For most visitors">

For most visitors"> For most visitors"> For most visitors, the charms of Kelantan are found in the vitality of its culture and its remote, unsullied beauty. The traditional sports of giant kite-flying, top-spinning, silat, wayang kulit, bird-singing competitions and the making of exquisite handicrafts such as songket, batik, silverware and mengkuang products still remain fixtures here, offering a glimpse of tradtional Malay culture in truly spectacular setting. Kelantan's coastline is almost completely undeveloped, and offers a number of idyllic beaches. Vast stretches of tropical forest cover the state, and its southeastern corner forms part of the Taman Negara National Park. --- KOTA BARU --- Cultural Centre Here, visitors to Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, can view the traditional arts of Kelantan, including kiteflying, rebana (giant drums), silat (martial arts), giant top spinning, wayang kulit (shadow play). Located in Jalan Mahmood near Perdana Hotel, the Cultural Centre is open from February to October except during the fasting month. Buluh Kubu Central Market Kelantan's Central Market is one of the most vibrant and enjoyable sites in the country. The sights, sounds, and colours are uniquely Kelantanese--women traders display brilliantly-coloured fresh graden produce, food stands grill delectable barbecued chicken, and craftsmen offer traditional wares like Kelantanese silver rose bowls. The market is probably the most photographed site in the country, and it is especially lively in the mornings. Gunung Stong Kelantan's highest mountain at 1,422 metres. Located here is Gua Ikan (Fish Cave). Its name is derived from a lone rock that looks like a fish. To cave explorers on an expedition, part of the lure is trying to find a pot of gold believed to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation. Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs Built in 1887 by Sultan Muhammad II for his grandson Long Kundur, this former palace, Istana Jahar, is now a museum of cultural history. The intricate wood carvings are testimony to the superb craftsmanship of the Kelantanese. Photographs, artifacts and exhibits on Kelantan's rich cultural heritage will keep visitors enthralled. Masjid Kampung Laut Believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. The mosque was actually dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece from its original site at Kampung Laut because floods from the nearby river threatened its structure. The mosque was built entirely without the use of nails. It is located at Nilam Puri. Merdeka Square Previously known as Padang Kelupang, Merdeka Square is one of many such central civic spaces in Malaysia. The British built most of the country's padangs as central open spaces around which revolved the buildings, and the life, of the colonial administration. When Malaysia declared its independence on 31 August 1957, the square was renamed Merdeka Square. Wat Photivihan Jambu The shrine of the largest reclining Buddha in South-East Asia is situated in the village of Kg Jambu, 12 km north of Kota Bharu. ---   BEACHES --- --- Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB) Pantai Cahaya Bulan is located on the northeast stretch of the Kelantan coastline, just 9.6 km from Kota Bharu. The beach is shaded by tall casuarina trees, providing an ideal setting for picnics and relaxation. Comfortable chalets are available. The road to PCB is dotted with interesting cottage industries, including batik printing, songket weaving, kite-making, and coppertooling. Pantai Dalam Rhu Also known as Pantai Bisikan Bayu, which means "Beach of the Whispering Breeze," is fringed by casuarinas and lush greenery. Getting there: Take the SKMK blus (no. 3) at the Jalan Padang Garong Terminal to Pasir Putih. From Pasir Putih, take the Kuala Besut bound bus, No. 96, to Pantai Dalam Rhu. Stop at Semerak, or take a taxi from Kota Bharu. Pantai Irama, the Beach of Melody, is another beach which exquisite beauty has inspired a lyrical name. Its clean, white sands and casuarina groves make it a favorite place to camp. Pantai Dasar Sabak is the beach where the Japanese landed in December of 1941, before making their way down south towards Singapore. The local fishing village, a rustic Malay kampung, is worth a visit.