:: Kelantan Darul Naim Travel Guide and Travel Information

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State Flag

State Emblem / Logo

The state flag features a white crest against a red background. The colour red symbolizes the loyalty of the Kelantanese people and white represents the sanctity of the Ruler.

The crown stands for the sovereignty of the Sultan. The two spears and two keris signify the power of the Kelantan Malays. The star and crescent signify Islam. The two cannons signify that the State is ever ready to defend itself. The two deers serve as reminders of the period in the State's history when Che' Wan Kembang (or Che' Siti), queen of Kelantan (roughly at the end of the 14th century), ordered the State's gold coinage to be stamped with the design of these deers for which she held such a deep affection. The State motto reads: "In God, the Government of Kelantan Submit."

Area : 14,920 sq km

State Capital and Royal Town : Kota Bharu

Head of State : Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ismail Petra ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahya Petra DK, DMN, DK (Negeri Sembilan), DK (Selangor), DK (Johor), DK (Kedah), DK (Perak), DK (Terengganu), DK (Perlis), DKMB, DPSS (Sarawak), DP (Sarawak), SPMK, SJMK, SPKK, SPSK

Chief Minister : Y.A.B Tuan Guru Dato’ Hj. Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat SJMK, KMN, JP

District : Bachok, Gua Musang, Jeli, Kota Bharu, Kuala Krai, Machang, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Tanah Merah, Tumpat

Kelantan Darul Naim

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Kelantan Darul Naim ( The beautiful Abode )

Cradle of Malay Culture

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Kelantan Tourism Board

Known as the ‘ Land of Lightning’, Kelantan is the best state to visit to witness and learn more about the traditional Malay culture. 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 Kelantan’s rich heritage and traditions.

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. The northernmost state on the East Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan has an area of 14,931 square kilometres. Rustic settings of picturesque vampings (villages) amidst paddy fields give insights into a way of life that has endured the passing of time.

The state'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 has at various times been a vassal of Siam. In the 18th century, a Kelantanese prince, Long Yunus, ascended the throne and the present-day royal family is descended from him. Kelantan along with the other states of the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained independence on 31st August 1957.

Kelantan is famed for its own unique cuisine with many popular dishes. Heavily influenced by Thai cuisine, Kelantanese cuisine is quite popular among Malaysians. In fact, many visitors come to Kelantan just to taste the special delicacies that cannot be found elsewhere. The use of sugar is a must in every Kelantanese kitchen, and thus most Kelantanese dishes are sweet. Kelantanese food makes more use of coconut milk than anywhere else in the country. Curries are richer, creamier, and more influenced by the tastes of nearby Thailand. Apart from delicacies imported from Thailand, there are delicacies which are invented by the Kelantanese themselves such as:

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. Adults are seen indulging in pastimes such as flying giant kites or spinning giant tops. Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, the Kelantanese display an old world charm that captivates visitors. It is however a strictly an Islamic state and visitors are advise to dress conservatively to avoid offending the local sensitivities

Kelantan is hailed as the cultural haven of Malaysia. At the Cultural Centre or Gelanggang Seni that visitors can witness Kelantan's rich culture heritage. Watch giant kites chase each other playfully in the azure sky, see tops the size of dinner plates spin frantically for hours and listen to the rich resonance of the rebana ubi (drums). In the evenings, cultural performances such as the mak yong, wayang kulit and main puteri take centrestage.

The wayang kulit or shadow play is a unique form of theatre inspired by the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabrata. The tok dalang (puppet master) tells ancient tales by manipulating the puppets (made from buffalo hides and mounted on rattan sticks) behind a silhouette screen and modulates his voice to create drama and suspense.

Cultural Centre. This is the hub of all of Kelantan’s cultural activities, where tops the size of a human head spin effortlessly, giant gaily-coloured kites frolic in the air, and wayang kulit (shadow play) and rebana ubi (drums) thump to the rhythm of your pulse. Indeed, this is the only place in Kelantan where you can also watch other traditional performances like the Mak Yong.

