Kota Bharu

1280px Kota Bharu - panoramio (2) - Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu (also Kota Bahru or Kota Baru) is the state capital of Kelantan, on the East Coast (Malaysia) | east coast of peninsular Malaysia. Many travellers simply pass through on their way to the Perhentian Islands, but those who spend a few days in KB have the chance to go to some of the museums mentioned below, eat some delicious food, look at a unique style of traditional architecture and get a little bit of the feel of a city that has an interesting cultural identity all its own.

Kota Bharu Halal Travel Guide

Kota Bharu is the vibrant capital of the state of Kelantan, whose unique culture and dialect are proudly promoted and sustained in all aspects that do not conflict with orthodox Islam. Visitors can experience local culture in the form of the (Thai) and Indian-influenced cuisine, dress (the state is probably the most famous for batik in Malaysia), handicrafts, some traditional architecture, museums showing the state's cultural legacy, and the sound of the Kelantanese dialect. Speakers of standard (Malay) may not be able to understand the local dialect, although if you speak standard (Malay), local residents will understand you and reply in standard (Malay). You can hear Bahasa Kelantan not only in the markets and on the streets but also on local radio stations.

Kota Bharu is a very socially conservative city in a state ruled by the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS). Visitors will hear the azan (call for prayer) from many masjids 5 times a day, and the khutbah (sermon) may also be broadcast from some masjids with loudspeakers. Visitors should be prepared for breaks to be taken in many places including the Pasar Malam (Night Market) during Islamic prayer times.

Travel to Kota Bharu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kota Bharu

Kota Bahru (Sultan Ismail Petra) Airport MRD - Sultan Ismail Petra Airport

Kota Bharu's small but efficient Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Pengkalan Chepa receives Flights from Kuala Lumpur provided by Malaysia Airlines and budget carrier AirAsia. Advance bookings especially for AirAsia can be very affordable (with best promotional fares you can end up flying cheaper than going by bus, if you have no check-in luggage).

Firefly, offers seven direct connecting flights between Kota Bharu and Kuala Lumpur via Subang Airport and daily flight to Penang. It's also the first airline to connect Kota Bharu to the southern city of Johor Bahru. Prior to this, most people would make the trip by vehicle or a 10-hour bus journey.

Firefly flies from Kota Bharu directly into Singapore.

Getting to/away: The airport is 20 minutes from the downtown by taxi (fare was RM40 in January 2012). You can also catch a City-Liner bus No. 9 from the local bus station in the downtown (RM1.80, hourly, from 07:00 to 19:00, duration around 20 minutes).

By Rail

The nearest train station to Kota Bharu is at Wakaf Bharu, some 6.5 kilometers away from the downtown. You can catch public bus No 19, 27 or 43 (Fare RM 1.50, operates from 07:00 to 19:00) from Kota Bharu Central Bus Terminal to get there or just ask your hotel/guesthouse to arrange a taxi for you (RM35 in February 2011). The official taxis at the station have a rate sheet.

Trains run on the Jungle Railway to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. One attraction is the Jungle Train with its shuttle train service that does stop at almost every station between Tumpat and Gemas, allowing you to enjoy close-up contact with local people as the train travels through the heart of Peninsular Malaysia. The name "Jungle Train" is really an obsolete name, nowadays: there is little if any jungle along the route. This is because the jungle has been replaced by palm trees - thousands of them. There are four day trains (Three shuttle trains and one express train) and two overnight trains (both express trains) making stops at Wakaf Bharu Station on their way southbound. For northbound direction, all the services terminate at Tumpat station, just a station beyond Wakaf Bharu. However, it is advisable to check the "KTM" (Malaysian Railways) timetable for any changes on this schedule.

Day train

From Wakaf Bharu station: Two shuttle trains No 81 and 85 depart from Wakaf Bharu Station at 04:00 and 14:17 respectively take you on board down south to their terminus at Kuala Lipis while another Shuttle train No 83 departs at 08.04 only terminate at Gua Musang. The Express train No 15 (Sinaran Timur) however, will take you further south to Johor Bahru and Singapore via Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis, Jerantut and Gemas. This train departs from Wakaf Bharu Station at 07.16 and reaches Woodlands CIQ Station in Singapore at 21:20. If you want to go to Taman Negara, you may board this train and get off at Jerantut.

To Wakaf Bharu station: The same train services with different train number may also get you into Kota Bharu through Wakaf Bharu station. Shuttle train No 82 and 86 that departs from Kuala Lipis, arrives at Wakaf Bharu station at 12.33 and 20:43 respectively. Another Shuttle train No 84 that departs from Gua Musang, arrives at Wakaf Bharu Station at 17:14. The Express train No 14 (Sinaran Timur) departs from Woodlands CIQ station in Singapore at 05.30, also arrives at Wakaf Bharu station at 18:52.

Overnight train

From Wakaf Bharu station: One Express train No 29 (Senandung Wau) will take you to the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. This train departs from Wakaf Bharu Station at 19:02 and reaches Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station at 07:55 the next day. Another Express train No 27 (Senandung Timuran) will take you down south to Johor Bahru and Singapore. This train departs from Wakaf Bharu Station at 20:47 and reaches Woodlands CIQ Station at 10:15 the next day.

