Places You Might Not Know When You Balik Kampung (Kelantan edition)

Gearing up for the long festive weekend, and want to visit some amazing places with your loved ones when you are back at kampung?

We’ve got you covered, as we have compiled a comprehensive list of truly breathtaking locales that you can visit during this Raya with your family and friends. Best of all, you do not have to spend a bomb or endure sitting for long hours in a plane, as these places are located right here in Malaysia!

Pantai Irama Bachok (Beach of Melody)

Photo Credit: Attractions in Malaysia

We kickstart our list with Kelantan’s Pantai Irama Bachok, a beachside that is not unlike what you’d find in the Maldives. Also known as the Beach of Melody, it features pristine waters, idyllic-looking palm trees, and a vast panoramic view of the South China Sea. 

Natural landscapes aside, there are also fun activities for the whole family at Pantai Irama Bachok. From water sports to boats for hire, you can have yourself an adrenaline-filled weekend playing in the crystal clear waters. There are also barbeque facilities to utilise, should you want to cook some delicious meals for everyone!

If you are headed there by car from Kuala Lumpur, the Karak highway towards Kuantan and Kota Bahru is the best way to go, taking approximately seven to eight hours. You can also opt to take express bus services if you simply want to relax. The latter option can be found operating from most major towns, and even Singapore to Kota Bharu.

Alternatively, you can fly in directly to Kota Bharu airport from KLIA, which will take just an hour. 

The subsequent trip from Kota Bharu to Pantai Irama Bachok can be completed via taxi or bus (services number 2A or 2B), which is a 20 kilometer journey.

Address: 16800 Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Pantai Senok

Photo Credit: Petit Go

Also located in Bachok, Kelantan is a beach called Pantai Senok. This popular tourist attraction is known best for its beautiful tall pine trees, and many folks have likened the beach to being Malaysia’s very own Nami Island. 

Many visitors, both local and foreign, visit Pantai Senok to bask in the beauty of the trees, and even to do photoshoots with the picturesque landscape as their backgrounds. Not only that, there is a small pond located near the entrance that provides a lovely introduction for tourists to the beach.

Families can enjoy strolling down the clean seashore, or even enjoy a spot of picnicking while watching fishermen hunt for fish enthusiastically. At the very edge of Pantai Senok’s rock embankment is a small lighthouse, which remains fully operational today. This is a highlight, both literally and figuratively, of the beach and is popular among tourists!

Do note that the beach does not feature amenities like public toilets or shops, so it’s best that you stock up on food supplies and use the washroom before heading there! 

Address: 16020, Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Gunung Reng

Photo Credit: Malaysia Site

Another sight to see in Kelantan is Gunung Reng, a giant rock structure located near Jeli. Visible from the East-West highway, the natural formation is eye-catching not just because of its size, but the fact that there are no other smaller mountains or rocks flanking it, except for several villages.

This iconic limestone hill is popular among visitors here for picnicking and leisurely activities. A river and large cave with bats are also present at Gunung Reng for visitors to check out. Amenities-wise, you can head over to a nearby recreational park, which features shops, washroom facilities, and also a surau.

Address: 17600, Jeli, Kelantan

Sungai Kenerong

Photo Credit: Malaysia Site

Fancy engaging in relaxing water activities away from the beachsides? Then Sungai Kenerong is the perfect place for your needs. 

This river is extremely popular among tourists for water-tubing. Unlike river-rafting, you are simply strapped to floatation devices and gently follow the stream along Sungai Kenerong, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature all around you as you go by.

The journey takes about an hour and a half, which is plenty of time to truly appreciate nature and also play around in the water!

Address: No-24 Kampung Jelawang, 18200 Dabong, Kelantan

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