Local Special Dishes

Nasi dagang - This is a mix of white rice and brown glutinous rice which is cooked with coconut milk, blended onions, garlic and some spices (halba). Fish or chicken curry is usually a complementary dish, together with a mild brown sugared sambal (chili paste).

Nasi kerabu - Nasi Kerabu literally means "rice salad". Kelantan has a variety of nasi kerabu. Nasi kerabu biasa ("normal"), putih("white"), hitam ("black", though the actual color is blue after the flower used as colouring in the recipe) and kuning("yellow"), for the turmeric used in the cooking process). Each kerabu is usually served with a matching, traditionalsambal. The kerabu (salad) itself can be any combination of vegetables or edible leaves. It is also served with fried breaded fish, keropok keping , salted egg, solok lada (chillies stuffed with minced fish and grated coconut), and pickled garlic. Importantly, a sauce called budu must be included for the dish to qualify.

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






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 is served during feasts.






Nasi berlauk - A popular breakfast food for the Kelantanese. Nasi berlauk is rice served with fish or chicken and vegetables cooked with turmeric 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 one of the healthier dishes found in Malay cuisine.






Keropok - These are Kelantanese crackers and can be made from fish, prawns or squid. The way they are made is similar to keropok gote, but after they are steamed or boiled and thinly sliced and dried for storage or further cooking.






Keropok lekor - These are Kelantanese fish sausages. Made by combining fish flesh and sago or tapioca flour, keropok lekor is rolled into long firm sticks and then steamed or boiled. To enjoy it, one has to cut it into desired bite sized and deep fried. It is a popular schoolchildren's snack food.



Laksa Kelantan - The laksa dish, white noodles served with gravy (curry or otherwise) and vegetables, is made differently in every state in Malaysia. The laksa in Kelantan is richer and has a more full-bodied flavour. The main ingredient is fish flesh. Laksam is another version, with a thicker noodle (similar to kuey teow). Laksa or laksam is served with ulam similar to that in nasi kerabu, with a pinch of salt and belacan, a fermented shrimp paste.

Kelantan FA (The Red Warriors)

Kelantan Football Association (Persatuan Bola Sepak Kelantan), commonly known as Kelantan FA or Kelantan, is a professional football team based in Kota Bharu,Kelantan.

Kelantan plays in the Malaysian football representing the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. They are currently playing in the top division in Malaysian football, the Malaysia Super League. Their home stadium is Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The team has won major trophies in Malaysian football. Domestically they has won 2 Malaysia Super League titles, 2 Malaysia Cup titles, 2 Malaysia FA Cup titles, 1Malaysia Charity Shield and 1 Malaysian League Division II title.

Their current coach, Bojan Hodak, has won 4 major honours since he took over in April 2012. Kelantan has a long-standing rivalry with neighbours Terengganu, with whom it regularly contests the East Coast Derby.

Rise of the Red Warriors

The rise of Kelantanese football began under the leadership of Tan Sri Annuar Musa when he took office as President in 2007. Annuar brought a revolution and transformed the way the Kelantan FA was run by introducing changes that were akin to those practiced overseas. Local players were given exposure and national players were signed into the team to have a good blend of experience and finesse. Sponsorship deals were signed with various companies and with a good cash flow going into the first few years of Annuar’s leadership, Kelantan, now rebranded as the Red Warriors, was ready to take the pitch by storm.

During the 2007–08 Malaysia Premier League season, the team had their large supporter attendance improved with home stadium, theSultan Muhammad IV Stadium packed during the match. It also boost a considerably high attendance at away games. The results are seen as the team were unbeatable at home during the 2007-08 Malaysia Premier League season. Their only home loss of the season was to Malaysia Super League side Terengganu during the 2007-08 Malaysia Cup which the team lost 1-0.

2013 Season

Kelantan starts the season with a defeated to ATM on the Charity Shield Cup match. They have lost on penalties after draw 1-1 (AET) scores by Indra Putra Mahayuddin.

The first league of the match was at Kota Bharu and they won against PKNS with scores 2-1. Badhri Radzi scores the equaliser at the last minute of the match to Kelantan gained 3 points. Kelantan started the 2013 season with a a bit inconsistent. They only got 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 lost in the first 5 matches in the league. Kelantan close their 2013 Malaysia Super League campaign by beating LionsXII 2-0 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium. Goals were scored by Kelantan's captain, Badhri Radzi and Dickson Nwakaeme.

