KELANTAN

Kelantan is one of the famous countries in Malaysia. Kelantan is known of its unique cultures in keeping the traditional lifestyle in line. Those can be seen in the cuisine, arts and also the Kelantan dialect which is quite different from the others.

The name Kelantan comes from the Malay word ‘kilatan’ which means shiny/ glittery. Later on, Kelantan was called ‘Kalantan’ by the Siamese last time when it was theirs.

The Kelantan’s cuisine is quite popular among the Malaysians. Many visitors come to Kelantan just to taste those special delicacies that cannot be found elsewhere. However, most of the dishes are sweet, because the use of sugar as for the Kelantanese, the more the better. The examples of the famous Kelantan’s cuisine Nasi Dagang, Nasi Kerabu or in literally means rice salad, Nasi Tumpang which is rice packed in a cone shaped banana leaf. The most popular food for breakfast in Kelantan is Nasi Berlauk, which is served with fish or chicken curry.

The other food that you can also try is somtam which is a green papaya salad with a salty, spicy and sour taste. Second is ‘Colek’. Colek is not just a dipping sauce, but it also refers to snack eaten with the sauce. There are so many type of ‘Colek’ such as ‘Colek Ayam’ (chicken), ‘Colek Pelepong’ (cow or lamb lung) or ‘Colek Buah’. Another significant food in kelantan is Budu, which is made from fish and usually the Kelantanese eat it with ‘Tempoyak’ (fermented Durian) with some ‘ulam’.

Kelantan is also known as the cradle of Malay culture due to the diverse cultural activities practices like Dikir Barat, Wayang Kulit, Wau Bulan (kite Flying), Main Puteri, Gasing and Silat.

In Kelantan too, people love to go to the small industries in which employ traditional skills in handicraft production such as Batik, Woodcarving and Songket.

Now, let’s get to know the interesting place to visit. First of all is Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah, which is the most popular ‘Pasar’ in Kelantan. You can get so many things there from head to toe including you tummy, clothes, scarves and even food, all of that are waiting for you at Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah. You just have to make some bargain.

Second is Pantai Cahaya Bulan or PCB and we also have Pantai Sri Tujuh and Pantai Sabak. Wat phothivian is also one of the famous places among the tourist in Tumpat. There is Reclining Buddha or some people call it as ‘Sleeping Buddha’ which is the biggest one in Malaysia. Next, are Pengkalan Kubor, Rantau Panjang and Golok, which is where you can get the tax-free things. You can also visit Istana Jahar, State Mosque, Craft Village, Kampung Cina, Grand Palace and many more in Kota Bharu.