No visit to Kelantan would be complete without a trip to a fishing village dubbed “the soul of Malaysia’s East Coast”. Two of the most well-known villages are the Sabak Beach (approx. 14 km from Kota Bharu) and Kuala Besar (15 km from Kota Bharu).
If you wish to fully capture the moment, you should arrive no later than 2:30 pm when the boats laden with the day’s catch are first spotted on the horizon. As they come ashore. their intricately carved prows are a riot of colours. Then the bargaining begins between wholesalers and the fishermen – a noisy but interesting ritual.

You will also be able to witness other related activities such as fish-curing and the mending of nets. Buses No. 8 and 9 depart every half hour from the old market terminal to Sabak Beach.

Bus No. 28 leaves from the New Central Market to Kuala Besar every half hour.

Shopping

Central Market (siti Khadijah Market)

Kelantan offers a fascinating variety of local handicrafts. This is supplemented by merchandise from Thailand which is available at the Malaysian border towns of Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubur.

In the shops, richly coloured silks are displayed alongside batik scarves, prints and songket textiles.

In the mornings, the pulse of Kota Bharu is the Central Market (renamed the Siti Khadijah market).

The majority of the traders here are women and the profusion of colours, aromas and sounds bear testimony to the variety of goods on sale.

Fruits and vegetables of all colours, shapes and sizes are everywhere while cakes, spices, sweetmeats, preserved foods, pickles and dried seafood flood the senses with their scents.

Bazaar Buluh Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar)

This three-storey shopping complex is stocked with just about everything imaginable and at bargain prices.

The sheer variety of locally made souvenirs, knick-knacks, batik, gold and silver songket, fine silverware and imported Thai goods leaves visitors in awe.

A wide choice of clothes, t-shirts, sarongs and hats are also offered at reasonable prices.

Jalan Temenggong

Virtually the whole street is lined with craft shops selling gold and silver jewellery, textiles, brassware and wood carvings

Be prepared to bargain and search for the best deal.

Cottage Industries

Kelantan’s cottage industries are found mainly on the outskirts of Kota Bharu with the majority being within 10 km of the town centre.

For silvercraft, Kampung Marak, Kampung Sireh and Kampung Badang are the most well known. Famed for their intricate designs, Kelantan silverware offers traditional and decorative items from vases to jewellery.

Only 4 km north of Kota Bharu, at Kampung Penambang, is a songket weaving factory. Here, silk material is woven with gold and silver thread. Originally, the silk material came from Thailand while the gold and silver threads were imported from India.

The use of songket material was once reserved for royalty, but now it is used for ceremonial occasions and weddings by the common people.

Batik factories are found in Kampung Putih, Kubor Kuda and Kampung Badan. A visit to a batik factory gives an insight into the process of batik printing. In the past, basic cotton materials were printed using the stamp block method. Now much more sophisticated methods are used on a variety of materials, both for attire and as wall hangings.

Kelantanese wood carving is perhaps among the best in the region. Carvers produce ornate mirror frames, head boards, decorative panels for wall mounting or free-standing lamp stands and more. The great majority of the designs reflect floral motifs and Islamic scriptures.

The art of kite making, although not restricted to Kelantan, is of the highest quality and sophistication here. Kites of all shapes and sizes take to the skies, especially after the harvest season, and Kelantanese kites are without doubt the finest in the land. Requiring tremendous skill and patience, the art of kite-making is usually handed down from father to son. Some of these kites carry names such as ‘Wau Bulan’ (moon kite), ‘Wau Kuching’ (cat kite) and ‘Wau Merak’ (peacock kite).

There are numerous shops in Kota Bharu and many more along the road to Pantai Cahaya Bulan selling and displaying a vast array of gaily decorated kites.

Wakaf Che Yeh

“Wakaf Che Yeh along Jalan Kuala Krai in Kota Bharu is a favourite shopping destination in Kelantan and attracts people from all over.”

Wakaf Che Yeh along Jalan Kuala Krai in Kota Bharu is a favourite shopping destination in Kelantan and attracts people from all over. This place is actually a huge 24-hour market, which is more active at night when traders set up numerous stalls selling unusual local food, exotic tropical fruits, cheap clothes, second hand goods as well as fresh produce

Pengkalan Kubor

“Right on the Thai border, Pengkalan Kubor is the immigration check point for this little used back route to Thailand.”

