kelantan in heritage

Wayang Kulit

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 06:46:00 +0000

Gunung Stong ( Mount of Stong)

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:55:00 +0000

The Stong State Park (formerly called Jelawang Jungle) is listed among the top five unique ecotourism destinations in Malaysia and is situated on the fringes of Malaysia’s massive Titiwangsa range. The mountainous backdrop there is made up of a chain of majestic peaks, waiting to be conquered – Gunung Ayam, Gunung Stong, Gunung Tera, Gunung Saji, Gunung Koh, Gunung Baha, Gunung Beirut, Gunung Che Tahir. (Gunung is the local word for mountain). It covers an area of 61,734 hectares of land dotted with high peaks, dense forest, a variety of caves, rivers and waterfalls. Its thick jungle is home to elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons, hornbills and a range of other exotic wildlife, as well as a variety of flora and fauna including the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia of the kerii meyer species, and the endemic long-sectioned bamboo, a type of purple orchid (didymocarpus calcareous) and a unique palm species (lycuala stongesis).

Among the interesting places located here:

1. Crab Door Spider
2. Ginger Family
3. Wild Boar
4. Track Down Animal Tracks – Tapir, Bear & Elephant
5. Bamboo Area
6. Giant Pitcher Plant
7. Rock Shelter
8. Seven Level Waterfalls
9. Princess Well
10. Princess Pool
11.Panaromic View & Sunrise from a top of First Waterfall
12.Insects
13.Species of Monkeys / Gibbons
14.Orchid Season – End of August to September
15.Learn about traditional medicine that Nature provides

It is more than this if you come by yourself and feel it.

Wat Phothivihan - the biggest in Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 09:22:00 +0000

Kelantan has an amazing array of interesting temples and mosques that dot the countryside. North of Kota Bharu, in the Tumpat district, you will find many Thai Buddhist temples, a remembrance of the former links of Kelantan with Thailand.

One temple that many visitors visit is Wat Photivihan. Located near Kampung Jambu, this Wat which houses a 40 metre reclining Buddha.This 40-meter sculpture was constructed in 1973, and was only completed in 1979. The construction cost of RM350,000 was derived from public donation as well as contributions from various Buddhist associations in Malaysia and Thailand. The Wat Phothivihan reclining Buddha is 7 meters longer than the older reclining Buddha of Wat Chaiyamangkalaram in Penang.

Perdana Beach Resort, Kelantan

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 09:15:00 +0000

Perdana Beach Resort located 11 kilometres north of Kota Bharu, drive along a stretch of road which features souvenir shops and traditional cottage industry businesses, paddy fields with its share of buffaloes wallowing in the mud and of course, the always charming sight that is the traditional kampung houses which always brings to my mind images of a peaceful lifestyle, harmonious living and an often-felt wish to be a part of a community which espouses the "simple life" philosophy.

You can combine a love for taking pleasure from the simple life with a comfortable and charming 'village' experience which features the most up-to-date conveniences and facilities.

For more infomation, you can view here for more details

Istana Jahar

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:05:00 +0000

Built in 1887, Istana Jahar was a gift from Sultan Mahmud II to his grandson, Long Kundur. Today, this palace is known as the Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs.

An epitome of the uncompromising standards of Kelantanese wood craftmanship, this beautiful palace is adorned with intricately carved wooden panels. A tour of this museum will reveal the grandeur of the Kelantanese traditional ceremonies and customs. Inside, visitors can find an extensive collection of Kelantan's historical documentation, rare artefacts, photographs and exhibits which portray the state's rich cultural heritage.

The museum opens Saturday through Thursdays, from 8.30a.m. to 4.45p.m. For more information,

Tarian Asyik (The Dance of Lover)

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:32:00 +0000

Tarian Asyik, which means "the dance of a lover," is a classical Malay court dance that was popular in Kelantan (a state on the east coast of West Malaysia) and Patani (a state south of Thailand that was part of the Patani Malay Sultanate in the fifteenth century). Hikayat Patani (The Story of Patani, 1730) mentions that during the reign of Raja Kuning (a queen who ruled Patani in 1644), there were twelve asyik dancers at her court who gave performances during official ceremonies as well as at festivals and court marriages. The dancers were maids of the palace.