In the 2013 Malaysia FA Cup, the team met Johor Darul Takzim in the final after defeating Terengganu with 6-5 on aggregate in semi-finals. They also defeating east-Malaysia team, Sarawak in the quarter-finals with 4-1 in aggregate. The team initially gets a bye for the first round and they played at the second round defeating PKNS in Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu with 4-2 in score. During the final, Kelantan wins 1-0 against Johor Darul Takzim. The sole goal was scored by Nor Farhan Muhammad 15 minutes into the game. With this victory Kelantan successfully retain their FA Cup title for the second year in the row.

AFC Cup competitions

2013 campaign

In 2013, the team qualified to the AFC Cup for the second time after wining a treble in the Malaysian football. They were also on top of group G, with SHB Da Nang, Maziya and Ayeyawady United. They qualified just until round of 16 after defeated by Hong Kong's football club, Kitchee with 2-0 in score. Selangor also join their journey in the AFC Cup competitions.

"Colek", A Special Ramadan Delicacy In Kelantan

Kelantan is known for food with weird names, like "tahi itik", which literally means duck droppings, "ulat bulu" (caterpillar) and "che mek", but they are among the state's local delicacies.

But, there is another special delicacy, popular among the Kelantan people, especially during Ramadan, which they call "colek", often taken for supper after the Tarawih prayer.

"Colek" is a kind of dish that has chicken, internal organs of a cow, prawn, squid and sausage as part of the ingredients which are dipped in a flour batter and then deep-fried and served with a special sauce.

There is also "colek buah", comprising cut fruits. The specialty of these "colek" depends on the sauce, which is hot and sweet.

Noraini Abdul Hamid, 39, who runs a "colek" stall at Jalan Kampung Sireh, said she had been in the business for almost 10 years.

During Ramadan, her stall is opened from 6pm to enable her customers to make their orders for them to take home for the breaking of fast.

"After the Tarawih prayer, the stall is always full as my customers will stop to have their favourite 'colek' with friends before returning home," she added.

Noraini, who is assisted by husband, Nurmanto Ariffin, 42, said she always ensure the ingredients used in her "colek" dishes were fresh.

"Colek" is also promoted in the Kelantan tourism calendar as one of the favourite dishes among locals during Ramadan.

Rosmawati Zawawi, 25, from Perak, said she and a few friends were here to experience the fasting month in Kelantan.

She said she obtained information from a travel agency on activities and programmes held during Ramadan in Kelantan, including performing the Tarawih prayer in the compound of the Sultan Muhammad the IV Stadium here, and also of the various food that could be found.

"Fasting in Kelantan gives me a different experience. There is an air of excitement and I have tasted the 'colek', which cannot be found in my hometown in Kuala Kangsar," she added.

Special Events

Kelantan Flora Festival

The Kelantan Flora Festival is also held in the month of April showcasing the region’s variety in flora with large intricate flower floats as well as entertaining performances.

Kelantan International Kite Festival 2013

First held in 1982, the Kelantan International Kite Festival 2013 returns for its 31st edition! International kite fliers from Thailand, Brunei, China and many other countries will gather and show off their skills against each other.

Highlights of the event include kite-making contest, beach soccer competitions and silat demonstrations. As a unique tourism product of the state, the event aims to draw more local and foreign tourists to visit Kelantan.

Organiser : Kelantan Tourism Information Center (TIC)

Date        : 29 May – 1 June 2013

Venue      : Pantai Geting beach, Tumpat, Kelantan

Kelantan Marine Festival

Each July, the annual Kelatan Marine festival is held, featuring boat races, marine sports competitions and a fishing festival. In addition, there’s a trade fair held in conjunction with the festival and ongoing demonstrations of Kelantan art and culture.

Games Festival

A two-day festival of games is held in Kota Bharu at the beginning of April. This is a chance for visitors to take part in centuries-old Kelantanese pastimes. Interesting games that are part of the festivities include ‘elephant slippers’. Participants form teams, with each team making its way to the finish line in a single giant slipper.

