MY · Kelantan · 6.03°N 102.13°E

pasir mas

Riverside town on the way to the border, with proper kampung Kelantanese food.

Best time
March to October is best. The north-east monsoon, roughly November to February, brings heavy rain, and the area often floods.
How long
Half a day to 1 day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kota Bharu (about an hour), then drive about 30 minutes. By car from KL it's about 6–7 hours via Gua Musang.
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MY · Kelantanpasir mas6.03°N 102.13°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Riverside town on the way to the border, with proper kampung Kelantanese food.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingPasir MasMY, Kelantan
KLpasir mas
≈ 325 km from KL, as the crow flies
Wat Uttamaram, Pasir Mas, Malaysia

Photo: Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A busy market town on the Kelantan River in the state's north-west. It's not a sight in itself, but it's close to the Rantau Panjang border, the Siamese temples of neighbouring Tumpat and plenty of good kampung Kelantanese food.

Makan

  1. Nasi kerabuBlue rice with herbs, fish and sambal, a Kelantan breakfast classic.Map ↗
  2. Nasi dagangRice cooked with coconut milk and served with fish curry.Map ↗
  3. Ayam percikGrilled chicken basted in a spiced coconut sauce.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Rantau PanjangThe duty-free border town on the Golok River, known for bargain shopping.Map ↗
  2. Masjid Jubli Perak Sultan Ismail PetraBetter known as Masjid Beijing, a Chinese-style mosque at Rantau Panjang.Map ↗
  3. The town marketGo in the morning for local produce, kuih and a look at daily life.Map ↗
  4. Wat PhothivihanA huge reclining Buddha at a Siamese temple in neighbouring Tumpat.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Kelantan's weekend is Friday and Saturday, and many shops close for Friday prayers around midday.
  • Across the border, Thailand's deep south has long-running travel advisories. Check current advice before crossing at Rantau Panjang.
  • Dress modestly in town and at the mosques.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.