The dance was created on the instructions of a king who mourned for his favorite pet, a beautiful bird that had escaped its cage. The king went on a long search to find the bird, but he came back empty-handed. Brokenhearted, he asked that a dance be created that imitated the movements of the lost bird. Initially ten dancers enter the stage and sit gracefully. Then Puteri Asyik (Princess of Love) enters and the dance begins. The gracious and delicate movements of the dancers create a romantic atmosphere. The dancers wear long dresses made of silk and display jewelry on their bodies and waistbands. The musical instruments that accompany the dance include eleven types of gedombak asyik (a small drum), gambang (a xylophone-like instrument, usually made of slabs of wood or bronze), and rebab (a bowed lute). Dancers wear local flowers in their hair. Today, the dance would be performed by young girls, and it has become a dance for the common people and is usually performed at festival and cultural shows, obviously no longer a court entity.

Islamic Museum-heritage of Islam

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Mon, 28 May 2007 13:05:00 +0000

The history of Islam in the state can be traced at this Islamic Museum or also known as Balai Syura (Syura Hall). The museum is housed in a large two-storey traditional wooden house which used to be Kelantan's first school of Islamic studies. The establishment of this Islamic Museum testifies to the importance the state places on the religion.

Exhibits inside include Islamic fine arts and crafts and photographs of the belongings of Prophet Muhammad and of Islamic historical sites. The Islamic Museum is located along Jalan Tengku Chik, close to the Istana Balai Besar.

The Islamic Museum is open from 8.30am to 4.45pm Saturday through Thursday. Closed on Friday. For more information, please contact the Islamic Museum at 604-7440102 or the Kota Bharu Tourist Information Centre at 609-7485534

An art of Muhammadi Mosque

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Wed, 23 May 2007 15:32:00 +0000

The laying of the foundation stone which marked the re-building of the to replace the old wooden structure of the mosque, was performed by HRH Sultan Ismail Ibni Sultan Muhammad IV on the morning of 21 August 1922 (28 Zulhijjah 1340). The construction work of the new mosque was completed in 1925. The mosque was named Muhammadi Mosque, after the late Sultan Muhammad IV who dedicated his life fully to the state of Kelantan.

The primary function of the mosque was to spread the knowledge of Islam. Several prominent religious scholars carried out their teachings of Islam here. Among others were Tuan Taba (1840-1891), Haji Wan Ali Kutan (1837-1912) and Tok Kenali (1868-1933). The system of teaching conducted here was similar to the one practised in Masjidil Haram in Mecca. Upon completion of their learning in the Muhammadi Mosque, students will pursue their studies in Mecca.

The mosque became a renowned centre disseminating Islamic teachings in this region. This resulted in the mosque earning the title Serambi Mekah which means the Corridor of Mecca.

Muhammadi Mosque is located next to the Syura Hall, along Jalan Sultanah Zainab in Kota Bharu. For more information, please contact the Kota Bharu Tourist Information Centre at 609-7485534.

Pantai Bisikan bayu

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Thu, 10 May 2007 16:45:00 +0000

Pantai Bisikan Bayu - also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu - is just a scenic 50km drive south of Kota Bharu, Kelantan's capital. Around the village of Semerak, gentle breezes rustle the casuarina trees lining the beach producing a hushed sound that, locals say, sounds like a soothing whisper.

Surfing is good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find great conditions here during the North-East Monsoon from November to April. But nothing beats resting in the shade of the tall casuarina trees, staring out to sea, listening to the whispering wind and sipping on a cool coconut. Perfect R & R…

The beach is fabulous and popular with locals and visitors alike all year long, but you may want to be more careful during the monsoon season as the currents and waves can be strong. You might wonder how to get there?Follow the interstate highway south of Kota Bahru for 50km until you reach the charming town of Pasir Putih, which means 'White Sand'. The beach lies just past this town.

Masjid Kampung Laut

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:25:00 +0000

Masjid Kampung Laut was Built in the 1730's, the mosque is representative of architectural styles that reflect most of the characteristics of traditional local architecture. The architectural styles like those of local houses and buildings of that era are influenced by a number of factors such as the climatic conditions, the availability of building materials, the ethnic background and local craftsmanship. For the Kampung Laut mosque, only the most skilled local wood carvers and builders were commissioned to build the structure. As it was built close to the Kelantan riverbank, the mosque was raised on stilts, about 1m(3feet) above ground level to avoid floods that inundate the area during monsoon seasons.

