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  This
northeastern state, which means the "Land of Lightning", is a wonderful
treasure filled with delights. Sharing a common border with Thailand in
the north, visitors have been captivated by the rustic fishing villages,
verdant padi (rice) fields, and languid, palm-fringed beaches of Kelantan.
It is also the cradle of Malay culture, crafts, and religion. There are
numerous things to do and see here. One can watch the process of batik
being made, take part in kite-flying contests, or admire traditional woodcarving
techniques.
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 Sriwijaya Empire and the Siamese.
In the 15th Century, it came under the Melaka Sultanate. It was further
ruled by the sultanates of Johor and Terengganu. By the 1820s, Kelantan
was one of the most prosperous states in the Peninsula as there were unlimited
development. Kelantan also retained strong ties with Siam throughout the
19th Century before control was passed on to the British after the signing
of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty in 1909. By 1948, Kelantan had become part
of the Federation of Malaya.
One of the most conservative states in
Malaysia, Kelantan is driven by the production of padi (rice), rubber,
and tobacco. Fishing and livestock rearing are also important economic
activities.
Getting
there
By
Road : Visitors can choose to travel by road, as there is an
excellent network of roads linking Kelantan to major towns in the Peninsula.
It takes about 7 hours from Kuala Lumpur by car. There are also regular
air-conditioned express bus services from Kota Bharu, the capital city
of Kelantan, to various major towns within Peninsula Malaysia. Certain
buses even go all the way south to Singapore at reasonable rates.
By
Rail : There are two stations in Kota Bharu. However, visitors
are advised to use Wakaf Bharu Station. Express trains depart daily for
various destinations throughout Kelantan and major towns in the Peninsula,
right up to Singapore.
By
Air : Daily flights are available to and from Penang, Kuala
Lumpur, and Johor Bahru. Pelangi Air also flies daily from Kuala Lumpur
to Kota Bharu.
It is relatively quite easy to get to nearby
districts, as regular bus and taxi services are available from the main
bus terminal.
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