7 Beaches In Kelantan You Cannot Miss In 2023!

Are you looking for the best beaches in Kelantan? If yes, then you come to the right place! 

Although Kelantan has fewer beaches compared to other east coast states such as Terengganu and Pahang, the beaches here still can give you the tranquility you will need. 

What makes beaches in Kelantan are attractions in Kelantan, these beaches, overlooking the South China Sea will offer you their golden sand, blue sea and will surely melt your worries away.

The best time to come to Kelantan for the beaches is between April and September, where it is the hot season. 

You do not want to go to the beach on rainy days, right?

A Quick Summary Of All The Best Beaches In Kelantan 

DISCLAIMER

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Related Posts on Travel in Malaysia:

• Famous Food in Kelantan
• 9 Best Hikes in KL, Malaysia
• The Ultimate Guide to Diving in Langkawi, Malaysia
• Everything you Need to Know About Diving in Tioman, Malaysia
• Borneo, Malaysia : A Diver’s Dream

1. Pantai Irama (Melody Beach)

Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Kelantan, Pantai Irama got its name from the gentle sound of the sea breeze. 

Having clear blue water and complete infrastructure, this beach is also a common place to hold concerts and events. 

There are also activities you can do here that attracts more visitors especially on weekends

• Banana boats
• ATV 
• Horse carriage
• Bicycle 
• Night market (Friday evening)
• Farmers market (Saturday morning)

As usual, do not worry if you come with an empty belly as there are lots of food stalls selling light food. 

Try celup tepung (fish/shrimp/squid dipped in flour, air batu campur (shaved ice topped with syrup, toasted peanuts, and evaporated milk with other ingredients such as red beans, creamed corns, and grass jelly cut into strands or cubes).

Tip: The beach will be packed with family and children especially on weekends (Friday and Saturday), so plan your visit.

Pantai Irama is situated 20km from Kota Bharu which takes about 30 minutes if you are driving. You can find the entrance easily right up to the beach.

2. Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Whispering Breeze Beach)

If you want to have a nice picnic by the beach, surrounded by pine trees with your lovely family and friends, this is one of the beaches in Kelantan that will give you the best view while having a picnic. 

This beach is suitable for picnics since the infrastructure such as public restrooms and playgrounds are available for your convenience. 

Along the beach are pine trees where it will produce sounds of a hustling breeze when the wind blows. You can relax here, just listening to the sound and it will calm your mind and bring you the peace that you need.

Tip: If you would like to try windsurfing, this beach is an ideal place to try. Come here from November to April where windsurfing activities will be organized. 

Pantai Bisikan Bayu is located in Pasir Puteh district, about 50km from Kota Bharu. You can stay in Pasir Puteh if you think the location is too far from Kota Bharu. Where will you stay is something I will share soon!

3. Pantai Melawi (Melawi Beach)

Melawi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kelantan that not many people know about.

 So if you are looking for a beach that you can enjoy without too many noises or people, this is the beach for you! With not many people on the beach, it is perfect if you just want to unwind and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Located in Tok Bali, not far from Kota Bharu, you will be greeted with a white sandy beach and scenic panorama as sunset starts. Have a perfect evening in one of the best places in Kelantan here at Pantai Melawi. 

It takes just around 45 minutes of driving if you are from Kota Bharu.

4. Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Bay)

As beautiful as its name, Pantai Cahaya Bulan is considered one of the best attractions in Kelantan for locals and foreigners. 

Extending for 1.2 kilometers along the coast, it offers warm golden sand, crystal clear waters, and the breeze that will tranquil your mind. 

Bear in mind this beach is not suitable for swimming, but you can do several activities here such as horse riding, flying kites and also there are lots of food stalls here and varieties of food to try. 

Among local favorites are lokching (fish satay), keropok lekor (fish crackers), and pisang goreng (deep-fried banana fritters). 

You can also easily find souvenir shops here where you can buy handmade items such as keychains, embroidery, and items with copper embossing.

Aside from many activities you can do here, do not worry if you need to change since this beach provides good infrastructure – public restrooms, changing rooms, and restaurants.

 If you are using public transportation during your stay in Kelantan, take bus number 10 in the city center. You will arrive at Pantai Cahaya Bulan in 25 minutes.

5. Pantai Senok (Senok Beach)

Some people called Pantai Senok Malaysia’s version of Nami Island, Korea due to similar resemblance. Its beautiful pine trees that are lined by the seaside that attracts visitors especially people with the occasion. 

It was once a fishermen’s village, now people come here to celebrate a birthday, convocations, photoshoots, wedding photography sessions, or just want to have a simple picnic with family and friends. 

