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.
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Children
at market in Kota Bharu.
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LOCATION
Coast of
Kelantan is the northernmost state on the East Peninsular
Malaysia. It has an area of 14,931 square kilometres.
Rustic settings of picturesque vampings (villages) amidst
padi-fields give insights into a way of life that has
endured the passing of time. Kelantan's history dates
to between 8000-3000 B.C. Chinese historical documents
chronicle the existence of a government which had links
with China, when Kelantan was referred to as 'Ho-lo-tan'.
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