Kelantan is well-known for its cultural diversity, tropical jungles, sandy beaches and waterfalls. It is no surprise then, that Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, also known as the Royal City, is a must-visit destination. Spanning 115.64 square kilometres, Kota Bharu is located near the border of Thailand, on the east canal of the Kelantan River. The city was established as the state’s capital in 1844 by Sultan Muhammad II of Kelantan, while the name Kota Bharu translates as a ‘new city’ or in reference to a ‘new castle’ or a fort. Kota Bharu was also one of the first places to be occupied by the Japanese during World War II.
Here, you will find many locals skilled in various crafts, their talents showcased in all its glory around Kota Bharu. Some extraordinary crafts that can be found include silverware, textiles, large handmade kites or better known as wau, brass work, batik, songket as well as intricate wood carvings. Extending from crafts into interesting building architecture as well as its vibrant streets that are packed with local stalls, Kota Bharu invites everyone to come and experience authentic Malaysian culture at its best.
Stroll along the street alleyways in Kota Bharu and you will witness vibrant wall murals coming to life. Kota Bharu Street Art stretches over 80 feet and tells the story of current happenings in the world to the public through stunning visuals, each designed and painted by local artists.
Not only can you find stories of current affairs, but also tales of Malaysian cultures depicted on the walls. From food to the lifestyle of Malaysians, the artists have perfectly captured the essence of Malaysian culture. Keep your eyes peeled also for floor murals that are sketched out on the paths, in addition to its wall-to-wall art, that make Kota Bharu Street Art a great backdrop for stunning images.
To get to Kota Bharu Street Art, visitors can take a taxi or any e-hailing service from Kota Bharu Bus Terminal to reach 3631 Jalan Dato Pati, which is where the stretch of street art is located.
This local wet market in Kota Bharu is a unique experience for anyone making a stop in town. Pasar Siti Khadijah is packed with a large variety of local produce and other miscellaneous items on sale. Named after the Prophet Muhammad’s wife, this vibrant three-storey market thrives with constant activity, featuring predominantly female vendors, who bring life to its bustling atmosphere. Pasar Siti Khadijah is open daily from 6:30AM to 5:00 PM.
Here, you will find the ground floor packed with wet and dry produce. Some of the many products available for sale here include Malaysia’s favourite keropok lekor (traditional fish cracker snack), Malaysian spices, fresh vegetables and poultry and much more. The second floor of the market is where you will find dried goods such as dried fish keropok, beef and chicken floss as well as other local snacks. This floor is also home to a large food court, which offers a wide range of iconic Kelantan kuih and local dishes.
The third storey of Pasar Siti Khadijah is packed with shops selling local handicrafts, fashion accessories, batik and traditional Malay clothing. Stroll along the corridors of the market and feast your eyes on the colourful materials and clothes that are arranged neatly along the walls and at the entrances of each stall.
Visitors can take a taxi or any e-hailing service from the Kota Bharu Bus Terminal to the market which is a 4-minute drive away. Alternatively, you can also grab a taxi or e-hailing service to the market from the Kota Bharu airport. Pasar Siti Khadijah is a 30-minute drive from the Kota Bharu airport.
Opened in 1991, Kampung Kraftangan features multiple buildings that showcase large collections of local handicrafts. The entirety of Kampung Kraftangan is designed using wood and bamboo elements as a nod to traditional Kelantan Malay-style houses. The main building is the handicraft museum, which is named Balai Getam Guri. Balai Kenerak, Balai Kecubung, Balai Tapak Leman and Balai Saga Kenering are where local handicrafts are sold.
The museum in Kampung Kraftangan displays a wide variety of collected homemade art from Kelantan. The main goal of this museum is to introduce and preserve the cultural history that has been passed down through generations and to showcase handicrafts from the Kelantan community through its exhibitions.
As you enter the museum, you can view different kinds of batik outfits and patterns that are intricately designed. There are also exhibits of songket designs, local embroidery and other woven materials on display. The interior of the museum is decorated with flower carvings on the walls and traditional designs.