Tip: This is where Pantai Senok LightHouse is. You can walk to the end of the beach or just ask people around to go there. Catch the magnificent view of fishermen back from the sea with a glimpse of the sunset. 

It is around 30 minutes from Kota Bharu if you are driving. You can also rent a car or take a Grab. 

6. Pantai Sri Tujuh (7 Lagoons Beach)

Stretching for a distance of about 7km, Pantai Sri Tujuh is the northernmost beach on the Malaysia Peninsular up to the border of Thailand. 

Resembling the name, the beach is sheltered by the longest lagoon in Malaysia and home to the annual International Kite Festival.

You can swim here or if you would like to paddle, the lagoon has a center for hiring paddle boats. If you want to feel like being a fisherman, you can try and talk to the fishermen there. 

You can persuade them to take you out if you would like to try.

Since the beach is in a fishing village, you can have fresh seafood here! 

The grilled fish restaurant called Restoran Terapung is famous here, and you have to try the freshness of seafood .

 At the end of the beach, you can find Galeri Tengku Anis, a nice building with traditional Malaysian architecture containing information about fishing. 

If you are driving from Kota Bharu, just follow Highway 134. It will take you around 40 minutes to Pantai Sri Tujuh.

Best Kelantan Beach Resorts

If you want to stay near the beach, here are some of the beach resorts in Kelantan you can choose to stay.

1. Sri Pantai Resort

Located just within a few steps on Pantai Irama, this resort is suitable for you and your family. 

From this resort, you can just walk to the beach and have fun! Sri Pantai Resort provides free WiFi throughout the property and also comes with a private bathroom. 

Address: No. 240, Kampung Kuala Rekang, Kampung, 16310 Bachok, Kelantan

Price: RM55($13.23) to RM120($28.86)

Telephone number: 012-9524705

2. The Maena Water Chalets 

If you want to stay in midst of a fishing village near the border town of Thailand and Malaysia, this chalet is suitable for you! Located just at the riverbank near the beach, this is the perfect place for you to experience and discover the country life of a fishing village with a beautiful beach. 

Address: Kampong, Kampung Telaga Lanas, 16080 Tumpat, Kelantan

Price: RM140($33.67) to RM170($40.44)

3. Villa Danialla Beach Resort

With 10 villas by the sea, this romantic environment is perfect for your honeymoon or just a holiday with family. With its natural setting, you can enjoy a perfect view from every corner of your villa. 

This resort also provides spa and events space for you. 

Located 6km from fishing village Tok Bali, this resort also has a beachfront bar and restaurant where you can enjoy your evening with loved ones or solo if you prefer. In addition, there is also a cat hotel and a wild-bird park on-site.

Address:  Lot 385, Kandis, Jalan Tok Bali, 16310 Bachok, Kelantan

Price: RM150($36.07) to RM316($75.99)

Telephone: +60139283878

4. Tok Aman Bali Beach Resort

Located 2km from Pantai Bisikan Bayu, this resort hotel is in a landscaped garden facing a lagoon. You can have stylish rooms that provide complete amenities including a mini fridge and free WiFi, balconies with lagoon views, and also a TV with DVD players.

A gym and spa are also provided here, and two types of the pool – outdoor pool and kids pool. If you bring children here, they also can enjoy a playground just for the resort guest. 

Address: 6264, 1, Pantai Bisikan Bayu, 16700 Pasir Puteh, Kelantan

Price: RM141($33.91) to RM176($42.32)

Telephone: +6096918809

5. Perdana Resort PCB Beach

Located just 10 minutes drive from Kota Bharu, this resort consisted of 117 beautiful chalets built with mainly local timber that makes it a beach resort in Kelantan that still embraces local architecture. 

Perdana Resort is located by the sea and stretches to 1.5km with white sandy beaches and coconut trees. 

Address: Jalan Kuala Pa’ Amat, Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan, 15710 Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Price: RM145($34.87) to RM250($60)

6. Sudara Beach Resort

If you come to Kelantan with your family, bring them to this family-friendly small hotel that is situated near Pantai Irama. Located just at the seaside, you can walk within minutes and enjoy Pantai Irama. You can also have a BBQ here, just ask for the hotel staff and they will provide you with the appliances and place for BBQ.

Address: Lot 128 Mukim, Jalan Pasir Puteh – Tok Bali, Kampong Cham Tangga, 16300 Bachok, Kelantan

Price: RM88($21) to RM120($30)

Telephone: 012-319 0009

Interesting Facts That You Didn’t Know About Kelantan

Kelantanese will speak in their Malay dialect, regardless of race. 

