There are several theories about how Kelantan got its name. The first of the most popular theories is that it comes from the Malay word ‘gelam hutan’ which translates into forest cajaput tree which refers to the Melaleuca leucadendron plant that was once abundant in the region. The other theory is that the name Kelantan came from the Malay word ‘kitten’ which means shiny.

The capital city of Kelantan is Kota Bharu which is known for its rich Malay heritage, traditional architecture, and bustling markets. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kota Bharu are Pasar Siti Khadijah, Kelantan State Museum, and Kota Bharu Old Town.

Kelantan is a unique and captivating state in Malaysia that is especially known for its rich Malay heritage which makes the region often referred to as the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture’ due to its strong loyalty towards the Islamic traditions and customs. Not only that, but the region is also well known for its rich culture, arts and crafts with products like wood carvings, silverworks, and traditional textiles. Kelantan also boasts of its well-maintained natural beauty that can be seen from its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and serene rivers which makes it perfect for nature lovers. Not forgetting about the wide variety of local delicacies where visitors could experience the unique flavors of Kelantanese cuisine, including nasi kerabu, ikan patin masak tempoyak, and budu.

Kelantan offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, some of them that are worth mentioning are Pasar Siti Khadijah which allows you to have a shopping spree through the local delicacies and handicrafts, Kelantan State Museum where visitors can explore the rich history and culture of Kelantan, Civilization Park where you get to explore the Islamic heritage of the region. As for those of you who are looking for the perfect beaches to spend your time and do various water activities, then visiting popular beaches such as Pantai Cahaya Bulan or Pantai Irama is recommended because both of those places offer calm water and beautiful scenery perfect to spend your leisure time with your beloved ones. There are also several places perfect for nature enthusiasts such as Gunung Strong National Park and Tasik Kenyil while for people who like to enjoy the cultural experiences authentic to Kelantan, visiting Kampung Laut and Wat Photivihan also worth listing down on your itinerary.

The best season to visit Kelantan would depend on what you are looking for, what weather you wish to experience, how crowded the area is a the moment, and what kind of tourist destination you plan on visiting. If you are looking for sunny weather that is ideal for beach activities, and outdoor adventures then it is recommended that you visit during the Dry Season which falls around February to May. For those of you who plan to enjoy many indoor activities, and cultural experiences with fewer crowds, then visiting during the Rainy Season which falls from November to January is another option where it might have higher rainfall, but it still has its own unique charm for nature enthusiast where they get to enjoy the calming and relaxing lush greenery to their heart contents without the need to worry about the crowds.