Perdana Trail by Hotel Perdana @ Kota Bharu, Kelantan (Part 1)

 

Kota Bharu in the morning. Ohhh... I can't help missing this view from my room at the Hotel Perdana, Kota Bharu. My 2nd day in Kota Bharu kick-started with an early morning breakfast by the pool at the Cerana Coffee House.

My choice of breakfast was Nasi Kerabu with budu and roasted meats. Why is the rice blue in colour? Well, it is due to the usage of a tint taken from 'bunga kembang telang'(blue pea flower). It is also my very first time eating budu. It's a tad salty but eating it with the Nasi Kerabu makes it just perfect. It's so tasty that I almost went for another helping.

Another Kelantanese delicacy I tried was the Nasi Tumpang  which consisted of layers of rice filled with 'serunding' and curry prawn. Nasi tumpang is known for its packaging as you can see in the photo above. Once you open up the banana leaf packing, you'll see the cone-shaped rice and its condiments. Another yummy choice of breakfast. The salted fish with glutinous rice is also an interesting menu. Its combination of rich flavours will leave you either wanting more or prepare to run away from the buffet for wanting more. 

With our full tummies, we began our Perdana Trail adventure. What better way to burn the calories we piled on over breakfast than a nice long walk around Kota Bharu. Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu's General Manager En Muhammad Taha Zainal initiated the "Perdana Trail : A Heritage & Historical Walk" programme to allow the hotel guests learn more about the culture, heritage and history of Kelantan. The trail invites guests to explore Kota Bharu's waiting-to-be-discovered hotspots on foot.

I am excited and ready! Let's begin our journey!

From left : Mek Ying(Our Chinese-speaking PR), yours truly and En Taha Zainal (General Manager of Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu)

Gelanggang Seni is the cultural centre of Kota Bharu. Check out their weekly schedules on their website to a variety of cultural activities such as kite flying, wayang kulit performances, spinning gasing, Rebana Ubi drum performances and many more.

You can also visit the Tourist Information Centre along Jalan Sultan Ibrahim for the schedule of performances at Gelanggang Seni and more informations on Kota Bharu activities.

Muzium Kelantan exhibit features wayang kulit (shadow puppets) from 3 countries, Malaysia, Indonesia & Thailand.  

 

The Kelantanese are very proud of their special Malay shadow puppet theatre called wayang kulit. The puppets are made from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. They are held up behind a white screen which is placed in front of a light source, so you only see the shadows performing on the white cloth screen. The show is accompanied by music performed with the serunai, or flute, providing the melody. The Tok Dalang is the master of narration who will tell the stories of kings, warriors and adventures in the original Kelantanese dialect.

More puppets.... This is Wayang Godek, another type of puppet which is more commonly performed during the day as it does not require light as compared to Wayang Kulit. 

When the East meets West.

These Star Wars themed puppets definitely caught my attention. Haha... I'm so in love with Darth Vader’s puppet that if they were selling it, I would have bought it! In the Peperangan Bintang (Star Wars, get it?) show, Darth Vader's character is renamed Sangkakala Vedeh.

Kelantanese shadow puppets.

The wayang kulit in Northern states is influenced and more similar to Thai shadow puppets, while the wayang kulit in Southern Peninsular, is influenced by Javanese Indonesian wayang kulit. You can see the differences in the usage of colours and the intricate details on the puppets up-close.

Next, an obligatory tourist pic at the Bulatan Menara Jam Kota Bharu. The clock tower and the monuments are representatives of Islamic architecture and design. There's also a rehal monument, which is a Quran book stand used for placing the Quran for reading.

With the gang aka mafia style. 😅

And look what we found...... There are over 30 date trees here, and all of them are beginning to bear fruits. Well, these date trees don't usually bear fruits outside of its natural habitat but surprisingly last Ramadhan in 2014, almost all the date trees bore fruits. Let's hope these dates will be ripe enough for harvest this coming Ramadhan.

It's time for tea break! We make a quick stop at the local coffee shop 'Din Tokyo' along Jalan Tok Hakim to tried out its signature 'Teh Halia Burung Puyuh(Tea with Quails Eggs) Some who are new to this may feel a little grossed out, but I was totally in for a taste bud adventure.

