lets visit KELANTAN DARUL NAIM

                                                                                 

Welcome to Cik Siti Wan Kembang's State . The Year to be remembered offering culture, people and food. Beauty - and the East. The Government and people of Kelantan take this opportunity wishing all of you. There are endless, colorful programess specially prepared for our year throughout 2011. Be here at the right time and at the right place. There a lot to explore & experience the beauty of Kelantanese cultures. Welcome to KELANTAN YOUR UNIQUE DESTINATION

KELANTAN IS LOCATED at the north-east coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the south China Sea and covers a land area of 14,922 sq km. Its state capital, Kota Bharu, is a bustling town well connected to other major towns in Malaysia serves as the center for Kelantan's administrative and business activities. Kelantan is famed for its unique cultural diversity, white sandy beaches, waterfalls and lush tropical jungle.

	The Kelantan Tourist Information Centre and State Government are keen to promote eco-tourism whilemaintaining the delicate ecological balance in nature. Investors have the opportunity to set-up international class hotel and beach resort, restaurant, souvenir shop, sight seeing and tour operations meet the growing needs of increasing tourist's arrival.
	PLACE OF INTEREST

The best place to appreciate Kelantanese culture and crafts is the capital city, Kota Bharu. A bustling town famed for its ornately decorated trishaws, Kota Bharu offers numerous attractions for the visitor.

GELANGGANG SENI (CULTURAL CENTRE)

Located on Jalan Mahmud close to the Perdana Hotel, the cultural centre is a veritable showcase of the living heritage of Kelantan. Demonstrations of popular folk arts and pastimes are held daily.Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry) shows, Silat (the Malay art of self defence) performances, Gasing(Top spinning) displays, Wau (Kite flying) and Rebana (Giant Drum) playing can all be seen at the centre. Evenings see cultural performances featuring traditional Malay music and Wayang Kulit.
The cultural centre is open three times a week from March to October each year. Performance times are 3.30pm to 5.50pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and 9.00pm to midnight on Wednesday and Saturday.

HISTORICAL ZONE

The main cultural and historical zone of Kota Bharu is situated along Jalan Hilir Kota and Jalan Sultan where many museums and heritage buildings are located. Some museums charge a nominal fee for admission.

ROYAL MUSEUM / ISTANA BATU

The Istana Batu (Brick/Stone Palace) was constructed in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail. It houses the Royal Museum and was previously used as the venue for royal weddings and as a guest house for visiting royalty.

The Royal Museum now serves as a repository for the history of the Kelantan royal family and displays regalia, pictures, silverware, furniture and palace items of former Sultans. Opening times 8.30am to 4.45pm daily - except Fridays.

 WORLD WAR TWO MEMORIAL / BANK KERAPU

Originally constructed in 1911, Bank Kerapu is now a repository for documents, pictures and military paraphernalia of the Japanese Occupation from 1941 to 1945. During the war, the building served as the headquarters of the Japanese Kempetai, the feared secret police.

HANDICRAFT VILLAGE & CRAFT MUSEUM

While the Craft Museum houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship, the adjacent Handicraft Village provides visitors the chance to see just how these crafts are made. Demonstrations of traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver work and wood carving are carried out by skilled artisans. Their products are also in sale at the centre.

 STATE MOSQUE

Construction of this mosque was completed during the reign of Sultan Ismail IV after almost a decade of work. Also known as the Al-Muhammadi Mosque or the 'Brick Mosque', it is the centre for Islamic missionary activities in the state.

ISTANA BALAI BESAR

Built by Sultan Muhammad II in 1840, the Istana Balai Besar was formerly the residence of past Sultans. However, it is now used solely as a venue for official state functions. The palace boasts a large audience hall, a throne room and a fine collection of royal regalia.

 ISTANA JAHAR

Built in 1887 by Sultan Mohamad II for his grandson, Long Kundur, the Istana Jahar has been transformed into a museum featuring Kelantan's cultural heritage. Photographs and a great variety of artefacts bear testimony to the rich Kelantanese cultural legacy. The building itself is laced with intricate wood carvings, serving as an example of the fine craftsmanship of local artisans.

 ISLAMIC MUSEUM

The Islamic Museum traces the history of Islam in Kelantan. Exhibits include Islamic Arts and Crafts and photographs of some of the personal belongings of Prophet Muhammad and Islamic historical sites. The museum reflects not only the importance of Islam in Kelantan but also the position of the state as a centre of Islamic learning.

STATE MUSEUM

The State Museum located along Jalan Hospital incorporates the State Art Gallery. The building itself was utilised as the land office from colonial times until 1990 when major renovations were carried out to convert it into a museum. The museum documents the arts, crafts and musical traditions of Kelantan. Ceramic displays testify to the early trade with China and artifacts from local archaeological sites provide evidence of the existence of the pre-historic age in Kelantan. 


