 Kota Bharu Travel Guide
      
Kota Bharu Travel Guide (12 February 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Kota Bharu, capital of the East Coast Malay heartland
Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan Darul Naim. It is located on the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. With an estimated 2010 population of about 610,000, it is one of the largest towns in the East Coast.
Being by the banks of the Kelantan river, Kota Bharu is flood prone. Within Kota Bharu town are many heritage sights such as palaces and mosque. Due to Kelantan's proximity to Thailand, there are many big Thai temples close to Kota Bharu, especially in the town of Tumpat. There are about 30 Buhhist temples in Kelantan, which is something of a surprise for a state with an overwhelmingly Malay population.
Interior of Handicraft Village, Kota Bharu (12 February 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
On my visit - in between breaks in the rain - we visited the famous Siti Khadijah Market, walked around to view the many Kelantan palaces and museums, and took our van to visit the many famous Thai Buddhist wats, including Wat Machimmaran, with its huge sitting Buddha, and Wat Phothivihan, with the largest reclining Buddha in Malaysia. On our way into Kota Bharu, we also stopped at a couple of waterfalls, and visited Masjid Kampung Laut, the oldest mosque in Malaysia.
Tin Hin Kong Temple, Kampung Cina, Kota Bharu (1 January, 2007)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Budget Travel to Kota Bharu
You can take a flight, a train or a bus to reach Kota Bharu. The Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Pengkalan Chepa is the main airport for Kelantan. It is served by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Firefly.
For a bit of sightseeing, you might consider taking the Jungle Train that runs between Gemas in Negri Sembilan to Tumpat in Kelantan. It offers you a good view of the tropical rainforest.
Finally, Kota Bharu is connected with all major cities in Peninsular Malaysia by bus.
Budget Travel in Kota Bharu
Many of the museums and historical sights in Kota Bharu are within walking distance of the rather compact town.
Further Reading
- History of Kelantan
Get to know a bit about the history of the state and how it was established.
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Places of Interest in Kota Bharu
- Bank Kerapu
Former bank building now housing the War Memorial Museum.
- Bank Pitis
Historical building that was formerly the Kelantan state treasury.
- Cenotaph
British war memorial at Merdeka Square.
- Islamic Museum
Museum exhibiting ancient artifacts documenting the history of Islam in Kelantan.
- Istana Balai Besar
The Grand Palace of Kota Bharu, built in the 19th century to replace the old palace located near the Kelantan River.
- Istana Batu
Palace building, formerly used for royal weddings, now a repository of regalia and royal paraphernalia.
- Istana Jahar
Museum of royal traditions and customs, housed in a former palace.
- Istana Kota Lama
The old palace, located on the east bank of the Kelantan River.
- Kampoung Cina
One of the earliest Chinese settlement in Kelantan.
- Kota Bharu Handicraft Village
Cultural centre showcasing Kelantan's traditional sports and recreational activities.
- Laman Siti Khadijah
Public square between the Siti Khadijah Market and the Buluh Kubu Bazaar.
- Masjid Muhammadi
State mosque of Kelantan.
- Merdeka Square
Formerly known as Padang Kelupang, this was the site of the declaration of Independence of Malaya on 31 August, 1957.
- Muzium Kelantan
Museum showcasing the history and culture of Kelantan.
- Pantai Cahaya Bulan
A beach popular with the locals for picnicking.
- Siti Khadijah Central Market
Biggest market in Kota Bharu.
- Sultan Yahya Petra Bridge
Longest bridge in the East Coast.
- Tambatan DiRaja
Royal pier, one of the piers in Kota Bharu on the banks of the Kelantan River.
- Tin Hin Kong Temple
Main Chinese temple in Kampung Cina, Kota Bharu.
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