Travel Malaysia - Getting to Kelantan

By Road

There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsular Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, the overland route takes visitors eastward along the Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang, a journey of about 3 hours.

The rest of the journey from Kuantan to Kota Bharu takes about 4 hours. The route heads northwards along the coast, passing through picturesque villages providing scenic vistas of the palm-fringed beaches overlooking the azure waters of the South China Sea.

The inland route to Kota Bharu turns off from Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu.

An alternative route exits the Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en-route to Kota Bharu. From Penang, visitors can get to Grik via Sungai Petani in Kedah and then travel along the scenic East-West Highway to Jeli in Kelantan before continuing the journey to Kota Bharu. There are regular air-conditioned express bus services operating from Kuala Lumpur and major towns to Kota Bharu.

By Rail

Train services from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan terminate at Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat. From these two points, visitors can get to Kota Bharu either by taxi or bus. Stop-over points en route include Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas.

For further details, kindly contact:
Malayan Railway (Kuala Lumpur)
Phone: 03-2267 1200
Email: passenger@ktmb.com.my

Once you are in Kota Bharu, it is relatively easy to get to nearby districts as regular bus and taxi services are available from the main bus terminal. For those who plan to visit places of interest in the interior of Kelantan, it is advisable to enquire with the Kelantan State Tourists Information Centre or any registered travel agent in Malaysia.

By Air

Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Air Asia also flies daily to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur.