Gelanggang Seni is the cultural centre of Kelantan where you’re able to witness the traditional wayang kulit firsthand as well as other Kelantanese folk arts.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
What to expect?
What to expect?
Kelantan has a rich cultural heritage and is home to one of the earliest empires in Asia. In the city of Kota Bharu, Gelanggang Seni serves as the primary avenue for showcasing the best of Kelantanese cultural arts and performances. Admission is completely free and the shows are especially designed to be children-friendly.
Wayang kulit or shadow play, is a traditional performance involving colorful and intricately designed puppets behind a screen lit up by oil lamps while a story with moral values is told by the puppet master. The puppet master is known as Tok Dalang. He acts as the storyteller, changing his voice and controlling the puppets to suit the play and is accompanied by a team of traditional musicians sporting gongs, drums and flutes. This local entertainment is unique to Kelantan and it used to be the children’s favourite pastime before the era of electronic gadgets
Wayang kulit or shadow play, is a traditional performance involving colorful and intricately designed puppets behind a screen lit up by oil lamps while a story with moral values is told by the puppet master. The puppet master is known as Tok Dalang. He acts as the storyteller, changing his voice and controlling the puppets to suit the play and is accompanied by a team of traditional musicians sporting gongs, drums and flutes. This local entertainment is unique to Kelantan and it used to be the children’s favourite pastime before the era of electronic gadgets
What to bring?
What to bring?
Bring a camera to take some pictures of the beautiful display in front of you! Try to turn off the shutter or click sound as to not interrupt other attendees.
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Seating area
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Be aware of peddlers and people telling you a different place to watch the performances. Check the expected showtimes by calling Gelanggang Seni ahead of time to make sure you don’t end up getting scammed.
- Arrange transport via taxi or ride sharing services as snatch thieves target persons walking alone.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- It is a low season during the Muslim month of Ramadan and the frequency of performances as well as the number of stalls selling souvenirs outside decrease considerably or do not open at all.
- Wear decent clothing and be respectful of the cultural shows you watch.
- Set your mobile phone to vibrate/silent to ensure that the flow of the performance isn’t interrupted.
- Ask kindly if you wish to view the ‘backstage’ area! Mind your steps while navigating the area as to not damage any of the props or equipment used by the puppet masters.
- You can also check in with your hotel for the updated schedule for the performances held at Gelanggang Seni.
- Besides the wayang kulit performance, you can also learn about gasing (top spinning) and silat (traditional martial art).
What to expect?
What to expect?
Kelantan has a rich cultural heritage and is home to one of the earliest empires in Asia. In the city of Kota Bharu, Gelanggang Seni serves as the primary avenue for showcasing the best of Kelantanese cultural arts and performances. Admission is completely free and the shows are especially designed to be children-friendly.
Wayang kulit or shadow play, is a traditional performance involving colorful and intricately designed puppets behind a screen lit up by oil lamps while a story with moral values is told by the puppet master. The puppet master is known as Tok Dalang. He acts as the storyteller, changing his voice and controlling the puppets to suit the play and is accompanied by a team of traditional musicians sporting gongs, drums and flutes. This local entertainment is unique to Kelantan and it used to be the children’s favourite pastime before the era of electronic gadgets
Wayang kulit or shadow play, is a traditional performance involving colorful and intricately designed puppets behind a screen lit up by oil lamps while a story with moral values is told by the puppet master. The puppet master is known as Tok Dalang. He acts as the storyteller, changing his voice and controlling the puppets to suit the play and is accompanied by a team of traditional musicians sporting gongs, drums and flutes. This local entertainment is unique to Kelantan and it used to be the children’s favourite pastime before the era of electronic gadgets
What to bring?
What to bring?
Bring a camera to take some pictures of the beautiful display in front of you! Try to turn off the shutter or click sound as to not interrupt other attendees.
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Seating area
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Be aware of peddlers and people telling you a different place to watch the performances. Check the expected showtimes by calling Gelanggang Seni ahead of time to make sure you don’t end up getting scammed.
- Arrange transport via taxi or ride sharing services as snatch thieves target persons walking alone.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- It is a low season during the Muslim month of Ramadan and the frequency of performances as well as the number of stalls selling souvenirs outside decrease considerably or do not open at all.
- Wear decent clothing and be respectful of the cultural shows you watch.
- Set your mobile phone to vibrate/silent to ensure that the flow of the performance isn’t interrupted.
- Ask kindly if you wish to view the ‘backstage’ area! Mind your steps while navigating the area as to not damage any of the props or equipment used by the puppet masters.
- You can also check in with your hotel for the updated schedule for the performances held at Gelanggang Seni.
- Besides the wayang kulit performance, you can also learn about gasing (top spinning) and silat (traditional martial art).
Gelanggang Seni is the cultural centre of Kelantan where you’re able to witness the traditional wayang kulit firsthand as well as other Kelantanese folk arts.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