Bird Singing Competition

Songbirds are very popular in Kelantan. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular songs of these colourful birds at Kelantan’s annual Bird Singing Competition. The event is held in Kota Bharu and attracts competitors and observers from all parts of the country.

Kelantan's Cultures

Kelantan is known as the cradle of Malay culture based on the diverse cultural activities practised by Kelantanese. Among the popular cultural practices are Dikir Barat, Wayang Kulit Kelantan, Wayang Kulit Melayu, Mak Yong, Menora, Main Puteri, Wau Bulan(kite-flying), Gasing (top-spinning), Silat, bird-singing competition and handicrafts.

Among the handicraft products that are songket, batik, silverware and mengkuang. The Kandis Recource Centre provides information on the Kelantanese wood carving.

Dikir Barat

Dikir barat  is a musical form, native to the Malay Peninsula, that involves singing in groups—often in a competitive setting. Dikir barat may be performed either with percussion instrumental accompaniment, or with no instruments at all. The origins of dikir baratare not clear; it is found in both Thailand and Malaysia, and today the Malaysian government actively promotes it as an important part of Malaysian national culture.Dikir barat is typically performed by groups of ten to fifteen members, though there is no actual set size, even in competitive environments. A group usually sits cross-legged on a platform, sometimes surrounded by the audience. Where the dikir barat is performed competitively, the two competing groups will both be on the stage at the same time.

In a typical dikir barat performance, the group will perform two segments. The first is led by thetok juara, who is often the person in charge of the musical training of the group. This first segment usually contains the more complex musical arrangements, and will likely feature theawok-awok (chorus) singing in unison with the tok juara, as well as responsorial segments of singing, similar to what the tukang karut does with the awok-awok, later in the performance. Though musically more complex than what will follow, the first segment is seen as the "low-key" segment of the performance.

The creative leader of a dikir barat group is the tukang karut. The tukang karut (who is often himself a former tok juara) is expected in his performance to utilize current social and political issues which will be relevant to the audience. His ability to do this helps to uphold the reputation of the dikir barat group. Leading theawok-awok during the second and concluding segment of the performance, the tukang karut sings pantuns—most of which are likely original and improvised on the occasion of the performance, but some which may be known to the audience. (Pantuns are an oral poetry form indigenous to the Malay region, and are not exclusive to the dikir barat.) That the dikir barat uses pantuns does not mean that it is a performance of poetry. Like any poet, the tukang karut is expected to create lyrics that touch upon everyday life, but he can also address social issues, legal matters, politics, government regulations, and human foibles.The tone can be satirical, sarcastic, or simply humorous, but above all it is expected that it be clever. The tukang karut makes up and sings lyrics on the topic of the performance (which may be pre-established or simply the choice of the tukang karut), and the awok-awok sings the same lyrics back to him. During the performance, members of the awok-awok clap and perform rhythmic body movements, which bring energy to the performance.

Historically, dikir barat performances have been all-male. However, in recent years, especially with groups based in urban areas, female performers are beginning to appear.

While most musical instruments are excluded from dikir barat, some groups to employ percussion instruments, including the rebana,maracas, or a shallow gong.

Wayang Kulit Kelantan

Wayang kulit, or shadow puppets, are without a doubt the best known of the Indonesian wayang. Kulit means skin, and refers to the leather construction of the puppets that are carefully chiselled with very fine tools and supported with carefully shaped buffalo horn handles and control rods. The stories are usually drawn from the Hindu epics the Ramayana, the Mahabharata or from the Serat Menak, (a story about the heroism of Amir Hamza).

There is a family of characters in Javanese wayang called Punakawan; they are sometimes referred to as "clown-servants" because they normally are associated with the story's hero, and provide humorous and philosophical interludes. Semar is the father of Gareng (oldest son), Petruk, and Bagong (youngest son). These characters did not originate in the Hindu epics, but were added later, possibly to introduce mystical aspects of Islam into the Hindu-Javanese stories. They provide something akin to a political cabaret, dealing with gossip and contemporary affairs.

The puppet figures themselves vary from place to place. In Central Java the city of Surakarta (Solo) and city of Yogyakarta are most famous and the most commonly imitated style of puppets. Regional styles of shadow puppets can also be found in West Java, Banyumas, Cirebon, Semarang, and East Java. Bali produces more compact and naturalistic figures, and Lombok has figures representing real people. Often modern-world objects as bicycles, automobiles, airplanes and ships will be added for comic effect, but for the most part the traditional puppet designs have changed little in the last 300 years.

