At the Beach of Seven Lagoons Tumpat, you can watch the skilled Kelantanese making tastefully crafted boats.
Virtually the whole state of Kelantan is a tourist attraction.Its rich cultural heritage and tradition makes it one of the most interesting destinations for the tourists. Some of the tourist attractions of the state are:-
1.Beaches
Kelantan has long stretches of clean,sparkling white,virgin beaches:-
Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB)
This lovely stretch of shimmering sand is perhaps Kelantan's most famous beach. Fringed by swaying casuarinas and coconut palms, it is the perfect getaway for the world-weary.
It is 10km north of Kota Bharu and is accessible by taking SKMK Bus No. 10 which departs from the Central Market every 20 to 25 minutes.
Pantai Irama
Pantai lrama situated in the district of Bachok about 25 km south of Kota Bharu, it is believed by some to be the most beautiful beach along the entire east coast! It is a hit with picnickers and campers alike.
To reach it, take bus No. 2A/2B to Bachok.
Pantai Bisikan Bayu
This beach is located near Semerak in the district of Pasir Puteh, about 50 km away from Kota Bharu. It is also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu. Tall casuarinas offer restful shade where families can enjoy a picnic.
From the main terminal, take-Bus No. 3 to Pasir Puteh. Then take Bus No. 96 to Kuala Besut.
Pantai Seri Tujuh
Venue of the International Kite Festival, this beach lies on the border of Thailand and Kelantan at Kampung Tujuh in Tumpat, about 7 km from Kota Bharu.
Take Bus No. 43 from the main terminal and enjoy the scenic ride along the way.
Pantai Sabak
Japanese army first landed in Malaya during World War II at this beach!
Cottage industries in Kelantan at present are mainly handicrafts and food products.The handicrafts include Batik Printing,exquisite silverware making,Kain Songket (cloth woven with silver and gold threads)Weaving and intricate wood carvings.The art of Songket Weaving and Batik Printing can be observed at Kg.Penambang and Pantai Cahaya Bulan. You will be thrilled to see the Kelantanese craftsmen making the silverware at Kampong Moraki.The silverware are crafted with traditional skill and imagination.You can enjoy the art of Kite Making at Kg.Penambang,Kg.Redang and Kg.Kijang!
3.Mosques
1. The State Mosque at Kota Bharu with its unique European influenced architecture. 2. The Masjid al-Sultan Ismail Petra mosque at Kota Bharu 3. The oldest mosque in Malaysia is at Nilam Puri,Kelantan.It was originally built in Kampung Laut.To save it from erosion the Malaysian Historical Society arranged for its relocation to Nilam Puri.This wooden mosque is said to be built without a single nail!This mosque is a must to all visitors of Kelantan. 4. The old mosque of Pulai Chondong is famous for its wooden minaret.
4.Buddhist Temples(Wats)
There are about 20 Buddhist temples(Wats) in Kelantan.Most of them are in the district of Tumpat. The notable ones are:- 1.Wat Phothivihan which has the second longest Reclining Buddha in the world! 2.Wat Pikulthong which houses a Standing Buddha 3.Wat Machimnaram which has a Sitting Buddha
5.Resort Islands
Although Kelantan does not have any resort islands of its own,Pulau Perhentian is just about 1 1/2 hours drive by fishing boat.(Speed boats take about half an hour)This island and the neighbouring Pulau Kepas,Pulau Redang,Pulau Lang ( all are in Terengganu) are great for swimming,scuba driving and snorkelling.The water is crystal clear and the coral is magnificient!
A surprising sight at this market is that most of the traders are women!
Right in the center of Kota Bharu is an area designated as the Cultural Zone of Kelantan.The following are included in this zone:- 1.Royal Museum ( Istana Batu) 2.Islamic Museum/Syura Hall 3.War Museum 4.Royalty Tradition and Custom Museum 5.Handicraft Village and Craft Museum 5.Palace with the large Audience Hall(Istana Balai Besar) 6.Merdeka Square 7.State Mosque 8.Balai Kubu Shopping Bazaar
8.Boat Building
At the Beach of Seven Lagoons Tumpat, you can watch the skilled Kelantanese making tastefully crafted boats.
This is a must for every tourist!Cultural activities and games are demonstrated at this center every Saturday,Monday and Wednesday from March - October every year.The Cultural Center (Gelanggang Seni) is at Jalan Mahmood(near Perdana Hotel).The showtime is 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm and 9.00pm - 11.00 pm.Admission is FREE!
10.Stone Age Sites
The caves above Gua Musang in southern Kelantan have yielded evidence of Stone Age dewellers. Gunung Reng is a spectacular rock at Batu Melintang.It is a source of many legend and probably a Stone Age site.
11.Border Towns
Rantau Panjang,near the Thai border is a popular site for visitors looking for good bargains.Another border town,Pengkalen Kubor has a Duty Free Zone where goods can be bought at duty free prices.
12.Nature and Wild Life
Southern Kelantan occupies part of the Gunung Tahan National Park.Jungle trekking and river rafting are popular activities here.