Right on the Thai border, Pengkalan Kubor is the immigration check point for this little used back route to Thailand. During the day, a large car ferry (50 sen for pedestrians) crosses the river over to busy Tak Bai in Thailand.

It’s a tax-free zone, so the shopping is good if you know how to bargain — electronic goods, houseware items, and clothes are popular items. The road from Kota Bharu passes through some of the most traditional villages in Kelantan.

Rantau Panjang

Rantau Panjang is a major road crossing between Malaysia and Thailand.  Rantau Panjang is about 40km from Kota Bharu, the state capital of Kelantan. The road between Kota Baru and Rantau Panjang goes via Pasir Mas. Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok are linked by the short “Harmony Bridge” over the Golok River.

Although there is a railway line linking Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas where it joins the main East Coast line, there are no passenger train services. The nearest station is Pasir Mas on what is known as the Jungle Railway. The town can be reached by bus or taxi.

A bridge links Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok. The Malaysian immigration is right in the middle of town just before the bridge. Most people without their own transport walk across the border.

Rantau Panjang is small enough to be covered on foot. The bus station is located about 100 meters from the Malaysian immigration complex.

Shopping at the duty-free zone in town. Numerous shops offering items like electronic goods, clothes, cigarettes and others.

Located on Jalan Mahmud close to the Perdana Hotel, the cultural centre is a veritable showcase of the living heritage of Kelantan. Demonstrations of popular folk arts and pastimes are held daily.

Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry) shows, Silat (the Malay art of self-defence) performances, Gasing (top spinning) displays, Wau (kite flying) and Rebana (Giant Drum) playing can all be seen at the centre.

In the evenings, visitors can see cultural performances featuring traditional Malay music and Wayang Kulit. The cultural centre is open three times a week from March to October.

Royal Museum / Istana Batu

The Istana Batu (Brick/Stone Palace) was constructed in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail.

It houses the Royal Museum and was previously used as the venue for royal weddings and as a guest house for visiting royalty.

The Royal Museum now serves as a repository for the history of the Kelantan royal family and displays regalia, pictures, silverware, furniture and palace items of former Sultans.

World War II Memorial / Bank Kerapu

Originally constructed in 1911, Bank Kerapu is now a repository for documents, pictures and military paraphernalia of the Japanese Occupation from 1941 to 1945.

During the war, the building served as the headquarters of the Japanese Kempetai, the feared secret police.

Istana Balai Besar

Built by Sultan Muhammad II in 1840, the Istana Balai Besar was formerly the residence of past Sultans.

However, it is now used solely as a venue for official state functions. The palace boasts a large audience hall, a throne room and a fine collection of royal regalia.

Istana Jahar

Built in 1887 by Sultan Mohamad II for his grandson, Long Kundur, the Istana Jahar has been transformed into a museum featuring Kelantan’s cultural heritage.

Photographs and a great variety of artefacts bear testimony to the rich Kelantanese cultural legacy.

The building itself is laced with intricate wood carvings, serving as an example of the fine craftsmanship of local artisans.

Islamic Museum

The Islamic Museum traces the history of Islam in Kelantan. Exhibits include Islamic arts and crafts and photographs of some of the personal belongings of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic historical sites.

The museum reflects not only the importance of Islam in Kelantan but also the position of the state as a centre of Islamic learning.

Merdeka Square

Other interesting sites in Kota Bharu include Merdeka (Independence) Square, State Government offices and floating raft houses along the river banks.

State Museum

The State Museum, located along Jalan Hospital, incorporates the State Art Gallery.

The building itself was used as the land office from colonial times until 1990 when major renovations were carried out to convert it into a museum.

The museum documents the arts, crafts and musical traditions of Kelantan. Ceramic displays testify to the early trade with China and artefacts from local archaeological sites provide evidence of the existence of the pre-historic civilisation in Kelantan.

Located in Kelantan is a cave, Gua Ikan (Fish Cave). Its name is derived from a solitary rock that looks like a fish. To cave explorers on an expedition, part of the lure is trying to find a pot of gold believed to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation.

Gua Cha

Gua Cha in Ulu Kelantan is situated near Kuala Betis and can be reached by a logging track as mentioned above. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Peninsula Malaysia, due to the number of complete well preserved human burials, the abundance and variety of animal remains and cultural objects.