We were warned during the Media Briefing of all the Foodgasm Fear Factor throughout the trip and it turned out, it was not bad at all. I quite enjoyed the taste, a combination of home made ginger powder and fresh quail eggs. I was informed, Pak Din usually spends about a week to prepare his home-made ginger powder for every batch. 

We also had 'Telur Taliban'(Half boiled eggs) and 'Telur Ping Pong'(3/4 boiled eggs)

Seriously they were tasty and good! Best of all, watching Pak Din showing off his tea pulling skills is totally entertaining.

 

Watch the video here : 

https://instagram.com/p/2i3QhGSbdS/

Pic from source.

Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu(The Grand Palace) built using wood, furnished with unique wood carvings is a single storey palace built by Sultan Muhammad II over 170 years ago, as the official residence of past sultans.

These days, the palace is only used for official state functions. It houses the royal throne and the royal regalia of Kelantan.

Bank Pitis is the oldest building built from the administrative rule of Sultan Muhammad III. They kept the government's money in this building measuring approximately 12 feet in height and 12 feet width. Pitis was the old currency used in the state. In Kelantanese dialect, it is pronounced as "Pee-teeh".

Istana Jahar(Jahar Palace) is a museum of royal customs of Kelantan since July 1992. It was the Royal Residence, built by Sultan Muhamad II in 1887 for his grandson Long Kundur. It has luxurious woodcarvings that showcase excellent Kelantanese craftsmanship. The museum displays photographs, artefacts and traditional handicraft reflecting Kelantan's rich and sophisticated heritage. 

Some of the traditional rituals... From marriages, to birth of children and to the burial ritual upon the passing of the person.

Malay Weapon Gallery showcase many traditional weapons such as keris and parang. If you think you've seen it all, well, you might be surprised to see the different designs and materials to make the weapons. 

I was surprised to know that every inch of a keris has its own name, similar to the body parts of a human being.

Will continue with part 2 of Perdana Trail adventure in next post. Till then, XOXO!

Perdana Trail by Hotel Perdana @ Kota Bharu, Kelantan (Part 2)

As promised, here is the continuity to my Perdana Trail adventure in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

The Royal Museum(Istana Batu) looks striking in yellow, the colour of royalty. This building was built in 1939 as one of the Royal Residences but now functions as museum to display the Kelantan Royal Family personal collection such as gifts, paintings and souvenirs. Let's catch a glimpse into the past royal life here.

The royal attire worn by the Sultans, Prince and Princess made from songket. Songket is a luxurious, traditionally handwoven textile often associated with Malay royals. It is hand woven in silk and intricately patterned with gold or silver threads. The metallic thread stand out of the crowd with its shimmering effect. Songket also carries a rich cultural and visual profile which makes it rare and inimitable. It takes almost a month to produce a songket.

One of the prettiest room. This is the bedchamber of His Royal Highness Sultan Yahya Petra's children until 1960 when His Royal Highness moved to Istana Kota Lama. 

Another section of the museum is dedicated to the current Ruler of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V. You can see his activities as a "Pemimpin Berjiwa Rakyat" captured in photographs. The young sultan is often seen with his subjects during his 'mencemar duli' visits to see the people of Kelantan including at mosques and villages.

Next, we stop by the Handicraft Village. You'll find lots of local handicraft like traditional embroidery, batik, wooden carvings and silverware sold here. On top of that, you can also buy T-shirts and key chains for friends at work too! Find something that says, 'The Red Warriors' perhaps for avid football fans? Gomo Klate Gomo!

Inside the Handicraft Village, you will find this huge fountain with the shape of 'sirih' tray. On top of it, are the buah pinang(betel nut) which commonly complement the sirih leaves. These replicas are a representative of traditional Malay 'tepak sirih' which was a common sight at kampung homes back in the days. Today, 'tepak sirih' is used as part of wedding gifts or hantaran perkahwinan as a symbol of prosperity.

Lucky for us, we had the chance to catch some traditional performances including

Silat, a type of Malay martial arts. I was informed that there are more than 300 types of silat practised in Malaysia. The most famous ones are Silat Gayung, Silat Lincah and Silat Cekak. This art is not only performed for combat, it's also can be transformed into a folk dance. The silat performance was also accompanied by traditional music, led by a serunai(traditional flute) musician.

Watch the video at : 

https://instagram.com/p/20I_J1ybQf/

Rebana Ubi is a type of traditional musical culture synchronized rhythmic beating of the Malay drums.

