Kelantan, which translates as the "Land of Lightning" is a veritable treasure throve of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches.
Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of
Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning
the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture.There are numerous things to do and see here. Here you may witness 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. Kelantan is still covered by vast stretches of' tropical forests. Its southeastern corner of the state forms part of the Taman Negara National Park.
Kelantan has a population of about 1.5 million . Kelantan is primarily a Malay state although around 7% of the population are of Thai, Indian and Chinese ancestry. Kelantanese are renowned for their warmth and friendliness. Kelantan Darul Naim is a world of gracious beauty, retaining an old-world charm that few can resist. Come, let her natural attributes work their magic on you !
Kelantan History:
Kelantan's history dates to between 8000-3000 B.C. Kelantan boasts of a historical  past that date as far back as prehistoric times. During the early Chinese era, Kelantan was influenced by the Indianized Funan Kingdom of the Mekong River. In fact, farming methods used in Kelantan are based on Funan practices. Even the wayang kulit (shadow puppet show), a popular form of entertainment, and weaving methods are thought to have come from Funan. Kelantan has gone on to become vassals for the Sumatran Sriwijaya Empire and the Siamese. In the 15th Century, it came under the Melaka Sultanate. It was further ruled by the sultanates of Johor and Terengganu. By the 1820s, Kelantan was one of the most prosperous states in the Peninsula as there were unlimited development. Kelantan also retained strong ties with Siam throughout the 19th Century before control was passed on to the British after the signing of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty in 1909. By 1948, Kelantan had become part of the Federation of Malaya which gained independence on 31st August 1957...
Kelantan Fact Files:
Area |
14,922 sq.km |
| Capital |
Kota Bahru |
Official name |
Kelantan Darul Naim |
Head of State |
HRH Tuanku Ismail Petra Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yahya Petra |
Population |
1.4 Million(approx) |
Language |
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken and understood. Other languages spoken in the state include Cantonese, Mandarin and Tamil.
|
| Chief Minister |
Tuan Guru Dato’ Haji Nik Aziz Nik Mat. |
Religion |
The official religion is Islam. Other main religions are Malays, Chinese, Indians and Siamese . |
| Economy |
agriculture, paddy, rubber, tobacco, fishing and manufacturing. |
Currency |
Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) |
| Geographical Location |
Kelantan covers a land area of about 14,922 sq.km northeast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the South China Sea. Malaysia covers about 336,700 sq. km. comprising the peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Kota Bharu, the state capital is a rapid growing town being the focal point for Kelantan’s administration and business activities.
|
| Climate |
Kelantan enjoys a pleasant tropical climate.
It is almost summer all year round with refreshing intermittent rain. Longer and heavier rainfall is charted in November, December and January.
Daily temperature ranges from 21° C to 32 °C |
Kelantan Culture :
Kelantan is primarily a Malay state, which has a population of about 1.4 million, and around 7% of the population is of Thai, Indian and Chinese ancestry. The people of Kelantan have carefully preserved their customs, traditions and craft skills over time.
Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, Kelantanese display an old world charm that captivates visitors. It is however a strictly an Islamic state and visitor are advise to dress conservatively to avoid offending the local sensitivities.
Kelantan is hailed as the c ultural haven of Malaysia. It is here, at the Cultural Centre or Gelanggang Seni that you can witness Kelantan's rich culture heritage. All traditional arts of Kelantan can be seen here: kite-flying, rebana (giant drums), silat (martial arts), giant top spinning, wayang kulit (shadow play) and much more.
The cultural centre is open three times a week from March to October each year. Performance times are 3.30pm to 5.50pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and 9.00pm to midnight on Wednesday and Saturday. More Info
Kelantan Access :
By Road – There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsula Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the Karak highway to Kuantan in Pahang (a journey about 3and a half hours) and northwards to Kota Bharu (about 5 hrs). An inland route to Kota Bharu turns off the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu. Another alternative route exits the Karak highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en-route to Kota Bharu.There are regular air-conditioned busses operating from K. 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 - MAS operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from K. Lumpur and Penang.
Kelantan Getting Around : 
Kelantan 's public transport system is efficient and moving around by taxis, buses may be a fun and inexpensive way of catching the sights.
By Taxis
Taxi services are available on a basis of four passengers to a taxi. Time of
departure will depend on its full loads.
Daily Taxi Service Rates : |
DESTINATION |
RATE (Per Person) |
| Kota Bharu - Kuala Terengganu |
RM12 - RM15 |
| Kota Bharu - Gua Musang |
RM12 - RM15 |
| Kota Bharu - Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang, Ipoh. |
RM25 - RM40
(According to the distance travelled) |
| Airport |
RM10 |
By Bus
Air-conditioned bus services are available from Kota Bharu to various major towns within Peninsular Malaysia and up to Singapore at reasonable rates.
Kelantan Shopping :
Kota Bahru is the State capital of Kelantan. The local point of the towns activities is the Kota Bharu market. One can choose to shop either at the bazaar and the new Central Market or the shopping complexes. Kelantan offers a fascinating variety of local handicrafts. This is supplemented by merchandise from Thailand which is available at the Malaysian border towns of Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubur. In the shops, richly coloured silks are displayed alongside batik scarves, prints and songket textiles.
New Central Market :
In the mornings, the pulse of Kota Bharu is the Central Market (renamed the siti Khadijah Market). The majority of the traders here are woman and the profusion of colours, aromatic and sounds bear testimony to the variety of goods on sale. Fruits and vegetables of all colours, shapes and sizes are everywhere while cakes, spices, sweetmeats, preserved foods, pickles and dried seafood flood the senses with their scent.