Historically, the performance consisted of shadows cast on a cotton screen and an oil lamp. Today, the source of light used in wayang performance in Java is most often a halogen electric light. Some modern forms of wayang such as Wayang Sandosa created in the Art Academy at Surakarta (STSI) has employed spotlights, colored lights and other innovations.

The handwork involved in making a wayang kulit figure that is suitable for a performance takes several weeks, with the artists working together in groups. They start from master models (typically on paper) which are traced out onto skin or parchment, providing the figures with an outline and with indications of any holes that will need to be cut (such as for the mouth or eyes). The figures are then smoothed, usually with a glass bottle, and primed. The structure is inspected and eventually the details are worked through. A further smoothing follows before individual painting, which is undertaken by yet another craftsman. Finally, the movable parts (upper arms, lower arms with hands and the associated sticks for manipulation) mounted on the body, which has a central staff by which it is held. A crew makes up to ten figures at a time, typically completing that number over the course of a week. However, unfortunately there is not strong continuing demand for the top skills of wayang craftspersons and the relatively few experts still skilled at the art sometimes find it difficult to earn a satisfactory income.

The painting of less expensive puppets is handled expediently with a spray technique, using templates, and with a different person handling each color. Less expensive puppets, often sold to children during performances, are sometimes made on cardboard instead of leather.

Mak Yong

Mak yong or mak yung is a traditional form of dance-drama from northern Malaysia, particularly the state of Kelantan. It was banned by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party in 1991 because of its animist and Hindu-Buddhist roots which pre-date Islam in the Asian region by far. In 2005 UNESCO declared mak yong a "Masterpiece Of The Oral And Intangible Heritage Of Humanity". The late Cik Ning was a leading mak yong performer in the 1980s.

Mak yong is considered the most authentic and representative of Malay performing arts because it is mostly untouched by external sources. Although most traditional Malay dances were influenced by India, Java and other parts of Southeast Asia, mak yong's singing and musical repertoire are unique. Of the major stories performed in mak yong, most are derived from Kelantan-Pattanimythology. Some of those obtained from outside the Malayan-Thai region have now died out elsewhere such as Anak Raja Gondang, a story originally from the Jataka tales but now almost unknown in India.

A performance begins by paying respect to the spirits (semah kumpung) with an offering. This is followed by dancing, acting and improvised dialogues. Stories were presented in a series of three hour performances over several nights. The lead dancer is called the pak yong and dresses as a king. The cast usually includes a queen in second lead, palace girls and jesters. Traditionally, all performers were female except for the clowns who are always male. A group called Jong Dongdang sings and dances in between chapters and at the story's closing. The mak yong orchestra is small with the main instruments played being the three-stringed spiked lute, drum (gendang) and a pair of gong. It may also include the flute (serunai), keduk drums and small cymbals (kesi).

Today there are less than ten veteran mak yong performers. Although there have been a few attempts to revive the art form, seasoned performers have noted a clear difference between the commercialised mak yong of urban dancers when compared with the movements of rural performers. Not many young people are willing to undergo the rigorous apprenticeship so the art is now on the decline.

Menora

Menora is a type of dance drama of south Thailand origin and practiced mainly in the northern states of Malaysia and southern provinces of Thailand. Menora also known as Nora orLakon Chatri in Thai language.

The basic features of the performance include a lengthy invocation, a dance by the main character, and a play or skit. The invocation is enacted by slow rhythmic movements of legs, arms and fingers. The dramatic repertoire of Menora performance is based on stories of Thai legends and Buddhist Jataka tales, many of which already accultured into Malay society centuries ago.

In the northeastern state of Kelantan and Terengganu, Menora incorporates much use of Malay language and a Mak Yong-style dance movements. While in the northwestern state of Kedah, it is performed in a mixture of Thai and local dialects, but adheres to the invocation-play in a distinctly north Malaysian style and incorporates some elements of Jikey and Mek Mulung.

The musical ensemble consists of a pair of hand cymbals, a pair of small knobbed gongs, a pair of wooden sticks, a barrel-shaped gendang, a reed instrument and a vase-shaped single headed drum.

