Silk Museum & Weaving Centre

Pusat Kerajinan Sutera

Dedicated to preserving Kelantan's famous silk weaving tradition, with displays of traditional looms and finished silk products. Visitors can observe weavers in action and learn about the intricate process of creating this luxury textile.

Things to do

• Watch Master Weavers at Work — Observe skilled artisans operating traditional wooden looms, demonstrating the centuries-old techniques required to create intricate silk patterns.
• Learn the Silk Production Process — Follow displays explaining each stage from cocoon to finished fabric, including dyeing, spinning, and weaving demonstrations.
• Examine Traditional Loom Collections — Study the museum's exhibits of authentic wooden looms used for generations in Kelantan, some dating back decades.
• Browse and Purchase Silk Products — Shop for scarves, traditional songket (woven silk with gold thread), and other handcrafted silk items directly from the centre's shop.
• Photography Tour of Heritage Crafts — Capture images of weavers in action and intricate loom mechanics, with permission to photograph the working artisans and textile patterns.
• Hands-On Weaving Workshops — Participate in short workshops where visitors can try basic weaving techniques on smaller looms under guidance from experienced weavers.

Food to try

• Nasi Kerabu — A fragrant local dish of rice mixed with herbs, vegetables, and a spicy sambal sauce, often served with fried chicken or fish nearby in Kota Bharu.
• Laksa Kelantan — A rich, creamy coconut-based noodle soup with fish, turmeric, and aromatic spices, considered one of Malaysia's most distinctive regional curries.
• Rendang Daging — Tender beef slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, chilies, and spices until the sauce clings richly to the meat.
• Teh Tarik — A beloved Malaysian tea beverage made by pouring hot tea between two cups to create a frothy drink, best enjoyed at local kopitiam cafes.
• Kuih Tradisional (Traditional Cakes) — Kelantan's famous handmade glutinous rice cakes and sweet pastries, often coconut-based and sold at markets near the museum area.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Weaving as Sacred Craft — Understand that silk weaving is deeply embedded in Kelantan's cultural identity; speak respectfully about the artisans' skill and heritage.
• Observe Prayer Times — The centre may close or have limited activity during Islamic prayer times, particularly Zuhr (midday) and Asr (afternoon) prayers.
• Dress Modestly — Wear long pants or skirts and cover shoulders as a sign of respect when visiting this cultural heritage site in conservative Kelantan.
• Ask Before Photography of Artisans — While photography is generally permitted, always politely ask individual weavers for permission before photographing them or their work closely.