cycling to Kelantan Archives

Cycle to Kelantan via Terengganu, then cycle Kelantan to Jeli.

This post will share Day 3 and 4 of our journey. The first blog post covers Kuantan to Terengganu. (refer to our custom Google Map and GPX).

After Jeli, Day 5 would be dreaded 120km of climbs across Titiwangsa, from Jeli to Gerik. You can refer to our preview YouTube and photos with links below.

YouTube link: 11D10N Cycle to Penang, via East Coast and Betong

YouTube: Cycle 120km 2000m elevation across Titiwangsa mountain range

Click below to view our 11D10N “Cycle to Penang” photos.

Custom Google Map 11D10N

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Kelantan always sounds mysterious to me. Kelantan might not feature on most folks’ itinerary. Most will settle on Terengganu’s white sandy beach.

I have not even thought of driving to Kelantan before, so cycle to Kelantan is a BIG deal.

From Singapore, my perception of Kelantan is only amplified during election times and green flags (PAS). Can we still find beer at night? Any night life around towns (Pasar Malam?)

Day 3 Biking Terengganu to Kelantan

Although it is 180km, but the flat road made it easier. But it can get hot after a while.

Our 11D10N itinerary: (Actual cycling is 8 days)

Day 0 – Van to Kuantan
Day 1 -125km Kuantan to Dungun
Day 2 – 76km Dungun to Kuala Terengganu
*Day 3 – 160km Kuala Terengganu to Kota Bharu
*Day 4 – 90km Kota Bharu to Jeli
Day 5 – 121km Jeli to Gerik (via Titiwangsa mountain)
Day 6 – 55km Gerik to Betong (one segment steeper than Titiwangsa)
Day 7 – R&R Betong (tuk tuk to Skywalk)
Day 8 – 106km Betong to Georgetown
Day 9 – Penang RI (Round Island)
Day 10 – 10 hours coach to SG (or Larkin)
Day 11 – Reach SG

0600 Breakfast near to our hotel “Good luck restaurant“

We went under Terengganu’s most famous bridge again. Majestic and grand, day and night.

Before we reached Warung Pok Nong (our dinner from day 2), we stopped at the side to admire the rising sunrise and egg yolk.

At the 45km mark , we met a local cyclist. It is rare to spot cyclists along Terengganu. Coffee and tea break at Ke Kedai Makan Kak Moh (Tepimasjid) Kg Telaga Papan. He warned us that the route towards Kelantan would be warm and humid.

We know the East side (Peninsula Malaysia) is famous for the following. Nasi dagang, Nasi kerabu (blue) and Ikan celup tepung (deep fried seafood, which we enjoyed at “Warung Pok Nong”).

But there is more kueh and food to discover.

Hydration is always important for us. Although “East” is relatively flat, we normally roll 30km before we pitstop.

(I have mentioned before. As Singapore cyclists going to Malaysia, lesser traffic lights stops mean we forget to drink more regularly!)

Road is flat and 20, 30km really pass by easily.
Petrol stations and convenience stores (7-11, 99) are our best friends.

Humid and hot, we deserved some Magnum indulgence.

Short detour to visit a famous “Moscow Mosque” (Masjid Lapan Kubah). Although there is some renovation going on, the colourful domes are still visually stunning.

Late lunch for us, bandung and ice milo never failed to recharge our sore body and mind.

Below “stick like” piece is your Keropok Lekor (fried fish cracker).

You will encounter many bridges across wide water bodies.

1630 – Reached our spacious loft homestay ‘CASA HIJAU KOTA BHARU. ”

Quickly unpacked, and we headed for Chinese food (again!). Restoran Jet Mun is popular for birthday celebrations and other happy occasions.

It was a short touch and go to Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
But the city has shown me enough attractions for a return trip.

Day 4 Kelantan to Jeli

Recovery ride from Kelantan to Jeli, as the next day will be a 128km with 2000m elevation across Titiwangsa mountain range! (YouTube video end of page))

We definitely need a chill ride, I can feel my quads and glutes getting sore from consecutive days of cycling.

Checkout from our homestay.

Kota Bharu City is waking up

On a side note, I found all the different mosaic, motif of the Mosques fascinating. Every one is unique.

Breakfast at famous Kopitiam Kita (7000+ Google Reviews and counting!)

I have only seen this type of egg and toast in Terengganu and Kelantan. The four corners are kaya.

Their signature teh tarik, love the bubbly foam.

If time permits, there are two famous Buddha statue in Kelantan. Wat Phothivihan (Sleeping Buddha) and Wat Machimmaram (Sitting Buddha).

We headed South towards Jeli.
Very often, we are cycling parallel to the Malaysia Thailand border.

Sense of anticipation, as we are so near to Betong (Yala) (one of our pit stop).

Even the condiments along the Warungs have Thai words (imported from Thailand?)

Just like Singaporeans going to JB to stretch our buying power, Malaysians cross the border to Thailand for more savings and variety too.

Quick break, food and coconut ice cream dessert before reaching Jeli.

Pose at the signage, before we took a small detour into the kampong road. Love the padi and green fields.

Water break, and Teh O Limau Ice is our favourite drink.

Welcome to Jeli. This is a small town, with limited amenities.

We suspect there are limited b&b hosts in this town.
But we just need a good rest to recharge before Titiwangsa.

Watermelon to quench our thirst.

Not a chapel nor a convent 🙂
We stayed at OYO Nun Hotel.

The administrator gave us a lift into town.

D’ Sofia Cafe for our dinner.

We have already covered 450km + on Day 4.
So far the trip has been very rewarding.
New towns, new sights and food.
Love all the explorations.

Blog summary:
Day 0, 1 and 2 – Van to Kuantan, then Dungun and Kuala Terengganu
Day 3 and 4 – Terengganu to Kelantan to Jeli
Day 5 – Jeli to Gerik (Titiwangsa)
Day 6 and 7 Betong and R&R
Day 8 and 9 – Cycle to Penang, then Penang Round Island

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*Do follow our cycling adventures here -> https://sengkangbabies.com/tag/cycling

YouTube: Additional videos from our overseas trips: