Kelantan is the northernmost state on
the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It has an area of 14,931
square kilometres. Rustic settings of picturesque vampings
(villages) amidst padi-fields give insights into a way of life
that has endured the passing of time. Kelantan's history dates to
between 8000-3000 B.C. Chinese historical documents chronicle the
existence of a government which had links with China, when
Kelantan was referred to as 'Ho-lo-tan'.
Kelantan is steeped in tradition and
culture. The traditional sports of giant kite-flying,
top-spinning, silat, wayang kulit, bird-singing competitions and
the making of exquisite handicrafts such as songket, batik,
silverware and mengkuang products.
Exploring Kelantan
Kelantan is covered by vast stretches of tropical forests, and
its southeastern corner forms part of the
Taman Negara National Park. For
most visitors, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality
of its traditional culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. Its
coastline is almost completely undeveloped, and offers a number
of idyllic beaches.
In Kota Bharu
Cultural Centre
Here, visitors to Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, can view
the traditional arts of Kelantan,
including kiteflying, rebana (giant drums), silat (martial arts),
giant top spinning, wayang kulit (shadow play).
Located in Jalan Mahmood near Perdana Hotel, the Cultural
Centre is open from February to October except during the fasting
month.
Buluh Kubu Central Market
Kelantan's Central Market is one of the most vibrant and
enjoyable sites in the country. The sights, sounds, and colours
are uniquely Kelantanese--women traders display
brilliantly-coloured fresh graden produce, food stands grill
delectable barbecued chicken, and craftsmen offer traditional
wares like Kelantanese silver rose bowls. The market is probably
the most photographed site in the country, and it is especially
lively in the mornings.
Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs
Built in 1887 by Sultan Muhamad II for his grandson Long Kundur,
this former palace, Istana Jahar, is now a museum of cultural
history. The intricate wood carvings are testimony to the superb
craftsmanship of the Kelantanese. Photographs, artifacts and
exhibits on Kelantan's rich cultural heritage will keep visitors
enthralled.
Masjid Kampung Laut
Believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. The mosque
was actually dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece from its
original site at Kampung Laut because floods from the nearby
river threatened its structure. The mosque was built entirely
without the use of nails. It is located at Nilam Puri.
Merdeka Square
Previously known as Padang Kelupang, Merdeka Square is one of
many such central civic spaces in Malaysia. The British built
most of the country's padangs as central open spaces around which
revolved the buildings, and the life, of the colonial
administration. When Malaysia declared its independence on 31
August 1957, the square was renamed Merdeka Square.
Wat Photivihan Jambu
The shrine of the largest reclining Buddha in South-East Asia is
situated in the village of Kg Jambu, 12 km north of Kota Bharu.
Gunung Stong
Kelantan's highest mountain at 1,422 metres. Located here is Gua
Ikan (Fish Cave). Its name is derived from a lone rock that looks
like a fish. To cave explorers on an expedition, part of the lure
is trying to find a pot of gold believed to have been hidden
during the Japanese Occupation.
