South East Asian Trips

For most visitors, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. 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 still remain fixtures here, offering a glimpse of tradtional Malay culture in truly spectacular setting.

Kelantan's coastline is almost completely undeveloped, and offers a number of idyllic beaches. Vast stretches of tropical forest cover the state, and its southeastern corner forms part of the Taman Negara National Park.

Location

Coast of Kelantan is the northernmost state on the East 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 Kelantan's history dates to between 8000-3000 B.C. Chinese historical documents chronicle the existence of a government which had links with China, when Kelantan was referred to as 'Ho-lo-tan'.

History

Though not much is known about Kelantan's early history, Chinese historical documents date back the history of Kelantan between 8000 and 3000 BC. These documents chronicle the existence of a government, which maintained links with China. Kelantan was subsequently referred to as "Ho-lo-tan", "Chih-Tu" and "Tan-Tan" in these records.

The territories of Kelantan and Patani came under Siam in the 14th century. Around 1411, Raja Kumar, the ruler of Kelantan, became independent of Siam and Kelantan became an important centre of trade by the end of the 15th century.

In 1499, Kelantan was conquered by forces of the Malacca Empire and became its vassal state. With the fall of Malacca in 1511, Kelantan was divided up and ruled by petty chieftains. With the conquest by the Siamese in 1603, most of the Kelantan chiefs became subject to Patani. Around 1760, a petty chieftain of Kubang Labu in Kelantan succeeded in unifying the territory of the present Kelantan. Soon after in 1764, Long Yunos seized the throne and proclaimed himself Raja of Kelantan. With his death, Kelantan came under the influence of Terengganu.

In 1800, Raja Muhammad declared himself as the first Sultan of Kelantan. In 1812, he broke from Terengganu's influence and became a separate tributary state of Siam. In 1831, Siam divided up the old Malay Kingdom of Patani into 7 provinces each under a Siamese Governor. Siam played an important role in Kelantan throughout the 19th century.

In the 1909 Anglo-Siamese treaty, Siam surrendered its claims over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis in exchange with the British government for territorial claims in Siam. Kelantan thus came under the control of the Straits Settlements as one of the Unfederated Malay States.

Kelantan was occupied by the Japanese on 8th December, 1941. After the defeat of Japan in August 1945, Kelantan and the rest of Malaya came under the British Military Administration in September 1945. Kelantan became part of the Federation of Malaya on 1st February, 1948 and together with other states attained independence on 31st August, 1957. On 16th September 1963, Kelantan became one of the component states of Malaysia.

Climate

Kelantan enjoys a pleasant tropical climate. It is almost summer all year round with refreshing intermittent rain. Longer and heavier rainfall is observed in November, December and January. Daily temperature ranges from 21°C to 32°C.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kelantan is between February and May as rainfall is relatively less at this time of the year. The July festival that is held here also attracts lots of tourists.

How to Reach Kelantan

By Road

There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsula Malaysia to Kelantan. There are regular air-conditioned busses operating from Kuala Lumpur and major towns to Kota Bharu.

By Rail

Train services from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan terminate at Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat. From these two points, one can get to Kota Bharu either by taxi or bus. Stop over points en-route include Gua Musang, Kulal Krai, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas.

By Air

Malaysian Airlines operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Attractions

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.

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.

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.

Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs

Built in 1887 by Sultan Muhammad 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.

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.

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.