Watch the video at : https://instagram.com/p/20JZbOybQu/

Finally, it's time for lunch at the local popular eatery Nasi Ulam Cikgu. The restaurant is located right underneath the Muzium Kraftangan itself. You can see many people sitting at their tables enjoying a colourful selection of foods.

We had the privilege of sitting in the air-conditioned room along with other customers. Puan Nik Adura, the MarComm Manager of Hotel Perdana, Kota Bharu showed us the proper and traditional way of eating in Kelantan. She mixed the budu and some tempoyak into a plate along with other condiments such as cili api, onions and lime.

It wa indeed one of the best lunch we've ever had. From the piping hot white rice, to the fresh greens of ulam-ulaman.... and yes, the super delicious side dishes.

From top left : Ulam, Fried Chicken

Bottom left : Sayur masak lemak, Ikan Patin and Budu

The highlight of Nasi Ulam Cikgu. Gigantic fried snakehead fish. Super crispy outside yet so soft and moist inside. So delicious! By the way, some of our blogger friends conquered their fear for the snakehead fish by eating (and enjoying) it for the first time in their life! Now, that's what I call Fear Factor Kelantan!

Suprisingly, the total bill of our lunch was just slightly over RM200 with free refills of cold beverages too. Can we get such a great lunch in KL at that price? I highly doubt it! 

Balai Syura (Islamic Museum) is Kelantan's first Islamic school. You can view a wide collection of Islamic art and crafts, photographs of the artifacts of Prophet Mohammed here. With its building displaying traditional architecture with a touch of Islamic Arts, one can easily understand the meaning of 'Serambi Mekah' or 'The Veranda of Mecca'.

During our visit, there was an exhibition specially dedicated in the memory of Tok Guru Datuk Nik Aziz. Well respected by the Malaysian especially Kelantanese, Tok Guru Datuk Nik Aziz has helmed the Kelantan state government for 23 years. Here one also learned that traditionally, the past rulers of Kelantan was often accompanied by a religious teacher called 'Tok Guru' as the main advisor.

The War Memorial Museum(Bank Kerapu). Bank Kerapu is a historic building located in the downstream side of Padang Merdeka, Kota Bharu. This building, built in 1912 was first used as a commercial bank and believed is the first building/bank opened in the state. The Mercantile Bank of India Limited, thus the name Kerapu Bank. The word 'Kerapu' refers to the rough exterior walls of the building. During the Japanese Occupation from 1942 to 1945, this building was used as the headquarters of the Japanese secret police, or known as "Kempetai". After the war, the building was reused as a bank. The building was turn into a memorial museum displaying pictures, memorabilia and artefacts of World War II.

Oppss.... You'll be greeted General Yamamoto upon entering Bank Kerapu.

The wax figurine was so human-like, we thought he looked like one of our blogger friends, Razi. He called General Yamamoto 'Oto-san'(father in Japanese). Hehehe...

Some of the World War II related exhibits there send shiver down our spine as we thought of all the suffering our ancestors went through during that time. As what we have seen in the movies, food was extremely scarce. People were impoverished and malnourished. Those who were accused of being a traitor were executed without mercy. Try spending some quality time there and imagine your life in that era. You will realize what a great life you have now compared to the life people had then during World War II.

Right behind the Bank Kerapu, you will see actual war artifacts including a propeller from war ship and a small concrete room which resembled a bunker.

That was the end of our Perdana Trail. 

After many hours of walking and exploring, discovering sights so new yet fascinating to us(especially yours truly as this is my first trip to Kelantan), it was time to head back to hotel.

We were surprised to see Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu has already arranged our transport, beautifully decorated trishaw. Now that to me has somewhat sealed the whole trip. What a way to travel. Although the trishaw was somewhat smaller than the ones you might see in Melaka and Penang, but it was good enough for us.

We caught a glimpse of Kota Bharu on wheels as the pakcik slowly paddled his way to Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu. Thumbs up to the kind arrangement of Hotel Perdana, Kota Bharu.

When we got back to hotel, we are treated to a delightful afternoon tea of local favourite snack "Keropok Lekor"(Fried fish cakes) which was pretty addictive. Just dip the hot keropok lekor into the chili sauce and enjoy....

Indulging in this huge ABC after a blazing hot day outside feels like heaven. This huge ABC only cost RM18 with generous assorted condiments and a big scoop of ice cream with cherry on top at Cerana Coffee House.