Wau Bulan

Wau bulan is an intricately designed Malaysian moon-kite (normally with floral motifs) that is traditionally flown by men in the Malaysian state of Kelantan. It is one of Malaysia's national symbols, some others being the kris and hibiscus. The reverse side of the fifty-cent coin of Malaysia (1989 series) features an intricately decorated

wau bulan with a hummer on top. The logo of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based on the Wau Kucing (cat kite).

There are many types of wau in Malaysia, each with its own specialty. Wau kucing (cat kite) and wau merak (peacock kite) are some of the variants. Wau bulan got its name from the crescent moon-like shape of its lower section (bulan means "moon" in Bahasa Malaysia). Given the right colour, wau bulan apparently resembles a rising crescent moon when flown.

The size of wau bulan is bigger than any other Malaysian traditional kite. The typical size is 2.5 meters in width and 3.5 meters in length. This makes the decorations painted on the kite's body to be visible when it is flown high in the air. To make it more distinctive, wau bulan is normally decorated with large, strong-coloured patterns.

Silat

Silat (Minangkabau: silek) is a collective word for indigenous martial arts from a geo-cultural area of Southeast Asia encompassing most of the Nusantara, as well as the Malay Peninsula and Malay Archipelago. Originally developed in what are now Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, South Thailand, and Singapore, it is also traditionally practiced in Brunei, Vietnam and the southern Philippines. There are hundreds of different styles but they tend to focus either on strikes, joint manipulation, throws, bladed weaponry, or some combination there of. Silat is one of the sports included in the Southeast Asian Games and other region-wide competitions. Training halls are overseen by separate national organizations in each of the main countries the art is practiced. These are Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI) from Indonesia, Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA) from Malaysia, Persekutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB) from Brunei and Persekutuan Silat Singapura (PERSISI) from Singapore. Practitioners are called pesilat.

While the word silat is used by Malay-speakers throughout Southeast Asia, the art is more often called pencak silat in the modern Indonesian language. Systems that were created on the Southeast Asian mainland are grouped in the category of silat Melayu, in reference to the Malay Peninsula. The oldest of these originated in what are now northern Malaysia,Thailand and southern Vietnam. Silat as practiced in Brunei is also grouped in the same category for historic reasons.

Interesting Places To Visit

Siti Khadijah Market (Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah)

Siti Khadijah Market (Pasar besar Siti Khadijah), as its name implies, is a local wet market. Its name after Prophet Muhammad's wife, whom is known for her entrepreneurial skill, as this market is mostly run by women. Apart from the usual fresh goodies like seafood, vegetables and wide variety of fruits, you can also find ready-to eat food like 'ayam percik', nasi ulam and a variety of noodle soups, all unique in flavors and taste of Kelantan, serves freshly for you. Not to forget to taste the local desserts like 'kuih muih' (cake sort of), tempeh and a glass of hot milk tea, which is the staple drink for Kelantanese.

Gunung Stong State Park

Gunung Stong State Park is a forested area, surrounded by many mountain peaks at the backdrop, including Gunung Ayam, Gunung Tera, Gunung Saji and ecetera. By now you would have guessed, the word 'Gunung' means mountain in local language. It holds an area of more than 20,000 hectares, surrounding mountain peaks, rivers and caves. With its dense forest, it house a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, nears and a good variety of birds like hornbills. Unique flora and fauna, including the world's largest flower, rafflesia can also be found. Apart from that, the Stong Waterfalls is believed to be the highest waterfalls in Sourtheast Asia region, standing about 495 meters above sea level. Gunung Stong State Park is truly the place for adventures lover.

Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of Whispering Breeze)

Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of Whispering Breeze) located at Kota Bahru, the capital of Kelantan, is amongst the popular beaches in Kelantan. Other includes Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlite Beach) and Irama Island Bachok (Pantai Irama Bachok). It is also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu, which is just 50km drive south to Kota Bahru. As its name implies, when the gentle breeze rustle the trees along the beach, making the gentle hush-hush sound, which some says sounds like a soothing whisper.

