| Introduction

One of the northernmost states in Peninsular Malaysia,
Kelantan Darulnaim has an area of 14, 920sq km. It borders Thailand
in the north-east, Perak in the west, Terengganu in the east and
Pahang in the south. Kelantan is a unique travel destination because
of its rich cultural heritage, ornate handicrafts and wood carvings
Women have always played a major part in the economy of the state
and the handicraft they produce, from Kelantan silver to baskets and
cloth are some of the best in the peninsula. The Kelantanese seem to
favour huge items and everything is big from the kites to the tops
and the drums known as Rebana Ubi.
History

Local Handicrafts back to Going Places history Recent
discoveries at two caves known as Gua Musang and Gua Chua 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 Sri Vijaya 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 province came under a
powerful warlord known as Long Yunus, whose descendants 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. |