Kelantan Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Saturday to Wednesday; 09:30 to 11:30, Thursdays
Government Offices: 08:30 to 16:30, Sunday to Thursday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 22:00, daily
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday to Wednesday; 09:00 to 13:00, Thursdays

Kelantan is considered a safe place for tourists to visit, as violent crime against visitors is not common. Petty crime is more common however, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and at transportation centres including the airport and bus and rail stations. Examples of the most frequently reported crimes include snatch-and-grab incidents and petty theft against women walking alone.

Visitors are encouraged to exercise normal safety precautions and to be sure that all important personal travel documents and valuables are kept in a hotel safe or other secure place. Valuables should not be openly displayed or left unattended in a car. It’s also recommended that you do not accept food or drink from strangers.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz three-pin plugs (round and square)

Visitors to Malaysia are not required to have any vaccinations in advance of arrival. However, it is a good idea for visitors to ensure they are up-to-date with standard inoculations. Water from the tap is generally safe to drink, but it’s always a good idea to boil or purify water it before drinking. Alternatively, bottled water is widely available. It’s a good idea to make sure that all fruits and vegetables are peeled before eating and that seafood is properly cooked.

Medical services are readily available at government hospitals and at private clinics in Kelantan. You’ll find non-prescription medications available at pharmacies, supermarkets, shopping centres and at some hotels.

Kota Bharu Hospital Jalan Hospital: +60 9 748 5533
Emergency services: 999 and 112

Bahasa Melayu is the country’s official language. English is also spoken or understood by many Malaysians. Other languages and dialects that are spoken by various groups include: Chinese dialects such as Cantonese, Foochow, Hainanese, Hakka, Hokkien and Mandarin; and Malayam, Panjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Thai. Locals who are employed in the tourist industry can usually speak English.

Malaysia’s currency unit is the Ringgit (RM). One ringgit is equal to 100 sen. Banknotes are issued in the following denominations: RM100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins come in denominations of RM1; and 50, 20, 10 and 5 sen.

Ringgits can be converted without restriction. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted for purchases. Banks are not the best place to exchange your currency. The rates are usually more favourable at licensed currency exchange outlets, located at most major shopping malls and in town centres.

You’ll find that ATMs are widely available in larger towns and cities of Kelantan, but virtually nonexistent in rural areas. It’s a good idea to have cash available when you head into the jungle, to remote beaches or to any islands. Credit cards are usually accepted by most upscale shops, hotels and restaurants.

Items that are allowed to be brought into the country duty free include 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; one bottle of liquor; and perfume in an amount considered reasonable for personal use. A limited number of gifts may also be brought into the country duty free. If you’re a non-resident carrying foreign currency, it should be declared when you arrive if the amount exceeds US$10,000. Prohibited items include firearms, narcotics and endangered plants and animals.

Kelantan is the most conservative of the Malaysian states, with Islamic practices closely followed. Travellers should be respectful of local customs and dress conservatively, avoiding revealing clothing, sleeveless t-shirts, singlets and shorts.

Shaking hands is not customary in Muslim societies: the salam is the Muslim equivalent, in which the younger person typically clasps the hands of the older person of the same sex. Note that physical contact with the opposite sex is discouraged. If you are non-Muslim you should not take offence if a member of the opposite sex does not reciprocate your offer of a handshake.

When entering someone’s home or a mosque or temple, it’s customary to remove your shoes and leave them outside the entrance. It’s considered rude to point at another person with your forefinger, the bottom of your feet, or to touch another person’s head.

Dining Etiquette
Many people of the Indian and Malay communities commonly eat using the fingers of their right hand. You should be aware that using the left hand is taboo, as it is used for personal hygiene matters. Hands are washed before and after meals. In most Malay homes and restaurants, there is a container with water for hand-washing placed on the dining table or a sink.

During the holy month of Ramadan, visitors should observe the ban on drinking and eating in public between sunrise and sunset – including non-Muslims. Many restaurants are closed during daylight hours during Ramadan, opening in the evening to provide meals for those who have fasted throughout the day.

All visitors entering Malaysia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months longer than their intended stay in the country. For those requiring visas, applications should be made at a Malaysian embassy or consulate in advance of arrival.

Visas are not required for nationals of Commonwealth countries, with the exception of nationals from Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Nationals from the Republic of Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, San Marino and Switzerland also do not require visas.

Visas are not required of nationals of the following countries, for stays of up to three months: Algeria, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Republic of Korea, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, USA and Yemen.

Nationals of all ASEAN countries and Hong Kong are permitted to stay for up to one month without a visa. For stays longer than one month, ASEAN nationals require a visa, with the exception of those from Brunei and Singapore.

Visas are not required for stays of up to one month for nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Corsica, Costa Rica, Croatia, Djibouti, Dominica Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Gabon, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Laos, Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, South Africa and Zaire.

The main tourist information office in Kota Bharu is called Tourism Malaysia Kelantan and is located at Lot PT 163, Tingkat Bawah, Seksyen 26, Jalan Dusun Muda. You’ll find some pamphlets on area attractions and free maps at the office. Additionally, information and advice on tours and treks can be obtained at hotels or through local tour operator. Phone: +60 9 622 1893.