KELANTAN : Cradle of Malay Culture
What You Need To Know About Kelantan
A kaleidoscope of colourful traditions and the warmth, hospitality and old world charm of the Kelantanese people will envelop you in this northern state. With a population which continues to take pleasure in enjoying the simple things in life, age-old customs of their forefathers are held dear and still feature strongly in their daily lives. Kelantan's rich heritage and traditions complemented by beautiful beaches and idyllic rural villages will be among the highlights of your visit to this state.
Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" also known as Negeri Cik Siti Wan Kembang is located in the north-east of Peninsular Malaysia. Bordered by Thailand to the north, Terengganu to the south-east, Perak to the west and Pahang to the south, much of its east coast faces the South China Sea.
Mostly a rural area in Kelantan you will be surrounded by an abundance of paddy fields, quaint fishing villages and beaches lined with gently swaying casuarinas trees. You will find that even its capital, Kota Bharu, by far the most developed location in the state, exudes an old-world charm with a mixture of old and new architecture throughout the town. Kota Bharu has the charms of an old-fashioned city with modern infrastructure conveniences. An interesting way of exploring the town would be to use its famoues ornate and colourful trishaws.
The current population of Kelantan is approximately 1.5 million. The vast majority of the people in Kota Bharu are Kelantense Malay Muslims, and the balance other races such as Chinese, Indian and Thai. Being near the Thai border, Thai influences are strong in many areas of the state including the local cuisine. The Kelantanese dialect is also a unique mix of Bahasa Malaysia and Thai.
Weather
Visitors to Kelantan enjoy pleasant weather throughout most of the year. Its a tropical climate with occasional showers providing a refreshing break from the hear. During the rainy season, heavier rainfall is typical, occurring from November to January.
Temperatures range from 21-32°C throughout the year with no significant seasonal variation. The average rainfall per year is 80 to 100 inches.
After the rainy season, days are typically warm and dry from late January through April. March to October is the best time to visit, as the rainfall and humidity levels are at their lowest and temperatures pleasant. From November to February, winds blowing in from China bringing the monsoonal rains to Kelantan.
Business Hours
Banks: Saturday to Wednesday - 09.30AM to 16.00PM
Thursdays - 09.30AM to 11.30AM
Government Offices: Sunday to Thursday - 08.30AM to 16.30PM
Department Stores and Shops: Daily, 10.00AM to 22.00PM
Business Offices: Saturday to Wednesday - 09.00AM to 17.00PM
Thursday - 09.00AM to 13.00PM
Health
Visitors to Malaysia are not required to have any vaccinations in advance of arrival. However, it is a good idea for visitors to ensure they are up-to-date with standard inoculations. Water from the tap is generally safe to drink, but it is always a better idea to boil or purify it before drinking. Alternatively, bottled water is widely available. It is also a good idea to make sure that all fruits and vegetables are peeled before eating and that seafood is properly cooked.Medical services are readily available at government and private hospitals/clinics. You will find non-prescription medications available at pharmacies, supermarkets, shopping centres and at some hotels.
Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu: +60 9 748 5533 [GPS: 6.125000N , 102.245556E]
Perdana Specialist Hospital: +60 9 747 3140 [GPS: 6.121389N , 102.243611E]
Emergency Services: 999 and 112
Cautions
Kelantan is considered a safe place for tourists to visit, as violent crime against visitors is not common. Petty crime is more common however, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and at transportation centres including the airport, bus and rail stations. Examples of the most frequently reported crimes include snatch-and-grab incidents and petty theft against women walking alone.
Visitors are encourages to exercise normal safety precautions and to be sure that all important personal travel documents and valuables are kept in a hotel safe or other secure place. Valuables should not be openly displayed or left unattended in a car. It is also recommended that you do not accept food or drink from strangers.
Electricty: 220 volts, 50Hz three-pin plugs (round and square).
Accommodation in Kelantan
The list below are just few of my recommendations. For more details, click on the name of the hotel.
Visitors are encourages to exercise normal safety precautions and to be sure that all important personal travel documents and valuables are kept in a hotel safe or other secure place. Valuables should not be openly displayed or left unattended in a car. It is also recommended that you do not accept food or drink from strangers.
Electricty: 220 volts, 50Hz three-pin plugs (round and square).
Etiquette
Kelantan is the most conservative of the Malaysian states, with Islamic practices closely followed. Travellers should be respectful of local customs and dress conservatively, avoiding revealing clothing, sleeveless t-shirts, singlets and shorts.
Shaking hands is not customary in Muslim societies: the salam is the Muslim equivalent, in which the younger person typically clasps the hands of the older person of the same sex. NOTE that physical contact with the opposite sex is discourages. If you are non-Muslim you should not take offence if a member of the opposite sex does not reciprocate your offer of a handshake.
When entering someone's home or a mosque or temple, it is customary to remove your shoes and leave them outside the entrance. It is considered rude to point at another person with your forefinger, the bottom of your feet, or to touch another person's head.
Dining Etiquette
Many people of the Indian and Malay communities commonly eat using the fingers of their right hand. You should be aware that using the left hand is taboo, as it is used for personal hygiene matters. Hands are washed before and after meals. In most Malay homes and restaurants, there is a container with water for hand-washing placed on the dining table or a sink.
During the holy month of Ramadhan, visitors should observe the ban on drinking and eating in public between sunrise and sunset - including non-Muslims. Many restaurants are closed during daylight hours during Ramadhan, opening in the evening to provide meals for those who have fasted throughout the day.
