Cameron Highlands

The country’s biggest hill resort, Cameron Highlands is a refreshingly cool retreat. Malaysia’s most extensive hill station, it has been popular with expatriates since colonial times and remains so to this day. Check out The Lakehouse and The Smokehouse to see quaint old English houses. Tea plantations, orchards, terraced flower gardens and vegetable farms are common sights due to the cool climate. The three main highland towns are Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

Endau Rompin State Park

Explore the wonders of nature in Endau Rompin, which has been in existence for over one million years. A favourite eco-destination for most locals, Endau Rompin is blessed with a variety of flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls and rivers, making it just as popular with nature-loving expatriates. This nature reserve offers a whole spectrum of activities for the adventurous, including camping, jungle trekking, bird-watching, boating and fishing. Being the oldest rainforest in the world, it’s not surprising that trekkers return time and time again to venture into unexplored territory.

Fraser’s Hill

Considered one of the best spots for bird-watching, Fraser’s Hill has an unmistakably old colonial charm that is constantly attracting new visitors. Apart from bird-watching for the ornithologist in you, other recreational options include jungle trekking, horse riding, fishing or camping. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf on the undulating fairways bordered by lofty ferns and pine trees.

Genting Highlands

Known as the ‘City of Entertainment’, it is the sole gambling venue in the country where one can indulge without fear of legal repercussions. Also worth checking out are the indoor and outdoor theme parks, Snow World, X-pedition Wall, Genting Sky Venture and Water Park, just to name a few—all there to meet your entertainment needs.

Taman Negara

Located deep within an isolated part of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the country’s greatest natural gems, Taman Negara, (meaning ‘National Park’). Established in 1939, the park has existed for the past 130 million years and today remains one of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved rainforests. A functioning home for indigenous plants and animals, the park is alive with the sights and sounds of active wildlife.

Whether relaxing by the riverside or crawling through the limestone caves, visitors to Taman Negara will find countless opportunities to pursue their interests in the exotic location. Activities include fishing, challenging water rapids, night-time safaris, bird watching, and jungle trekking. Adventurous travellers’ must be sure to experience the adrenaline-pumping forest canopy walk, a suspended walkway high above the rainforest floor.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum

Located in the heart of Kota Bahru, this village houses many unique Kelantanese crafts. Tourists can learn about the history of how local items are made, as there are demonstrations of traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, wood carving and matting, all carried out by talented artisans. In addition, souvenirs and handicrafts are also available for sale.

Siti Khadijah Market

A good way to know a town is to visit its markets. This popular attraction located on Jalan Pintu Pong is probably the most talked about tourist spot in Kota Bahru. Named after Prophet Muhammad’s entrepreneurial first wife, it’s an ideal name for the market as the traders are mostly women. The market has loads to offer from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. As part and parcel of life in Kelantan, the market is abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.

Gunung Stong

This is one of the most popular eco-adventures which towers at a height of 1,433m. It is Kelantan’s highest peaks and is located in the Dabong Forest Reserve. Within Gunung Stong lies seven waterfalls, one of which is the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls, acclaimed to be the highest waterfall drop in Southeast Asia at 305m. Nature lovers will be enthralled with the natural forests and waterfall trekking. The beautiful sunrise over the mountain is an unforgettable sight.

Wat Phothivihan Buddhist Temple

Kelantan has an amazing array of interesting temples. Located in Tumpat, Kuantan approximately 15km from Kota Bahru lays Wat Phothivihan Buddhist Temple. It is claimed to be one of the largest and most famous temples in Southeast Asia. The temple houses a 40m long, 11m high reclining Buddha statue. Built in 1973, it is believed to be the largest statue in the world.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan / Moonlight Beach

This lovely stretch of shimmering sand is perhaps Kelantan’s most famous beach. Fringed by casuarinas and coconut palms, it is the ideal place for picnics, camping and relaxation. The abundance of cultural and artistic shops that line the path to Cahaya Bulan Beach adds to its charm and beauty. Visitors can stop by the multitude of artifact shops while passing some scenic villages to discover Kelantan’s rich heritage. Comfortable chalets are also provided to weary travelers for overnight stays.