Noted as Kelantan's preserved traditional heritage, Singgora is a clay roof tiles that is being produced using purely manual labour. This roof were and are still being used in some traditional homes, palaces and resort with traditional architecture. The roof originates from Thailand and now has become part of the Malay traditional architecture. What makes it unique is that the soil being used is only available in Bachok as sodium content in the soil is a prerequisite in making a good Singgora roof tiles (tanah bendang air masin to be specific). The whole process of a roof takes an estimation of 2 months for it to be ready and send to the customer.
Preserving this heritage is Puan Noraini Jusoh, the fifth-generation of singgora tile makers family, learning the art of tiles making from her father.
The origin - Sultanate of Singora
Previously known as the Malay-Muslim kingdom of Sultanate of Singora is now called Songkhla, located in the southern Thailand and was founded in the 17th century. It is known that there is a slight difference between the Thai Singgora tiles versus ours, having said that the characteristic remains the same - it being light and porous thus enabling it to absorb water (rain) easier acting as a cooling system in a home. Due to its thin and light in size makes it esier to break which is its drawbacks
In order to strengthen the roof tile, grog is added during the clay process. Grog is a pre-fired clay taken from rejected post-firing Singgora clay sheet. It is crushed and later sieves to sand-like texture, the grog is then mix with the clay and ready for the first step - wedging and kneading.
Click here to view a 1 min video on the making of atap Singgora/Singhora roof tiles.
Wedging and kneading (menguli dan memijak)
This task is usually done by men due to it being strenuous - wedging and kneading for 3 rounds at least as this is to ensure that the air are not trapped inside the clay making it to crack or break with ease.
Moulding (acuan)
Once the clay is well kneaded, it is then places into a mould where the men uses his leg to press to form the shape. 
Drying (kering)
The shaped clay is placed under the sun for about 2 days to dry.
Firing and kilns (bakar dan tanur/gok)
The dried clay is put into a traditional kiln called the Dragon Kiln and is being fired for 10 days. The kiln here is still using the old method ie wood and is fired at 800c in temperature. Ready Singgora roof tiles are sent to the customers after the 2 months process.
#JejakWarisanBachok and #JejakAdiguru 2023 Media Fam Trip is organized by Tourism Malaysia Wilayah Timur in partnership with all its sponsors.
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