Kelantan, which means the "Land of Lightning", is a veritable treasure trove of delights, with its tropical forests, rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm fringed beaches. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of peninsular Malaysia, on the border with Thailand, the state is home to giant tops, colourful kites and the wayang kulit or shadow play. Kelantan has preserved many of its age-old customs and traditions; earning it the distinction of being called the "Cradle of Malay Culture".