Kota Bharu – the capital city of the State Kelantan

Kota Bharu is the capital city of the State Kelantan. It’s an Islamitic state. Don’t be frightened now, because those beautiful people are very warm and gentle. You can compare this people with the Indonesian people: nice and friendly. Indonesia is just like Kelantan an Islam State.

Alcohol is officially out of order in this State. So, if you want to be an alcoholic drink in your hotel, then you can forget it. It’s simply not sold in public buildings. But, however, you will find Chinese, which are living in Kota Bharu, who will sell you beers silently. In your hotel you just can forget it.

Kota Bharu is a very socially conservative city in a state ruled by the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS). Be respectful of the cultural and religious sensibilities of its primarily Muslim inhabitants. There is no need for non-Muslim women to wear a tudung (scarf over the hair), but both men and women should consider wearing clothing which covers their torso completely. Also, be prepared for breaks to be taken in many places, including the Pasar Malam (Night Market) during Islamic prayer times.

Kota Bharu is a real typical Malaysian city. It’s still so pure. Kota Bharu means “new city”, and this serene and peaceful town offers both rich tradition and some magnificent natural wonders. Life here proceeds at a leisurely pace, and the time-honoured tranquillity of this unique locale is well worth discovering.

Some people think, that Kota Bharu is worth only a stay of one night! Don’t do that. I think it’s the nicest city, that you’ll find at the East Coast. There is so much to do and to see in and out of the city. 

Wau

Don’t stay only in the city, but make trips into the surroundings. You’ll find wonderful temples, large Buddha’s, which is peculiar because there are more than 30 Buddhist temples throughout Kelantan. Mostly near the Thai border. This is a surprising number considering Muslims make up 95 per cent of the population. Explore the beautiful caves. Make a boat trip up the river, which departs in Kuala Krai.

In Kota Bharu you must see the beautiful market. This famous four-storey landmark contains both wet and dry markets. Look for local fresh fruits, such as rambutans, durians and mangoes. Fresh fish, meats and vegetables are also available. The upper floors sell dried fish, spices and batik.

Pelangi Mall

This lively market sells fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and meat, and always has a bustling, vibrant atmosphere. Something special to look for are Kelantan’s famous lekor (dried crackers)–which are plentiful on the upper floor. You may also notice many of the vendors are women, this fact has contributed to the rather false rumour that Kelantenese men are lazy in nature.

Kota Bharu has also very beautiful beaches. The most famous one is the beach of “Beach of Passionate Love”. Strong currents make swimming hazardous here, but people happily stroll along the beach enjoying the cool breeze or taking refreshments from the many seafood stalls.Another one is Pantai Dasar Sabak. During World War II, the first Japanese landed on this beach.

Buses Kota Bharu

Some trip/activity’s in and near Kota Bharu:

• Cutural Centre.
• Buluh Kubu Central Market.
• Balai Besar Palace.
• Sabak Beach Fishing Village.
• Gunung Stong.
• Handicraft Village and Craft Museum.
• Istana Jahar.
• Wat Photivihan Jambum.
• State museum
• Museum of War
• Royal museum
• Merdeka square
• Beaches • Pantai Cahaya Bulan
• Pantai Irama
• Pantai Bisikan Bayu
• Pantai Seri Tujuh
• Pantai Dasar Sabak
  (the landing of the Japanese in  1941) Waterfalls • Jeram Pasu
• Jeram Lenang
  • Lata Beringin
    (you’ll reach this after a train trip of 2 ½ hours and the waterfall is 120 meter high) Boat trips/Jungle rekking ◦ Kelantan Boat trip (Leaves in Kuala Krai and you can go back in different ways)
  • Jelawang Waterfalls (after the boat trip you go  jungle trekking for 1½ hour)

◦Lata Beringin Waterfalls (you’ll reach these waterfalls after a train trip of 2½ hours)•Kuala Koh (many different activities: rafting, bird watching, fishing, climbing)Go to the Tourist Information for jungle trekking!