Kelantan’s Riverine Gateway of Culture, Trade, and Harmony
Tumpat District, located at the northwestern tip of Kelantan, is a culturally vibrant and strategically important border district. Bordered by Thailand and the South China Sea, and flanked by the mighty Kelantan River, Tumpat is known for its transportation hub (railway terminus), rich cultural tapestry, and peaceful coexistence of Malays, Siamese Buddhists, and Indians.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Tumpat District |
| State | Kelantan |
| District Capital | Tumpat Town |
| Area | Approx. 480 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 150,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Tumpat) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Tumpat (MDT) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Tumpat District includes 11 mukims, such as:
- Bandar Tumpat
- Wakaf Bharu
- Pengkalan Kubor
- Chabang Empat
- Kampung Laut
- Geting
- Tujoh
- Kampung Dalam Rhu
- Bunut Susu
Key Towns and Areas
- Tumpat Town – District capital and railway hub
- Wakaf Bharu – Rapidly growing residential and commercial town
- Pengkalan Kubor – Border town known for duty-free shopping
- Kampung Laut – Historical center of Islamic craftsmanship
- Chabang Empat & Geting – Coastal and cultural communities
Geography & Connectivity
- Borders Thailand (Tak Bai) across the Golok River
- Surrounded by Kelantan River on one side, South China Sea on the other
- Functions as KTM East Coast Line terminus (Tumpat railway station)
- Heavily reliant on boats and ferries for river-crossing communities
Economy & Livelihood
- Trade and duty-free shopping at Pengkalan Kubor
- Fishing and aquaculture in Geting and coastal areas
- Agriculture: vegetables, coconut, banana plantations
- Batik, wood carving, and traditional handicrafts (especially in Kampung Laut)
- Small businesses and transport-related employment
Transport & Infrastructure
- Tumpat Railway Station: End-point of KTM East Coast Line
- Federal roads connecting to Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas
- Ferries and boats used for inter-village river transport
- Pengkalan Kubor jetty and customs checkpoint for Thailand
Education & Religious Harmony
- Malay-Muslim majority with vibrant Siamese Buddhist and Indian Hindu minorities
- Government schools and religious institutions
- Notable for:
- Buddhist temples: Wat Machimmaram (giant sitting Buddha), Wat Phothivihan
- Masjid Ar-Rahman, Kampung Laut Mosque (oldest mosque in Malaysia)
- Hindu temples in multi-ethnic areas
Tourism & Attractions
- Wat Phothivihan: Giant reclining Buddha statue
- Kampung Laut Mosque: 300+ year-old mosque built without nails
- Pengkalan Kubor Duty-Free Zone – textile, chocolate, kitchenware shopping
- Pantai Geting: Clean beach, family picnic spot
- Cultural festivals: Songkran (Thai New Year), Maulidur Rasul, Ramadan bazaars
Local Food & Culture
- A flavorful fusion of Malay, Thai, and Indian cuisines
- Must-try dishes:
- Nasi Berlauk Tumpat, Tomyam Siam, Kerabu Mangga, Roti Canai Pokok Asam, Pulut Inti
- Known for Wayang Kulit, Mak Yong, Menora, and Dikir Barat performances
- Handicraft centers selling batik, silverware, and woodworks
Summary
Tumpat is Kelantan’s cultural borderland, where Islamic, Siamese Buddhist, and Hindu traditions live side by side. As a district shaped by rivers, railways, and religion, it reflects Malaysia’s multicultural spirit, historical richness, and peaceful coexistence.