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.

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Ten Essential Things to Do When You Visit Malaysia

Malaysia is a great place to go to if you are the kind of person who loves both the environment and the city. Amazingly, Malaysia can offer both for you - from its natural treasures, to its man-made architectural wonders. You will find Malaysia to be a country not only rich in resources but also in culture.

1.) Rafflesia, Pitcher Plant and other rare plant species

The list of plant species you can acquaint yourself with in Malaysia is very extensive. In fact, Malaysia is home to almost 8,000 flowering plant species, some of which are exclusively found only in Thailand. You can find the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, here in Thailand, and you can also find other rare plant species such as the Pitcher Plant.

2.) Malaysia's wildlife reserves and natural parks

But your trip with nature in Malaysia ought not to stop there. There are also wildlife reserves and natural parks in Malaysia, and only in Malaysia can you witness the gathering of so many animals. Orangutans, lizards, insects, bears, elephants, tapirs, rhinoceroses, and so many other endangered animals are well-protected in Malaysia.

3.) Wayang Kulit

Experience the richness of Malaysia's culture by watching the shadow-puppet theater that only professes too much how the Malaysians deal with each other. It also shows how remarkably well preserved their culture has been throughout time. There are also other unique forms of theater art in Malaysia.

4.) Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers was once the tallest skyscraper in the earth. Today, the glamour of the towers has not vanished at all, and you have the chance of seeing the towers firsthand by visiting Kuala Lumpur. The astounding command the Petronas Towers has over the sky will surely leave you breathless.

5.) Mount Kinabalu in Borneo

You should pay a visit to Mount Kinabula in Borneo. The mountain has the highest peak in the whole Malay Archipelago. It is also a good place to relax and have some quality time with your family in the comfort of nature.

6.) Convention Center in Putrajaya, Malaysia

The function of the convention center in Malaysia is similar to that of the White House. It is actually a place where important government issues and functions are placed. You may not know this, however, because of the architectural beauty of the place but something you will surely revel upon.

7.) Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque

Religion plays an invariable role in Malaysia. Sultan Ahmad is actually one of the recently built mosques, and yet, it has gained worldwide attention because of the beautiful dimensions of the place, a usual trait in mosques. Sultan Ahmad is one of the examples of classic yet modern Islam architecture.

8.) Longhouses in Sarawak

Longhouses are commonplace in Malaysia, but you might want to take a moment and visit these houses. These are houses built over rivers. You will surely marvel at how ingenious the houses' designs are, inasmuch as it has stood the test of time.

9.) Terengganu State Museum

A visit to Malaysia can never be complete without a visit to one of Malaysia' national museums. Before you think that Terengganu State Museum is just like any other museum, think again. It is actually one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia, and it houses diverse forms of art and archaeological finds exclusive to the place. The architectural structure and design of the place itself will mesmerize you.

10.) Istana Kenangan in Kuala Kangsar

Istana Kenangan is a sort of transient house built exclusively for the sultan whenever he would visit the place. What is so unique about this place (aside from its being historic) is the fact that no nails were used to construct the building. This is truly an architectural wonder.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Williams

Malaysia Culture & Heritage - Traditional Games & Pastimes

Experience the Expressions of Community

Malaysians strong sense of community is reflected in many of their traditional games and pastimes. These activities are usually held during festivities such as before or after the rice harvest season and to usher in the new spring.

Silat
This fascinating Malay martial art is also an international sport and traditional dance form. Existing in the Malay Archipelago for centuries, it has mesmerising fluid movements that are used to confuse opponents. It is believed that practising silat will increase one's spiritual strength in accordance with Islamic tenets. Accompanied by drums and gongs, this ancient art is popularly performed at Malay weddings and cultural festivals.

Sepak Takraw
Sepak takraw, also known as sepak raga, is a traditional ball game in which a ball made by weaving strips of buluh bamboo or rattan together is passed about using any part of the body except the lower arms and hands. There are two main types of sepak takraw: bulatan and jaring. Sepak raga bulatan is the original form in which players form a circle and try to keep the ball in the air as long as possible. Sepak takraw jaring is the modern version in which the ball is passed across a court over a high net.

Wau
A wau is a traditional kite that is especially popular in the state of Kelantan on the East Coast of Malaysia. Traditionally flown after the rice harvest season, these giant kites are often as big as a man - measuring about 3.5 metres from head to tail. It is called wau because its shape is similar to the Arabic letter that is pronounced as 'wow'. With vibrant colours and patterns based on local floral and fauna, these kites are truly splendid sights.

Gasing
A gasing is a giant spinning top that weigh approximately 5kg or 10lbs and may be as large as a dinner plate. Traditionally played before the rice harvest season, this game requires strength, co-ordination and skill. The top is set spinning by unfurling a rope that has been wound around it. Then it is scooped off the ground, whilst still spinning, using a wooden bat with a centre slit and transferred onto a low post with a metal receptacle. If expertly hurled, it can spin for up to 2 hours.

Wayang kulit
Wayang kulit is a traditional theatre form that brings together the playfulness of a puppet show, and the elusive quality and charming simplicity of a shadow play. The flat two-dimensional puppets are intricately carved, then painted, by hand out of cow or buffalo hide. Each puppet, a stylised exaggeration of the human shape, is given a distinctive appearance and not unlike its string puppet cousins, has jointed "arms". Conducted by a singular master storyteller called Tok Dalang, wayang kulit usually dramatises ancient Indian epics.

Congkak
Congkak is a game of wit played by womenfolk in ancient times that required no more than holes in the earth and tamarind seeds. Today, it has been refined to a board game. It consists of a wooden board with two rows of five, seven, or nine holes and two large holes at both ends called "home". Congkak, played with shells, pebbles or tamarind seeds, requires two players

Chingay
Famously from the state of Penang, Chingay or The Giant Flags Procession is a spectacular procession that celebrates the arrival of spring during the New Year season. Its trademark elements are giant triangular flags and lanterns. These flags equally huge poles are balanced on performers foreheads, chins, lower jaws and shoulders. Other entertainers include dancers, jugglers and magicians.

Sepak manggis
Sepak manggis is a unique outdoor game played by the Bajau and Iranun men of Sabah. Forming a circle and facing each other, players aim to strike the bunga manggis floral carrier that dangles from a 10-metre high pole. The winner will be rewarded with money, gift or edibles, which are in the carrier.