In recent years, tourism has been steadily increasing in Kelantan. Kelantan is located northeast of the Malay Peninsula. Its economy relies on rice, rubber, tobacco, fishing, and handicraft production such as batik, woodcarving and songket weaving.
Kelantanese culture differs somewhat from Malay culture in the rest of the peninsula; this is reflected in the cuisine, arts and the unique Kelantanese Malay language. If you are planning a holiday to Kelantan, check out these 10 best things to do in Kelantan.
Why is Kelantan a must visit destination?
Kelantan is a gorgeous holiday destination with green paddy fields, rustic fishing villages, fascinating local culture, and casuarina-lined beaches. Kelantan is an exciting place to explore as it is also home to some of Malaysia’s most beautiful and historical architectural monuments.
Is there good food in Kelantan?
Yes, there is. While at Kelantan, you can try their local Kelantanese cuisine which is heavily influenced by Malay cuisines such as Ayam Percik and Nasi Kerabu. Kelantanese food makes more use of coconut milk than anywhere else in the country. Their curries are richer and creamier and pair amazingly with plain white rice.
Is Kelantan a good place for shopping?
Yes, it is. You must visit several duty-free shopping locations in Kelantan if you love bargain hunting. There is the Pengkalan Kubor Duty-Free Store, where you can find ladies’ outfits, pots and pans, luggage bags, handbags, and chocolates at extremely low prices. There is also a duty-free zone at Rantau Panjang, the main Kelantan border crossing between Malaysia and Thailand, which sells electronic goods, toys, cigarettes, clothes, cosmetics, perfume, chocolate, and watches at bargain prices.
10 Best Things To Do in Kelantan 2025
1. Enjoy The Famous Roti Titab At Kopitiam Kita
Kopitiam Kita is famous for Roti Titab which is made of buttered bread with eggs and kaya. Kopitiam Kita is an excellent location to have breakfast. The servers here do a good job ensuring customers get seated as fast as possible. Prices here are incredibly affordable, and you can also try various local delicacies from the eatery, where packaged foods are placed in baskets.
Operating Hours: 6am to 2pm (Thursday – Tuesday) Closed on Wednesday
Address: Kopitiam Kita, Jalan Sri Cemerlang, Taman Desa Jasa, 15400 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Phone No: 019-981 0888
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kopitiam-Kita
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kopitiam_kita/?hl=en
2. Shop At Pengkalan Kubor Duty-Free Store
Pengkalan Kubor Duty-Free Store is a quaint Kelantanese bazaar-style duty-free shopping place with stalls arranged in convenient rows. Here, you can find essential household items such as steel and aluminium cookware, dishes, serving trays, and dinner sets. There are also bicycles, prams, toys, and clothes for sale. In addition, you can also choose from a wide variety of clothing, most of which are from Thailand.
Operating Hours:
9am to 5pm (Monday – Saturday)
8.30am to 5.30pm (Sunday)
Address: Lot 1472-1476 Kawasan Bebas Cukai, Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, 16080, Kelantan
Phone No: 09-725 2224
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dutyfreepengkalankubor
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/dutyfreepengkalankubor
Refer Info On Website3. Try Authentic Local Cuisine At Selera Tepi Sungai
Selera Tepi Sungai is a no-frills but spacious and comfortable eatery that serves a wide variety of Kelantanese food and delicacies. If you visit, try out the fragrant nasi kerabu and the delicious “Sup perut”, which is one of their specialities. They also have desserts such as “laici kang”. It is a great place to stop by for lunch while you take a break from sightseeing activities.
Operating Hours: 8am to 11pm daily
Address: Selera Tepi Sungai, Tanah Merah, 17500 Tanah Merah, Kelantan
Phone No: 09-955 8966
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seleratepisungaiTM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seleratepisungai/?hl=en
4. Admire The Architecture Of The Sultan Ismail Petra Silver Jubilee Mosque
The Sultan Ismail Petra Silver Jubilee Mosque is a Chinese-style mosque in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, Malaysia. Interestingly, this mosque resembles the 1,000-year-old Niujie Mosque in Beijing, China. The mosque was built with a total estimated building cost of RM8.8 million. In addition, it boasts a total area of 3.7 acres and can accommodate 1,000 worshipers at one time.
