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8 Best Things To Do In Kelantan For The Ultimate Road Trip

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Ili •  Nov 20, 2020

Kelantan may not be the first place that pops to mind when you think of an ultimate getaway in Malaysia. But this laid-back destination has plenty to offer! Filled with delicious food, exciting outdoor activities and scenic hidden gems, there's a world of adventure that awaits you here. Just check out this list of best things to do in Kelantan and you'll soon find yourself making plans to visit this charming state.

1. Savour a famous local dish - nasi kerabu

There are many traditional Malay restaurants in Kelantan that can win you over. But if there's one local dish that's a must-try, it has to be nasi kerabu! A popular breakfast in Kelantan, nasi kerabu consists of blue-coloured rice (dyed using butterfly pea flower), grilled meat or chicken, shrimp crackers, raw herbs, salted egg and more. If that sounds like your kind of meal, check out these 7 delicious nasi kerabu eateries in Kelantan that you can't miss out on.

2. Recreate your favourite K-drama scene at Pantai Senok

For K-drama fans, one place that you absolutely have to visit is Pantai Senok where tall Casuarina equisetifolia trees (also known as Pokok Rhu in Bahasa Malaysia) lie. Soundtracked by the lapping waves that are not too far away, this picturesque spot might remind you of the trees found on Nami Island in South Korea! What a way to rekindle your last travel memories of Korea while your feet are firmly rested on Malaysian soil.

P.S. Keep the K-drama train by swinging by this halal Korean restaurant serving tteokbokki, jajngmyeon and more!

3. Go 'sand surfing' at Pantai Mek Mas

If your last memory of Australia is the Lancelin Sand Dunes in Perth, you're going to find something similar at Pantai Mek Mas! There are no tours available at this scenic attraction, and you can explore them at your own pace. Once you found the right spot, don't forget to take some awesome photos for the 'gram too!

4. Explore colourful street art near Medan Ilmu Kota Bharu

Ready to add a splash of colour to your Insta feed? Make your way to Medan Ilmu Kota Bharu where you'll be able to spot gorgeous street art. Besides admiring the vibrant colours of the carpet murals, the Palestine Street Alley also includes murals that represent its arts and culture as well as sights in the Middle East.

5. Experience a taste of Bangkok at Pantai Suri Floating Market (Kelantan Floating Market)

If you miss shopping at the floating markets in Bangkok and Hat Yai, heal your travel blues at Pantai Suri Floating Market (Kelantan Floating Market). Situated in the area of Tumpat, visit each boat to discover an array of fresh seafood, snacks and local dishes to try. Most locals would purchase the food from the boat and lay down a picnic mat for some quality family time!

6. Soak in the sounds and sights of nature at Gunung Stong State Park

For a one-stop shop for an eco adventure, Gunung Stong State Park is your answer. This park has a hiking trail, camping sites and several peaks of varying difficulties. Oh, and not to mention the seven-tiered Jelawang Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Asia. How about that for satisfying your outdoorsy needs ?

#HHWTTip: Hiking all the way up Gunung Stong is not recommended for first time hikers, but there are many very doable stops along the way to the summit.

7. Get a dose of adrenaline by ziplining at Jelawang Pipe Resort

As much as Kelantan is known for its laid-back getaways, you can get a dose of adrenaline through outdoor adventures too. If you're ready to take your adventure to new heights, make your way to Jelawang Pipe Resort for an afternoon of ziplining and flying fox! Besides that, you can also up the ante with a thrilling ATV ride and spend the night in their colourful capsule rooms.

8. Admire the beauty of Masjid Jubli Perak Sultan Ismail Petra

Situated in the town of Rantau Panjang, you'll find Masjid Jubli Perak Sultan Ismail Petra. A beautiful mosque in Kelantan that earned the nickname, 'Masjid Beijing' due to its Chinese-style architecture, it is said to resemble the ancient Niujie mosque in Beijing. Named after the 28th Sultan of Kelantan, the late Sultan Ismail Petra ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra, this mosque can fit up to 1,000 worshippers at a time.

With these exciting activities, yummy food and hidden gems, you've got plenty of reasons to make a trip to Kelantan ?