When entering someone's home or a mosque or temple, it is customary to remove your shoes and leave them outside the entrance. It is considered rude to point at another person with your forefinger, the bottom of your feet, or to touch another person's head.
Dining Etiquette
Many people of the Indian and Malay communities commonly eat using the fingers of their right hand. You should be aware that using the left hand is taboo, as it is used for personal hygiene matters. Hands are washed before and after meals. In most Malay homes and restaurants, there is a container with water for hand-washing placed on the dining table or a sink.
During the holy month of Ramadhan, visitors should observe the ban on drinking and eating in public between sunrise and sunset - including non-Muslims. Many restaurants are closed during daylight hours during Ramadhan, opening in the evening to provide meals for those who have fasted throughout the day.
Accommodation in Kelantan
The list below are just few of my recommendations. For more details, click on the name of the hotel.
Renaissance Hotel Kota Bharu 
From MYR 290
> Strategically located in Kota Bharu (approximately 9km to Sultan Ismail Aiport) is the only 5-star internationally managed Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel. Whether you are on business or leisure, you have easy access to key attractions, financial district, shopping, local and Thai cuisine. The hotel is connected to a shopping centre and offers 4 dining options, an outdoor pool as well as tennis courts. Free parking is also available.
Grand Riverview Hotel
From MYR 270.00 nett
> Strategically located in the central of Kota Bharu with prime location near Kelantan river and within walking distance to shopping and cultural activities makes it an ideal place for business and leisure. With 299 rooms, this hotel houses 3 dining options and an outdoor pool. Shuttle service to airport is provided upon request.
Tune Hotels Kota Bharu
From MYR 9.99 nett
> Located next to the KB Mall in central Kota Bharu, the 173-room hotel is strategic for both tourists and business travellers as it is located within Kota Bharu’s shopping belt and food trail that are heavily infused with the rich Kelantanese culture.
Crown Garden Hotel Kota Bharu
From MYR 160 nett
> The hotel is within walking distance of the Kota Bharu and Kelantan Trade Centres and Pantai Timur Shopping Centre. It is a 15-minute drive from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport and the railway station. Featuring free Wi-Fi in public areas, Crown Garden Hotel offers modern rooms with satellite flat-screen TVs. Offering free parking, it has barbecue facilities and karaoke facilities as well as shuttle service. Garden Cafe offers a range of international dishes and local specialities. Crown Palace serves fine Halal Chinese dishes. Guests can relax with a cocktail at G-Lounge.
Habib Hotel
From MYR 150 nett
> Centrally located in Kota Bharu, Habib Hotel Sdn Bhd is a convenient 5-minute walk from Kampong Craft Tangan and the National Museum. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. Tastefully decorated, the modern rooms at Habib Hotel feature wall-to-wall carpeting and a flat-screen TV with local satellite channels. Fully air-conditioned, rooms include an electric kettle and hot water showers. The hotel offers the convenience of an on-site ATM machine and laundry services. Guests may also rent cars or make use of the basic business facilities.
From MYR 290
> Strategically located in Kota Bharu (approximately 9km to Sultan Ismail Aiport) is the only 5-star internationally managed Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel. Whether you are on business or leisure, you have easy access to key attractions, financial district, shopping, local and Thai cuisine. The hotel is connected to a shopping centre and offers 4 dining options, an outdoor pool as well as tennis courts. Free parking is also available.
Grand Riverview Hotel
From MYR 270.00 nett
> Strategically located in the central of Kota Bharu with prime location near Kelantan river and within walking distance to shopping and cultural activities makes it an ideal place for business and leisure. With 299 rooms, this hotel houses 3 dining options and an outdoor pool. Shuttle service to airport is provided upon request.
Tune Hotels Kota Bharu
From MYR 9.99 nett
> Located next to the KB Mall in central Kota Bharu, the 173-room hotel is strategic for both tourists and business travellers as it is located within Kota Bharu’s shopping belt and food trail that are heavily infused with the rich Kelantanese culture.
Crown Garden Hotel Kota Bharu
From MYR 160 nett
> The hotel is within walking distance of the Kota Bharu and Kelantan Trade Centres and Pantai Timur Shopping Centre. It is a 15-minute drive from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport and the railway station. Featuring free Wi-Fi in public areas, Crown Garden Hotel offers modern rooms with satellite flat-screen TVs. Offering free parking, it has barbecue facilities and karaoke facilities as well as shuttle service. Garden Cafe offers a range of international dishes and local specialities. Crown Palace serves fine Halal Chinese dishes. Guests can relax with a cocktail at G-Lounge.
Habib Hotel
From MYR 150 nett
> Centrally located in Kota Bharu, Habib Hotel Sdn Bhd is a convenient 5-minute walk from Kampong Craft Tangan and the National Museum. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. Tastefully decorated, the modern rooms at Habib Hotel feature wall-to-wall carpeting and a flat-screen TV with local satellite channels. Fully air-conditioned, rooms include an electric kettle and hot water showers. The hotel offers the convenience of an on-site ATM machine and laundry services. Guests may also rent cars or make use of the basic business facilities.
Villa Danialla Beach Resort
From MYR 270 nett
> Welcome to your own tropical paradise. The unparalleled beauty of nature and the luxury of creature comforts brought together and pamper yourself with a massage as you listen to the sound of waves crashing against the shore or indulge in a sumptuous meal as you watch the sun slowly sink into the calm ocean right in front of you. Explore the beaten path and discover the wonders of the Stong Waterfall and the rejuvenating powers of the La Hot Springs.