Mak Yong combines dance, drama, opera and comedy and for many centuries popular as court entertainment. Performed mainly by women, Mak Yong conveys tales of legendary princes and princesses passed down the generations. The Cultural Centre is located along Jalan Mahmud near Perdana Hotel and admission is free on Saturdays and Wednesdays between February and October.

Dining

Nasi Dagang. This is a mix of white rice and brown glutinous rice (special glutinous rice) which is cooked with santan (coconut milk), blended onions and garlic and some spices (such as fenugreek). Fish or chicken curry comes as an add-on to complete the dishes, so it's recommended to take only a small portion as it is extremely filling. The Nasi Dagang is one of the tastiest dishes in Kelantan and goes well with fish curry, sour salad, hard boiled eggs and curried chicken.

Nasi Kerabu literally means "salad rice". Kelantan's Nasi Kerabu is a "white rice" and served with "tumis" gravy with local herbs, leaves and vegetables. This is considerably different from the version served in other parts of Malaysia, which is a dyed-blue rice without a "tumis" gravy. The colouring comes from a type of flower, although some sellers use artificial equivalents. Apart from that it is also served with fried fish, keropok, salted egg, "solok lada" (fish fillet and coconut-stuffed chillis), and pickled garlic.

Nasi Tumpang. Rice packed in a cone-shaped banana leaf. A pack of Nasi Tumpang consists of an omelette, meat floss, chicken curry and sweet gravy. It is traditionally meant for travellers.

Ayam Golek/Ayam Percik. Wood-fire broiled chicken dressed with sweet coconut gravy. Ayam Golek/Ayam Percik is eaten with white rice in major family dishes and can also be dipped into "cholek" (Thai chilli sauce).

Nasi Berlauk. Most Kelantanese have Nasi Berlauk as their breakfast. Nasi Berlauk is rice served with fish and vegetables cooked with tumeric and galangal infused yellow gravy.

Nasi Ulam. Ulam is the local term for raw vegetables - the meal consists of white rice served with a variety of raw vegetables, and is considered one of the healthiest dishes found in Malay cuisine.

Kau-Jam. Also termed as chlorophyll rice, the Kau-Jam is a green rice cooked using seven types of herbs, and served with raw vegetables such as bean sprouts, cucumber and long beans, fish flakes and local keropok. The meal is often accompanied by budu and sometimes served with deep-fried fish.

Keropok. These are Kelantanese fish crackers. Their texture and colour are noticeably rougher and darker than the usual variety found on the West Coast of Malaysia. Like the curries, the crackers are influenced by Thai cooking and produce a sharper, saltier taste.

Keropok Gote. Made by combining fish flesh and sago, these Kelantanese fish sausages are rolled into long firm sticks and steamed or boiled. They are cut into desired bite-size and deep fried. Different from Terengganu's keropok lekor, the Kelantan variety is thicker and longer in size and has to be fried to be eaten. Keropok Gote is probably the one snack which all Kelantanese children grow up with. It is a must at all school canteens.

Kelantanese Laksa. The Laksa dish, noodles served with curry and vegetables, is made differently in every state in Malaysia. The Kelantanese laksa is served in creamy white gravy which is richer with full-bodied flavour. The main ingredient is fish flesh, although connoisseurs would certainly prefer the ones made of eels.

Thai-influenced dishes. Perhaps the most distinctive Kelantanese-Thai dish is 'kaeng matsaman' - a mouth-watering beef curry cooked with peanuts, potatoes and chopped red onions in thick coconut milk sauce. Other Kelantanse-Thai specialities include 'kaeng phanaeng kai' - savoury chicken and coconut curry, 'Kaeng som nom mai dong' - hot and sour fish ragout with pickled bamboo, 'Pla see siad haeng thawt' – deep-fried semi-dried pla see fish and 'Khao yam pak tai' -an intriguing breakfast salad. The salad is exquisitely presented - a small pile of fragrant rice, accompanied by heaps of finely chopped lemon grass, peanuts, bean sprouts, green beans, sour mangoes and chopped makrut or kaffir lime and served with spicy chilli pepper, fresh lime and a piquant sweet-sour sauce. Kelantanse dishes, like central Thai, are usually accompanied by generous helpings of 'khao suay', or "beautiful rice"- the best of which, 'khao hawm mali', or jasmine-fragrant rice, is steamed until each grain is tender but separated.

