Let’s Explore The Extraordinary Kelantan

Kelantan is the perfect epitome for future-proof tourism as it is a time capsule that keeps its centuries-old heritage well-preserved. The Kelantanese emphasise on the durability of their local culture and nature, hence they welcome visitors from all over the globe to see for themselves the unique traditions available in the state. Now is the time for you to meet the local people and immerse in authentic culture by discovering the homestays, villages and communities in Kelantan.

Pulau Suri Floating Market

Many are still unaware of the existence of floating markets in Malaysia. Travellers now do not need to go through the hassle and spend extra money and travel to neighbouring countries just to witness such markets. In 2016, Pulau Suri opened to the public and instantly recognised as the first floating market in the country.

Located on a small island in Tumpat district, Pulau Suri can only be reached by canoes and boats operated by locals. The boat rides from Kuala Besar and Kok Majid jetties take around 15 minutes to 40 minutes to reach the island. Along the journey, you can sit back and relax while enjoying the river’s gentle breeze and picturesque sceneries of Kelantanese fishing villages.

Once on the island, you will find yourself in an exuberant ambience that beckons you to start shopping for Kelantanese delicacies and handicrafts. The sellers here peddle a wide range of popular traditional food and beverages such as kerabu nipah, lokan bakar, ketupat sotong, traditional kuih, coconut jelly and nasi kerabu.

While feasting on delectable meals with family and friends, you may also entertain yourself with traditional music or cultural performances performed by the locals such as dikir barat and kertok. Then, if you fancy more shopping, you should head to the handicraft vendors that sell baju kaftan, shawls, scarves, batik, keychains and paintings, including souvenirs for your comrades back at home.

Later, imagine yourself living like one of Pulau Suri’s villagers by engaging in fun-filled activities such as coconut-picking monkeys, making charcoal from coconut shells, painting batik and building fishing boats.

Min House Camp

Min House Camp is a nature retreat situated along Pengkalan Datu river, a perfect spot for those who need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by tall trees and a small tidal estuary at its front, this homestay is free from air pollution and offers you pristine natural air that instantly gives you a sense of serenity. Every guest is promised a perfectly splendid time discovering different species of flora and fauna while getting busy with all sorts of adventurous activities like archery, kayaking, river-bathing, fishing and clam-digging. This back-to-nature retreat is a great way for you to unwind and rest your overactive minds. As you walk around the homestay, you can find a bee and guppy farm, including a mini petting zoo filled with chicken, ducks and geese, all suitable for children who love to spend quality time feeding and bonding with these animals. The main highlight of Min House Camp is getting on a night boat ride or kayak to watch fireflies flickering by the riverside. Fireflies normally can be found near water and the darkness of the night allows them to produce bioluminescence that emit enchanting glimmer of lights.

When staying at Min House Camp, you are encouraged to learn about how the residents of Kampung Pulau live by joining a village tour or a night walk guided by one of the homestay’s staff. The villagers here greet you with open arms because they are ecstatic when tourists come all the way to experience their culture. Feel free to ask any question as the villagers are all friendly and helpful. During the village tour, you will be brought to fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and, if you are lucky, catch a monkey that help to pluck coconuts for you to drink. After an exhilarating adventure exploring the beauty of Kampung Pulau, it is time for you to loosen up by having a body massage or even enjoy delicious Kelantanese cuisine at Anjung Selera. You can satisfy your taste buds and hunger by savouring roti canai, nasi ulam, patin tempoyak, ikan keli bakar, tilapia goreng, laksa and laksam.

Other than that, you may learn to cook scrumptious traditional Kelantanese dishes, make your own handicrafts, play traditional games or watch cultural performances such as the wayang kulit too. The homestay’s management promises a highly personalised, supportive, and attentive service so that your stay will be meaningful.

Singgora Homestay

Singgora is vital in the construction of the roof of a Kelantan Malay traditional structure. Singgora roof tiles, made of clay, does not only protect the building but also symbolises racial identity. It is one of Kelantan’s well-preserved architectural elements that carries the state’s heritage in its design.

The roof’s cultural symbol and aesthetic value are the attributes that drive Encik Mohamed bin Salleh, a civil engineer, to start the Singgora homestay business. His burning passion in architecture and impeccable craftsmanship in building Kelantan traditional houses have successfully captured the attention of the locals, heritage lovers, photographers and travellers from outside the state. Located in Kampung Air Deras, Pasir Hor, you can feel what it is like to live in a tranquil village within Kota Bharu city limit. Upon reaching the homestay’s wooden gate, you will definitely be awed by the intricate architectural beauty of its façade, which were all built using the combination of chengal, teak, and yellow wood that are over a century old.

Singgora homestay offers three different types of rooms that are furnished with comfortable double beds and ceiling fans. Each room has en-suite bathroom although some guests may want to try bathing at the 100-year old well water. Those who intend to relish the nostalgia of kampung life would find this place ideal for you since it is surrounded by streams, forest trees, bamboos, honeybees, chicken and ducks. You are bound to bring home priceless memories when staying here.

Perahu Kolek

Back in the old days, the Malays used perahu kolek as their main transport to cross the calm waters and shallow rivers of Kelantan. Perahu kolek is a vibrantly-painted boat decorated with chengal wood carvings. This ornately-designed boat is painted in many colours and bears patterns symbolising power, beliefs or traditions. The heads of the boat are carved with motifs like stork, okok and caping that are derived from the influence of Ramayana and Mahabrata wayang kulit stories.

Stork motif alludes to the efficient animal that is expert in catching fish and represents safety at sea. Technically, the stork-shaped head is placed in front of the boat as a guide for the boatmen when navigating. Okok is a short form for the word bongkok, which means hump in Kelantanese dialect. The word okok is taken from a character in wayang kulit that describes a hunchback from heaven. It is carved in a flat shape, two inches to two feet smaller than the stork carving. Perahu Kolek also has a piece of wood called caping that is tied to the boat’s perch carved in the shape of a tree or mountain, also frequently seen in wayang kulit.

Kampung Pulau Gajah Pantai Sabak in Pengkalan Chepa is renowned for perahu kolek rides that are operated by the local community. The boats’ interiors are decorated with carpets and pillows to make travellers feel comfortable and cosy. During the four-kilometre ride on perahu kolek, you can alight at Pengkalan Datu floating market, then stop by at Ar-Rahman Mosque that is famous for its architecture, before returning to Kampung Pulau Gajah Pantai Sabak jetty. The whole two-way trip costs RM400 per boat, which can accommodate up to 10 persons at a time.

For more information on tourism in Kelantan, visit http://tourism.kelantan.my/index.php/en/profail.