If you’re asking when the best time to visit Kelantan is, the answer is during the holy month of Ramadan.
Kelantan is a beautiful state on the east coast of Malaysia.
When you first hear the beautiful sounds of Kelante spoken by the locals, you feel like you have stepped into another country.
The pristine beaches and the balmy breeze make me think I’ve returned to the 70s in Penang.
It was a time when everything moved slowly.
The culture is vibrant, the food is delicious, and the people are warm and welcoming.
The monsoon season for the East Coast begins in November and ends in February.
Other than those times, Kelantan is a fascinating destination.
Visiting Kelantan during Ramadan offers a rare chance to witness its deep spiritual and cultural traditions in full bloom.
The community comes together during this time.
Visitors can experience local customs through shared meals, lively bazaars, and meaningful religious practices.
Kelantan boasts pristine beaches, including Pantai Senok in Bachok, home to a picturesque lighthouse.
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Visiting Kelantan
I was privileged to visit Kelantan during Ramadan as part of a Familiarization (FAM) trip hosted by Tourism Malaysia.
I got to experience and explore the state’s religious customs, try its unique cuisine, and observe the spiritual vibrancy of Ramadan.
It was a journey of the top things to do in Kelantan through culture, food, and tradition.
I love Kelantan! ❤️ The best time to visit Kelantan is between February and April for perfect weather and vibrant cultural experiences. #KelantanDiHati
Fasting during Ramadan
One of my most profound moments was experiencing a full day of fasting firsthand.
It starts with the pre-dawn sahur meal.
As a first-timer, waking up at 4 a.m. was difficult, but it was a peaceful, reflective start to the day.
We then joined the local community for early morning prayers at Masjid Jamek Muhammadi in Kota Bharu.
The mosque’s cool, serene atmosphere created a calm environment for reflection.
After the prayers, we enjoyed a sahur meal of Nasi Berlauk—a nourishing rice dish with fish and vegetables—prepared by volunteers.
Throughout the day, we refrained from eating and drinking.
Fasting gave us a deeper appreciation of its physical and spiritual significance.
By late afternoon, the hunger and thirst set in, reminding us of the true essence of the fast.
It was a physical challenge and a way to cultivate empathy for those less fortunate.
The best time to visit Kelantan’s iconic Masjid Jamek Muhammadi is between February and April when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and photography.
Iftar in Kelantan
As evening approached, we headed to the bustling Bazar Ramadan at Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV.
Here, the aromas of local Kelantanses delicacies filled the air.
After a day of fasting, it was a sight to behold.
The sight of colorful drinks and dishes like Nasi Kerabu, Ayam Percik, and Air Selasih (a refreshing basil seed drink) tempted our taste buds.
The Ramadan Bazaar in Kelantan is a must-visit.
It offers a variety of local foods unique to the region. The selection of sweets, like kuih akok, kuih jala mas, and kuih tahi itik.
The Kelantanese kueh is incredibly sweet and especially delightful for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The delicious and affordable food makes it a perfect way to experience Kelantanese flavors.
We joined the locals for Iftar and broke our fast with a shared meal bought at the bazaar.
The best time to visit Kelantan for food lovers is during Ramadan, when bazaars come alive with local delicacies like Nasi Kerabu
Tarawih Prayers and Moreh
After iftar, the local community headed for the Tarawih prayers, held after the evening Isha prayer.
During Ramadan, many imams from the Middle East lead the prayers, enhancing the spiritual experience.
This creates an atmosphere that mirrors the profound feeling of praying in Makkah or Madinah.
After prayers, Moreh—a light supper traditionally served at mosques or suraus—offers a moment of communal warmth and reflection.
You can join the community in the mosques for Moreh, there are local cakes and porridge for everyone.
The sweet end to the evening felt like the perfect conclusion to a day full of spiritual reflection and communal connection.
The best time to visit Kelantan for a true cultural experience is during Ramadan, when you can enjoy Moreh or Colek after Tarawih prayers.
Eating Colek in Kota Bharu
Dishes like Colek are especially popular during Ramadan.
Colek is a delightful savory treat mix of deep-fried seafood, chicken, and vegetables, topped with a rich peanut sauce.
While it’s available year-round, it becomes a Ramadan favorite, especially during the evening iftar.
We had the pleasure of trying it at renowned spots like Perdana Resort and Restoran Cik Siti in Kota Bharu.
Kelantan A Year-Round Destination
While Ramadan offers a particularly enriching experience, Kelantan has much to offer throughout the year.
Its natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Kelantan is also renowned for its traditional arts, such as wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), batik making, silat (martial arts), and the iconic Wau Bulan (moon kites).
These cultural treasures showcase the rich heritage of the state and are an essential part of Kelantan’s identity.
Exploring Kelantan with Tourism Malaysia! The best time to visit Kelantan is during the dry season, perfect for cultural tours and outdoor adventures.
The Best Time to Visit Kelantan
Ultimately, the best time to visit Kelantan depends on the experience you seek.
Visiting Kelantan during Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to experience the state at its vibrant best.
The FAM trip was an eye-opener, as I discovered an interesting culture that I could not have discovered on my own.
Kelantan’s deep-rooted traditions and incredible food culture make it a fascinating place to visit.
No matter what brings you here—nature, festivals, or just the charm—Kelantan has something special waiting for you.
From the rich flavors and deep-rooted traditions to the warmth of its people.
Kelantan always has a way of making you feel at home.
Editor’s note: The blog post about the FAM trip was posted on Smartdory Media’s sister site, www.travelstylus.com.
Blog Disclosure:
This is a sponsored blog post, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you, Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Kelantan, for the wonderful travel blog invitation!