Since Wendy my roommate needed a traditional wear for Perdana Trail official launch, we headed out to the Bazaar Tok Guru to hunt for traditional wear. Wendy able to find herself a nice baju kurung for only RM80 after some bargaining. Sadly, I don't get to buy, as the design I like is out of my size. Geez...

Till then, stay tuned as I will share with you the official launch of the 'Perdana Trail'.

Hotel Perdana @ Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Yay! I’m excited to share my recent media trip with my fellow blogger pal to Kota Bharu, Kelantan. It’s my first time visiting Kota Bharu and boy, am I excited with what’s in store for me. My heartiest thanks to Hotel Perdana, Kota Bharu and Destination Malaysia by TM Info-Media for the opportunity.

First thing first, upon landing we were transferred to the hotel. Hotel Perdana is situated in the heart of the city surrounded by the commercial district and only within walking distance to the Stadium. With only 15 minutes drive from the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport Kota Bharu, the hotel is also close to government offices, shopping areas, hospitals and local attractions, so convenient! Hotel Perdana, Kota Bharu is also accorded with Five Star rating by Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia with Halal certification from JAKIM.

Upon entering the hotel, I couldn't resist of taking pic at the stunning lobby. 

The lavish lobby.

Check out this mirror effects setting...

Each small room has the same furniture and decoration resulting the mirror effect.

So more pic session.... 

Hand painted drawings by local artists are displayed in the entire building.

The hotel is wholly owned by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and managed by PNB Management Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PNB, Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu opens to public in August 2013 after an extensive renovation. With 272 guest rooms & suites, it’s the preferred choice of accommodation for any business or leisure traveler in Kota Bharu.  

All rooms are furnished with the latest amenities include : 

- IDD Telephone 

- 32” LCD TV & 40” LCD TV in Suites 

- Minibar 

- Coffee & Tea making facilities 

- Iron & Ironing board 

- Writing desk 

- In-room electronic safe 

- Individually controlled air-condition 

- Shower Tub in Classic Wings 

- Separate Shower stall & bathtub in Executive Wing 

- Hair dryer 

Gotta check out my favourite place in the hotel, gym! The gym is open for 24 hours and easily accessible with the room card key. How great is that! 

Swimming pool!! 

If you're not into swimming, let's relax in the jacuzzi!!!

The hotel consist of 2 wings: 

 Classic Wing 

- Deluxe Classic 

- 6 Accessible rooms 

- Premier 

- Deluxe Premier 

- Deluxe Suite 

 Executive Wing 

- Perdana Executive 

- Perdana Suite 

- Presidential Suite 

- The Royal Suite

Gotta love the bright colour retro carpet in the Deluxe Premier room.

    

Accessible room are available too for the disabled or in a wheelchair too, with lowered toilet and railing.

   

With 113 square metres, Presidential Suite is a good choice for a retreat. Comes with a living room area, dining table, a kitchenette, equipped with fridge, microwave, plates, cutleries and coffee making facilities.

   

Dolce Gusto coffee making facilities.

Only for the Royalty or VVIP, Royal Suite indeed is the most outstanding of them all. The bed is super comfy....

Woah... Look at the grand setting of dining table and living sofa too.

And the best of all, jacuzzi.

The rooms are beautifully decorated with paintings by local artist.

And unique vases.

The hotel's architecture displays of unique carvings where rich Malay heritage is kept alive.

Sports enthusiasts will never miss their favourite sports as the most comprehensive Astro Sports channels are provided too. The grand ball room Dewan Bunga Emas is equipped with state of the art AV equipment with the capacity of 500 persons, the perfect venue for weddings, events and conventions. 8 function rooms including 2 boardrooms, which cater from small meetings of 20 persons to 100 persons. Ample parking spaces are available with 275 parking lots, 3 bus parking bays and 30 lots for motorcycles, the only hotel in Kelantan providing such complimentary facility to its guests. 

And last but not least, let's visit my room for 2 nights!

Perdana Executive with twin beds.

Video at: https://instagram.com/p/2dBXWxSbee/

If you are visiting Kota Bharu, do check out Hotel Perdana for an amazing stay. Truly a 5 star hotel, but with 10 star hospitality! 

For more information, please visit :

Website : http://www.hotelperdanakotabharu.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/HotelPerdanaKotaBharu

Instagram : @hotelperdana_kotabharu