Kelantan Next

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.