KOTA BHARU

Experience untainted Malay culture and heritage coupled with scenic natural landmarks,museums and traditional handicrafts.
DID YOU KNOW ?
• The state of Kelantan is also known as ‘The Cradle of Malay Culture’.
• Kota Bharu was the landing port for the Japanese invasion of Malaya during WWII

Perhentian Island

A must-go for its pristine white beaches, clear water and amazing snorkelling.

When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–1 hr from city centre to Kuala Besut, Speedboat–30 mins from Kuala Besut to Pulau Perhentian
Smart Tip
Perhentian Island consists of two islands--Perhentian Besar is more suitable for families, and Perhentian Kecil is buzzing with young adults and couples on honeymoon.

Gelanggang Seni

Enjoy true Malay heritage
performances here such as ‘wayang kulit’ (shadow puppetry), ‘silat’ (art of self-defense), and ‘wau’ (traditional kite).
When
Mon, Wed and Sat, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Mon and Sat, 9.00pm – 12.00am
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–10 mins from city
Contact
+6097443124
Fun Fact !
‘Wayang kulit’ was performed during the old days as entertainment during weddings, births, in honouring teachers, and to celebrate a good rice harvest.

Merdeka Square

This historical landmark was established as a memorial for World War I.

When
All Day
Admision
Free
How
Taxi–10 mins from city
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my

Sabak Besar Fishing Village

Experience Malay life at this picturesque fishing pier, where hundreds of colourful boats line up the shore.

When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–20 mins from city
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my
Smart Tip
Best to visit before 2.30pm, when fishermen return with their day’s catch.

Cahaya Bulan Beach

Popular beach among locals to enjoy picnic, beach activities and the calm ocean breeze.

When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–15 mins from city
Smart Tip
En route to the beach, visit the vibrant handicraft area that produces authentic Kelantanese ‘batik’,‘songket’ and ‘wau’(traditional kites).

Jeram Pasu Waterfalls

Surrounded by lush nature and serene jungle atmosphere, have a splashing great time dipping into the crystal clear icy water that is truly refreshing!

When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–30 mins from city

Bisikan Bayu Beach

This ‘Beach of the Whispering Breeze’ is lined up with tall casuarinas that offer a quiet shade—great for family picnics by the beach.

When
All Day
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–30 mins from city

Bank Kerapu (War Museum)

Offers fascinating exhibits of documents, pictures and military paraphernalia related to the Japanese occupation in the country.

When
10.30am – 5.45pm. Closed Fridays.
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–5 mins from city
Contact
+6097482266
Fun Fact !
Originally constructed in 1912 as the state’s first bank, the Japanese army turned it into the HQ of Kempetai-the feared secret police during World War II.

Islamic Museum

Learn about intricate Islamic arts and crafts as well as documents that mark the history and influence of Islam in Kelantan.

When
10.30am – 5.45pm. Closed Fridays.
Admission
RM2-Adult, RM1-Child
How
Taxi–5 mins from city
Contact
+6097482266
Fun Fact !
This museum also houses a picture gallery of Prophet Muhammad’s personal belongings.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum (Balai Getam Guri)

Have a leisurely day browsing traditional tools and handicrafts at this museum, set in a charming Kelantanese village setting.

When
8.30am – 4.45pm. Closed Fridays
Admission
Free
How
Taxi–5 mins from city
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my
Smart Tip
Cultural shows and craft demonstrations are held from time to time. Contact Kelantan Tourism Board for more info.

Istana Jahar (Museum of Royal Tradition and Customs)

Gain insight into Kelantan’s monarchy at this gallery showcasing equipment and outfits for royal ceremonies.

When
10.30am – 5.45pm. Closed Fridays
Admission
RM2-Adult, RM1-Child
How
Taxi–5 mins from city
Contact
+6097482266
Fun Fact !
Built in 1855 by Sultan Muhammad II for his grandson Long Kundur, this old castle is a fine example of Kelantan’s great craftsmanship.

Kelantan State Museum

This museum showcases precious arts, crafts and traditional musical instruments of Kelantan.

When
8.30am – 4.45pm.
Admission
RM2-Adult, RM1-Child
How
Taxi–5 mins from city centre
Contact
Kelantan State Museum
+6097444666
Smart Tip
Check out the Saturday weekly market from 9.00am-4.00pm where locals exhibit and sell their wares.

Wat Photivihan

This exquisite Buddhist temple is home to a 40-metre reclining Buddha, one of the longest in South East Asia.

When
All Day
Admissionc Free
How
Taxi–45 mins from city

Pasar Siti Khadijah

One of Kelantan’s landmark attractions, find fresh goods such as vegetables, local snacks, tropical fruits and more.

When
6.00am – 6.00pm
How
Taxi–5 mins from city
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my
Fun Fact !
The lively atmosphere of chitter-chatter between the mostly women traders and visitors is a sight to behold.

Wakaf Che Yeh

2

This bustling open-air night market is great for bargains on clothes, knick-knacks and local street food.

When
6.00pm – 2.00am
How
Taxi–10 mins city
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my

KB Mall

Kota Bharu’s biggest shopping mall where you will find everything from lifestyle items to fresh produces.

When
10.00am – 10.00pm
How
Taxi–5 mins from city
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my

Rantau Panjang Free Trade Zone

Duty-free shopping at its best where you find items ranging from clothes to electronic goods, decorative items to handicrafts and souvenirs.

When
8.00am – 6.00pm
How
Taxi–45 mins from city
Bus 29 at Merdeka Square bus station
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my

Bazaar Buluh Kubu

Ladies will absolutely go crazy here for the wide variety of textile including batik and intricately hand-woven ‘songket’.

When
9.00am – 6.00pm
How
Taxi–5 mins from city
Contact
Kelantan Tourism Board
+6097477554
www.tic.kelantan.gov.my

Nasi Dagang

This authentic Malaysian east coast cuisine consists of steamed rice in coconut milk, complemented with boiled egg, fried coconut, vegetablepickle, ‘sambal’, and either fish or prawn curry.

Laksam

White rolls of thick rice flour noodles splashed with flavoursome fish and coconut gravy. It’s creamy, spicy and tasty!

Pulut Panggang

A Kelantanese appetiser that’s easily available at the night markets,this grilled glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves is simply delish!

Ayam Percik

Satisfy your tummy with this savoury meal of chicken that is roasted in local herbs and served with thick and flavourful coconut sauce.

Other must-eats: Nasi Berlauk, Nasi Tumpang, Kuih Tepung Pelita, Kuih Puteri Mandi