Gua Cha is the largest rock shelter along the Sungai Nenggiri valley, and has been inhabited since 9000 years ago. Do note however, that Gua Cha can be visited before starting out down river. The Hoabinhians probably occupied the shelter from 9000-5000 years ago. They had a well developed industry with well made stone implements, and living by hunting and gathering. The Neolithic remains showed burials accompanied by grave goods such as pottery, polished stone tools, shell necklaces and stone bracelets. In all more than 30 burials were found.
The rock shelter is in a limestone cliff, and is about 18m long, with a maximum width of 18m, and height of about 13m. The cliff however is not really part of a free-standing limestone outcrop. A small stream runs past
the hill and flows into the Nenggiri.

Gua Peraling

Gua Bukit Peraling is at Kuala Yai, on the south bank of the Sg.Perias, and 15 minutes walk from Kampung Tohoi. It is estimated that Gua Peraling was inhabited about 2000 years ago. It is a large rock shelter, with two chambers, about 90m long in all, and running parallel with the Sg.Perias.

Gua Bukit Chawas and Gua Batu Cincin
Although these two caves are not visited during the rafting expedition (the cave is 8.5m long and 8.5m wide, and is in a rubber estate), they are new discoveries which are worthy of note. The caves are 7km from Kuala Betis, and are about one kilometre apart, and only accessible by 4WD. Bukit Chawas has 2 caves: Gua Chawas in which Gua Berhala Kechil is situated, and the smaller Gua Berhala Atas. . Gua Chawas is about 23m long, 10m wide and 5m high. There are some paintings of a family on the roof. In Gua Batu Cincin evidence was found to suppose the cave was used as a camp site. Pottery and cooking utensils were found from about 2000-3000 years ago, i.e. Neolithic. More recent is an Orang Asli art gallery on the walls, from about 300-400 years ago. They depict people and animals.

Gua Chawan
Gua Chawan is situated on the left bank of the Sg.Jenera and runs parallel to the river. The cave takes its name from a formation which looks like a cup. Following the cliff upstream there are two small rock shelters, one of which has some nice crystalline formations. Further on is the main one “cave”, again just a large rock shelter, the only cave passage being a loop of about 15m. There are a lot of large stalactites hanging down from the cliff. The rock shelter is about 100m long, and 10m above the river.

Gua Jaya
Today the only access to Gua Jaya or Yahaya is from the river. The cave is about 10m above the river. The main chamber is large, about 36m long and 23m wide with quite a lot of guano on the floor, but very few bats. There are some charcoal drawings of matchstick figures. At the end of the chamber a climb up and over some fine, small gour pools leads into the next, smaller chamber.

Getting There
From Gua Musang it is about 30km to Kuala Betis, and the put in point is 16km beyond Kuala Betis, and conveniently close to Gua Cha, which is on the left bank of the Nenggiri. This area is accessible by four wheel drive. The tar road from town turns into a muddy logging track, which is made worse by the procession of trucks taking out logs from the forest.

Formerly known as the beach of passionate love, Pantai Cahaya is a picture-postcard beach. Tall casuarinas trees fringe the beach providing shade and a grassy verge gives way to tall swaying coconut palms. Comfortable chalets are available at the beach.

Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of the Whispering Breeze)

Pantai Bisikan is about 50 km south of Kota Bharu in the Pasir Puteh District. Around the village of Semerak, gentle breezes rustle the casuarina needles producing a hushed sound. Surfing is good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find excellent spots here.

Pantai Seri Tujuh (Beach of Seven Lagoons)

Located in the Tumpat district close to the Thai border, this pristine beach is sheltered by the longest lagoon in Malaysia. Home to the annual International Kite Festival, the beach has a variety of food and drink stalls as well as public amenities.

Pantai Irama (Beach of Melody)

About 30 km south of the capital, Pantai Irama offers choice picnic spots and eating stalls. It is reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches along the East Coast.

Pantai Sabak

As well as being a small picturesque harbour for fishing boats, Sabak Beach boasts fine golden sands fringed by coconut palms. It is a perfect spot to picnic and relax while observing the return of the fishing boats. Gentle waves lap the shore and the water is warm and clear.