For surfers, a good time to hit the beach is from November to April during the North-East Monsoon. The each is rather crowded during school holidays and long weekends.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, also known as 'Balai Getam Guri' in local language, is a place to showcase local handicraft industry in Kelantan, and it's supported by the state government. It's a fine craft museum, houses many Kelantanese craftsmanship, including traditional embroidery, batik, silverware and matting. Interestingly, curious visitor have the opportunity to witness and learn the process of making those craft, where demonstration of traditional embroidery, songket weaving and batik drawing are done skilfully by the artists. Souvenirs are available for sales as well. Another worth visiting museum is the Jahar Palace (Istana Jahar), which was once the royal residence, built back in 1855. It's a wooden palace, which displays interesting wood carving and traditional handicraft.

Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace)

Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace) is built by Sultan Muhamad 11 in 1887 for his grandson Long Kundur. It has luxurious woodcarvings that showcase the excellent craftsmanship of the Kelantanese. Apart from that, photographs, artifacts and traditional handicraft reflect on the Kelantan rich and sophisticated heritage. The palace is now converted to a museum, to share the uniqueness and beauty to the world. There are also a Malay Weapon Gallery which house many unique weapons such as keris and pisau. The museum is open daily from 8.30 a.m to 5.45 p.m except for Fridays.

Kuala Krai Dabong River Cruise

Kuala Krai Dabong River cruise is one of the ways to explore the untouched nature of Kelantan. It's a must for eco-lovers and the cruise will starts from Sungai Kelantan into the lush dense rainforest, which take about 2 hour ride. As you cruise along the river, the wonderful wildlife and flora and fauna will unfold themselves. You might also catch a glimpse of the little villages along the river bank doing their daily chores. Upon reaching Dabong, you have about 3 hour to stroll around before the boat will bring you back to Kuala Krai.

Masjid Kampung Laut (Mosque Kampung Laut)

Masjid Kampung Laut (Mosque Kampung Laut) being one of the oldest mosques standing in Malaysia, although the actual age of the mosque is unknown. However, judging from the architectural and design, many believes it to be around 300 years. The unique architectural is being adopted into many Kelantan official buildings. The mosque was once the meeting venue for Sultan's meeting and was also used as a trader point sometime later. There was a massive touch up was carried out in the late 80' and it was estimated to cost about RM160,000.

The refurbishments include replacing the wall and roof, building additional towels, toilets and electricity. The entire build-up area now is 74 feet by 71 feet and top to end pillars. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed into the mosque. However they can stroll around the outer compound. The best time for Muslims to visit is at evening. It is definitely worthwhile to stay a night or two in Kota Bahru as there are so much more to see.

Muzium Islam (Museum Islamic)

Muzium Islam (Museum Islamic) is a place where you can trace the root of Islam in Kelantan. The building itself resemble the mosque-like building. It contains various artifacts and inscriptions documents of how Islam got introduced in Kelantan and how it became such an important element in the everyday life in the state of Kelantan. It was once known to be the Verandah to Mecca also known as 'Serambi Mekah'.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach)

Pantai Cahaya Bulan (formerly known as Pantai Cinta Beach / Beach of Passionate Love) was believe to name by a lovelorn British soldier during the World War Two. Till today, there are some locals still prefer to us the old name. It has a beautiful long and wide sandy beach, a popular spot for family outings and picnics. It also have a variety of water sports and horse riding. There are some food stalls and restaurants along the beach, which offers fresh barbeque seafood.

Pantai Irama Bachok (Beach of Melody)

Pantai Irama Bachok (Beach of Melody) got its name from the gently hushing sound of the sea breeze. It's known to be the most beautiful beach in Kelantan and is a common hang out place for families and friends. The beauty of the beach does not lie only to its clear blue water, but also to the facilities available for visitors. Apart from basic facilities like motels, public toilets and restaurants, there are also water sports, boat for hire and barbeque facilities to make your visit more interesting. 

Jalan Temenggong (Temenggong Street)

Jalan Temenggong (Temenggong Street), located in the centre of Kota Bahru town, is well known for its haven shopping site amongst the locals and visitors. The street is lined with colorful craft stalls and shop, made by local artisans. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the making of jewelry by the artist too. There are variety of gold and silver lewlry, batik and textiles, wood carving, traditional handicrafts like songkek and wau and whole load more. Most of the goods are price reasonably, however, be prepare to bargain to get the best deals.

