Hotels in Kelantan

Kelantan or “Kelate” as how the local Kelantanese would call it, is a state of Malaysia. From the Malaysian map, you would realise that Kelantan is right at the very top of Malaysia, the north-est state before Thailand. The capital of this state is Kota Bahru and the honorific of the state is Darul Naim which means “The Blissful Abode”.

This northern state of the peninsular has a meaning to its name, Kelantan which means the ‘Land of Lightning”. Travelers would usually rush through this state, seeing it as a pass-through to places like Thailand and Perhentian Island. But what they are missing out is the chance to experience a stronghold of the Malay culture and one of the Southeast Asia’s great buffer zones, combining a distinctive blend of Chinese, Indian, Thai and Malay cultures.

Kelantan’s population is 95% Malay, being an evident to why the state is sometimes known as the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture’. Their rich traditions are kept alive and passed down to generations, traditions like kite flying, Wayang Kulit, songket weaving and batik designing, allowing the future generation to uphold the proud culture.

How to Get There

By Flight

Kelantan’s only airport is the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR), which is located in Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu. Travelers from Kuala Lumpur can either choose to fly with AirAsia or MAS airlines as these are the only two flying from KL. Those from Penang and Johore Bahru can reach Kelantan by FireFly.

By Train

The one direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu and vice versa is called the KTM Senandung Wau. This is a sleeper train service with comfortable beds for a good night sleep throughout the journey.

By Bus

The capital of the province is connected with the rest of Malaysia by express buses for long distances, going to Penang and with a number of other towns from the East Coast (Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu).

There is a bus which runs twice each day between Kuala Lipis and Gua Musang, the latter being a town in Kelantan and the former one in Pahang.

Tourist Attractions

Kota Bharu Walking Tour

When it comes to seeing everything in Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, its best to do it on foot, so that you never miss out on the colourful and interesting city centre that is rich in culture and heritage. Here are some places that are nearly and totally walking friendly – State Museum, Markets, Grand Palace, Istana Jahar, State Mosque, Kerapu Bank, Istana Batu, Craft Village, Kampung Cina and the beautiful shop houses.

Wat Phothivihan

Wat Pothivihan was completed back in 1979 and is well known for its reclining Buddha statue. Though it is often mistaken to be South East Asia’s biggest reclining Buddha, it is actually the biggest in Malaysia with a length of 40 meters, 7 meters long. The craftsmanship of the statue is fairly simple and around the statue, murals and smaller statues are surrounded. Underneath and to the rear of the Reclining Buddha is a columbarium, a vault that is used to deposit urns containing the ashes of the departed.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan

Pantai Cahaya Bulan (formerly known as Pantai Cinta Beach / Beach of Passionate Love) was believe to name by a lovelorn British soldier during the World War Two. Till today, there are some locals still prefer to us the old name. It has a beautiful long and wide sandy beach, a popular spot for family outings and picnics. It also has a variety of water sports and horse riding. There are some food stalls and restaurants along the beach, which offers fresh barbeque seafood.

Hotels

HotelPerdanaKotaBharu

Hotel Perdana, the first premier hotel in Kota Bharu has undergone a major transformation into a luxury 5-star hotel. Stands in the heart of the city centre, it is within a walking distance Stadium Sultan Muhammad ke – IV, not to mention strategically located within a commercial district, government offices, shopping areas, hospitals and local attractions. The hotel’s architecture prominently displays unique carvings where rich Malay heritage is kept alive. Blending with a touch of modern luxury in a classic décor, spreading over 2 wings and offering 272 well-appointed guest rooms & suites.

Holiday Villa Holiday & Suites Kota Bharu

Located in the new commercial area of Wakaf Che Yeh, Hotel and Suites Kota Bharu offers 108 rooms with modern and comfortable facilities. This 4-star hotel is only 20 minutes away from Sultan Ismail Petra airport, 10 minutes from Kota Bharu town and Kubang Kerian Wakaf Che Yeh that is known for its lively and busting all night bazaar.

Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel

Experience the rich Malay culture at Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel, a Marriott Luxury & Lifestyle Hotel and the city's only five-star international class hotel with premier convention and wedding venue. For business or leisure traveler, the 298 spacious accommodation rooms and suites provide world class service and facilities. The Renaissance Fitness Centre is Kota Bharu's largest gymnasium equipped with latest fitness equipment, steam rooms, sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool.