Things to see and do Northeast

They are home to picturesque waterfalls. Most of them are located near Pasir Puteh, about 35 km from Kota Bharu. The most popular, Jeram Pasu, is on the road in Kampung Pak Amat. Jeram Lenang is another waterfall appreciated for its tranquility by the locals despite its small size (12 m). But one of the jewels of the region is undoubtedly Lata Beringi. From the top of its 120 m, it is also one of the largest waterfalls in Malaysia and its lush jungle setting makes it one of the most popular camping sites.

This is the lake's most spectacular waterfall, 150 m high. It's also a tranquil picnic spot and, if you're brave enough, you can walk up the waterfall to the natural pools that make superb swimming spots. The site is off the beaten track, amid orchids, tropical trees and lush green mosses. It takes half an hour by boat from the Pengkalan Gawi jetty.

Apart from Lasir, other waterfalls are well worth a visit: Saok is increasingly popular, with its sandbar (15-minute boat ride). Tembat, on the other hand, is a wild and tumultuous waterfall with several levels, ideal for campers and for the magnificent views from the path that runs alongside it (allow an hour by boat). Other waterfalls include Petang, Leban, Terenggan, Lata Terap and Petuang.

The hilly areas around the lake are covered in primeval forests. Mount Cherbau dominates the Bongsu, Tembat, Raung, Kachang, Gagau and Gajah Terom mountains. The Bewah and Taat hills are rich in legends handed down from generation to generation by the locals. Often shrouded in mist, these hills are so fascinating that research has been undertaken to unravel the mysteries surrounding these two caves, famous for their magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

Call on Ping Anchorage to organize an excursion to discover these sites.

The «Seven Lagoons Beach» is also the Rendez-vous of the International Kites Festival (Pesta Wau), which is held in June. This beach is located on the border of Thailand and Kelantan. 

The "beach with the whispering breeze", shaded by casuarinas, is a relaxing spot. Although it's quite a distance from Kota Bharu, it's still possible to spend the day there. It lies on the border with the state of Terangganu. From the main terminal, take bus 3 to Pasir Puteh. Then take bus 96 to Kuala Besut. The long, sandy beach, fringed with coconut palms and pine trees, is renowned for its refreshing breeze. Deserted, especially on weekdays, it's easy to feel like Robinson Crusoe disembarking on his island.

Also called "the melodic beach", it is the most beautiful beach on the coast and is very much appreciated by picnics and campers. 

Its original name was Pantai Cinta Berahi, meaning "the beach of passionate love". This didn't please the Sultan, who renamed it Pantai Cahaya Bulan ("the moonlit beach"), so it's still PCB. It's a long beach where you can sunbathe and relax in good cottages, preferably during the week. One drawback, however, is that it can be dirty, especially where the bungalows are concentrated. It's advisable not to undress too much on the beach, or you risk attracting attention. Beware of the waves, which can be very strong.

There are 12 hikes of varying difficulty in the Tanah Rata area. You can get a map with information on the trails from the tourist office or your hotel. Be careful, however, the trails are not always well marked. Routes 2, 7 and 8 are difficult; 3, 5 and 10 are of medium difficulty; 4 is of easy difficulty. Remember to inform someone of your departure by indicating the route and a time limit for return. Not all trails are always open. Check before you leave.

Established in 1933, Bharat Tea is an iconic local company. Originally, the plantation simply sold tea leaves to a local processing factory. In 1963, it acquired a neighboring plantation with its own factory, and in 1994 Bharat began marketing a locally-produced tea, Cameron Valley Tea. The company organizes tours of its plantations, as well as high-tea and tastings. The company has two stores, with beautiful views and explanations of the transformation process.

Redang is one of the first category destinations for diving and snorkeling. No less than 40 sites surround the island and the area has a marine protected area. 80% of the marine species present in the coral triangle that includes the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea can be observed here. Drops, coral gardens and sandy bottoms allow you to alternate pleasures and are accessible to beginners and experienced divers alike. The destination is very popular with amateur or professional photographers who practice macro photography. The best diving spots are concentrated in the east of the island.

Tunnel Point. A tangle of rocks creates a natural tunnel through which the divers can weave. Gorgonians and corals cling to the walls. When the current is strong, the blades collide with the rocks, causing them to crack. Impressive.

Tanjung Tokong. North of the island, in the immediate vicinity of Turtle Bay. A very good place to spot endangered green and hawksbill turtles.

Chek Isa. This submerged reef starts at 8 meters and goes down to 20 meters. The rocks are lined with corals, sponges and hydroids. Many shells are found in the crevices, such as cowries (porcelain-coffin), spider shells, nudibranchs and spirobranchs, and fish. On the ground, you will look for the sea scorpion perfectly camouflaged in the sand.

Tanjung Cina Terjung. One of Redang's favourite dive sites, it is located in the south-east of the island. It's a paradise for eels and lionfish. Sandy bottoms conceal stingrays, sea scorpions, stonefish, globefish. With weak currents and a maximum depth of 18 meters, this is a good spot for beginners.

Pulau Lima. East of Redang, these 5 islets gather all the beauty and the coral and pelagic diversity of the marine park. It is thus the most visited site and more particularly Big Mount which goes down to 35 meters. This is where you might get a chance to meet the whale shark.

Pulau Ling. The southernmost site of Redang, it features two spectacular mushroom-head-shaped coral formations with a circumference of more than 20 metres. In shallow water, between 10 and 20 meters, the site is ideal for inexperienced divers. Cavities at the base of corals are home to angelfish, horned zancles or cardinalfish.

The Perhentian Islands are famous for their seabed and green turtles. Some twenty diving spots are spread between the two islands. Some of these can be visited in snorkel mode, such as Shark Point, Lighthouse or Romantic Beach. Almost every resort has its own diving center, where you can also rent fins, mask and snorkel. You'll need to factor in the cost of the boat, as with the exception of Turtle Point, all the sites are off the islands. Your hotel reception will be happy to help you organize your excursion.

Turtle Point. Just off Pulau Besar's main beach, green turtles like to gather here in search of plankton. As a result, tourists also like to congregate here, in the hope of catching a glimpse of a large specimen. The water is crystal-clear, the sand bright white and the seabed close at hand. Everyone jumps in, even those who can't swim, strapped into their life jackets. If you're planning a diving or snorkeling trip around the islands, you'll have a good chance of seeing the turtles, in the quiet. So you can save yourself the stopover here, which is more like a zoo experience.

Shark Point. To the south-west of Pulau Besar, close to the rocks, blacktip reef sharks cruise close to the floor. Some can reach 1.60 meters in length, leaving you with a slight feeling of dread. Unless, of course, you're an inveterate diver.

Lighthouse. To the south of Pulau Kecil, this is the place to be for thrill-seeking snorkelers. You can climb to the top of the beacon and jump into the water some ten meters below. The rocky seabed is also an extraordinary place to observe multicolored fish in crystal-clear waters.

Romantic Beach. To the west of Pulau Kecil, this is another hot spot for snorkelers. The beach is charming and romantic, but napoleons can also be spotted just off the shore.

Temple of the Sea. Considered the best diving spot, it lies to the north-west of Pulau Kecil. We descend to 18 meters along a rocky pinnacle where we can observe giant pufferfish, moray eels, trevally and impressive schools of snapper. Cuttlefish, rays, sculpin sharks and trunkfish are also among the residents.

The best season is from March to May, the driest period. Taman Negara offers several trails ranging in difficulty from 2 hours to 7 days. The options are vast, and it's best to look at a map in detail before preparing your itinerary according to your desires and abilities. Nevertheless, here are five classics:

Royal trekking: Gunung Tahan. It takes 9 days round trip to reach the summit (2,187 m), 53 km from HQ. Most treks start from Merapoh and begin with a river descent and a short 4x4 transfer. You'll then have 30 km to climb, which takes 4 days. Wherever you go, you'll need to bring your own camping gear, food and water bottles. The presence of a guide is mandatory. Water and firewood are available in the camps provided for rest stops. The climb is difficult and only suitable for those in perfect physical and psychological condition. Extraordinary jungle views are the reward.

