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==Cities==
==Cities==
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* [[Kota Bharu]] - the state capital, and focal point for Kelantan's administration and business activities
* [[Kota Bharu]] - the state capital, and focal point for Kelantan's administration and business activities
* [[Kuala Krai]]
* [[Kuala Krai]]
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==Other destinations==
==Other destinations==
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* Stong Hill - one of Kelantan's highland destinations; Jelawang Falls, beautiful sunrise and eco-tourism are some of the attractions here
* Stong Hill - one of Kelantan's highland destinations; Jelawang Falls, beautiful sunrise and eco-tourism are some of the attractions here
* Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach) - one of Kelantan's popular beaches
* Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach) - one of Kelantan's popular beaches
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*Lata Rek - A famous water rapid and waterfall. ("Lata" means water rapids)
*Lata Rek - A famous water rapid and waterfall. ("Lata" means water rapids)
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*Central Market (Pasar Siti Khadijah)
*Central Market (Pasar Siti Khadijah)
==Understand==
==Understand==
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Kelantan is the most deeply conservative of all Malay states and has with just one interruption been governed by the opposition '''Islamic Party of Malaysia''' (''Parti Islam SeMalaysia'' or '''PAS''') since 1958. The party's green flag with a white full moon flutters throughout the state. Highways seem to have more signs with quotes from the Koran than actual traffic instructions; many signs are written in ''Jawi'', the old Arabic script for Malay; and even some Chinese women wear head scarves here.
Kelantan is the most deeply conservative of all Malay states and has with just one interruption been governed by the opposition '''Islamic Party of Malaysia''' (''Parti Islam SeMalaysia'' or '''PAS''') since 1958. The party's green flag with a white full moon flutters throughout the state. Highways seem to have more signs with quotes from the Koran than actual traffic instructions; many signs are written in ''Jawi'', the old Arabic script for Malay; and even some Chinese women wear head scarves here.
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==Talk==
==Talk==
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The '''Kelantanese''' dialect of [[Malay phrasebook|Malay]] is famously incomprehensible to outsiders, so much so that Kelantanese and non-Kelantanese alike jokingly refer to it as ''German'' (pronounced ''gher-man'' with a hard G, but yes, it means [[German phrasebook|German]]).
The '''Kelantanese''' dialect of [[Malay phrasebook|Malay]] is famously incomprehensible to outsiders, so much so that Kelantanese and non-Kelantanese alike jokingly refer to it as ''German'' (pronounced ''gher-man'' with a hard G, but yes, it means [[German phrasebook|German]]).
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===By plane===
===By plane===
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Kelantan's only airport is the '''Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR)''' at Pengkalan Chepa, [[Kota Bharu]]. '''Malaysia Airlines [http://www.malaysiaairlines.com.my]''' and '''Air Asia [http://www.airasia.com]''' provide flights to/from [[Kuala Lumpur]] . While people from [[Penang]] can reach Kelantan by FireFly.
Kelantan's only airport is the '''Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR)''' at Pengkalan Chepa, [[Kota Bharu]]. '''Malaysia Airlines [http://www.malaysiaairlines.com.my]''' and '''Air Asia [http://www.airasia.com]''' provide flights to/from [[Kuala Lumpur]] . While people from [[Penang]] can reach Kelantan by FireFly.
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===By road===
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===By car===
'''To/from other parts of Malaysia:''' Kelantan can be accessed by road via the '''East-West Highway''' which links Gerik in [[Perak]] on the west coast, and Jeli in Kelantan. '''Federal Route 8''' connects Kota Bharu with Central [[Pahang]] via Kuala Krai and Gua Musang. You can also enter Kelantan on the '''East Coast main road (Federal Route 3)''' which runs from [[Johor Bahru]] in the south to [[Kota Bharu]] via [[Terengganu]] and the eastern part of [[Pahang]]. Use this road if you are heading to the [[Perhentian Islands]].
