Kelantan | This is Me; Melissa's Blog

During my past trip to Kelantan, our friend Jimmy has brought us to 3 large Buddhist temple on 2 different days. The architectural of the temples looks so similar to those in Thailand. Why ar? Probably because of the distance which is near to Thailand..therefore most of the founder are Thais. Apart from that, the name of the temples here begin with “WAT” or better known as Temple in Thai. Am quite surprise to see such nice temples there.

1) Wat Machimmaram

Address: Kg. Jubakar, 16200 Tumpat, Kelantan
Telephone: 09-7256769

Our first stop was at Wat Machimmaram. Known as sitting buddha. It reminds me of Hong Kong’s Tian Tan Buddha at Lantau Island. Wat Machimmaram claimed as the 2nd largest sitting Buddha in South-east Asia. Height is 30 meter and with the lotus base width of 47 meter. Some said the lip is made of gold.

Alex looks like a CD seller…hahahhaha…. ^^

Alex & I

Then, this “gay” couple request for a photoshoot. LOL!!

But after its done, then only I realized Mr. Laang’s eyes were closed. So, he asked me to edit and put a pair of eyes for him.

So, this was what I did…the result..which matches him very well. hehehe…

Gorgeous dragon carving on the columns.

Noticed a blooming lotus which I love it.

I think Jimmy was giving a story telling class. As usual..I do not pay attention..just like if I travel by tours, the tour leader will be telling story and I’ll be either roaming around, taking photos or yawning…and sometimes sleeping. HAHAHA!

2) Wat Pikulthong

Address: Kg. Terbak, 16200 Tumpat, Kelantan
Telephone: 09-7257153

a small welcoming standing buddha at the entrance. Noticed the architectural of the building? This is what I meant by influential of Thai and Chinese culture.

I think they are doing some upgrading works..I noticed the paint works were pretty new.

The sun was extremely glaring. And it was burning hot..I hardly open my eyes. Therefore I frown a little ^^

More steps to go…..

This is what I came for. The glorious standing buddha with the height of 36 meter.

Other than the standing buddha…we also came here for this ‘Khao Jam’ which is popular among the locals. Also known as ‘green nasi kerabu’ or salad rice. A satisfying plate of rice for just RM1.80. You heard me right?

Porridge with chicken strips.

Ingredients to prepare “Som Tam” or Thai Papaya Salad.

An appetizing plate of “som tam”.

We were interested on these BBQ chicken wings too. And we ordered each person a piece.

BBQ Chicken Wings were surprisingly good. Well marinated, tasty and not overcooked.

We settled our lunch here. Its a small wooden hut pretty visible once you enter Wat Pikulthong. You may find it uneasy dining here with houseflies and stray dogs admiring you. Anyway…I did not “lau sai”… =p

3) Wat Photivihan

Address: Kampung Jambu, 16200 Tumpat, Kelantan
Telephone: 09-7193019, 019-9586322

Wat Photivihan known as sleeping/ reclining buddha is is one of the biggest Buddhist Temple in South-East Asia. It is 40meter long..longer than the one in Penang, which is 33meter. Siew Liek told me that those dead people’s ashes jar are placed under this sleeping buddha.

Had a good time visiting these popular temples in Kelantan. I was told by Jimmy that most of the Buddhist temples here are funded by King of Thailand. Really an eye opener to see such beautiful temples in Kelantan, often mentioned as Islamic state.

Traveling together with a large group of friends somehow reminds me of my school days where we used to attend those ‘rombongan sambil belajar’.

My recent trip to Kota Bharu , reason to attend a wedding and at the same time to spend to travel around KB. Tat rented 2 units of serviced apartment for all of us at Kondominium Pelangi Mall.

meeting in our apartment ^^

Our room has nice view too….view of ‘teh tarik’ river.

Come to Kelantan must never forget to try their nasi dagang. I thought nasi dagang is from Terengganu. Then I asked mummy who came from Terengganu…she told me they are different in terms of rice. Nasi dagang in Terengganu, the rice is whiter.

My breakfast of day 1 was a pack of nasi dagang with curry ikan tongkol(fish) and 1/2 egg for RM3.30.

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan. Though Kelantan is ruled by the Islamic Party..yet there are many Siam Buddhist temple, probably due to the influential by the Thais which is very near to Kelantan. (will blog about the temples in my next post)

Our so-called tour guide,Jimmy brought us here, Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu town.

My friend, Rock told me this market is unique because most traders are women. Here at this market, you can get many local products.

Come to Kelantan…must not forget to bring home some keropok ikan(fish crackers) too….

Makcik packing my keropoks…Weeee….happy purchase 😉

fancy these jars of ‘jeruk’?

Then we came to Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Located about 10km from Kota Bharu) which was formerly named as Pantai Cinta Berahi / Passionate Love. So, now its call ‘Moonlight Beach’. There must be a reason they changed the name. Probably people there are sensitive with the word “berahi”/passion.

I Love the photo outcome of this place. ♥

Don’t you agree that this place is beautiful? I’m using this photo as my PC’s wallpaper 😉

Siew Liek told me, huge rocks were placed along the beach because of the erosion.

Oppa KB Style?

phew….panas sungguh cuaca hari ini…

Alex and I

My BF of the day…. ^^

Lets order some coconut drink to quench our thirst. Told you right…we are like a bunch of students. =p

Enjoying a coconut drink under the hut surrounded by coconut trees feels so good. You can’t have this kind of feel in KL city.

I’ve not seen those drinks, sarsi & ice cream soda in the bottle. Have you?

Some of our friends left KB a day earlier than us. Later in the afternoon…..we came to Pantai Sri Tujuh (about 17km from Kota Bharu town), is one of the famous beach in Kelantan.