Wild trekking: Gunung Gagau. Situated in the north-east of the park, this peak rises to 1,376 m. It's a trek that's all the more rugged for the fact that it's a seldom-visited area. Accompaniment by a certified guide is compulsory. A full briefing with essential safety instructions will be given at HQ. The hike begins with a full-day trip up the Sungei Sat River. Allow 6 to 7 days in all. You'll need to bring your own camping gear, food and cooking supplies, as well as water for the first day.

Lazy trekking: the Yong trail, most of which is flat, takes 4 hours, ideal for short stays. Along the way, you'll pass 1 or 2 aboriginal villages. Beware of the small path - it won't take you anywhere. Always follow the main path.

Intermediate trekking: Kuala Trenggan trail is a 7-hour walk along 9.5 km of the Sungai Tembeling River. A popular trail for those heading towards Bumbun Kumbang. It is normally possible to charter a boat up Kuala Trenggan and walk back to HQ.

Bathing trekking: the Lata Berkoh trail, along the Tahan River, with two bathing spots on the trail, Lata Berkoh and Lubok Simpon. You'll need to charter a boat to go upriver and return on foot in 5 hours. Before starting the trek, check the water level with HQ.

This former royal palace, built in 1939 for the Sultan's wedding, has a much more modern face. We recommend that you end your visit to Kota Bharu with this monument in order to appreciate the architectural progression of the Malay style. The visit gives an insight into the life of the royal family between 1940 and 1960. Old photos, costumes, gifts from foreign delegations, vintage cars... the whole is quite anecdotal.

In a modern Malay-inspired building, the performances are given three times a week and mainly draw on traditional and folk arts: martial arts (silat and Thai box), spinning tops (gasing), kite making (wau), percussion, shadow theatre (wayang kulit), dancing (mak yong)... On the Malaysian peninsula, there is only one place where you can admire as much traditional know-how.

The staff were friendly and helpful. Among other things, he organizes safari on the Kelantan River and can contact Roselan for the organisation of Malay cooking courses. An exciting experience.

Filled with stalls, it really is worth moving, especially for blue or yellow rice displays.

The museum is housed in a beautiful building that combines colonial and Malayan styles. It is the former town hall of Kota Bharu built in 1930 and has undergone some modifications since then. The various rooms illustrate the history, culture and crafts of Kelantan. The collection forms an interesting bric-a-brac, with beautiful pieces such as delicately painted Chinese porcelain, traditional musical instruments, antique textile pieces or basketry.

The agency organizes a very interesting city tour and can help you in your excursions through the Kelantan.

This snow-white, Moorish-style mosque rises above a lagoon. Built on the water, it is reflected in the placid waters and literally seems to float, hence its nickname of floating mosque. Two footbridges connect it to the mainland. At night, the lighting from the dome and minaret literally sets it ablaze. The place exudes serenity. If you wish to visit the mosque, proper attire is imperative.

At the end of a beautiful plantation, in the hollow of a valley planted with tea trees, BOH welcomes visitors in a flamboyant center. Unfortunately, the usual guided tours are temporarily suspended. However, it is possible to stroll around the property, where there are hiking trails. And don't forget to visit the boutique and sample the local produce while enjoying the incredible view from the terrace.

Numerous packages are available, from simple transfers to accommodation and excursions. Very well organized, they have several excursion formats, including a somewhat rhythmic day trip at RM600 from Kuala Lumpur (6am departure) or a more pleasant "3 days/2 nights" format (at RM750), which is much more cost-effective and leaves more time to really appreciate the surroundings. They also have the advantage of offering transfers to the Cameron Highlands or Perhentian Islands directly from the park, which can save considerable time.