Kelantan is located in the north-east of Peninsula Malaysia. It is bordered by Thailand to the north, Terengganu to the south-east, Perak to the west and Pahang to the south. To the north-east of Kelantan is the South China Sea. It is an agrarian state with green paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined beaches. The population is predominantly Malay (about 95%) and the state is sometimes known as the cradle of Malay culture. Largely rural lifestyle, its rich Malay culture is reflected in its cuisine and traditional arts such kite flying, wayang kulit, and batik printing.

Kota Bahru is its capital where the State Mosque known as Muhammadi Mosque is located. The central market, Pasar Siti Khadijah, is popular with visitors where a wide varieties of local produce and dried foodstuffs such as keropok and dried fish are sold.