25 Best Things to Do in Kelantan, Malaysia

Kelantan is a diverse state in northeast Malaysia, with culture, beaches, nature and food. From Kota Bharu's markets to Pantai Cahaya Bulan's beaches, there is plenty to do. These 25 things to do in Kelantan cover the best attractions and experiences.

Kota Bharu

1. Visit Pasar Siti Khadijah

Pasar Siti Khadijah is the main market in Kota Bharu, popular for food, produce and local products. See our best markets and shopping places in Kota Bharu guide.

2. Visit Istana Jahar

Istana Jahar is a traditional palace in Kota Bharu, now a museum. See our best places to visit in Kota Bharu guide.

3. Visit the Kelantan State Museum

The Kelantan State Museum covers the history and culture of Kelantan. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kota Bharu guide.

4. Visit Masjid Muhammadi

Masjid Muhammadi is a mosque in Kota Bharu, a landmark of the city. See our best places to visit in Kota Bharu guide.

5. Visit Kampung Kraftangan

Kampung Kraftangan is a craft village in Kota Bharu, showcasing traditional crafts like batik and songket. See our best cultural places in Kelantan guide.

6. Visit Gelanggang Seni

Gelanggang Seni is a cultural centre in Kota Bharu, showcasing traditional arts and performances. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best cultural places in Kelantan guide.

7. Visit Bank Kerapu

Bank Kerapu is a historic building in Kota Bharu, now a museum. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kota Bharu guide.

Food

8. Try Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with blue rice, herbs and fish. It is a must-try dish. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

9. Try Nasi Dagang

Nasi Dagang is a traditional Kelantan dish, made with glutinous rice, fish curry and coconut milk. It is a must-try dish. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

10. Try Laksam

Laksam is a traditional Kelantan noodle dish, made with flat noodles and fish broth. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

11. Try Ayam Percik

Ayam Percik is a grilled chicken dish, made with a spicy coconut sauce. It is a popular Kelantan dish. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

12. Visit Kota Bharu Food Places

Kota Bharu has a range of food places, from traditional Kelantan dishes to local favourites. See our best food places in Kota Bharu guide.

Beaches

13. Visit Pantai Cahaya Bulan

Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB) is the most popular beach in Kelantan, near Kota Bharu. See our best beaches in Kelantan guide.

14. Visit Pantai Irama

Pantai Irama (Beach of Melody) is a beach in Bachok, popular with families. See our best beaches in Kelantan guide.

15. Visit Pantai Bisikan Bayu

Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Whispering Wind Beach) is a beach in Pasir Puteh, known for its casuarina trees. See our best beaches in Kelantan guide.

16. Do Things at Pantai Cahaya Bulan

There are many things to do at Pantai Cahaya Bulan, from relaxing on the beach to trying local food. See our things to do at Pantai Cahaya Bulan guide.

Tumpat

17. Visit Wat Phothivihan

Wat Phothivihan is a Buddhist temple in Tumpat, with a large reclining Buddha. See our best places to visit in Tumpat guide.

18. Visit Wat Machimmaram

Wat Machimmaram is a Buddhist temple in Tumpat, known for its large seated Buddha. See our best places to visit in Tumpat guide.

Nature

19. Hike Gunung Stong

Gunung Stong is a mountain in Kelantan, popular with hikers. See our best nature attractions in Kelantan guide.

20. Visit Gua Musang

Gua Musang is a town in southern Kelantan, known for its caves, mountains and forests. See our best places to visit in Gua Musang guide.

21. Visit Waterfalls

Kelantan has a range of waterfalls, from popular family-friendly spots to remote nature destinations. See our best waterfalls in Kelantan guide.

Culture

22. Visit Cultural Places

Kelantan has a rich cultural heritage, with museums, craft villages and cultural centres. See our best cultural places in Kelantan guide.

23. Watch Wayang Kulit

Wayang Kulit is a traditional shadow puppet performance, popular in Kelantan. Check current performance schedules with local sources. See our best cultural places in Kelantan guide.

Road Trips

24. Drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan

Kelantan is about 5-6 hours from Kuala Lumpur by road. See our KL to Kelantan road trip guide.

25. Follow a Kota Bharu 3-Day Itinerary

Follow our Kota Bharu 3-day itinerary for a planned trip to Kota Bharu.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Kelantan is accessible by road, rail and air. Kota Bharu has an airport with flights from Kuala Lumpur. See our Kelantan travel guide guide.
• Getting around: A car is the best way to explore Kelantan, especially for nature destinations. See our Kelantan car rental guide.
• Weather: Kelantan is hot and humid year-round. The monsoon season (November to January) can bring heavy rain.
• Beaches: Check water quality before swimming. Follow safety notices. Avoid swimming during the monsoon season.
• Culture: Kelantan is a conservative state. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites. Respect local customs.
• Attractions: Check current operating status for attractions before visiting. Conditions can change.

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Kelantan?

The best things to do include visiting Kota Bharu's markets, trying local food, visiting beaches and exploring nature. See our places to visit in Kelantan guide.

How many days do I need in Kelantan?

3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions. See our Kota Bharu 3-day itinerary guide.

What is Kelantan famous for?

Kelantan is famous for its culture, traditional food, beaches and heritage. See our Kelantan travel guide guide.

Conclusion

Kelantan is a diverse state with culture, beaches, nature and food. For more ideas, see our places to visit in Kelantan, Kelantan travel guide and Kelantan car rental guide guides. For exploring beyond Kelantan, see our Pahang travel guide and Kedah travel guide guides.