Kelantan

Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is a veritable treasure throve of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches.

Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture.

Introduction Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is a veritable treasure throve of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches. Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture. Here, colourful kites soar upwards defying gravity and giant drums reverberate. Shadow puppets mesmerise audiences and giant tops provide hours of endless fun.

Kelantan has a population of about 1.4 million ; 95% is Malay with Chinese, Indians and Orang Asli making up the rest. Kelantanese are renowned for their warmth and friendliness. Kelantan Darul Naim is a world of gracious beauty, retaining an old-world charm that few can resist. Come, let her natural attributes work their magic on you!

Getting There

Travel Tips
Malaysia Airlines links Kota Bharu to the major towns in the peninsula. Trains are available at the Wakaf Bharu Station and Sungai Golok Station. There are adequate taxis and buses plying between the capital and outlying districts.

Car rental agencies are plentiful. Travel agents can easily plan a hassle-free holiday for you.

By Air
Daily flights are available to and from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johore Bahru. For reservations please contact,
Malaysia Airlines : Tel: 09-7447000 / 7443482 / 7443346
Airport Tel No: 09-737000

By Road
There is an excellent network of roads linking the major towns in Peninsular Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang a journey of about 3 hours.

The rest of the journey from Kuantan to Kota Bharu takes about 4 1/2 hours. The route heads northward along the coast passing through picturesque villages and providing scenic vistas of the palm-fringed beaches overlooking the azure waters of the South China Sea.

The inland route to Kota Bharu turns off the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu. An alternative route exits the Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en-route to Kota Bharu.

From Penang, one has to get to Grik via Sungai Petani in Kedah and then travel along the scenic East-West Highway to Jeli in Kelantan before continuing the journey to Kota Bharu.

There are regular air-conditioned express bus services between Kuala Lumpur, as well as major towns in Kota Bharu.

By Taxi
Taxi services are available on a basis of four passengers to a taxi. Time of departure will depend on its full loads.

Daily Taxi Service Rates
DESTINATION	RATE (Per Person)
Kota Bharu - Kuala Terengganu	RM12 - RM15
Kota Bharu - Gua Musang	RM12 - RM15
Kota Bharu - Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang, Ipoh.	RM25 - RM40 (According to the distance travelled)
Airport	RM10

By Rail
There are two stations in Kola Bharu. Both stations are accessible by bus No: 19 or 27.
Visitors are advised to use Wakaf Bharu Station.

Express trains depart daily for various destinations throughout Kelantan and major towns in Peninsular Malaysia right up to Singapore. Train schedules are subject to alteration at short notice.

Please contact the nearest station master for further details. For enquiries please call: 09 - 796989, 966168, 966169. (Traffic Division).

By Bus
Air-conditioned bus services are available from Kota Bharu to various major towns within Peninsular Malaysia and up to Singapore at reasonable rates

Beach

Cahaya Bulan Beach / Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB)

Formerly known as the Beach of Passionate Love or Pantai Cinta Berahi, this is a picture post card beach. The name was then changed to the current name, which means the "Moonlight Beach". This lovely stretch of shimmering sand is perhaps Kelanian's most famous beach. Its warm golden sands and crystal blue waters amidst tall and graceful palms encourages one to just lay on the sand and bask in the sun. Fringed by swaying casuarinas and coconut palms, providing the ideal place for picnics, camping and relaxation. It is the perfect getaway for the world-weary.

The beach stretches to about 1.2km. Cahaya Bulan Beach is definately a croud puller during the weekends, popular among the local to bath under the sun and cherish the tranquility offered by the natural beauty of the coastal East Coast. The abundance of cultural and artistic shops decorating the path to Cahaya Bulan Beach adding to its charm and beauty to this stretch of beach.

Visitors can stop by the multitute of artifat shops while passing some scenic villages and discover some of Kelantan's rich heritage, including batik prints, songket, kites and copper-tooled handicrafts. Feel free to drop by and have an hands-on to understand the technicality of producing such an intricate artifacts as most of the outlets welcomes visitors.

Irama Beach / Pantai Irama
(Beach of Melody)

Irama Beach (Beach of Melody) It also name as Beach of Melody whose exquisite beauty has inspired a lyrical name. Pantai lrama (Beach of Melody) situated in the district of Bachok about 25 km south of Kota Bharu.

Many who have been Irama Beach have come back declaring it the most beautiful beach on the entire east coast! So, it is believed that Irama Beach is the most beautiful beach in Kelantan.

Irama Beach is a hit with picnickers and.campers alike. It offers choice picnic spots and eating stalls. Indeed, the beach lives up to this claim with good facilities, clear waters and gentle slopes. It has stretches of clean, white sand, swaying palms and casuarinas. It is no wonder that throngs of people visit the place year after year.

Bisikan Bayu Beach / Pantai Bisikan Bayu
(Beach of the Whispering Breeze)

Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of the Whispering Breeze) Pantai Bisikan Bayu or Beach of the Whispering Breeze - a name so beautiful truly befits the location. It is also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu.

This beach is located both north and south of the village of Semerak in the district of Pasir Puteh, about 50 km away from Kota Bharu. Tall casuarinas offer restful shade where families can enjoy a picnic. The gentle breezes rustle the casuarina needles producing a hushed sound.

There is also lush greenery around the area that makes lazing under the sun a lot cosier and relaxing. Surfing can be good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find excellent sport

Seri Tujuh Beach / Pantai Seri Tujuh
(Beach of Seven Lagoons)

Pantai Seri Tujuh is the venue for Annual Malaysian International Kite Festival which held in Kelantan every year. This beach lies on the border of Thailand and Kelantan at Kampung Tujuh in Turnpat, about 7 km from Kota Bharu. This pristine beach is sheltered by the longest lagoon in Malaysia.

The beach has a variety of food and drink stalls as well as public amenities. Visitors will be enthralled by the scenic coastline fringing the South-China Sea en-route to Pantai Seri Tujuh.

Take Bus No. 43 from the main terminal and enjoy the scenic ride along the way.