Kelantan ~ Kota Bahru

Kota Bahru, which means 'new city' or 'new castle/fort' in Malay is the state capital and Royal City of Kelantan. Lying close to the Thai border, it is home to many mosques. Of interest are various museums and the unique architecture of the old royal palace (still occupied by the sultan and sultanah and off-limits to visitors but viewable from outside) and former royal buildings (which can be visited). Most of the museums and heritage buildings are located along Jln. Hilir Kota and Jln. Sultan and can be easily covered by taking a walking tour. The local point of the towns activities is the Kota Bharu market.

Food
At the junction of Jln. Padang Garong and Jln. Pengkalan Chepa you will find Kota Bharu�s Chinatown. Traditional Chinese noodle dishes are readily available here. For an outdoor Malaysian dining experience in the evening, try the food stalls at Padang Bas, in the town centre which are open from 6.00pm to midnight.


Places of Of interests

Istana Batu (Royal Museum)
Literally �Brickstone Palace�, Istana Batu was constructed in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail. It houses the Royal Museum and was previously used as the venue for Royal weddings and as a guesthouse for visiting royalty. The Istana Batu now serves as a repository for the history of the Kelantan royal family and displays regalia, pictures, silverware, furniture and palace items of former Sultans.


Istana Balai Besar
lstana Balai Besar This palace was built by Sultan Muhamad 11 in 1840 to replace his riverine palace on the Kelantan river. It now serves as the venue for ceremonial functions and investiture ceremonies. Please note that Istana Balai Besar does
not admit visitors.


Islamic Museum
Tracing the history of Islam in Kelantan, exhibits include Islamic arts and crafts and photographs and of some of the personal belongings of
Prophet Muhammad and Islamic historical sites.
 Opening hours: 10.30 am - 5.45 pm daily except Fridays.


Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace)
Built in 1887 by Sultan Muhamad II for his grandson Long Kundur, this is now a museum featuring Kelantan cultural heritage.

 The intricate wood carvings are testimony to the craftsmanship of local artisans. Photographs, artifacts and exhibits bear testimony the rich
cultural heritage of Kelantan.
Opening hours: 8.30 am - 5.45 pm daily except Fridays.


State Museum
Incorporating the State Art Gallery, the building itself was used as the land office from colonial times until 1990 when it was converted to a museum. The museum displays the arts, crafts and musical traditions of Kelantan. Ceramic displays testify to the early trade with China and artifacts from local archaeological sites provide evidence of human activity during the pre-historic age in Kelantan.
Open: 9.00 am � 6.00 pm daily (except Fridays) / Location: Jln. Hospital  


Merdeka Square
The site of many historical events, Merdeka Square rose to prominence in 1844 after the completion of the lstana Besar. It is also known as Padang Bank.



Handcraft Village and Craft Museum
While the Craft Museum houses many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship, the adjacent village provides visitors the chance to see just how these crafts are made. Demonstrations include: Embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver work and woodcarving. These products are also on sale at the centre.
Open: 8.45am - 4.45 pm daily



New Central Market
Pasar Siti Khadijah (Kota Bharu Central Market), is a riot of colour. Kelantanese stallholders conduct their business amidst rows of chillies, carrots, seafood and farm produce. It may surprise you that a majority of them are women. Perhaps this is a throwback to the fact that Kelantan was once ruled by a princess, Cik Siti Wan Kembang. Kelantanese women remain fiercely entrepreneurial and have been known to be hard bargainers.

Bazaar Buluh Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar)
This 3 story-shopping complex is stocked with miniature souvenir, knick-knacks and clothing. The T-shirts, hats. Key chains and silver ornaments on
 sale here make lovely gifts.