The other rooms at Kampung Kraftangan are also made accessible to the public. The souvenir room is home to an array of local handicrafts that are for sale to anyone who is keen to take a piece of remembrance home.
There is also a batik painting room in the area. Here, visitors are more than welcome to try out traditional batik painting with the locals. Numerous demonstrations are held at Kampung Kraftangan from time to time. Some of the demonstrations are songket weaving, wool manufacturing, traditional carving and silverware making.
To reach Kampung Kraftangan, visitors can take the bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to Tesco Kota Bharu. From there, they can hop into a taxi or other e-hailing service to reach Kampung Kraftangan.
Operation Hours for Kampung Kraftangan
Kampung Kraftangan is open everyday except for Fridays from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM.
Entrance Fees for Kampung Kraftangan
*Prices are subject to change. Visit Kampung Kraftangan’s official website for price confirmation.
Istana Jahar is a local museum in Kota Bharu known for showcasing regal customs in Kelantan since 1992. This was once a palace that was named Istana Raja Bendahara Long Kundur bin Sultan Ahmad but was converted into a museum in 1992, and named after the Jahar tree that grows on the palace grounds.
Today, this two-storey museum showcases countless royal customs over the years as well as royal accessories. Some of the exhibits include textiles, royal jewellery, royal outfits, copperware and a Malay weapon gallery. The entire building of Istana Jahar reflects the essence of Kelantan royalty from its design to its architecture.
When making your way to Istana Jahar, you can opt for a quick 4-minute car journey or a brief 8-minute stroll from the Kota Bharu Bus Terminal.
Operation Hours for Istana Jahar
Istana Jahar is open every day except Fridays from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM.
Entrance Fees for Istana Jahar
*Prices are subject to change. Visit Istana Jahar’s official website for price confirmation.
Take a break from the bustling city life at Pantai Cahaya Bulan. The name of the beach can be translated to ‘Moonlight Beach’, and is a popular choice for family outings or picnics by the beach. With its long and wide sandy beach, you and your family can set up the perfect picnic spot by the crashing waves. Several watersports are also available at the beach for those who seek adventure. Also, keep an eye out for colourful kites that are lined-up for sale. There are also multiple food stalls located along the beach selling local snacks for all to enjoy by the shoreline.
Pantai Cahaya Bulan is located 10 kilometres from Kota Bharu, with several convenient transportation options available to get you there.
If you prefer public transportation, consider taking the Mutiara Rentas Desa Bus Service 10 from the Kota Bharu Bus Terminal, conveniently located in the town centre near Pasar Siti Khadijah. This bus service provides a reliable and affordable way to reach Pantai Cahaya Bulan.
Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi, which offers a more direct route and can get you to Pantai Cahaya Bulan in approximately 10 minutes from the Kota Bharu town centre.
For those who prefer to drive, navigating to Pantai Cahaya Bulan is straightforward, with ample parking spaces available upon arrival. So whether you choose to take the bus, grab a taxi, or drive yourself, getting to Pantai Cahaya Bulan from Kota Bharu is easy and hassle-free.
This traditional Malay house has been converted into a mini museum, which showcases the depth of traditional Malay customs. Rumah Tiang 12, also known as Sri Getam Guri, features a traditional Malay house design from its walls to the floors. During your visit at Rumah Tiang 12, you will get to witness local demonstrations such as batik painting, how to use traditional instruments and more. You will also get to indulge in various culinary delights during the lunch demonstration. For a little dress-up fun, take the opportunity to get dressed up in traditional Malay costumes, paired with matching Malay accessories. To visit Rumah Tiang 12, be sure to make a reservation three to seven days in advance.
Quaintly situated within a residential neighbourhood, Rumah Tiang 12 can be easily reached by taking a short 9-minute drive from the Kota Bharu Bus Terminal. Visitors also have the option to either drive themselves here or get here by taxi.
