HISTORY

Recent discoveries at two caves known as Gua Musang nd Gua Cha in Kelantan show that there were human settlements dating back to prehistoric times. Historical records show that Kelantan was influenced by the Funan Kingdom on the Mekong River. Chinese records indicate contact with Kelantan which was referred to as Ho-Lo-Tan and which appeared to be an influential kingdom in the region.

Kelantan was also a vassal of the Srivijaya empire and later the Siamese. In the 15th century, the Malacca sultanate held sway over Kelantan and eventually the Johor sultanate and the Terengganu sultanate took over. In the 18th century the provinces came under a powerful warlord known a Long Yunus, whose descendents make up the present royal family.

In 1900 Kelantan became a tributary state of the Siamese. With the signing of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty in 1909, control was passed over to the British.

Visit Malaysia - Kelantan, Cradle of Malay Culture

The east coast state of Kelantan is charming destination with colourful traditions, interesting pastimes and superb handicrafts. Watch captivating activities such as top-spinning, giant kite-flying or woodcarving. The batik and songket fabrics produced by cottage industries here are among the best in the country. Its laid-back atmosphere, rustic charms and friendly locals add to Kelantan's appeal.

Accommodation in the capital city, Kota Bharu, ranges from star-rated hotels to affordable rooms. In other main towns, visitors can find comfortable inns, rest houses and modest hotels. The state has a tempting variety of local delicacies. Continent food is available at major hotels while fast food can be found at main towns.

Among the popular places of interest are, Cultural Centre or locally known as Gelanggang Seni. It is a veritable showcase of the state's rich cultural heritage. You can watch an enthralling range of traditional performance such as shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit), Malay martial arts (Silat), top-spinning (Gasing), giant kite flying (Wau Bulan) and musical performance.

Mount Stong is one of the most popular eco-adventure destinations in Kelantan. Mount Stong rises majestically at a height of 1,433m. Trek to view a diversity of flora and fauna, including Rafflesia, the world's largest flower. A highlight is the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls, acclaimed to be the highest in Southeast Asia.

Wat Photivihan Buddhist Temple is one of tourist attraction in Kelantan. It houses a 40m long statue of reclining Buddha and believed to be the second longest in the world and the longest in Southeast Asia.

Live with a friendly local family and join their interesting pastimes. Home stays can be experienced at the villages of Renok Baru, Pantai Suri and Blok Ulu Kusial.

--Yazid_Malek

'Islamic State' atau 'Kelantan State' berjaya di Kelantan - Dato Nik Aziz

Mursyidul Am PAS, Tuan Guru Dato' Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat menegaskan bahawa mana-mana pihak tidak harus berasa ragu dengan konsep negara yang menerapkan Islam kerana ianya telah berjaya dijalankan di Kelantan.

Ujarnya, hal tersebut telah berjaya dilaksanakan di negeri Kelantan sepanjang 18 tahun PAS memerintah negeri itu.

"Nak kata 'Islamic State' ke, Kelantan 'State' ke, Pakatan 'State' ke, katalah apa-apa, yang di Kelantan itu yang saya buat," tegasnya pada sidang media di muktamar Tahunan PAS kali ke-54 hari ini.

Beliau yang juga merupakan Menteri Besar kelantan menegaskan sekiranya Pakatan Rakyat berjaya membentuk kerajaan persekutuan agenda Islam masih tetap akan diteruskan dengan menjadikan Kelantan sebagai contoh atau panduan.

"Saya cadangkan kita tiru apa yang telah dibuat di Kelantan, jika ada yang tidak bersetuju dan sebagainya hal tersebut hendaklah diperbincangkan," ujarnya lagi pada sidang media Muktamar Tahunan PAS Ke 54 yang telah diadakan di Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh.

Dalam mengulas isu sumpah kes liwat oleh Saiful Bukhari Azlan, beliau menjelaskan apa yang dilafazkan boleh diterima berdasarkan Islam namun ianya tidak kena dari segi perbuatannya.

"Mana ada kena bersumpah, kita kena pegang al-Quran? Itu amalan Kristian. Dan ianya tidak mesti dibuat di masjid, di rumah pun boleh," katanya lagi.

Dalam pada itu, menjawab soalan yang dikemukakan pemberita, beliau tidak gusar dengan kemungkinan terhakisnya pengaruh ulama dalam kepimpinan parti yang bakal menerajui era kemenangan tidak lama lagi.

Hari ini, sidang muktamar dijangka akan berakhir selepas tiga hari bersidang di Ipoh.-
--Intan Abdullah

--Harakah