Kelantan unfortunately often goes out of radar when people plan a holiday. You might be surprised to know that there’s so much more to Kelantan than just marvellous food! We’ve highlighted three hidden gems tucked away in Malaysia’s northernmost state that you shouldn’t miss.
- Taman Etnobotani Gua Musang
Think there’s no place to go for rock climbing in Kelantan? Think again. Taman Etnobotany, or Ethnobotany Park in English, was developed as both a recreational and forestry research centre with the purpose of preserving the importance of forest and forest related products, particularly herbal products for medical uses. Do note that if you’re there for rock climbing, you need permission from the South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR) first. Entry to the park is free and equipment can be rented from the park authority if you didn’t bring your own.
- Rumah Api Pantai Senok
Located at the tip of Pantai Senok, this rumah api (or lighthouse) stands majestically on a rocky foundation with the blue sea as the backdrop. It’s one of the few lighthouses in Malaysia, and if that’s not enough to convince you to start planning a trip, the sunset view here is a work of art. Aside from that, Pantai Senok is also well known for the scenic pine trees-lined paths by the beach that would remind you of South Korea’s famous Nami Island.
- Street art
Beautiful illustrations and colourful murals inspired by the Malay and Kelantanese culture with a touch of the Middle East have breathed a new life into streets and alleys of Kota Bharu. Located between several connecting alley ways between Jalan Ismail and Jalan Dato Pati, some paintings will take you back to your childhood memories, while some will make you reflect on the conflicts in the Middle East.
