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As a State, the people of Kelantan have always prided themselves on being different, or perhaps independent, from the rest of country.
For centuries, Kelantan was all but separated from the rest of the country by the Titiwangsa Mountains, a mountain range running from north to south through the peninsula. It was difficult to reach Kelantan from other parts of the country. One hazardous way was to sail around the peninsula, braving the sea and pirates. For this reason Kelantan’s history often involves the sea and boats.
In the early 1980s, trunk roads were built to link it with nearby States. Presently, one can travel by road from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Baru through the mountain range within five hours.
Kelantan has been described as being Malaysia’s most socially conservative and Islamic State. However, local and foreign visitors will have no trouble visiting any of the historic or tourist sites promoted by the State’s tourism action council or Tourism Malaysia. However, like anywhere else in the world, visitors ought to respect the local customs and sensitivities when it comes to attire and visiting religious sites.
The Malay language, as spoken by the Kelantanese, even by the non-Malays, takes some getting used to. It is not standard Bahasa Malaysia as their distinctive dialect is quite special and instantly recognisable to other Malaysians.
Even their version of the laksa, or ”laksem”, as they call it, is distinct yet wonderfully delicious.
Kite-flying in Kelantan
While the capital of Kota Baru definitely has an Islamic quality to it, other parts of the State such as in the Tumpat district, has a decidedly Buddhist ambience with a significant number of temples with Siamese influence. After all, Kelantan is bordered by Narathiwat Province of Thailand to the north.
If shopping is your favourite activity, well-made traditional products include songket, batik and silverware. The Handicraft Village & Craft Museum (Tel: 09-7443949) at Jalan Hilir Kota in Kota Baru is a good place to visit to give you an idea of what’s available.
If you are a culture-buff, check out the various local experts on the age-old art of top-spinning, kite-flying and shadow-puppet performance.
If you don’t have much time to spare, head to the Cultural Centre at Jalan Mahmud near the Perdana Hotel. This place is touted to showcase Kelantan’s rich cultural heritage. It even offers cultural shows.
Call the Kelantan Tourist Information Centre (Tel: 09-7485534) for details or if you need information.
Natural Attractions
- Pantai Seri Tujuh
Tumpat
Tel: 09-7211753
Known as the Beach of Seven Lagoons, the annual Malaysian International Kite Festival in Kelantan is held here. The beach is about 7km from Kota Baru. Visitors will enjoy the journey to Pantai Seri Tujuh as the route promises a scenic coastal view looking out to the South China Sea. - Kuala Koh National Park
Gua Musang
Tel: 09-9122940
This park is another green sanctuary with an abundance of native flora and fauna undisturbed by development. Located about 90km from Gua Musang, Kuala Koh offers activities such as jungle treks, river rides and birdwatching. - Gunung Stong & Jelawang Waterfall
Dabong
Tel: 09-9558852
At 1,433m high, Mount Stong is one of Kelantan’s highest peaks. Located in the Dabong Forest Reserve, this is another great spot for eco-tourism. Within the reserve are seven waterfalls, including Jelawang Falls. With a drop of 305 metres, it is probably the highest waterfall in South-East Asia.
Museums & Monuments
- Istana Jahar
Jalan Hilir Kota
Kota Baru
Tel: 09-7444666
Sultan Muhammad II built this palace for his grandson, Long Kundur, in 1887. The intricate woodcarvings and charming architecture reflect an exceptional level of craftsmanship of Kelantanese builders. The wooden palace is now a museum showcasing the regal customs of Kelantan royalty. Exhibits include photographs and ceremonial artifacts. - The Royal Museum
Jalan Hilir Kota
Kota Baru
Tel: 09-7487737
The Royal Museum or Istana Batu was built in 1939. Back then, the place was used for royal weddings or to accommodate royal guests. Built during the reign of Sultan Ismail I, the building was later converted into a Royal Museum and is now used as a storehouse for the regalia and personal items of the previous sultan.There are furniture from the royal household, silverware and photographs depicting the life of the late sultan.
- World War II Memorial
Museum & Merdeka Square
Jalan Sultan
Kota Baru
Tel: 09-7482266
Previously, the Japanese Army headquarters during World War Two, this museum was set up to remind visitors of the Japanese Occupation of Malaya from 1941-45. It documents the Japanese landing on Pantai Sabak beach at Kuala Pak Amat on Dec 8, 1941, right up to the liberation of South-East Asia.
Istana Jahar is now a museum showcasing the regal customs of Kelantan royalty.
Buddhist Temples
- Reclining Buddha
- Sitting Buddha
- Standing Buddha
- Dragon Boat Temple
Kelantan Siamese Society Association
Pikulthong Temple, Kg. Terbak
Tumpat
Tel: 019-9218882
The Reclining Buddha in Wat Phothivihan in Tumpat, Kelantan.
All the temples are located in the Tumpat district. Each of the temple features amazing sculptures and religious works of art. Naturally, being in close proximity to Thailand, the Thai influence is quite apparent. The Reclining or Sleeping Buddha is said to be the second biggest in the world after the one in Myanmar and draws tourists from all over the world. The Sitting Buddha is also one of the biggest in the region.
Traditional Pastimes
- Top-spinning
Kg. Padang Bemban
Kubang Kerian
Kota Baru
Tel: 019-9425850 (Ismail Mohamad)
Top-spinning (Gasing) is a favourite pasttime in Kelantan.
- Kite-Flying
Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan
(field in front of police station)
Kota Baru
Tel: 019-2522153 (Safie Yusof) - Shadow Puppet Play
Kg. Laut 2, Palekbang
Kota Baru
Tel: 09-7253148 / 013-9001385
(Yusoff Mamat, Pok Sohor Pok Su We)
Handicraft
- Nordin Batik
Kg Pintu Geng
Kota Baru
Tel: 09-748 5394 - Cik Minah Songket & Batik Manufacturer
Kampung Penambang
Kota Baru
Tel: 09-7441616/09-7481616 - KB Permai Silverware
Jln Sultanah Zainab
Kota Baru
Tel: 09-7485661
