Cuti-Cuti Malaysia ~ Kelantan Darul Naim

Situated in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it is a state I had wanted to visit for awhile. Thanked to my coursemate, Etty, who helped realize my trip recently.

The land is home to some of the nation’s most splendid cultural legacies such as wayang kulit, dikir barat and top-spinning. But I didn’t visit all those :p I experienced more of its lay people’s daily life.

Varieties of delicacies in Siti Khatijah Market, and soooo affordable!!

There was ten district in the state; I visited three: Kota Bahru, Tumpat and Pasir Mas and passed a few districts when I crossed state’s borders from KL and a daytrip to Kuala Terengganu.

The town of KB was rich of historical buildings with Malay-architecture where Thai influence was unmistakably entwined tastefully. Historical buildings were well-maintained hence these building blended well with the new ones.

Signages and notices were all accompanied with Bahasa Jawi, like I'm in a different country :)

Interestingly, in this Islamic state was also where some of the most famous Buddhist temples were found – Wat Photivihan (housed the Reclining Buddha believed to be the largest in SEA) and Wat Machimmaram (a huge statue of Sitting Buddha said to be the second largest of its kind in SEA). Talk about religion tolerance, I think the BN-led states have many to learn from this PAS-led state.

The trip wouldn't complete without nasi kerabu :)

Shopping was so cost-effective here!! I bought 5 pieces of local kuih at RM1 in Siti Khatijah Market. There were many local markets selling goods at very competitive prices, especially at border towns of Rantau Panjang (45km from KB) where I noticed there were more Thai-registered vehicles than the local ones! An open-air night market, Wakaf Che Yeh was the place for a profusion of merchandise from local snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood. There were also rows of traders selling clothing. I was so tempted to purchase a fake Liverpool jersey there :p

I thought KB is lacked of development under PAS ruling, boy, was I wrong!!

Saving the best for last is FOOD. Wow.. in Kelantan, one must try her authentic favourites: ayam percik, nasi kerabu, nasi dagang (in Tganu), budu, serunding and the many kuihs!! Their yummy-ness was beyond my vocabulary ability, but to be physical by giving them thumbs-up :)

With my friend, Etty and the famous nasi dagang and ikan tokol *yummy!!*

There were many other attractions in this state which I couldn’t cover in this short trip. It gave me reason to be back again.

I really thanked Etty and hubby, Dr Fazlimy for their hospitality that allowed me to have real Kelantanese (and Terengganu) experience through visiting your family homes and welcomed me with open arms. Please visit Sabah ya, so that I have a chance to extend the same kindness to you :) I must say this as well, I’m deeply sorry for the mishap that occurred during this course of trip. Thank GOD there were good people who offered assistance. I hope all things would be well again very very soon.

VISIT KELANTAN 2008, if you haven't done so yet!!