Essential Travel Information to Kelantan

Overview of Kelantan

The most rustic of the three states in the region, Kelantan truly lives up to its name as the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture’. The state’s landscape is a charming blend of quaint villages, small towns and riverine settlements. Amidst the houses built on stilts and covered with thatched roofs, one can revel in the time- honoured Malay heritage and culture.

The capital city of Kelantan is Kota Bharu.

Kelantan’s hinterland is a dramatic mix of mountains, caves and pristine jungles. Scale the imposing Mount Stong or trek into the Kuala Koh National Park.

Come, enjoy this Gift of Nature today!

How to Get There

By Air

Malaysia Airlines operates daily direct flights to the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan. The flights depart from the Kuala Lumpur I nternational Airport (KLIA), which is located in Sepang.

Alternatively, visitors can board the Firefly airlines which operates from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor.

The budget carriers Air Asia and Malindo Air operate daily flights to Kelantan from KLIA2.

Self-Drive

There is a good network of roads linking major towns in the country to Kelantan. Kota Bharu is situated about 474km from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city. Visitors can drive along the East West Highway. The j ourney from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan takes about five hours.

By Bus

There are scheduled air-conditioned express buses from Kuala Lumpur linking most towns in Kelantan. Main destinations include Kota Bharu, Gua Musang, Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor and Tumpat. Visitors can board the bus at Hentian Putra, situated along Jalan Tun Ismail (near Putra World Trade Centre or PWTC). The journey takes about five to six hours.

Tickets must be purchased in advance during school holidays and festive seasons.

By Rail

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway provides daily rail services to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, visitors can board the Express Wau train from the KL Sentral Station. The train departs at 8.30pm daily and arrives in Kelantan at 10.25am the next day.

Visitors from Johor and Singapore can board the Express Timuran which departs at 6.25pm from Singapore. It arrives at 9.05am the next day.

Summary