Bazaar Buluh Kubu(Bamboo Fort Bazaar)
:
This three-storey shopping complex is stocked with just about everything imaginable and at bargain prices as well. The sheer variety of locally made souvenirs, knick-knacks, batik, gold and silver songket, fine silverware and imported Thai goods leave you in awe. A wide choice of clothes, T-shirts, sarongs and hats are also offered at reasonable prices. Don't leave Kelantan without visiting this place ! Go there in the morning because by lunchtime the activities would have slowed down.
JalanTemenggong :
Virtually the whole street is lined with craft shops selling gold and silver jewellery, textiles, brass ware and wood carvings. Be prepared to bargain and search for the best deal.
Kelantan Attraction :
Food In Kelantan :
Kelantan boasts its own unique cuisine with many popular dishes such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu, and Nasi Dagang being indigenous to thevv area.
Ayam Percik - A favourite with locals and visitors alike, this barbecued chicken is marinated with a rich, spicy coconut gravy.
Nasi Kerabu - A rice-based dish served with coconut milk, flaked fish, dessicated coconut and a variety of herbs, spices and sauces
Nasi Dagang - A type of rice with a brownish tinge steamed with coconut milk and erved with a rich spicy fish gravy.
Food stalls and restaurant abound in Kota Bharu and other larger towns, and hawkers selling snacks can be found along every road. Kota Bharu's Chinatown, located at the junction of Jalan Padang Garang and Jalan Pengkalan Chepa has fine traditional Chinese noodle dishes, among others.
Outdoor dining at food stalls is something not to be missed in Malaysia, and visitors to Kota Bharu must try the food stalls at Padang Bas in the town centre, which serves traditional fare from 6pm to midnight.
Events In Kelantan :
D A T E
|
E V E N T S
|
O R G A N I S E R |
V E N U E |
4 February 2003 |
Le Tour De Langkawi |
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Tanah Merah & Kota Bharu |
14 Februay 2003
|
Berkorban Ceremony
(Aidil Adha Open House)
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu |
21 February 2003
|
Chinese New Year
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Gua Musang
|
1 March 2003
|
Harga Patut Sale Promotion
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu
|
1 - 20 March 2003
|
Mega Sale Carnival
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu
|
1 March - 31 December 2003
|
Bundle Sale Bazaar
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Stadium Sultan Muhammad Ke IV, Kota Bharu
|
27 - 30 March 2003
|
Kelantan Handy Craft Sale And Exhibition
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kampung Kraftangan, Kota Bharu
|
27 March - 7 April 2003
|
The Sultan Of Kelantan Birthday Celebration
|
Kelantan State Government
|
Kota Bharu and 10 Districts
|
3 - 10 April 2003
|
Kelantan Flora Fest
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Taman Orkid Tengku Anis, Pengkalan Chepa
|
5 April 2003
|
Merbok International Kelantan Competition
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Pasir Pekan & Tumpat
|
8 - 9 April 2003
|
Kelantan International Go - Cart Competition
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan - Kelantan State Government
|
Gunong Bachok
|
4,5,6 April 2003
|
Kelantan Open International Sepak Takraw Tournament
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu
|
1 - 3 May 2003
|
Kelantan 2003 Water Festival
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh
|
31 May - 2 June 2003
|
Kelantan Dikir Laba Cultural Competition
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Pasir Mas
|
June 2003
|
Mesra Kelantan Campaign (ABE)
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Padang Perdana,
Kota Bharu
|
10 - 16 June 2003
|
Dikir Barat Competition
|
Tourist Information Centre
|
Kota Bharu
|
5 July 2003
|
Orang Asli Open House
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Sungai Rual, Jeli
|
25 & 26 July 2003
|
Citrawarna Cooking And Fruits Of Kelantan (Traditional Cake)
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu
|
2 - 31 August 2003
|
Mega Sale Carnival
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Rantau Panjang
|
17 August 2003
|
Bulan Kemerdekaan Launching Ceremony
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu
|
23 - 24 August 2003
|
Cup Prix / Cup Cross Competition
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan - Kerajaan Negeri
|
Kota Bharu
|
23 August 2003
|
Loy Katong Fest (Siamese Ethnic)
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Pengkalan Kubor
|
29 August 2003
|
Solat Hajat And Khutbah Khas Kemerdekaan
|
Kelantan State Goverment
|
All Of Kelantan
|
30 August 2003
|
Jalur Gemilang Parade
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
All Of Kelantan
|
30 August 2003
|
Ambang Merdeka Celebration
|
Kelantan State Government
|
Kota Bharu and 10 Districts
|
31 August 2003
|
Merdeka Parade
|
Kelantan State Government
|
Kota Bharu
|
10 - 16 September 2003
|
Kelantan Heritage Carnival
|
Tourist Information Centre
|
Kota Bharu
|
10 - 16 September 2003
|
IKS Expo (Kelantan 2003)
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Pasir Mas
|
16 September 2003
|
Closing Ceremony Of Bulan Kemerdekaan
|
Kelantan State Government
|
Kota Bharu
|
27 - 30 September 2003
|
Kelantan International Ethnic Culture Festival
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu
|
September 2003
|
National Travelmart
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Dewan Badminton, MPKB Kota Bharu
|
18 October 2003
|
Month Of International Art Closing Ceremony
|
KKKPM
|
Kota Bharu
|
25 October 2003
|
Deepavali Open House
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kuala Krai
|
25 October - 25 November 2003
|
Kelantan Ramadhan Bazaar
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu and 10 Districts
|
15 - 28 November 2003
|
Mega Sale Carnival
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Pengkalan Kubor
|
13 December 2003
|
Aidil Fitri Open House (Balik Kampung Festival)
|
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Kelantan
|
Kota Bharu
|
Map Of Kelantan :
|