Address: Masjid Jubli Perak Sultan Ismail Petra, Jalan Kampung Rantau Panjang, 17200 Rantau Panjang, Kelantan
Phone No: 09-791 6666
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063526492553
5. Marvel At The Iconic Sitting Buddha At Wat Machimmaram
Wat Machimmaram is a Siamese Buddhist temple with gorgeous architecture. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tumpat, Kelantan, due to its giant sitting Buddha, which is a sight to behold. Furthermore, the temple’s intricate designs and impressive architecture attract visitors from around the globe. In addition, you can explore the temple grounds by taking a leisure stroll in its large compound.
Operating Hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Address: Wat Machimmaram, Kampung Jubakar, 16210 Tumpat, Kelantan
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
6. Bathe in The Waters Of Jelawang Waterfall
Jelawang Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Malaysia. Some sources claim that it is the highest in Southeast Asia. The height is between 900 to 1000 ft, although there still needs to be an official record of its actual height. Getting to the waterfall is also not easy because you would first have to hike about three hours up to Baha Camp. Hiring a guide is recommended as this area can be dangerous, especially when it rains.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Jelawang Waterfall, Kampung Jelawang, 18200, Dabong, Kelantan
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
7. Have A Morning Jog At The Taman Tasik Gua Musang
Taman Tasik Gua Musang is a serene park surrounded by greenery and a beautiful lake. It is the perfect location for a morning jog, brisk walking, or a stroll. You can enjoy a picnic here with family and friends while your children play at the playground nearby. It is also a great place to take instagrammable photos thanks to its natural surroundings and scenic view.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Taman Tasik Gua Musang, Bandar Baru Gua Musang, 18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamanTasikGm/
8. Experience A Different Culture At Gelanggang Seni
You can watch engaging performances at the Gelanggang Seni. These performances generally last around 30 to 40 minutes, comprising traditional music, “wayang kulit”, and “silat”. Furthermore, the host will explain each performance you watch. They will also invite the visitors to join them in playing the traditional drums. If you are visiting, remember to check with the Kota Bharu Tourist Center on the performance schedule.
Operating Hours:
3pm to 5.30pm (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday)
Closed on Tuesday, Thursday – Friday and Sunday
Address: Gelanggang Seni, Jalan Mahmood, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Phone No: 09-748 3543
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php
9. Explore Muzium Diraja Istana Batu
The Muzium Diraja Istana Batu was constructed in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail ibni Sultan Muhammad IV as a wedding gift for his nephew Sultan Yahya Petra. Later, it was donated to the Kelantan State Government. On 25 July 1991, the building was converted into a museum and officiated by Sultan Ismail Petra. The museum displays various belongings of the Sultan of Kelantan, such as photographs, costumes, artefacts, and furniture.
Operating Hours:
8.30am to 4.45pm (Saturday – Wednesday)
8.30am to 3.30pm
Closed on Friday
Address: Muzium Diraja Istana Batu, Jalan Tengku Puteri, 15300, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Phone No: 09-748 4477
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
View website10. Take A Roadtrip To Taman Negara Kelantan, Kuala Koh
Taman Negara Kelantan, Kuala Koh is located 96 kilometres from the city of Gua Musang, and it is easily accessible by visitors and tourists by road. It has a beautiful rainforest with diverse species of flora and fauna. Among the activities available here are fishing, bird watching, kayaking, camping, and climbing the canopy bridge. There are also chalets, hostels, and restaurants available.
Address: Taman Negara Kelantan Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, Kelantan. Taman Negara, Kuala Koh, 18300, Kelantan
Phone No: 017-900 9522
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045411776012
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