To Wakaf Bharu station: The same train services with different train number may also get you into Kota Bharu through Wakaf Bharu station. The Express train No 28 (Senandung Wau) that departs from Kuala Lumpur Sentral station at 20:30, arrives at Wakaf Bharu station at 09.21 the next day. Another Express train No 26 (Senandung Timuran) that departs from Woodlands CIQ station in Singapore at 19:00, arrives at Wakaf Bharu station at 08.44 on the next day.

Other trains

Malayan Tiger: This service of "KTM" (Malaysian Railways) uses special coaches donated by the Japanese Government. In July 2012, this train operated thrice weekly between Tumpat and Johor Bahru. This train departs from Wakaf Bharu Station at 17:18 every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and reaches Johor Bahru Sentral station at 07:20 the next day. On the opposite direction, this train departs from Johor Bahru Sentral station at 22:39 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and arrives at Wakaf Bharu station at 13:11 the next day.
To Thailand: There are no train services directly into Thailand. You will have to catch bus No 29 from Kota Bharu Central Bus Terminal to Rantau Panjang and cross the border into Sungai Kolok and proceed from there. The morning train up to Bangkok departs Sungai Golok at 11:20.

Travel on a Bus in Kota Bharu

The state-run SKMK and Transnasional is the largest bus company, and operate all the city and regional buses, and most of the long-distance buses. It operates from the central bus station (city and regional buses) and the Langgar bus station (long-distance buses). All the other long-distance bus companies operate from Jalan Hamzah external bus station. On arrival in Kota Bharu some of the buses will drop you at the central bus station, but they don't depart from there. Transnasional is the easiest to deal with, as it has ticket offices at all the bus stations. Long-distance departures are from Langgar bus station but, just to make thing confusing, a few evening buses also go from central bus station. Ask which station your bus departs from when you buy your ticket, and book as far ahead as feasible, especially for the Butterworth and Georgetown (Malaysia) | Penang buses.

There are several buses to Butterworth (RM30, five or six hours) and buses to Georgetown (Malaysia) | Penang (RM34.70, six hours and 15 minutes) with one long stop (60-75 minutes) at Gerik. Buses to Penang leave in the morning at 09:00 and in the evening. There are also regular buses to Kuala Terengganu (RM16, three hours) and Kuantan (RM33, six hours). Apart from that and there are also buses to Kuala Lumpur (RM40, nine hours), Johor Bahru (RM65, 12 hours), Singapore (13-14 hours), Melaka (RM55, 10-11 hours), Seremban (RM48, 10 hours) and Ipoh (RM35, seven hours). Other destinations are Alor Setar, Jerantut, Jitra, Gerik, Temerloh, Dungun, Kemaman, Kangar and Kerteh. The other bus companies cover many of the same routes and are worth trying.

From the (Thai) border town of Sungai Kolok and there is a red city liner bus 29 (departs from the central bus station) for RM5, which operates the 36 kilometers stretch. Just wait along the Malaysian side of the border along the covered walkway and flag it.

What to see in Kota Bharu

Markt Kota Bahru - Pasar

Kota Bharu itself offers many museums near Independence Plaza (Padang Merdeka). Several of the museums and the nearby Istana Balai Besar (the downtown Royal Palace) were built in a unique kind of elegant architecture that is well worth seeing. Arguably the most amazing building is the central market (Pasar Besar). It is an octagonal building in the centre of town and houses a very colourful and active market every day. Nearby is a plain square which turns into the local food market in the evenings (Pasar Malam = Night Market).

Some visitors (particularly those interested in the history and cultural legacy of Kelantan) may also find the Muzium Negeri Kelantan (Kelantan State Museum) on Jalan Hospital 15000 of interest.

The following museums in Kota Bharu are all open from 08:30-16:45 every day except Fridays, when they are closed:

Muzium Kraftangan (Handicrafts Museum, with attached gift shop selling handicrafts)
Muzium Negeri (State Museum, see above)

Memorial Peperangan Dunia Ke II - Bank Kerapu Second World War Memorial | This is not just a memorial but a small museum, housed in a former bank building that was used by the Japanese as a secret police station when they occupied Malaya. It's worth a quick visit for history buffs.

Muzium Diraja (Royal Museum, which contains photos of the current and previous Sultans and such-like)
Muzium Islam (Museum of Islam)
Muzium Adat Istiadat Diraja Kelantan (Museum of Royal Kelantanese Traditions, which contains interesting artifacts and exhibits for those interested in cultural history)

Great temples to visit in the nearby towns to Kota Bharu Town: near Tumpat there is Wat Pothivihan (huge reclining Buddha), Wat Mai Suwan Khiri (dragon Boat & standing Buddha), Wat Chonprachumthat at Kg. Dalam, Wat Machimarran Varran (sitting Buddha), and Wat Serova Buddhist Temples (Goddess of Mercy - Kuan Yin). At Bachok and there is a 30 m high standing Buddha at Wat Phothikyan and a Kuan Yin temple facing the South China Sea nearby.