This is where you can find Chinese or Indians speak Malay in Kelantan dialects. This is uncommon in Malaysia since they have their own language. You can see the unity in Kelantanese through the language. 

Kelantan is known as ‘Land of Lightning’. This is due to the fact that there are many thunderstorms in the state every year. It gets worse, especially during the monsoon season. 

Budu is a must in every dish. 

Budu is a fermented anchovies sauce, prepared by mixing anchovies, salt, tamarind, and palm sugar. This combination then fermented for up to 200 days. 

It is consumed during lunch or dinner, typically with lime juice and bird’s eye chili. Try it when you are in Kelantan as they are the largest producer of Budu in Malaysia. 

Archeological findings show Kelantan’s evidence as a human settlement in prehistoric times.

Kelantan also became an important center of trade by the end of the 15th century and had links to Sri Vijaya, Majapahit, and Siam. 

A Quick List Of Things To Do In Kelantan

There are many places in Kelantan you can visit. The state has beautiful buildings and nature that you must explore. 

The Cultural Centre – Kelantan is home to most Malaysian Cultures such as dikir barat (a style of Malay choral singing in group), wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), and silat (Malay martial art). This is one of the things to do in Kota Bharu that you cannot miss. You can watch the demonstrations of these activities here in The Cultural Centre.

Mount Stong – This is Kelantan’s highest mountain that you can climb IF you are an intermediate climber due to its steepness. If you are not a climber, do not worry. You can just go to the Jelawang Waterfall, and also visit Gua Ikan (Fish Cave) near the mountain.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum – If you would like to see fine examples of handicrafts, go to Handicraft Village and Craft Museum. Both of these buildings are located in Kota Bharu and are easily accessible via taxi or bus. You can watch the making of Batik, Songket, and other embroideries at The Handicraft Village, and craftsmanship in the form of wooden and silver at the Craft Museum.

Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace) – Once was a palace, now it is a museum. This museum displays Kelantan’s culture including photographs, artifacts, and other exhibits. If you are into architecture, the palace will give you an awesome sight with its finely carved-out wood with complex patterns.  

Kuala Krai Museum and Mini Zoo – If you are staying in Kuala Krai, head to the museum and mini zoo for your activities. There you can see the range of animals such as deers, monkeys, bears, and birds. At the museum, there are displays of preserved animals, documents, and photographs especially in the formation of Kuala Krai. 

Galas River Boat Ride – One of Kota Bharu attractions is the Galas River. It is one of the main rivers in Kelantan. Take this boat ride and it will bring you to one of the magical experiences you can have in Kelantan.

What Is Kelantan Famous For?

Eco Adventures – Due to its geographic locations, Kelantan is famous for its close-to-nature activities such as rock climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and water activities. People from all around looking for a short getaway in Malaysia like to go to Kelantan for this type of activity. 

Here are some places where you can go for eco-adventure activities

• Rock climbing and camping at Ethnobotany Park Gua Musang 
• Jungle trekking and bird watching at Kuala Koh National Park
• Hiking Mount Stong
• Caving at Gua Ikan, Dabong
• Fishing at Pergau Lake
• White water rafting at Nenggiri

Cottage Industries – Kelantan is famous for its cottage industries, mostly producing items especially for tourists.  If you want to buy good local fabric especially Batik and Songket, Kelantan is the place you want to go. You can also find excellent craftsmanship for souvenirs such as kites, silver, and wooden items.

The Fishing Village – Located near the sea, Kelantan is famous for its fishing village. The most well-known fishing village is Sabak Beach (14km from Kota Bharu) and Kuala Besar (15km from Kota Bharu). You can experience how the locals buy from the fishermen, the negotiation, and the noisiness will create a lively and lovely environment that you will enjoy. 

The food, of course – Kelantan is famous for its food. Whether it is lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, Kelantanese poeple take their food very seriously. Some of the restaurants in Kelantan still serve the food in the traditional way where they cook using charcoal to retain the authentic flavor. 

You can check out the best food in Kelantan and try it whenever you go to Kelantan. 

There you go, the best beaches in Kelantan and also the best place in Kelantan you can put in your itinerary when you are planning to visit this ‘Land of Lightning’. Although if you are planning to visit beaches in Kelantan, you can also visit the historical buildings, art, and cultural center.

If you have any other beaches or Kelantan’s place to visit that you want to share, please let us know in the comments section below.

Enjoy your holiday and good luck with planning your beach trip!

Best Beaches In Kelantan That You Cannot Miss