 Kelantan
was known from earlier times as a seat of powerful kingdoms which
established trading links with the Chinese Empire. Early Chinese records
indicate the existence of 4t trade links with China, which referred to
Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan.
The state has at various times in the
past been a vassal of Siam. In the 18th century, a Kelantanese Prince,
Long Yunus, ascended to the throne and the present-day royal family is
descended from him.
Kelantan along with the other states of
the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained its
independence on 31st August 1957.
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The economy of Kelantan is based on
agriculture with rice, rubber, tobacco and fruits being the main cash
crops. Fishing, fish and livestock rearing are also important economic
activities. Timber production provides substantial revenue to the state
and gold is still mined in small quantities. A thriving cottage industry
produces extremely fine batik material and paintings, exquisite gold and
silverware, intricate wood carvings and beautiful 'kain songket' (cloth
woven from gold and silver threads). Leather working and mat weaving
from pandanus leaves are also local trades.
Tourism is growing in
importance as the state has a wealth of attractions such as homestay
programmes a rich heritage of culture and traditions, eco-tourism
packages and fine powdery beaches.
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By Road
There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsular
Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one
eastward along the Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang, a journey of
about 3 hours.
The rest of the journey from Kuantan to
Kota Bharu takes about 41/2 hours. The route heads northward along the
coast passing through picturesque villages providing scenic vistas of
the palm-fringed beaches overlooking the azure waters of the South China
Sea.
The inland route to Kota Bharu turns off
the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to
Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu. An alternative route exits the
Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua
Musang en-route to Kota Bharu.
From Penang, one has to get to Grik via
Sungai Petani in Kedah and then travel along the scenic East-West
Highway to Jeli in Kelantan before continuing the journey to Kota Bharu.
There are regular air-conditioned express
bus services operating from Kuala Lumpur and major towns to Kota Bharu.
By Rail
Train services from Kuala Lumpur to Kelantan terminate at Wakaf Bharu
and Tumpat. From these two points, one can get to Kota Bharu either by
taxi or bus. Stop over points en-route include Gua Musang, Kuala Krai,
Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas. For further details, kindly contact: Malayan
Railway (Kuala Lumpur) Tel: 032273 8000
Once you are in Kota Bharu, it is
relatively easy to get to nearby districts as regular bus and taxi
services are available from the main bus terminal.
For those who are interested in visiting
places of interest in the interior of Kelantan, it is advisable to
enquire with the Kelantan State Tourist Information Centre or any
registered travel agent in Malaysia.
By Air
Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur
and Penang. Pelangi Air also flies daily to Kota Bharu from Kuala
Lumpur. For reservations, please contact:
- Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) Tel:
03-746 3000
- Pelangi Air (Kuala Lumpur) Tel: 03-740 3405
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Reputed
to be the cradl
e
of Malay culture, Kelantan offers a delightful profusion of colourful
traditions, charm and scenic beauty to the visitor. Located in the
north-eastern corner of the Peninsula, Kelantan is an agrarian state
with lush paddy fields, rustic fishing villages and casuarina-lined
beaches. j With a population of around 1.5 million, Kelantan is
primarily a Malay state although around 7% of the population are of
Thai, Indian and Chinese ancestry.