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Kelantan

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Kelantan is a state found in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia.

Flag of Kelantan
Flag of Kelantan

It sits near the border of Thailand's Narathiwat province to the north. To the south, it is bordered by Pahang and Terengganu, while Perak lies to the west. The South China Sea meets its north-eastern coast. The land is filled with diverse tropical rainforests and a warm, equatorial climate. Many people know it as the "Blissful Abode."

Mao Kun map - Songkla, Langkasuka, Kelantan, Trengganu
Mao Kun map - Songkla, Langkasuka, Kelantan, Trengganu

Water shapes much of the landscape in this region. The Nengiri River starts high on the slopes of Gunung Korbu. It flows east to join the Galas and Lebir rivers. These streams eventually become the large Kelantan River. This broad, mud-coloured river flows through fertile coastal plains. These plains act like a "rice-bowl" for the state. The river valley is very rich in hardwoods, rubber, and tropical fruits.

Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Kelantan, 2001-2024
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Kelantan, 2001-2024

History in Kelantan goes back a very long time. Archaeologists have found evidence of prehistoric aboriginal settlements there. In the 15th century, Kelantan was an important place for trade. Around 1499, it became a vassal state of the Malacca Sultanate. Later, the legendary Cik Siti Wan Kembang is said to have ruled between 1610 and 1667. In 1844, the city of Kota Bharu was established on the eastern bank of the river.

Burung Petala Indera III
Burung Petala Indera III

Life in Kelantan is often tied to the land and sea. The economy is mainly agrarian, focusing on rice, rubber, and tobacco. Many people work as fishermen along the 96-kilometre coastline. You can also find cottage industries where people make batik and songket weaving. Some people also work in logging within the vast forests. The capital city is Kota Bharu, which is the main urban centre.

Masjid Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra (346904242)
Masjid Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra (346904242)

Kelantan has a culture that feels quite different from other parts of Malaysia. Because it was once hard to reach by land, its traditions stayed unique. The Kelantanese Malay language is not easily understood by those who speak standard Malay. The state is also known for its traditional arts. However, some of these arts, like Wayang Kulit, have faced restrictions recently. The state is a conservative heartland where the Malaysian Islamic Party has held power for many years.

Flag of Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Flag of Kota Bharu, Kelantan
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🖼️ Images & Media (20)
Lagu_Negeri_Kelantan_-_Selamat_Sultan_(Ins...
File:Mao Kun map - Songkla, Langkasuka, Kelantan, Trengganu.png
Mao Kun map - Songkla, Langkasuka,...
File:Flag of Kelantan (1912 - 1923).svg
Flag of Kelantan (1912 - 1923).svg
File:Burung Petala Indera III.jpg
Burung Petala Indera III.jpg
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Kelantan, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:Flag of Kelantan.svg
Flag of Kelantan.svg
File:DUN Kelantan 2023.svg
DUN Kelantan 2023.svg
File:Masjid Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra (346904242).jpg
Masjid Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra (346904242).jpg
File:Reclining Buddha in a Thai Buddhist temple in Kelantan.jpg
Reclining Buddha in a Thai Buddhist...
File:Flag of Kota Bharu, Kelantan.svg
Flag of Kota Bharu, Kelantan.svg
File:Flag of Pasir Mas, Kelantan.svg
Flag of Pasir Mas, Kelantan.svg
File:Flag of Tumpat, Kelantan.svg
Flag of Tumpat, Kelantan.svg

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