Kelantan’s Inland Haven of Rivers, Rainforests, and Rural Harmony
Kuala Krai District, located in the central-southern part of Kelantan, is one of the state’s largest districts in terms of area. Characterized by hills, rivers, and thick rainforests, Kuala Krai plays an essential role in agriculture, eco-tourism, and Islamic education, making it a vital connector between Kelantan’s coast and the interior.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Kuala Krai District |
| State | Kelantan |
| District Capital | Kuala Krai Town |
| Area | Approx. 2,329 sq. km (one of the largest in Kelantan) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 150,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Kuala Krai) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Kuala Krai (MDKK) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Kuala Krai is divided into 4 subdistricts (Jajahan Kecil) and multiple mukims:
- Kuala Krai Town
- Manek Urai
- Dabong
- Chenulang
- Laloh
- Sungai Durian
Key Towns and Areas
- Kuala Krai Town – Administrative center with government and health services
- Manek Urai & Laloh – Agricultural zones and residential areas
- Dabong – Eco-tourism hub and KTM railway access point
- Sungai Durian & Chenulang – Riverside and forest-edge communities
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture-based economy:
- Rubber and oil palm estates, paddy, banana, and sugarcane
- Fisheries and freshwater aquaculture
- Logging and small-scale forest product industries
- Eco-tourism, jungle trekking, and river-based recreation slowly growing
Education & Islamic Tradition
- Public schools across all mukims
- Pondok schools and tahfiz centers rooted in traditional Islamic scholarship
- Quranic learning and village surau-led educational activities
- Youth involvement in Quran competitions, religious da’wah, and silat training
Healthcare Services
- Hospital Kuala Krai – government hospital with specialist services
- Rural health clinics and mobile clinics in remote areas
- Clinics available in Manek Urai, Dabong, and Chenulang
Transport & Connectivity
- Kuala Krai is on the KTM East Coast Railway Line, with stations in Kuala Krai and Dabong
- Connected by Federal Route 8 and Route 66
- Public buses, vans, and private vehicles used for district movement
- Mountainous and jungle roads lead to scenic spots
Tourism & Attractions
- Gunung Stong State Park (via Dabong):
- Jelawang Waterfall – one of the tallest in Southeast Asia
- Wildlife observation, cave exploration, jungle trekking
- Lata Rek Waterfall: Local favorite for swimming and picnics
- Gua Ikan (Fish Cave): Mythical cave site with folklore value
- River cruises and homestay programs in traditional villages
- Heritage wooden mosques and surau scattered across rural areas
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Deep-rooted Islamic-Malay culture
- Friendly kampung communities with strong religious life
- Local dishes include:
- Ikan Sungai Bakar, Pulut Panggang, Nasi Ulam Kuala Krai, Lemang, Kuih Koci
- Cultural highlights:
- Tahlil nights, Kenduri, Quran classes, Dikir Barat, and Silat performances
Summary
Kuala Krai is Kelantan’s forested soul, rich in natural beauty, Islamic values, and rural strength. From the majestic waterfalls of Dabong to the peaceful suraus of Sungai Durian, the district invites visitors to discover Kelantan’s untouched heartland—a sanctuary for faith, family, and the forest.