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Despite its fiercemoniker as ‘the land of
lightning’, Kelantan is a place of beauty, history
and rich culture.
An Isolated Beauty
W o r d s :
S a r a h R e e s
The sheer beauty of nature in Kelantan
T
ourists
today should feel fortunate
that a trip to Kelantan, in the north-
east peninsula of Malaysia, is now a
mere flight away. For centuries, this
state was effectively isolated from the
rest of the country by the imposing
Titiwangsa mountains that run east
to west across Malaysia. In the days before modern
transport, visitors were forced to choose between
a dangerous trek over the peaks or brave the sea,
where pirates lurked waiting to pounce.
Perhaps it is this forced isolation that has allowed
Kelantan tomaintain its distinctive cultural identity. To
this day, the state remains unique within the country,
right down to a slightlydifferent dialect ofMalay spoken
by the local people.
Lingering traditions
Just as well preserved are the traditional industries
and crafts, which were once a necessity and have
now become a fascinating link to the past. Kelantan
is known for its talented artisans who make kites,
paint batik, weave songkets and carve wood, practis-
ing the arts handed down through the generations.
Wayang kulit is also awonderful andwell-preserved
element of the local culture. These shadow puppet
plays are performedwidely at both hotels and cultural
centres, with puppets still made by hand to traditional
methods. The Handicraft Village and Craft Museum
(Balai Getam Guri), in the heart of Kota Bahru, is a
beautiful venuemanaged by the state government that
serves as the ideal way to be immersed in the various
Kelantanese handicrafts and pick up some super
keepsakes. This city sits right on the east coast of the
country and boasts many museums and temples, not
to mention vibrant and busy markets that are great
places to taste local food and experience the buzz of
modern day Kelantan after the historical and cultural
focus of the museums.
Firefly flies to Kota
Bharu fromvarious
destinations.
Information on
flight routes and
schedules can be
found at www.
fireflyz.com.my