JOM RAINBOW KE MALAYSIA: KELANTAN

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 Sri Vijaya Empire and the Siamese. Kelantan was known from earlier times as a seat of powerful kingdoms that established trading links with the Chinese Empire which referred to

Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan.The capital and royal seat is Kota Bharu.

Map of Kelantan in Malaysia

Coat Of Arms

Kelantan's Flag

Interesting Places in Kelantan :

1.Kota Bharu Walking Travel

Kota Bharu has a colourful and interesting city centre and the best way to sample it is on foot. Here is a suggested itinerary for a walking tour covering: State Museum, Markets, Grand Palace, Istana Jahar, State Mosque, Kerapu Bank, Istana Batu, Craft Village, Kampung Cina, shophouses and more.

Across the street is the State Mosque orMasjid Muhammadi. Originally built from wood in 1867, the present concrete buildings date from 1922. Numerous extensions since mean that it can now accommodate 2400 devotees at a prayer session.The design is rather unusual and includes a clock tower which is rare in a mosque.

The State Museum is located next door in a 1930s-era former government office building. The museum provides informative historical background on the state of Kelantan.

The New Central Market is nearby where Malay ladies sell an impressive array of fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, meat and dry goods. Reach there before noon (or earlier if you can) if you want to see the market in full swing.

Bazaar Buluh Kubu is a three storey concrete and brick building opened in 1990 aimed at selling batik, Kelantan souvenirs and handicrafts to foreign and local tourists.

2.Wat Phothivihan

Wat Phothivihan was completed in 1979 and is famous for its Reclining Buddha statue. It is often mistakenly described as South East Asia's biggest reclining Buddha but that honour goes to the one at the Chauk Htet Gyi Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar which is 66 meters long. But it is Malaysia's biggest with a length of 40 meters, 7 meters longer than the next biggest contender, Wat Chaiya Mangakalaram in Penang.

3.Gua Musang

The highlight here is the cave of Gua Musang where archaeologists have found evidence of human occupation going back 5,000 years. This isolated township was captured and occupied briefly by communist guerrillas during the Malayan Emergency.

4.Gunung Reng

Gunung Reng is a spectacular limestone outcrop containing a bat-infested cave. Curious legends surround the hill's origins

5.Moonlight Beach ( Pantai Cahaya Bulan )

Pantai Cahaya Bulan is probably the closest beach to Kota Bharu but it was quite a tiring trip for my poor old tricycle driver.

6.Beach of Whispering Breeze ( Pantai Bisikan Bayu )

The Beach of Whispering Breeze is a pleasant beach fringed with casuarinas trees and coconut palms. It is located between the villages of Kampung Tok Bali and Kampung Semerak on a stretch of Kelantan coastline just before the border with Terengganu. The beach is also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu.With a lagoon behind the beach and the South China Sea in front, it is a peaceful spot.The Perhentian Islands can be seen about 25km away in the distance.

7. Siti Khatijah Market

A good way to get to know a Malaysian town is to visit its markets, the economic centre of the community. The Siti Khadijah Market is named after Prophet Muhammad's entrepreneurial wife – a fitting name for a market mostly run by women. This market has something for everyone, from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. It is also a slice of life in Kelantan, abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.

8. Gunung Stong State Park

Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP) is a forested area, totaling 21,950ha with several prominent mountain peaks. The area is of outstanding beauty and is home to one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia, the seven-tiered Jelawang Waterfall.