Istana Balai Besar (The Grand Palace)

Istana Balai Besar (The Grand Place) is a single story palace built by Sultan Muhammad II over 170 years ago, as the official residence of past sultans. It is believed that bullfights used to be held in the palace for official Royal ceremonies Jahar Palace (Istana Jahar). It was built for his grandson, and it was built up from wood, furnished with unique wood carvings until mid-1900. The palace is now used for official state functions and is not open to public. 

Muzium Diraja Istana Batu (The Royal Museum)

Muzium Diraja Istana Batu (The Royal Museum) was built in 1939 under the reign of Sultan Ismail I of Kelantan (1920-1944), as a wedding gift for his nephew Yahya Petra (1960-1979) whom was the eventual successor of Kelantan. It has a pale yellow structure and served as the palace for crown's prince. It was then donated to the state and now it's open to public for viewing. The richly furnished rooms will give you a glimpse into the past royal life.

Bank Kerapu (War Museum)

Bank Kerapu was built by Mercantile Bank in 1912, on a land that apparently belongs to Nik Yusof, a renowned local chieftain. It is also believed to be the first stone. In 1941, during the Pacific War (1941-1945), Japanese troop landed near Kota Bahru. During the occupation, Bank Kerapu was used by the Japanese as their 'Kempen Tai', which is a secret police station for war coordination. Upon the fall of Japan and the return of British, Bank Kerapu continued to function as bank until 1992, when it was turn into a war memorial by the Kelantan Museum Corporation. It houses more than 1,000 exhibits relating to the war and a mixture of Japanese tool used during the occupation, including Japanese bicycle. Photographs, articles and artifacts in this memorial can bring you back to 1912 using your imagination.

Ethnic Groups

Malay

Kelantanese Malay dialect is distinguished from standard Malay as well as other Malay dialects by its unique grammar, pronunciation and figures of speech.

Kelantanese Malay is somewhat partially intelligible with other Malay dialects. Whilst the Arabscript called Jawi has less influence in the other parts of Malaysia, it is still widely used in writing and printing the Malay language in Kelantan. Signboards in Kelantan are written in bothJawi and Rumi. To a certain extent, Thai is also used.

95% of Kelantan's population are ethnic Malay, and under the Malaysian Constitution, all Malays are Muslims; therefore, Islam is the most influential religion in the state.

To most Malaysians, Kelantan is synonymous with Malay arts and crafts. Kota Bharu, as the state capital, is a popular centre for such pursuits as silat, martial arts, and kertok drumming. Here, too, more than any other place in Malaysia, the traditional pastimes of top-spinning — known as gasing — and the flying of giant, elaborately decorated kites called wau, are still much in evidence.

Thai

The minority ethnic Thai inhabitants of Kelantan are mostly centered in an area around the coastal town of Tumpat, site of most of the state's two hundred or so Buddhist temples, and noteworthy for its number of relatively well-off Siamese villages.

The dialect of the Thai language spoken in Kelantan is called "Tak Bai", after the southernmost coastal town Tak Bai of Narathiwat Province, just across the Golok River from Malaysia. Tak Bai dialect differs substantially from standard southern Thai and other regional Thai dialects, and it seems certain that the Kelantan Thais are the descendants of an original enclave of Narathiwat settlers established in sparsely populated Malay territory as long as four centuries ago.

Buddhism is also visible, in that hundreds of Thai wats also known as 'ketik' can be found throughout the state. The longest statue of a reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia can be found in Wat Photivihan, in Tumpat.

The reclining Buddha at Wat Photivihan in Kelantan opened in 1980. This temple is very popular with pilgrims and devotees. The Metta Chanting is using the original language (Pali), or in Thai translation.

The Thai group will conduct the religious celebration at the Wat such as Tok'katinna, Loy Krathong, Saibat, Songkran, and so forth. One thousand visitors will attend this function.

Chinese

Chinese assimilation in Kelantan is manifested as: "Malay behaviour as frontstage and Chinese behaviour as backstage". "Frontstage" or public behaviour includes speaking Kelantanese Malay even when among themselves, adopting Malay-style clothing, and observing certain Malay customs and holidays. "Backstage" or private behaviour includes maintaining certain traditional Chinese beliefs and customs confined only within the home. A pattern which they also associate as Peranakan, nonetheless they are culturally different in some ways

from the Strait-Chinese Peranakan of Malacca, Penang and Singapore or even the Indonesian Peranakans.

