Asia Beauty Spot – Asia Scenery

One of the northernmost states in Peninsular Malaysia, Kelantan Darul Naim borders Thailand in the north, Perak in the west, Terengganu in the south-east, the South China Sea to the east and Pahang in the south.

As the state shares a border with Thailand, and, indeed, was once under Thai rule, it’s not surprising to find a strong Thai influence here in the local cuisine, architecture, and, of course, among the local population. The capital, Kota Bharu, is a good place to sample this culture and cuisine, and also makes a good base to explore the surrounding countryside. Kelantan is a unique travel destination because of its splendid beaches, rich cultural heritage, ornate handicrafts and wood carvings.

Women have always played a major part in the economy of the state. The handicrafts they produce, from Kelantan silver to baskets and cloth, are are some of the best in Peninsular Malaysia and are much sought after by both foreigners and Malaysians themselves. The Kelantanese seem to favour huge items and everything is big from the kites to the tops and the drums known as Rebana Ubi.

1. Handicraft Village and Craft Museum

Also known as ‘Balai Getam Guri’, the museum is located in the heart of Kota Bharu’s cultural zone and is walking distance from the Istana Balai Besar an the Buluh Kubu Bazaar. The Craft Museum houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship.

The museum features a selection of Kelantan handicraft in traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silversmithing and matting. On the ground floor of the building, there is a restaurant called ‘Balai Sulur Gadung’, where visitors can savour some of Kelantan’s famous refreshments.

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 on sale at the centre.

2. Jalan Temenggong

Are you into shopping? Then buy another piece of luggage because you’ll need it when you come here. Virtually the whole brightly lit street called Jalan Temenggong is lined with colourful craft shops selling gold and silver jewellery, textiles, brassware and wood carvings. All items are proudly made by local artisans.

But be prepared to bargain and search for the best deals. And don’t be afraid to shop around!

3. Kuala Krai-Dabong River Cruise

Beginning at the town of Kuala Krai, the River Cruise winds its way upriver through virgin rainforests to the town of Dabong. As you pass through timeless tropical forests and a number of riverine communities, the secrets of the jungle will slowly reveal themselves to you.

You may catch a glimpse of shy jungle wildlife. Kingfishers, eagles and hornbills are everywhere, along with various species of monkeys. Elephants are known to inhabit this area as well…

4. Gunung Stong State Park

Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP) is a forested area, totaling 21,950ha with several prominent mountain peaks. The area is of outstanding beauty and is home to one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia, Jelawang Waterfall.

The rugged landscape of GSSP offers many exciting adventures for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. GSSP not only has important eco-tourism values but also serves as a significant conservation area with richflora and fauna diversity.

Animals such as the Asian elephant, seladang, great argus pheasant, Malayan tiger, serow and tapir are known to roam the forest in Stong. With the assistance of a qualified and knowledgeable trekking guide, your exploration of GSSP will be made more meaningful as interesting aspects about the biodiversity of the area are pointed out.

There is a few places of interest at Gunung Stong State Park like the Jelawang Waterfall, an impressive seven-tier waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Malaysia. Bogo Rock Shelter, a cave-like formation, is a suitable resting point on the way to the summit of Gunung Stong, which can be reached within four hours of trekking.

Gunung Ayam, the highest peak in the area, standing at 1,504m is the ideal spot to watch both sunset and sunrise. A campsite is available for overnight stays. Visit the breathtaking 225 million year-old limestone caves at Dabong that house several bat species and rare flora, including an endemic balsam.

Conservation Efforts at Gunung Stong State Park : • The Kelantan State Forestry Department has organised scientific expeditions to GSSP in collaboration with other agencies. • Capacity-building programmes for park staff will be carried out. • WWF-Malaysia is producing a Preliminary Management Plan for the Gunung Stong State Park in collaboration with the Kelantan State Forestry Department.

5. Pantai Bisikan Bayu (Beach of Whispering Breeze)

Pantai Bisikan Bayu – also known as Pantai Dalam Rhu – is just a scenic 50km drive south of Kota Bharu, Kelantan’s capital. Around the village of Semerak, gentle breezes rustle the casuarina trees lining the beach producing a hushed sound that, locals say, sounds like a soothing whisper.

Surfing is good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find great conditions here during the North-East Monsoon from November to April.

But nothing beats resting in the shade of the tall casuarina trees, staring out to sea, listening to the whispering wind and sipping on a cool coconut. Perfect R & R…

6. Siti Khadijah Market

A good way to get to know a Malaysian town is to visit its markets, the economic centre of the community. Siti Khadijah Market is named after Prophet Muhammad’s entrepreneurial wife. A fitting name for a market mostly run by women.

This market has something for everyone, from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. It is also a slice of life in Kelantan, abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.

Courtesy of Malaysia Tourism Board