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Destinations
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Places of Interest |
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Kota Bahru. This is the capital
of Kelantan and a stopping point for many visitors on their way to the
neighbouring Thailand. With a mixture of old and new architectures, it has the
outwardly charms of an ancient city but also modern infrastructure for
convenience. Situated on the northern end of the Kelantan River, which is the
centre of a fertile rice basin, Kota Bahru is also the place where the Kelantan
royal family resides. |
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Fishing Villages. A visit to
Kelantan would not be complete without making at least one fishing village
excursion. Two of the most well known ones here are at Sabak Beach and Kuala
Besar. Both are about 14 to 15km from Kota Bahru. To fully appreciate the
experience, make your way to these places after lunchtime, which is about the
time fishermen arrive back at shore with their daily catch. The scenario that
follows is priceless and you will witness the din associated with sorting the
fresh catches and the haggling between wholesalers and fishermen.
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Water World |
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Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach).
This beach is located at the northeast stretch of the state’s coastline. Known
previously as Beach of Passionate Love, it is an ideal getaway. Its shore is
shaded by swaying casuarinas and coconut palms and is popular among picnic
lovers and campers. Only about 10km from Kota Bahru, the road leading to this
beach is flanked by various cottage industries making and selling handicrafts
such as batik prints, songket, brassware and kites. |
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Pantai Seri Tujuh (Seven Lagoons Beach).
Located near the border with Thailand, it is only seven kilometres from the
state capital. It is also the venue for the annual International Kite Festival.
Pantai Irama (Melody Beach).
Pantai Irama or the Beach of Melody is one of the most pristine beaches along
the coast of Kelantan. Located 25km south of Kota Bahru in the district of
Bachok, the clean stretch is a welcome sight for the tired soul. |
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Pantai Dasar Sabak (Dasar Sabak Beach).
Pantai Dasar Sabak was where the Japanese first landed for their World War II
in December 1941. This beach has a quaint fishing village and many other rural
hamlets that will enthrall visitors with a whole new cultural experience.
Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Whispering Breeze
Beach). Feel the sea breeze run through your hair and whistle in
your ears as stroll along Pantai Bisikan Bayu, which literally means the Beach
of the Whispering Breeze. Located about 50km from Kota Bahru, it is near
Semerak in Pasir Puteh. |
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Nature's Trail |
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Gunung Strong. One of Kelantan’s
highest peaks at 1,422 metres is Gunung Strong. Tackling this mountain is a
challenge not to be missed by adventurers and mountain climbers. Nearby is the
Gua Ikan cave. Its name was derived from a solitary rock that looks like a
fish. Explore the cave and its surroundings and you may just stumble upon
treasures believed stashed away during the Japanese Occupation. |
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Kuala Koh. This is the new entry
point from the north side of Taman Negara. Kuala Koh National park is
surrounded by rainforest and has got lots of activities like jungle trekking,
bird watching, river-rafting, fishing and mountain climbing.
Gua Musang. Nearby to Kuala Koh,
this is a town full of rustic charms and a great place for adventures
especially white water rafting. Other popular activities here are cave
exploring, hiking, trekking and camping. |
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Waterfalls. Cascading waterfalls
are also one of Kelantan’s many attractions. Take a dip in any of these
waterfalls hidden within Kelantan’s lush forest. Most of these waterfalls are
located close to the state capital and are easily accessible by road.
Jeram Pasu and Jeram Lenang.
Jeram Pasu and Jeram Lenang are about 12 metres high and are rejuvenating, to
say the least.
Lata Beringin. Another
interesting waterfall is Lata Beringin, which towers majestically at 120
metres. One of the highest waterfalls in the country, the captivating views
from here of the state’s natural wonders makes it an ideal spot for avid
campers.
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here to find out more about Nature's Trail at other destinations |
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Historical & Heritage |
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Museums |
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Bank Kerapu (War Memorial Museum).
The building this museum occupies was built in 1912 by the Mercantile Bank but
was taken over by the-then Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank after World War II. It
contains a collection of photographs from the Japanese Occupation, as well as
other materials relating to the forced pursuit of the state. |
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Syura Hall (Islamic Museum).
This mosque-like building, which was once known as Serambi Mekah or the ‘Annex
of Mecca’, is where the history of Islam in Kelantan can be found. The ground
floor of the building was once used as a classroom for its first religious
school. On display here are artefacts and inscriptions relating to the
involvement of Kelantan Rulers in spreading Islam. Islamic art, handicrafts as
well as a photographic collection of Prophet Muhammad’s personal belongings are
also on display. |
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Istana Jahar (Royal Customs Museum).
This palace was built in 1887 during Sultan Ahmad’s reign from 1886-1889 for
his son Long Kundur, who eventually succeeded his father to the throne. A work
of art in itself, the palace highlights carved and intricate wooden panels and
frameworks alongside iron staircases – evidence that Kelantanese craftsmen are
among the most gifted around. A visit here will surely leave you trying to
imagine what it must have been like to witness the grandeur of the royal
ceremonies that took place here long ago. |
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Istana Batu (The Royal Museum).
This is the brick extension of Istana Jahar built in 1939. It was turned into
the present museum in 1991. Housing replicas of crown jewels, costumes worn by
royalty and other paraphernalia, the Royal Museum is also a good place to visit
to learn more about the social activities and personal life of the Kelantan
royalty through precious photographs. |
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Muzium Negeri (The State Museum).
The main office for the Kelantan State Museum Corporation, Muzium Negeri houses
an art gallery on ceramics, traditional musical instruments and much more. |
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Masjid Kampung Laut. Believed
to be one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. The mosque was actually dismantled
and rebuilt piece by piece from its original site at Kampung Laut because
floods from the nearby river threatened its structure. The mosque was built
entirely without the use of nails. It is located at Nilam Puri.
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Wat Phothivihan. Located in
kampung Jambu, this is one of the biggest temples in Southeast Asia. The wat
Phothivihan is 40 metres in length, 11 metres in height and 9 metres in
diameter. This temple is also popular among the Thais due to the close distance
to Thailand.
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Zui-Gek
Keng (Water and Moon Temple). On the way from Gua Musang to Kuala
Koh National Park, visitors can drop by Zui-Gek Keng, one of the oldest temples
in Kelantan. It was believed to have been constructed around AD 1426-1435
during the period of Ming Dynasty. |
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Merdeka Square. Previously
known as Padang Kelupang, Merdeka Square is one of many such central civic
spaces in Malaysia. The British built most of the country's padangs as central
open spaces around which revolved the buildings, and the life, of the colonial
administration. When Malaysia declared its independence on 31 August 1957, the
square was renamed Merdeka Square. |
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