KELANTAN

Kelantan at a glance | Location | History | Attractions

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KELANTAN AT A GLANCE:

Kelantan is in the northeastern of Malaysia.  Kelantan, meaning the "Land of Lightning", is a wonderful treasure filled with delights.  Sharing a common border with Thailand in the north, visitors have been captivated by the rustic fishing villages, verdant paddy (rice) fields, and languid, palm-fringed beaches of Kelantan.  It is also the cradle of Malay culture, crafts, and religion.  There are numerous things to do and see here.  One can watch the process of batik being made or admire traditional woodcarving techniques.  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 traditional 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.  One of the most conservative states in Malaysia, Kelantan is driven by the production of paddy (rice), rubber, and tobacco.  Fishing and livestock rearing are also important economic activities. 

LOCATION:
Coast of Kelantan is the northernmost state on the East Peninsular Malaysia.  It has an area of 14,931 sq. km.  Rustic settings of picturesque vampings (villages) amidst paddy fields give insights into a way of life that has endured the passing of time.  

HISTORY:

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.  Chinese historical documents chronicle the existence of a government, which had links with China, when Kelantan was referred to as 'Ho-lo-tan'.  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.

ATTRACTIONS:

As the capital, Kota Bharu is a good place to sample traditional Malay culture.  It is also a good place to explore the surrounding countryside.  The town signals the end of the east coast road, and the beginning of Thailand.  It is situated on the northern bank of the flood-prone Sungei Kelantan (Kelantan River).  It is also the center of a fertile rice basin, as well as the Kelantan Royal Family.  With modern architecture, Kota Bharu looks like any other east coast cities at first glance.  But if you look closer, it has more to offer.  Many visitors stop by before heading on to Thailand.  They often end up staying longer than planned.  The many sites to see include the Museums located close to one another near the "Padang Merdeka" (Independence Square).  All are open daily from 10 a.m.  to 6 p.m.  except on Fridays.  The Bank Kerapu (War Memorial Museum) contains collections of Japanese photographic memorabilia and documents relating to World War II.  Dating back to 1912, the War Museum occupies the oldest brick building in Kelantan.  Some artifacts, especially Japanese swords are on display.  The Syura Hall (Islamic Museum) covers the history of Islam in Kelantan and can be found in this mosque-like building that is located across the road from Bank Kerapu.  Artifacts and inscriptions document how Islam is so important in the everyday life of the state.  The building itself was once known as "Serambi Mekah" (Verandah to Mecca), which refers to its days as Kelantan's first school of Islamic instruction.  The Istana Jahar (Royal Custom Museum) was built in 1887 by Sultan Muhamad II, this beautiful old wooden structure is definitely worth a visit.  The carved wooden panels and intricate wooden framework displayed act as a testimony to the superb craftsmanship of the Kelantan people.  Recently renovated and converted as a museum, it houses many valuable historical and cultural artifacts.  Inside, do take note of the wrought-iron staircases on either side of the room that lead upstairs to a glorious wooden verandah.  The Istana Batu (The Royal Museum) is a massive blue-and-white building commonly referred to as the "Istana Bata" (The Brick Palace).  Built in 1939, the Royal Museum served as the palace of the crowned prince from 1969, until it was donated to the state.  It was used as a venue for royal weddings and to house royal guests.  Today, the museum displays a variety of royal arts and artifacts, as well as historical paraphernalia that belonged to former "Sultans" (kings).  Visitors can expect to see items such as a royal dining room, an opulent living room, replicas of crown jewels, and other royal bric-a-brac.  On top of that, photographic exhibition on the life of the late Sultan of Kelantan can also be seen.  The Kampung Kraftangan (Handicraft Village and Craft Museum) has an exquisite range of handicrafts is on display here.  Silverware, "songket", batik, and woodcarvings are exhibited here, as well as for sale.  Other cultural activities are also depicted in this museum.  The Istana Balai Besar (Palace of the Large Audience Hall) is surrounded by walls and is closed to the public.  Located opposite the Istana Batu, the palace was built in 1840 by Sultan Muhamad II to replace his palace on the Kelantan River.  It now serves as the venue for ceremonial functions and investiture ceremonies.