'''To/from other parts of Malaysia:''' Kelantan can be accessed by road via the '''East-West Highway''' which links Gerik in [[Perak]] on the west coast, and Jeli in Kelantan. '''Federal Route 8''' connects Kota Bharu with Central [[Pahang]] via Kuala Krai and Gua Musang. You can also enter Kelantan on the '''East Coast main road (Federal Route 3)''' which runs from [[Johor Bahru]] in the south to [[Kota Bharu]] via [[Terengganu]] and the eastern part of [[Pahang]]. Use this road if you are heading to the [[Perhentian Islands]].
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==Get around==
==Get around==
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===By road===
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===By car===
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Good roads link the main towns of Kelantan.
Good roads link the main towns of Kelantan.
===By bus===
===By bus===
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Bus transport in the state is handled by '''Syarikat Kenderaan Melayu Kelantan (SKMK)''', a subsidiary of the Transnasional Group [http://www.transnasional.com.my/transportation_routes_stage.asp]. Local buses link [[Kota Bharu]] with all main towns in Kelantan.
Bus transport in the state is handled by '''Syarikat Kenderaan Melayu Kelantan (SKMK)''', a subsidiary of the Transnasional Group [http://www.transnasional.com.my/transportation_routes_stage.asp]. Local buses link [[Kota Bharu]] with all main towns in Kelantan.
===By train===
===By train===
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Express trains (Ekspres Wau and Ekspres Timuran) make stops at major Kelantan stations, namely Tumpat (the terminus) Wakaf Baru (for [[Kota Bharu]]), Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Dabong (for Bukit Stong waterfall), Kuala Krai and Gua Musang. Local trains stop at almost every station and halt on the East Coast line and constitute a major mode of transport for locals living in the interior of the state.
Express trains (Ekspres Wau and Ekspres Timuran) make stops at major Kelantan stations, namely Tumpat (the terminus) Wakaf Baru (for [[Kota Bharu]]), Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Dabong (for Bukit Stong waterfall), Kuala Krai and Gua Musang. Local trains stop at almost every station and halt on the East Coast line and constitute a major mode of transport for locals living in the interior of the state.
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==Buy==
==Buy==
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Kelantan is famous for its Malay arts and handicrafts (mainly batik). The state's most instantly recognizable symbol is the ''wau bulan'' ("moon kite"), which has been adopted by Malaysian Airlines as its logo.
Kelantan is famous for its Malay arts and handicrafts (mainly batik). The state's most instantly recognizable symbol is the ''wau bulan'' ("moon kite"), which has been adopted by Malaysian Airlines as its logo.
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==Eat==
==Eat==
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Kelantanese cuisine has several specialities rarely seen elsewhere in Malaysia, and most Kelantanese people are very serious about their food. Eating out provides for plenty of options and is much cheaper here than the (often not-so-authentic) other versions of Kelantanese food found in Kuala Lumpur. The dominant themes are the heavy use of '''''kerabu''''', a catch-all term covering various herbs and vegetables and often served as an accompaniment to dishes, and the multiple uses found for '''coconut''', which can be found in almost every dish. Due to its close proximity to the Thai border, '''Thai food''' is also widely available; there are also many dishes that are distinct mixtures of Malay Kelantanese and Southern Thai cuisine.
Kelantanese cuisine has several specialities rarely seen elsewhere in Malaysia, and most Kelantanese people are very serious about their food. Eating out provides for plenty of options and is much cheaper here than the (often not-so-authentic) other versions of Kelantanese food found in Kuala Lumpur. The dominant themes are the heavy use of '''''kerabu''''', a catch-all term covering various herbs and vegetables and often served as an accompaniment to dishes, and the multiple uses found for '''coconut''', which can be found in almost every dish. Due to its close proximity to the Thai border, '''Thai food''' is also widely available; there are also many dishes that are distinct mixtures of Malay Kelantanese and Southern Thai cuisine.
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* ''nasi dagang Kelantan'' - a mix of white and brown glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk, mild-tasting in itself but served with lots of tasty curries. Another version of nasi dagang is found in neighboring Terengganu, which uses white glutinous rice and a slightly different gravy.
* ''nasi dagang Kelantan'' - a mix of white and brown glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk, mild-tasting in itself but served with lots of tasty curries. Another version of nasi dagang is found in neighboring Terengganu, which uses white glutinous rice and a slightly different gravy.
