MY
COUNTRY (KELANTAN) MALAYSIA
Getting
There
By
Road – There
is an excellent network of roads linking the major towns in Peninsular Malaysia
to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the
Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang a journey of about 3
hours.
The rest of the journey from Kuantan to
Kota Bharu takes about 4 ˝ hours. The route heads northward along the coast
passing through picturesque villages and providing scenic vistas of the
palm-fringed beaches overlooking the azure waters of the South China
Sea.
The inland route to Kota Bharu turns of
the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northward to Raub in Pahang and then
to Gua Musang in Kelantan a journey of about 3 ˝ hours. The rest of the journey
from Raub to Kota Bharu takes about 2 hours. An alternative route exist the
Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes to through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang
en-route to Kota Bharu.
From
Penang one has to get to Grik via Sungai Petani in Kedah and then travel along
the scenic East-West Highway to Jeli in Kelantan before continuing the journey
to Kota Bharu.
There
are regular air-conditioned express bus services between Kuala Lumpur as well as
major towns in Kota Bharu.
By
Rail – Express
train from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan terminate at Wakaf Baru and Tumpat. From
these two points, one can get to Kota Bharu either by taxi or bus. Stop over
point en-route include Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah and Pasir
Mas.
Once
you are in Kota Bharu, it is relatively easy to get to nearby districts, as
regular bus and taxi services are available from the main bus
terminal.
For
those who are interested to visit places of intrest in the interior of Kelantan,
it is advisable to enquire with the Kelantan State Tourist Information Center or
any registered travel agent in Malaysia.
By
Air – Malaysia
Airlines operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Pelangi Air also flies daily to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur.
Background
Kelantan
literally translated, as the ‘Land
of Lightning’
is a veritable, treasure trove of delights. Its rustic fishing villages, verdant
paddy fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches have captivated many of its
visitors. Kelantan offers a world of gracious beauty and an old-world charm that
few can resist.
Tucked
away in the northeastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan is known as the
cradle of Malay culture as the Kelantanese have carefully preserved their
age-old customs and traditions over the centuries.
Here
it is not an uncommon sight to see colorful kites soaring upwards-defying
gravity and giant drums reverberate in unison. Wayang Kulit or shadow puppet shows, a
rare from of entertainment in other parts of the country, mesmerize audiences
and giant top competitions provide hours of endless fun.
Kelantan
has a population of about 1.5 million, of which 95% are Malay and the rest
consisting of Chinese, Indians and Thais. The people of Kelantan are renown for
their warmth and friendliness.
History
Kelantan
boasts of a historical past dating as far back as 8000 B.C. Interestingly,
ancient Chinese historical records mention the existence of a government in the
Peninsular, which had ties with the Imperial Court of
China.
In
the 18th century, the provinces that now form the state of Kelantan
came under a powerful warrior, Long Yunus whose descendents presently make-up
the royal house of Kelantan. The state came under Thai and British influence
before becoming part of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.
Economy
Kelantan’s
economy is primarily agrarian with the main cash crops being paddy, rubber and
tobacco. Fishing and livestock rearing are important economic
activities.
Cottage
industries, which utilize traditional skills such as batik painting,
woodcarving, songket weaving and silverware, are an interesting feature of the
local economy. In recent years, tourism has also become a major
money-spinner.
The
best place to begin for visitors wishing to experience myriad – of attractions
in the state is at Kota Bharu, the state capital. The sights and sounds of this
bustling town is evidence of the Kelantanese penchant for free enterprise.
The
focal point of the town’s activities is the Kota Bharu market. Elsewhere, the
artistic qualities of its people can be seen in its museums and the colorfully
decorated trishaws playing the streets.
Places of
Interest
& Jungle Trekking/Mountain
Climbing
Shopping & Eating
Out
Cottage
Industries
Home
Stay