In Kelantan, the Chinese see themselves as either Cina Kampung (village Chinese) or Cina Bandar (town Chinese). Famous Chinese villages in Kelantan include Kampung Tok'kong (300-year-old temple), Batu Jong, Kampung Jelatok, Kampung Joh, Kampung Temangan, Kampung Mata Ayer, Kampung Tawang, Kampung Balai, Gua Musang and etc. Descendants of the earlier waves of small-scale migration are known as Orang Cina kita (our very own Chinese) and the elders are seen as Orang Kelantan betul (true Kelantanese). Speaking the Kelantanese Malay dialect with fluency unites both Cina Kampung and Cina Bandar

The Chinese in Kelantan have native speaker competence in the Kelantanese dialect. It is impossible to tell a Malay from a Chinese by listening to his speech in the Kelantanese dialect, without looking at the person.

The accommodations of the Chinese population have made communication between Chinese and Malays in Kelantan both easy and common. As a consequence, Kelantanese Malay and Chinese view each other as individuals, rather than simply as representatives of cultural categories. The ability of the Chinese in Kelantan to accommodate Malay culture has facilitated significant entrepreneurial activities. They are already familiar with the term 'kulit sawo matang' that describe them for a century.

Much of Chinese culture still continues until today; such as lion and dragon dancing during the CNY, temple celebration, eating bakchang (meat dumpling), mooncake, baby fullmoon, pulut kuning, telur merah, eat 'e' (tangyuan), religious celebration including praying Na Tuk Kong. They also cook 'bak hong', 'uang (meatball)' during the wedding ceremony and ' kiam mai' during the funeral.

The village of Kampung Tok'kong in the Kelantan state of Malaysian is well known for a historically significant Chinese Temple known as Seng Choon Keong. 25 km from Kota Bharu, it is located within a paddy field village with a population of around 500 person. The temple is approximately 300 years old. It is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Matsu. Every year on the equivalent date to the 23rd of March on the Chinese Calendar, the birthday of Mazu is commemorated with concerts, lion dance, Carrying god ride 'Kheng kiu', 'siam hee' and also wayang kulit show for three days. Chinese and Mazu followers visit the temple to pay homage to Mazu, to offer prayers for health and wealth, as well as for personal safety and security and eat Kampung Tokkong most famous 'Bak hong'. In every Friday also many follower will attend to seek help from Mazu spirit for personal problem. Annually, the Seng Choon Keong lion dance association will tour the state during the Chinese New Year to conduct traditional cultural rituals aimed at driving away evil spirits and bad luck.

Unlike the Chinese in other parts of Malaysia, Chinese Kelantanese prefer to conduct their wedding party at home rather than at a restaurant. This reflects their mindset that their presence to celebrate the newly weds is more important than the wedding banquet. And also make it a gethering ceremony to celebrate the angsu 'red/ happiness'. the more guest mean the house owner is more respectable. This is further proven by their generosity of the money gifts from the newly weds. Usually the wedding ceremony begins on Thursday night and proceeds until the next morning because the weekend holiday is Friday in Kelantan. For good luck, the groom has to bring home the bride before 12 noon on the Friday with flowers decorate car.

Most Chinese villagers bury their deceased ones at the local town cemetery. Others cremate the dead at the nearest Wat. If the deceased is old, a three-day funeral ceremony and memorial is conducted, complete with chanting from the monks. But if the deceased is of the younger generation, they are either buried or cremated as soon as possible. They also offers prayers for anniversary for the death. example: for Villager in Kg Tokkong also have cemetery known as 'Chiakka sua' located nearby Kg Tokkong. and one of the biggest cemetery in kelantan is 'Fu long sua' located in near by kem desa pahlawan.

Orang Asli

Orang Asli, mostly Temiar are people who have lived in the forests of Kelantan and Perak for thousands of years. Some of the Temiar maintain traditional beliefs in their natural surroundings and other forms of animist elements, while some of them have embraced Islam, instead. Kelantan shows an example of a Malaysian state in which all of races can live in the peace and harmony.