OTHER PLACES

Other interesting sites in Kota Bharu include Merdeka (Independence) Square, State Government offices and raft houses along the river banks.

The Sutan Ismail Petra Arch is a beautiful landmark in Kota Bharu. Neraby, Padang Merdeka or Merdeka Square is a historical landmark. Situated within is a World War I memorial that pays tribute to fallen war heroes. It is also the site where the body of Tok Janggut, one of the country's most famous nationalists, was hung. Originally named Padang Bank, it was renamed Padang Merdeka (Independence Square) after the country's independence in 1957.

pulau tioman ~ the best place to travel

Pulau Tioman belongs to the state of Pahang. A lot of people including Malaysians always mistaken that this island belongs to Johor due to the gateway jetty is in Mersing. Mersing is located in the state of Johor. Pulau Tioman : (Tioman Island) is the largest in the a group of 64 volcanic islands which includes Pulau Sei Buat, Pulau Sembilang, Pulau Tulai , Pulau Chebeh , Pulau Labas and Pulau Renggis is located 80km northwest off Peninsular Malaysia's east coast.According to a local folklore this ialand is the resting place of a fabled dragon princess who had turned herself into an island in the South China Sea and become truly one of the most beatiful islands in the region. Blessed with milies and miles of soft white sand, swaying palms , wild flowers growing in vivid profusion and cool waterfalls cascading down green slopes, Pulau Tioman is an adventurer's paradise for quite retreats, trekking, sunbathing and sea sports.

Places of Interest The Resting Place of a Beautiful Dragon Princess According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess, Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travellers.   Tropical Playground for Water Sports Enthusiasts Tioman Island is an excellent spot for fun-filled water sports activities. You can go scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, or enjoy the beauty of undersea gardens by ridding around the island in a glass-bottomed boat.                                                                                                                      A Marine Treasure Trove                                                                                 Tioman Island is a treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions. Corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colourful seaweeds and anemones, starfish and a myriad of other aquatic wonders are abundant here. The crystal clear waters make scuba diving and snorkelling in Tioman an experience unlike any other. Other neighbouring islands recommended for scuba diving and snorkelling are Chebeh, Tulai, Renggis, Sembilang, Seri Buat and Gut.   Exciting Adventures Amidst The Splendour Of Nature  Tioman Island is the ideal spot for nature lovers, Whether at sea or on land, the wonders of nature that greet you are truly astounding and fascinating. Trek across the verdant hill from Tekek to Juara and enjoy the cool waterfalls cascading over moss-coverad rock formations at Mukut, or take a dip in the warm waters dotted with pastel-coloured reefs. Or head to the Marine Park Centre located between Tekek and Air Batang and swim amidst the various species of fishes. Anglers' Bountiful Paradise   Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a bountiful catch at Tioman Island, Just hire a boat for a day, anchor outside the Marine Park limits where fishing is permitted. By dusk, you will have a catch large enough for a sumptuous barbecue on the beach. If you want to try something different and challenging, try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Among the species if fishes and crustaceans found here are groupers, morays, tunas, parrotfish, sea-bass, red snappers, stingrays, plaices, soles, cora trouts, blue marlins, squids, cuttlefish, shrimps, crabs, prawns and lobsters.            A Delightful Respite from the Hustle            and                                                                          Bustle of City Life                                                              When the stress of life's hectic pace gets to you, rejuvenate your mind and body at Tioman Island. Immerse yourself in the quiet and tranquil setting. Relax to the cool, refreshing breeze and soothing waves. Bask in the tropical sun or walk along the shores during sunset to experience the beauty of the island. Popular beaches are found around the villages of Tekek, Genting, Salang, Air Batang and Juara. For golf-lovers, tee off at the 18-hole international-standard golf course set amidst lush tropical greenery. Enjoy the picturesque sight of rustic villages scattered around the island, where the people are charming, friendly and gracious. Tioman Island is accessible by boat from Mersing town or Tanjung Gemok, Rompin, a journey which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Or one can also take a plane either Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kuantan. Accommodation comes in the form of delightful wooden chalets on the beach or in luxurious hotel rooms. Whichever is the choice, comfort and hospitality is assured. Getting There Malaysian Airlines operates daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan. Express Bus services and taxis ply the routes from major towns to Kuantan. This is also daily buses plying the route of Kuala Lumpur directly to Mersing jetty. From Mersing jetty , you can then take a boat or ferry to Tioman Island.Tioman Island is within easy reach from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. There are several possibilities to come to the island.From Mersing of Tanjung Gemuk, Tioman Island is just a 3 to 4 hour boat ride away. If you prefer a shorter comfortable ride, air-conditioned fast ferries which depart daily can make the trip in approximately 2hours. From Singapore, a catamaran (Ferry) service makes the 4.5 hour trip from Finger Pier daily (except Wednesday).

come and enjoy travel with us

travel best