Cholek. Cholek is the most popular dipping sauce in Kelantan. The cholek is different from other chili sauces because cholek is very thin and rather sweet. This dipping sauce is used for any kind of chicken, but also goes well with shrimp, fish cake, spring roll, sausage, etc. The most popular brand is "Mae Pranom" from Thailand.

Rembudu. Budu is a salted (fermented) anchovy sauce eaten with rice, grilled fish and vegetables. A bit of lemon juice, hot chilies and onions are added on for taste. Once so combined, the purple-brownish condiment has a blend of salty and sour taste. Nowadays, other types of fish are also used to create budu.

Tempoyak is a fermented durian dip, used for example with Nasi Kerabu.

Shopping

The outskirts of Kota Bahru is dotted with cottage industries that line the beaches and other places, and provide you the opportunity to see Kelantanese culture at its best. Kelantan is famous for its batik – both made by hand as well as those produced using modern methods. Among the places you should visit are Kampung Puteh, Kubor Kuda and Kampung Badang.

Songket was only used by royalty in the olden days but is now prevalent in Malay ceremonies such as weddings. The songket cloth – usually silk – is laced with gold or silver threads to form geometrical designs. Wau - or kite-flying is one of the oldest traditional games in the Malay culture, especially in Kelantan. The skill and patience that go into kite-making are worth every effort when they are ready to be flown. These gaily-decorated giant kites that sway high up in the sky add a colourful persona to Kelantan’s unique being.

Numerous kite designs have been spawned since the early ages. They include the peacock kite (wau merak), bird kite (wau jalabudi), moon kite (wau bulan) and cat kite (wau kucing), and come in various sizes, shapes and designs. They are also sought-after collector’s items. Among the most popular kite-flying spots are Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Kampung Kijang and Kampung Redang. The shops here usually open all-day.

Kelantanese silverware is also popular among tourists who love the tea sets, jewellery and vases for their intricate designs. Made using the filigree technique among others, these wares can be found at Kampung Marak and Kampung Badak, en-route to Pantai Cinta Berahi.

The craftsmanship of Kelantanese woodcarving is also among the best in Malaysia. Favouring floral-inspired motives, woodcarving skills as well as beautiful pieces can be found at woodcarving centers such as Pakatan Jurukir Tradisional in Pengkalan Chepa.

Shopping is a must wherever you go in Kelantan. Indeed, the state is a proverbial treasure chest waiting to be discovered. Among other things the state is famous for include silk and/or batik kaftans, woven mats, household items and trinkets that would add delight to shopping.

Buluh Kubu Bazaar. Buluh Kubu Bazaar (Bamboo Fort Bazaar) is one place to look for bargains. It is a one-stop, three-storey shopping complex that also sells t-shirts, silver ornaments, mats woven with mengkuang leaves and other knick-knacks.

Central Market. This market is made up of stalls selling all sorts of vegetables, seafood and meats. What is most interesting about this place is that the majority of traders here are women, something you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in Malaysia.

Jalan Temenggong. A visit to Jalan Temenggong is definitely worth your while as you stroll along the beautifully decorated shops that offer jewellery, textiles, brassware and other goods. Even haggling over the price is an experience not to be missed. It may even provide you with fond memories and tales to tell of shopping in Kelantan.

Kampung Kraftangan (Handicraft Village and Craft Museum). Looking to take home a piece of authentic Kelantan? This place is a must as it sells a wide range of handicrafts and shows the visitor the traditional processes involved in making silver articles, batik printing, and songket weaving, to name just a few. There are also 30 species of palm trees around here that gives the place an authentic village-feel.