KELANTAN OVERVIEW

•The Kelantan’s history started between 8000-3000 B.C. Chinese historical documents chronicle the existence of a government which maintained links with China. It’s also subsequently referred to HO-Lo-Ian.
•Yet, it’s also has a long and turbulent history. Between the 16th and 18th century it was under the influence of Pattani before it came under British Colonial and finally becoming a part of Federation of Malaya in 1957 and later Malaysia in 1963.

•Kelantan is the north-most state of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It has an area of 14931 square kilometers. The state is stepped in tradition and culture. Here u may witness the traditional sport of giant kite-flying, top spinning, silat, wayang kulit, bird singing competition and the making of exquisite handicraft such as songket, batik, silverware and mengkuang products. Kelantan is still covered by vast stretches of tropical forest with highest waterfall in south East Asia named Stong waterfall. Its southeastern corner of the state forms part of the National Park. A part from the culture and tropical forest, the state is also popular with the white sandy beaches such as Seven Lagoon Beach, Moon Light Beach, Sabak Beach and also Melawi Beach besides other interesting places such as Reclining Buddha, Dragon Temple and two free duty areas at border of Thailand. As the north-most state of Malaysia, it became a first place landed by Japanese army during invasion of Malaya on 1941 and being colonized by Japan for 8 years. Left this state with thousand experience and historical building.
•The Kelantanese are deeply religious and traditionalist. Be respectful of their feeling and avoid offensive behavior, particularly in manner of dressing and public displays of affection between the sexes. Its has population of approximately 1.4 million, 95% of whom are Malays. The rest is made up of Chinese, Indian, Siamese and other. The economy is based mostly on agriculture, fishing cottage industries and tourism.
•Kelantanese culinary style is distinct from other regions in Malaysia, with its tendency towards creamy sweetish tastes. Popular dishes to try are Nasi Kerabu [herbal rice], ayam percik, [grilled chicken with sweetish creamy coconut sauce],nasi dagang [rice with tuna fish curry] and sweets exotically named jala mas [golden net], puteri mandi [the bathing princess] and cek mek molek [pretty maiden]. The best place to try out Kelantanese food inexpensively is the night market at Padang Garong in Kota Bharu.