From JB Fantastic Malaysia: Location : KELANTAN

Kelantan is a prime centre for Malay culture, crafts and religion.

GUNUNG STONG STATE PARK

Information

Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP) is a forested area, totaling 21,950ha with several prominent mountain peaks. The area is of outstanding beauty and is home to one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia, Jelawang Waterfall.

The rugged landscape of GSSP offers many exciting adventures for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. GSSP not only has important eco-tourism values but also serves as a significant conservation area with richflora and fauna diversity.

Animals such as the Asian elephant, seladang, great argus pheasant, Malayan tiger, serow and tapir are known to roam the forest in Stong. With the assistance of a qualified and knowledgeable trekking guide, your exploration of GSSP will be made more meaningful as interesting aspects about the biodiversity of the area are pointed out.

There is a few places of interest at Gunung Stong State Park like the Jelawang Waterfall, an impressive seven-tier waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia. Bogo Rock Shelter, a cave-like formation, is a suitable resting point on the way to the summit of Gunung Stong, which can be reached within four hours of trekking.

Gunung Ayam, the highest peak in the area, standing at 1,504m is the ideal spot to watch both sunset and sunrise. A campsite is available for overnight stays. Visit the breathtaking 225 million year-old limestone caves at Dabong that house several bat species and rare flora, including an endemic balsam.

Conservation Efforts at Gunung Stong State Park :

The Kelantan State Forestry Department has organised scientific expeditions to GSSP in collaboration with other agencies.

Capacity-building programmes for park staff will be carried out.

WWF-Malaysia is producing a Preliminary Management Plan for the Gunung Stong State Park in collaboration with the Kelantan State Forestry Department.

How to get there

By road

From Kuala Lumpur (KL), take the North-South Expressway heading north and exit at Kuala Kangsar.From the exit, head towards Gerik and then proceed
along the East-West highway towards Jeli. At Jeli town, follow Route 66 leading to Dabong. Alternately, take the East Coast Expressway from KL towards Bentong. From there, follow Route 8 to Gua Musang, and then get on Route D29 to Dabong.

By train

From the KL Sentral Station, the northbound express train to Kota Bharu will take you through several small settlements including Dabong. From there, youll need to cross Sungei Galas and head to Jelawang which is only 3km away.

By boat

Take a boat at Kuala Krai to Dabong/Jelawang. The boat ride takes about an hour.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Kelantan State Forestry Department at +609-748 2140. Alternatively you could also call Tourism Malaysia Kelantan Office at +609-747 7554 or 1-300-88-5050.

Accommodation Overview

Gunung Stong State Park also provide a accommodation type Standard Chalet and dormitory. Camping site is also available.

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HANDICRAFT VILLAGE AND CRAFT MUSEUM

Information

Also known as 'Balai Getam Guri', the museum is located in the heart of Kota Bharu's cultural zone and is walking distance from the Istana Balai Besar and the Buluh Kubu Bazaar.

The Craft Museum houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship.
The museum features a selection of Kelantan handicraft in traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silversmithing and matting.

On the ground floor of the building, there is a restaurant called 'Balai Sulur Gadung', where visitors can savour some of Kelantan's famous refreshments.

The adjacent Handicraft Village provides visitors the chance to see just how these crafts are made.

Demonstrations of traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver work and wood carving are carried out by skilled artisans. Their products are also on sale at the centre

How to get there

By Road

Located in the heart of Kota Bharu's cultural zone, the Handicraft Village is a walking distance from the Istana Balai Besar and the Buluh Kubu Bazaar. It is easily accessible from Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hilir Kota.

Who to contact

Opening hours: 8.30 am - 4.45 pm daily (except Fridays).

For more information, please contact the Kelantan Tourism Office. Tel: 09-747 7554. Fax: 09-747 8010

Accommodation Overview

Kota Bharu offers a full range of accommodation, from basic backpacker's hostels to a 4-star hotel.

View Accommodation In Kelantan

PANTAI BISIKAN BAYU (BEACH OF WHISPERING BREEZE)

Information

Pantai Bisikan Bayu - also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu - is just a scenic 50km drive south of Kota Bharu, Kelantan's capital. Around the village of Semerak, gentle breezes rustle the casuarina trees lining the beach producing a hushed sound that, locals say, sounds like a soothing whisper.

Surfing is good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find great conditions here during the North-East Monsoon from November to April.

But nothing beats resting in the shade of the tall casuarina trees, staring out to sea, listening to the whispering wind and sipping on a cool coconut. Perfect R & R

How to get there

By road

Follow the interstate highway south of Kota Bahru for 50km until you reach the charming town of Pasir Putih, which means 'White Sand'. The beach lies just past this town.

Nearby Attractions

Siti Khadijah Market 40.69km

SITI KHADIJAH MARKET

Information

A good way to get to know a Malaysian town is to visit its markets, the economic centre of the community. Siti Khadijah Market is named after Prophet Muhammad's entrepreneurial wife. A fitting name for a market mostly run by women.

This market has something for everyone, from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. It is also a slice of life in Kelantan, abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.