Four main columns support the upper most roof which is separated from the lower double-tiered roofs by timber louvres. This gap provides natural cross ventilation in the central area and also admits light. The roof is shaped in 3 tiers and very much resembles the Agung mosque in Demak, Northern Java, Indonesia circa 1479. It is said that the square plan of the Kampung Laut mosque was probably modelled after the Agung Mosque. Since there is almost a unified agreement that there are marked similarities between the two mosques, then the Javanese influence on the architectural style of masjid kampung laut is evident in the tiered roofs. The shape of the roof resembles a peak or mount which in the Hindu religion is regarded as the sacred abode of the Dewa. In Malay mythology, the mounts are where the ancestors' of kings were believed to have come from.

In the early centuries before the arrival of Islam, the dominant religion was Hindu. Hence the structure of the roof is similar also to the early Hindu and Buddhist chandi.

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River Cruise & Jungle Trekking

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:08:00 +0000

The ecotourist will find much to delight him were he to take an upriver cruise of Sungai Kelantan into the virgin rainforests of Kelantan. The secrets of the jungle will unfold itself if he looks and listens; and the little villages along the bank is an added bonus.

Take Bus No. 5 which leaves the main terminal at 7.45 every morning for Kuala Krai. At Kuala Krai, take the boat which leaves at 10.00 am for Dabong. The 2-hour boat ride affords ample time to take in the grandeur of the rainforests.

Upon reaching Dabong, you have about three hours to while away before catching the boat back to Kuala Krai at 3.15 pm. Take a stroll around the village and observe the villagers at their daily chores.

Alternatively, you can venture up to Jelawang to stay the night in one of the chalets (RM25.00 including meals). A one and a half-hour jungle trek brings you to the Jelawang Waterfall, spectacular and every bit worth the effort.

If you decide to return to Kuala Krai on the same day, you can catch a taxi from Kuala Krai to Kota Bharu. Please note that there are no boats available on Fridays.

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Fishing Village

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:05:00 +0000

No visit to Kelantan would be complete without a trip to a fishing village dubbed "the soul of Malaysia's East Coast". Two of the most well-known villages are the Sabak Beach (approx. 14 km from Kota Bharu) and Kuala Besar (15 km from Kota Bharu).

If you wish to fully capture the moment, you should arrive no later than 2:30 pm when the boats laden with the day's catch are first spotted on the horizon. As they come ashore. their intricately carved prows are a riot of colours. Then the bargaining begins between wholesalers and the fishermen - a noisy but interesting ritual.

You will also be able to witness other related activities such as fish-curing and the mending of nets. Buses No. 8 and 9 depart every half hour from the old market terminal to Sabak Beach.

Bus No. 28 leaves from the New Central Market to Kuala Besar every half hour.

Information taken from: cuti.com

Traditional house

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 03:53:00 +0000

The traditional Malay house is one of the richest components of Malaysia's cultural heritage. Designed and built by the villagers themselves, it manifests the creative and aesthetic skills of the Malays. It is a near-perfect house form which is appropriate to local climatic conditions and expresses the way of life of its inhabitants. The house is extremely well designed to suit the warm and humid Malaysian climate and for the optimal and multifunctional use of space. Its design is also flexible as it caters to the widely different needs of the users and it has an addition system which allows the house to be extended to meet the growing needs of each family.

Traditional architectural forms, such as tropically-suited roofs and harmonious proportions with decorative elements are considered by traditionalists to still have relevance. However traditional buildings require significant maintenance compared to modern construction. These traditional skills are gradually being lost as Malaysia continues to the process of and industrialization.

Using renewable natural materials such as various kinds of timber and bamboo, they often constructed their dwellings without any use of metal including nails. Instead the Malays used pre-cut holes and grooves to fit the timber building elements into one another, effectively making it a ‘prefabricated house’. In Sarawak and Sabah rattan ropes were used to fasten bamboo pieces together.

Although nails had been invented and in later houses used minimally for non-structural elements (for example, windows or panels), there were benefits of structural flexibility which the rigidity of nailing inhibited. Also, without nails, a timber house could be dismantled and reconstructed in a new location.

The Wayang Kulit or Shadow play

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 03:21:00 +0000

The Wayang Kulit or shadow play is an old form of storytelling, originating in the country some 250 years ago. This theatrical entertainment seems to possess strong roots in Javanese and Hindu tradition.

The Wayang Kulit is an exciting play of lighted, the master puppeteer, or 'Tok Wayang' sits behind the back lit semi transparent screen, animating his characters, each carved intricately upon buffalo and goat parchments. These characters have swiveling arms, which allow them to express themselves through their dramatic hand actions.

The Tok Wayang modulates his voice, weaving between characters, and giving birth to a myriad of captivating personalities. The silhouettes float across the screen, telling the stories told so many years ago, each time enchanting the audience, transporting them to the kingdoms of old.

Mak yong, mounted on Saturday night, are enced by Thai tradition and providing a fine balance between singing, dancing, romance and comedy - colorful enough for outsides, though hardly fast-moving. The tok dalang manipulates the puppets (made from buffalo hide and mounted on rattan sticks) and modulates his voice to create drama and suspense.
Nowadays, Kelantan government had change the way of play from story telling by not allowed the mitos story since it is not given any benefits to people otherwise it leads to “syirik” and “khurafat” for Muslim citizen. However the story telling based on giving acknowledgement is permitted and we can see nowadays many Tok Wayang had change their way of displaying the puppet and story to attract more audiences and giving them a benefited story without diminishing an original term of Wayang Kulit.

Traditional game "CONGKAK"

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 12:36:00 +0000

Congkak is the traditional Malay game that use hole wood or make a hole on the ground and includes the small ball called ‘guli’. This game said to be traced since 500 years ago where it is practically play in the castle and continues to the local people. There is no genuine proof whether this game has created by Malay people or from the trader who came here.

The tools that have been used to play Congkak is the flat wood that have been created and carved like a boat and the angle of wood been carved with numerous of birds. It had 16 holes with 2 big holes and 7 small holes where the holes been make two parallel line where the bog hole is called ‘rumah’.

Two players will see face to face and the game generally started with two players start simultaneously by taking the ‘Guli’ from small holes called “kampong” and put it one by one in the hole from right to left and until to the ‘rumah’ and also the rival’s ‘rumah’. The move is continuing until one of the player finished from putting all the ‘Guli’ and if the player finished by putting last ball to his own area of ‘kampung’, so she/he can take all balls from the rival that adverse with his/her hole.

The kite of Kelantan

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:47:00 +0000

Kite or generally called by local people “wau” is
the popular game nowadays. It started long time ago from suburb area such as at beach area and wide area that expecting to have good wind. Today, this game is very well known not for local people yet for all over the people by organizing Pasir Gudang Kite Festivals International Guests every year. This festival is out of expectation since it was participated not from local people but also outside of

Malaysia

Taking from history of kite, actually the name of “wau” is taken from the Thailand word and since this word is widely used by almost all states in Malaysia like Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah so it is became a familiar word. Other than that, the word “wau” also taken from the rope that has been tied on the head of kite and it came with a good sound.

The most popular types of kite is “wau bulan” or moon kite because it is a special shaped kite with the 3 strings attached to the body of the kite, joined to a single string for flying. The validation of the kite in Malaysia is not clearly stated but according to Clive Hart, kite is derived from China since the shapes and pattern is looked the same. The kite is said to be played for the “spirit of paddy” and it is early came from Kedah.

For perfection kite, it had five components which is head, wings, chest, tail and “busur” or sound instrument and among the tools that need to have is bamboo, glu, and special color paper for making kite.

The way of playing kite also special where it needs to have 2 people where 1 person is holding the kite and another is called “juru anjung” where he is the one that will make the kite flying. You will see more if you visit Kelantan because nowadays it was a center for kite and it is been often playing everywhere.

Foods for Kelantanese

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 07:05:00 +0000

Kelantan provides many foods and refreshments with many popular varities such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu, and Nasi Dagang being indigenous to thevv area.
Ayam Percik - A favourite with locals and visitors alike, this barbecued chicken is marinated with a rich, spicy coconut gravy.
Nasi Kerabu - A rice-based dish served with coconut milk, flaked fish, dessicated coconut and a variety of herbs, spices and sauces
Nasi Dagang - A type of rice with a brownish tinge steamed with coconut milk and served with a rich spicy fish gravy.
Food stalls and restaurant abound in Kota Bharu and other larger towns, and hawkers selling snacks can be found along every road. Kota Bharu's Chinatown, located at the junction of Jalan Padang Garang and Jalan Pengkalan Chepa has fine traditional Chinese noodle dishes, among others.
Outdoor dining at food stalls is something not to be missed in Malaysia, and visitors to Kota Bharu must try the food stalls at Padang Bas in the town centre, which serves traditional fare from 6pm to midnight.

