About Kelantan
Geography - Climate and Weather
Since Malaysia is located close to the equator, Kelantan experiences hot and humid weather all year round
with rainfalls totaling about 2500 mm a year. The average temperature of Kelantan is 27C. Heavy rains are
expected during the monsoon season period. The monsoon season for the east coast begins in November and ends
in February. Rains will get lesser during the months from April through March and again during October and
November.
Overview
Shopping Guide
The place to do your shopping in Kelantan would be at the Pasar Siti Khadijah which is located in Kota Bahru.
Here, various goods are sold. Right beside the Pasar Siti Khadijah is the Kota Bahru Trade Center which is known
to be the largest shopping mall in Kota Bahru. The Pasar Siti Khadijah and the Kota Bahru Trade Center are
connected to each other via an overpass located at the second floor. Other places to shop include the KB Mall
(Pacific), Pelangi Mall, Billion Shopping Center, Pantai Timur, The Store, Kota Seri Mutiara and many more.
Other hypermarkets have also set foot in Kelantan. The hypermarkets include the Tesco hypermarket, Mydin mall
and the Giant hypermarket.
Dining / Restaurant
There are many local specialties in Kelantan. One of the most popular delicacies in Kelantan is its Nasi Dagang.
The Nasi Dagang is a mix of white rice and brown glutinous rice that is cooked with coconut milk, garlic, spices
and onions. The rice is usually eaten with chicken or fish curry and a mild brown sugared chili paste. Another
specialty would be the Nasi Kerabu. There are many types of Nasi Kerabu bit they are usually served with a
matching traditional chili paste along with some edible greens. It is also served with fried breaded fish,
salted egg and a special sauce called the budu. Another famous rice dish is the Nasi Tumpang. This is rice
packed in a cone-shaped banana leaf. It usually consists of an omelette, meat floss, chicken or shrimp curry
and sweet gravy. Famous restaurants in Kelantan include the Food Village Restaurant, Yati Ayam Percik as well
as Satay Malaysia.
Activities
There are many places of interest in Kelantan. One of them is the Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace). The palace
used to be the royal residence in Kota Bahru. It was built back in 1855 by the Sultan Muhammad II of Kelantan
for Long Kundur, his grandson. Today, the palace is the house of the Museums of Royal Traditions and Customs
of Kelantan. Another place to visit would be the Pintu Gerbang Kota Sultan Ismail Petra. This arch was built
to commemorate the declaration of Kota Bahru as a cultural city. This was to preserve the Malay culture. The
move was spearheaded by Sultan Ismail Petra which the arch was named after. The Central Market is also worth
a visit. It is also known as the Pasar Siti Khadijah which is mentioned
earlier. This is a great place to shop.
Accommodation
Kelantan offers many hotels to choose from. In the recent years, tourism in Kelantan has improved greatly due
to the promotion of the great locations and places of interest in Kelantan. Among the hotels in Kelantan include
Crystal Lodge Kota Bahru, Grand Riverview Kota Bahru, Suria Hotel, Ridel Hotel and many more.
Transport
The public transport in the east coast is not as well connected like in the west. The means of public transport
that you can opt for is the taxi or the bus. It would be much more convenient if you have your own car. If you do
not, there are many cars for rent in Kelantan.
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