.: Welcome to Kelantan :.

A kaleidoscope of colourful traditions and the warmth, hospitality and old world charm of the Kelantanese people will envelop you in this northern state. With a population which continues to take pleasure in enjoying the simple things in life, age-old customs of their forefathers are held dear and still feature strongly in their daily lives. Kelantan’s rich heritage and traditions complemented by beautiful beaches and idyllic rural villages will be among the highlights of your visit to this state.

Geography
Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning," is located in the north-east of Peninsular Malaysia. Bordered by Thailand to the north, Terengganu to the south-east, Perak to the west, and Pahang to the south, much of its east coast faces the South China Sea.

Mostly a rural state in Kelantan you will be surrounded by an abundance of paddy fields, quaint fishing villages and beaches lined with gently swaying casuarinas trees. You will find that even its capital, Kota Bharu. by far the most developed location in the state, exudes an old-world charm with a mixture of old and new architecture throughout the town. Kota Bharu has the charms of an old-fashioned city with modern infrastructure conveniences. An interesting way of exploring the town would be to use its famous ornate and colourful trishaws.

History & Culture
Kelantan boasts of a historical past going as far back as 8000 B.C which includes links with the ancient Imperial Court of China and as a regional centre of Islamic learning.

In the 18th century, the provinces that now form the state of Kelantan came under the powerful warrior, Long Yunus, whose descendents presently make-up the royal house of Kelantan. The state came under Thai and British influence before becoming part of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

The current population of Kelantan is approximately 1.5 million. The vast majority of the people in Kota Bharu are Kelantanese Malay Muslims, and the balance other races such as Chinese, Indian and Thai. Being near the Thai border Thai influence is strong in many areas of the state, including the local cuisine. The Kelantanese dialect is also a unique mix of Bahasa Malaysia and Thai.

Getting There & About
An excellent network of roads in Peninsular Malaysia allows you to drive comfortably to Kelantan from most major towns. Travelling from Kuala Lumpur using the Karak Highway eastwards takes you through Pahang and Terengganu in a matter of hours. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, hop into a comfortable express bus or take a train to Wakaf Bharu or Tumpat stations. There are also daily flights from KL to the capital city.

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Eco-Adventures
Gunung Stong One of Kelantan’s highest peaks at 1,433 metres is Gunung Stong. Tackling this mountain is a challenge not to be missed by adventurers and mountain climbers. Also pay a visit to the nearby Gua Ikan or Fish Cave which derived its name from a solitary rock shaped like a fish. Explore the cave and its surroundings and you may just stumble upon treasures believed to have been stashed aw >>> more

Heritage Discovery
For some insight into the origins of Kelantan’s unique cultural heritage, your best points of reference would be the various Museums located near Padang Merdeka (Independence Square) many of which are within walking distance of each other.The Museums are open daily except on Fridays. >>> more

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