For our next “Domestic Travel” series of highlighting some of the best spots to check within Malaysia, we look at Kelantan, known typically for its cultural landmarks, traditional arts and distinctive heritage.
However, unbeknownst to some, the state is also home to several artisan communities where traditional crafts continue to thrive, offering visitors a closer look at age-old techniques behind songket weaving, batik making, silver craftsmanship and wood carving.
If you’re heading that way for a cultural escape or a short weekend getaway, BusinessToday Lifestyle recommends checking out these craft spots to experience a quieter and more authentic side of Kelantan.
Che Minah Songket
Songket is more than ceremonial attire in Kelantan. It is a craft shaped by patience, precision, and techniques passed down through generations.
At Che Minah Songket in Kampung Penambang, visitors can see this process up close as weavers work on traditional looms to produce handwoven textiles using silk and metallic threads.
Established in 1940, the family-run workshop continues to preserve one of the state’s best-known textile traditions while offering a glimpse into the skill and time it takes to create every finished piece.
A Raman Kayu Kraf
Another craft to explore in Kelantan is woodcarving. Traditional Malay woodcarving is often appreciated for its finished designs, but the process behind each piece is just as significant.
At A Raman Kayu Kraf, the focus remains on hand carving, with local hardwoods such as cengal, meranti, and nyatoh shaped into doors, decorative panels, furniture, and other functional pieces.
Located in Kota Bharu, A Raman Kayu Kraf offers a closer look at the craftsmanship behind traditional Malay woodcarving, where each piece is shaped by hand using techniques passed down over the years.
KotaKraft Batik
While batik can be found in many parts of Malaysia, each region has its own approach to the craft, shaped by local techniques, designs, and traditions. In Kelantan, batik remains closely tied to the state’s textile heritage and continues to be practised by local makers.
Located in Kampung Kota, Kota Bharu, KotaKraft Batik offers visitors a chance to explore this tradition beyond the finished fabric, with a closer look at the craftsmanship behind handmade batik pieces and related handicrafts.
For those looking to discover Kelantan’s creative communities, the workshop provides an insight into how the wax-resist dyeing process continues to be preserved as part of the state’s everyday craft culture.
Galeri Wau Pak Sapie and Sons
Beyond textiles and woodwork, Kelantan is also home to the traditional art of wau making, a craft that combines creativity, skill, and cultural storytelling.
Located along Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Galeri Wau Pak Sapie and Sons is a family-run workshop dedicated to preserving the craft of making traditional Malay kites, including the iconic Wau Bulan and Wau Kucing.
Visitors can learn more about the process behind each piece, from shaping the kite frame to creating the intricate hand-cut patterns that make each wau unique. While the gallery is a more established stop for visitors, it remains closely connected to the craft itself, offering a look at wau as a living tradition rather than simply a decorative item.
Muzium Wau Kelantan
If you’re interested in learning more about Kelantan’s crafts without the usual tourist crowds, Muzium Wau Kelantan in Pantai Sri Tujoh, Tumpat is a quieter spot to explore.
Dedicated to the state’s traditional wau-making heritage, the museum showcases different types of kites, including Wau Bulan and Wau Kucing, while highlighting the tools, materials, and techniques behind their creation. Beyond displaying finished pieces, it offers a closer look at the craftsmanship involved in shaping and decorating each wau.
Beyond its well-known attractions, Kelantan’s craft communities offer a quieter look into the state’s heritage. For those willing to explore beyond the usual spots, these artisanal stops reveal the stories, skills, and traditions that make Kelantan unique.
These are some of the unique experiences we curated, which are off the beaten track to highlight the state. If you are interested in discovering more, you can check out our articles for Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Johor, Melaka, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and look forward to more state-related features. Have any suggestions? Feel free to drop a note.
