The Culture Center located on Jalan Mahmud near Perdana Hotel is a showcase of Kelantan’s rich cultural heritage. Demonstrations of the popular folk arts and pastimes of Kelantan such as wayang kulit (shadow play), dikir barat, silat (martial art), main gasing (top spinning), rebana ubi (giant drum), wau (kite flying) can be witnessed here.

In the evening, cultural performances featuring traditional Malay music and wayang kulit take center stage.

The cultural center is open from March until October and is closed during Ramadhan, the fasting month as well as in November and December.

Giant Drum demonstration

A colorful wau (giant kite)

Pancak Silat demonstration & Kelantan giant top

Dikir-barat, group singing to a mesmerizing tune and infectious rhythm.

Built in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail, the Royal Museum is housed within the Istana Batu, previously used as the venue for royal weddings and as a guesthouse for royalty. Today it serves as a repository for regalia and palace items belonging to former sultans.

The exhibitions include silverware, bedroom items and furniture from the royal household. A photo exhibition of the late Sultan of Kelantan is also on display.

Royal Museum

In 1887, Sultan Muhammad the second built Istana Jahar for his grandson, Long Kundur. Today the palace has been converted into a museum by the state government. The photos, exhibit and artifacts on Kelantan’s cultural heritage as well as the museum’s intricate woodcarvings will enthrall visitors, testimony to the fine craftsmanship of the Kelantanese.

Open hour: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm daily (except Fridays)

Istana Jahar

Islamic Museum

The history of Islam in Kelantan is well documented in the artifacts and inscriptions exhibited here. The establishment of the museum reflects the importance of the state as a center of Islamic learning.

Opening hours: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm daily (except Fridays)

 State Museum

This building was used as the premises of the Land Office from the colonial days until 1990 when major renovations were carried out to convert it into the State Museum. Exhibits of special interest here include the paraphernalia associated with Kelantan’s traditional art. It also served as the main office for the Kelantan State Museum Corporation.

Opening hours: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm daily (except Fridays)

Enjoy a trishaw ride in Kota Bharu

Second world war memorial/Bank Krapu

This historic building presently serves as a repository for memorabilia and documents relating to the Japanese occupation during World War II.

Opening hours: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm daily (except Fridays)

 Handicraft village and craft museum

Kelantan’s exquisite range of handicrafts, which include silverware, songket, batik, and woodcarvings, are displayed and sold here.

Opening hours: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm daily (except Fridays)

Intricate wood carvings on an old palace

   Balai Besar Palace

Built in 1840 by Sultan Muhammad II, the palace is situated in the vicinity of the state mosque. It was formerly the residence of the Kelantanese sultans but now it is only used as the venue for state functions. The palace has a large audience hall, a throne room and a collection of royal regalia.

     Merdeka Square

The Merdeka Square was the site of many historical events in particular the declaration of the independence of Malaysia on 31^st August 1957.

State Mosque

Also known as the “ Al-Muhammadi Mosque” and the “Brick Mosque”, this edifice was completed in 1926, during the reign of Sultan Ismail the fourth after almost a decade. The mosque is the center for missionary activities in the state.

 Kuala Krai Museum and Mini Zoo

Located in Kuala Krai about 64 km from Kota Bharu, the mini zoo is home to a variety of animals such as bears, deer, monkeys and birds. The mini museum houses a collection of preserved animals as well as photographs and documents relating to the founding of Kuala Krai.

Opening hours: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm daily (except Fridays)

 Fishing Village

No visit to Kelantan is complete without a trip to one of its many fishing villages that from the soul of Malaysia’s East Coast. One of the best known of these fishing villages is at Sabak Beach, 14 km from Kota Bharu.

Other activities that one can witness at the village include drying of fish and mending of nets.

The stately Al-Muhammadi Mosque

A colorful beach scene of fishermen selling their catch

Beaches 

Pantai Cahaya Bulan is located on the northeast stretch of the Kelantan coastline, just 9.6 km from Kota Bharu. The beach is shaded by tall casuarinas trees, which provide an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation. Comfortable chalets are available at the beach.

Pantai Irama or the ‘Beach of Melody’ is located 25 km south of Kota Bharu in the district of Bachok. It is reputed to be the most beautiful beach along the entire east coast and is popular with picnickers and campers.

Pantai Bisikan Bayu located near Semerak, in the district of Pasir Putih, 50 km away from Kota Bharu, is famous for its tall casuarinas offering cool shades for picnickers. Its name means ‘Beach of the Whispering Breeze’

Pantai Sri Tujuh another lovely beach 7 km north of Kota Bharu is the venue of the Annual Malaysian International Kite Festival. It is situated close to the Kelantan – Thailand border. The scenic coastline fringing the South China Sea en-route to Pantai Sri Tujuh will enthrall visitors.

Admiring the sunset at Sabak Beach

Balmy Cahaya Bulan Beach

Waterfalls

Kelantan’s emerald forests boast of a number of picturesque waterfalls that provide ideal spots for picnicking and relaxation. Most of these waterfalls are located in the district of Pasir Puteh about 35 km from Kota Bharu.

 Jeram Pasu located at Kampung Padang Pak Amat and accessible by car, is by far the most popular. A dip in its crystal clear icy-water will sooth even the weariest traveler.

Jeram Lenang located about 65 km from Kota Bharu is another favourite spot among the locals. It is also an ideal place for picnicking, relaxing, camping and also jungle trekking. 

Kelantan’s waterfalls are popular picnic spot (Gunung Stong)

River Cruise and Jungle Trekking

 Visitors who are into eco-tourism will enjoy taking a cruise up the Kelantan River into the virgin rainforest of Kelantan. Marvel at the grandeur of the ancient rainforest and alert your senses to signs of wildlife along the way. Another attraction of the cruise is to take in the sights of the revering communities and their activities.

To take river cruise, one has first to get to Kuala Krai, about an hour and a half south of Kota Bharu. At Kuala Krai, take the boat at the riverside jetty to begin the 2 hours cruise that will end in Dabong. 

From Dabong, several options are available. You can either take the train for the return trip back to Wakaf Baru and then to Kota Bharu or proceed to Jelawang for a jungle trekking experience. This requires an overnight stay at one of the chalets located here. Don’t miss visiting the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls, a rewarding experience in spite of the 1 ½ hour’s jungle trek to get there.

Gua Musang also lies in the vicinity Taman Negara amidst the splendor of the world’s oldest rainforest. Explore the many limestone caves, cascading, waterfalls or enjoy a riverboat safari.

Enjoy scenic river boat safari trips

 Alternatively, one can take the southbound train from Dabong to Gua Musang, a 2-½ hours journey. Here is where the majestic Lata Beringin Waterfalls is located. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Lata Beringin, which is noted for its 120m high waterfall. It is accessible via a dirt track leading off from the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang Highway, Lata Beringin is famous for its magnificent view and lush surroundings that make it a popular camping spot.