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* ''nasi kerabu'' - spiced yellow rice akin to the Indonesian ''nasi kuning'', served with a vast assortment of fresh herbs and fried coconut. Note that in most of the rest of the country, ''nasi kerabu'' means rice that has been dyed a shocking shade of blue! However, the authentic Kelantanese version of Nasi Kerabu is colored blue from the use of a wild flower, and not food coloring. It is served with slightly sweetened "budu", a condiment made of fermented anchovies that is a staple of Kelantanese cuisine. The unadulterated version of "budu" is very salty and used to dip herbs and raw vegetables and eaten with rice. Like the famous durian, the taste is acquired and the smell is often overwhelming.
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* ''nasi kerabu'' - spiced yellow rice akin to the Indonesian ''nasi kuning'', served with a vast assortment of fresh herbs and fried coconut. Note that in most of the rest of the country, ''nasi kerabu'' means rice that has been dyed a shocking shade of blue! However, the authentic Kelantanese version of nasi kerabu is colored blue from the use of a wild flower, and not food coloring. It is served with slightly sweetened "budu", a condiment made of fermented anchovies that is a staple of Kelantanese cuisine. The unadulterated version of "budu" is very salty and used to dip herbs and raw vegetables and eaten with rice. Like the famous durian, the taste is acquired and the smell is often overwhelming.
* ''nasi tumpang'' - rice rolled up in a banana leaf so it resembles an ice-cream cone shape, with omelette, curry and meat floss packed inside.
* ''nasi tumpang'' - rice rolled up in a banana leaf so it resembles an ice-cream cone shape, with omelette, curry and meat floss packed inside.
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==Drink==
==Drink==
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Fresh coconut is RM3.
Fresh coconut is RM3.
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A fermented version of coconut milk is called "tuak", and usually sour. Dare to try.
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A fermented version of coconut milk is called "tuak", and it is usually sour. Dare to try.
==Sleep==
==Sleep==
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Thai food restaurant located at Baung, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
==Stay safe==
==Stay safe==
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Kelantan is generally safe, and people are generally friendly.
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Kelantan/Kota Bharu is generally safe, and people are generally friendly.
==Respect==
==Respect==
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More than anywhere else in Malaysia, in Kelantan it's important to respect local mores, especially if you head out into the countryside. It is not necessary or expected for non-Muslim women to wear a headscarf (though it would certainly meet with approval), but both men and women should wear clothing that covers all or at least most of their legs (no short shorts), and women should wear blouses or dresses which cover their torso. Long sleeves are preferable for women, and outfits which show the shoulders or midriff should be avoided. The watchword is modesty. Tourists dressed in shorts and skimpy tops are really out of place in this state.
More than anywhere else in Malaysia, in Kelantan it's important to respect local mores, especially if you head out into the countryside. It is not necessary or expected for non-Muslim women to wear a headscarf (though it would certainly meet with approval), but both men and women should wear clothing that covers all or at least most of their legs (no short shorts), and women should wear blouses or dresses which cover their torso. Long sleeves are preferable for women, and outfits which show the shoulders or midriff should be avoided. The watchword is modesty. Tourists dressed in shorts and skimpy tops are really out of place in this state.
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Regardless of how modestly you dress, if you're white, people may stare at you. If that happens, just smile.
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But regardless of how modestly you dress, if you're white, people may stare at you. If that happens, just smile.
==Go next==
==Go next==
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* Rantau Panjang - border town with Thailand, shopping for Thai products
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* Pantai Cahaya Bulan
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* Pantai Bisikan Bayu
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* Pantai Irama
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* Pantai Seri Tujuh
* [[Perhentian Islands]] ([[Terengganu]])
* [[Perhentian Islands]] ([[Terengganu]])
* Taman Negara ([[Pahang]]) - Malaysia National Park, world's oldest rainforest
* Taman Negara ([[Pahang]]) - Malaysia National Park, world's oldest rainforest
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* Waterfalls - Jeram Linang and Jeram Pasu
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[[de:Kelantan]]
[[de:Kelantan]]