2.00 (non-Malaysian)
- Cottage Industries & Crafts – Kelantan is famed for its arts and crafts. Although many craft items are now produced on a big scale by factories, cottage industries continue to thrive and handmade crafts are very much in demand. one of the best places to see cottage industries is the stretch of road that leads to Pantai Cahaya Bulan. Here, batik fabric in various shades can be seen drying out in the sun, while roadside stalls offer prettily-decorated giant kites, bags and many interesting souvenirs.
- Cultural Centre – folk arts and traditional performances are the signature attractions of Kelantan. At the Cultural Centre, visitors will get a chance to enjoy some of the age-old cultural performances that are rarely seen anywhere else.
- Siti Khadijah Market – this bustling bazaar is a landmark attraction and one of the most photographed buildings in the state. locals flock here for a profusion of items, from fruits, vegetables, pickles to freshly ground spices. A section of the building is devoted to local desserts and goodies.
- Kuala Koh National Park
- Al-Muhammadi Mosque
- War Museum
- State Museum
- Royal Museum
- Istana Balai Besar
- Buddhist Temple Tumpat