The best waterfall

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:02:00 +0000

Kelantan surrounding by a wonderful view, hills and also dont forget the most exciting waterfall, among of them is Jeram Linang. its location between jerteh and machang had attract many visitors to spend their weekend with a family and friends here. The Hutan Lipur Jeram Linang is located a few km south of road nr 4 to Machang. It is popular with locals and has many facilities like a wading pool, chalets, etc

Also do not forget of Jeram Pasu.According to a plaque at the entrance this is the first waterfall in Kelantan that has been developed and provided with shelters and other amenities. And it certainly has been developed, a bit too much, maybe. The waterfall can be reached easily from road nr 3 between Pasir Puteh and Kota Baharu. Access is also possible from road nr 4 between Jerteh and Marchang. It is a popular destination for the people from Kota Baharu, so the fall can be crowded during weekends and school holidays.

Another place is Lata Rek located between Gua Musang and Kuala Krau and it is more a cascade than a waterfall. But a very powerful cascade over the full river width of about 100 meter. The impression of the site will depend strongly on the amount of water. you have to be carefull when you climb the cascades.When you loose your balance and fall in the turbulent water, you will not survive it.

Travel in Kelantan

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 15:01:00 +0000

Kota Bahru is the State capital of Kelantan where its becoming a central of activities in the Kota Bharu market. Various shops and the bazaar and the new Central Market or the shopping complexes is locating here. Kelantan offers a fascinating variety of local handicrafts. This is supplemented by merchandise from Thailand which is available at the Malaysian border towns of Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubur. In the shops, richly coloured silks are displayed alongside batik scarves, prints and songket textiles. In the mornings, the pulse of Kota Bharu is the Central Market (renamed the siti Khadijah Market). The majority of the traders here are woman and the profusion of colours, aromatic and sounds bear testimony to the variety of goods on sale. Fruits and vegetables of all colours, shapes and sizes are everywhere while cakes, spices, sweetmeats, preserved foods, pickles and dried seafood flood the senses with their scent.
The Bazaar Buluh Kubu is the three-storey shopping complex is stocked with just about everything imaginable and at bargain prices as well. The sheer variety of locally made souvenirs, knick-knacks, batik, gold and silver songket, fine silverware and imported Thai goods leave you in awe. A wide choice of clothes, T-shirts, sarongs and hats are also offered at reasonable prices. You will regret if you do not get something from here
Jalan Termenggung is another whole street is lined with craft shops selling gold and silver jewellery, textiles, brass ware and wood carvings. Be prepared to bargain and search for the best deal.
If you think you do not carry much money in your pocket, Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubur are the best district that you will not easily miss it. You can buy anything here with a reasonably price that you will not believe at all. This district promised you to carry as much as things you are afford to your way.

History of Kelantan

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:57:00 +0000

The early of Kelantan’s history is started at 8000-3000 B.C. 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 and some historian said it came from Thailad (Siam).

Kelantanused to 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 and deal a 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.

Kelantan also famous with their queen name Cik Siti Wan Kembang where some historian claimed it related with Puteri Saadong where expert said she was a daughter of the queen. Cik Siti Wan Kembang has governed the state with a fairly and justice for many years. After that, Kelantan has been governed by the king such as Long Senik Mulut Merah,Sultan Muhammad, until now governing by The Royal of Sultan Ismail ibni AlmarhumSultan Yahya Petra. By 1948, Kelantan had become part of the Federation of Malaya which gained independence on 31st August 1957.

Fresh of my state

noreply@blogger.com (Edi) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:55:00 +0000

Lastly, I had finished in creating my “state” blog. It is not for me yet it is for all people which interesting in spending the valuable money going and visiting Malaysia. Kelantan is another country within Malaysia which promised to the visitors the most amazing and interesting view. As you know that Malaysia comprises of many cultures, customs and races that sitting under one roof and they had many practical celebrations being celebrated every year. So, for the visitors, if you are being given an opportunity to choose the best vacation for your life, be Malaysia at the top of your list and visit kelantan as we will provide to you the most excitement view that empower from our oldest. We had a very unique traditional game, and wonderful scenes and fresh air from the beaches until to interesting souvenirs that you won’t regret to buy it. So, do visit Kelantan as your first ride while you reach in Malaysia.