The Kelantan State Museum was officially opened in 1990. What was once the Kota Bharu Land Office and the Kota Bharu Council Office, is today home to a wide range of local artefacts of Kelantan showcasing the history of the state from its early days.
One of the exhibits on display is a cave replica. There are also other cultural elements that are shown here at the Kelantan State Museum including Malaysia’s famous Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets), Mak Yong (traditional dance-drama), traditional musical instruments and games. The museum also has short-term exhibits that are displayed in the foyer from time to time.
Conveniently located in the heart of Kota Bharu, the Kelantan State Museum is easily accessible by car, taxi, or even a brief stroll, given its close proximity to other attractions in the area.
For those arriving from the Kota Bharu Bus Station, a quick 8-minute ride or drive will take you to the museum's doorstep. In addition, there are parking facilities within the museum compound, ensuring a hassle-free visit for those travelling by their private vehicles.
Operating Hours of the Kelantan State Museum
The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM except on Fridays.
Entrance Fees for the Kelantan State Museum
Prices are subject to change. Visit Kelantan State Museum’s official website for price confirmation.
This night market is a fan favourite among locals and tourists alike. Stretching for miles, Wakaf Che’ Yeh is a treasure trove of local treats and trinkets. The Wakaf Che’ Yeh market is open daily from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Walk through the busy streets for some light shopping; the items here are known to be affordable and may we add, tempting.
Also, be spoiled for choice from the many stalls that sell local street food, which is freshly prepared before you. Grab a few snacks to enjoy on the go as you journey through Wakaf Che’ Yeh. There are also stalls with traditional outfits for sale here. Some of the options include local caftans, batik, songket and others.
A short 7-minute drive from the Kota Bharu Bus Terminal will take you to the vibrant Wakaf Che' Yeh market. The market also offers ample parking spaces for your convenience. Alternatively, you can also use e-hailing services or taxis to reach Wakaf Che' Yeh.
Built in 1867, Masjid Muhammadi exudes elements of British architecture. This unique mosque was transformed from a wooden building into a Western-style stone building in 1992. Masjid Muhammadi is commonly known as the place to celebrate the state’s religious celebration such as Maulidur Rasul, Isra ‘Mikraj and others.
Masjid Muhammadi is able to accommodate up to 2,400 people. There are four minarets at the top of the mosque, each standing proud at 70-feet high. Each minaret is designed with a large clock that can be seen from each angle of the mosque.
To reach the Masjid Muhammadi mosque, which is only 5 minutes away from the Kota Bharu Bus Terminal, visitors have the option to take a taxi or use any other e-hailing service. For those driving to the mosque, ample parking spaces are available within the mosque compound for convenience.
Known as the oldest mosque in Malaysia, the Kampung Laut Mosque was built in 1676, with architecture unlike any other. The building was made out of wood that did not require to be nailed together. Kampung Laut Mosque is said to have been built in the 18th century by Muslim settlers who travelled between Champa and Java. The mosque relocated to a different location because of a massive flood that hit the city. However, in 2022, the Kampung Laut Mosque was moved back to its original location.
The architecture of this mosque was influenced by the Nusantara style. The roof of the Kampung Laut Mosque is what is called the three-tiered Meru roof. At the end of each edge of the roof is a ridge cap that symbolises a dragon. The Kampung Laut Mosque has a foyer hall as well as a dignitary’s gazebo that was built in the 1950s. The walls of this mosque are quite similar to traditional Kelantanese Malay houses.
To get to Kampung Laut Mosque by car, simply take route 8 heading towards Kuala Krai, whilst enjoying a scenic 20-minute drive through picturesque surroundings.
Alternatively, visitors can also opt for public transportation by boarding bus No. 4 from the central station in Kota Bharu, which is conveniently located opposite Bazar Buluh Kubu. Sit back and enjoy the ride, which disembarks at Nilam Puri where the enchanting Masjid Kampung awaits.
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