Cultural Show at Culture Centre 3 times a week on Saturday 15:00-16:45 & 20:00-23:30, Monday 15:00-16:45, Wednesday 15:00-16:45 & 20:00-00:00.
River cruise along Sungai Galas down to Dabong (2 hours).
Explore the caves at Gua Ikan,Dabong.
Stong Waterfall, reputed to be the highest in Southeast Asia at about 990 metres.
Mount Stong State Park. One of the main attractions at the state park is Gunung Stong, Mt.Stong (1,422 metres), a dome-shaped granite complex more than 500 million years old.
Nenggiri Rafting Adventure - The selected leg of the journey covers roughly about 50 kilometers, departing from Kuala Betis / Gua Cha and ends up at Kampung Star.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kota Bharu

Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyl Beach?|No, PCB Beach isn't named after a nasty industrial chemical: the original name was Pantai Cinta Berahi or the "Passionate Love Beach". Alas, this was a little too daring for State Government, and now the official name is Pantai Cahaya Bulan, "Moonlight Beach".

Go to the day and night markets. Have Nasi Kerabu for lunch at the day market and Ayam Percik at the night market.
Walk around the downtown area.
Bicycle around Pengkalan Chepa area (airport), see old WW2 British pillboxes near beach at Pantai Sabak. For history buffs only but no beach anymore due to erosion.
Go to the beach, either PCB Beach or Irama Beach (Beach of Melody). PCB Beach has batik shops, one of which is Citra Batik about 500 m from the beach. Also eat fried seafood at PCB Beach or Irama Beach with coconut water.
Beautiful beaches at Bachok - Pantai Perkasa, Pantai Sungai Dua, Pantai Kandis.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kota Bharu

Finished wau and wau frame - Wau bulan for sale

Hand-printed batik clothes. Kota Bharu Trade Centre (KBTC), which offers a variety of choices and is located just beside Pasar Siti Khadijah. Other places to buy hand-printed batik include Citra Batik at PCB Beach or at the KB Mall in town which has higher prices but is more convenient.
Silverware - at the tourist museum in Kota Bharu town.
Crystals and gemstones - you can find them at the local wet market or morning market or specialist shops. Emerald (local residents call them zamrud), ruby, sapphire, topaz, tiger's eye, etc. can be found. But beware as there are many fakes sold.
Kites - Miniature wau bulan are a local handicraft, but they are expensive and don't fly, so don't get them except for souvenirs. It is better to buy the plastic types for children because those kites can fly.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Kota Bharu is full of delicious Kelantanese food, a unique cuisine influenced by (Thai) and Indian styles, among others. Lots of goodies are to be found in the pasars and in coffee shops throughout the city. Chinese food is also available at various restaurants and food courts.

Among the local specialities are:

Ayam Percik, Chicken which is roasted over a wood fire and combined with coconut/peanut Sauce and delicious local herbs and greens. Yati Ayam Percik (847, Jalan Long Yunus) has got to be the best around (take a bicycle from your hotel to arrive there, it's about 2 kilometers from the centre);
Nasi Ulam (locally called Nasi Kerabu), Rice with fragrant, fresh-picked leaves and shoots, traditionally dipped into budu (fish sauce), sambal belacan (shrimp paste with hot pepper, et al.) or/and tempoyak (fermented durian sauce); You can find it in the morning at the Central Market first floor foodcourt.
Nasi Dagang Kelantan. The slightly glutinous-textured Rice is cooked in coconut, and similar to Nasi Dagang Terengganu, except the Kelantanese Rice grains have a tint of maroon. Served with either a fish or Chicken gravy, it is a local favourite breakfast food.
Murtabak, savory or sweet crêpes. Murtabak Raja (Royal Murtabak) is the famous one on Jalan Bayam. They sell takeaway Murtabak and sweets and the staff is really nice and friendly.
If you visit around Hari Raya time, don't miss the chance to try Tapai, which is sweet fermented cassava or Rice, wrapped in tapioca leaves. If you like tea, wash everything down with Teh O (tea with sugar) or Teh Susu (tea with sweetened condensed milk).
Keropok Lekor Losong (the local version is Keropok Gote), originally from Losong village and considered by Kelantanese to be the benchmark of all fish paste sausages. Comes fried or boiled. Kelantan Keropok Gote is not like Terengganu Kerepok Lekor Losong; it is thicker at about 4 cm.
Durian puffs (locally called Lepok Durian or Gelembung Buaya and they are in 3 colours: red, yellow and green), at Kubang Pasu wet market in the mornings - for durian lovers with strong stomachs only. These delicious pastries are sold at the wet market surrounded by fish. Buy from the lady at the junction, not in the middle of wet market.
Morning Satay, same lady, but not so delicious. Just for the experience. It also can be found in various restaurants in town. There are a few famous satay sellers like Satay Baung, Satay Suria, etc.

For (Thai) food, try restaurants in Taman Cemerlang and in nearby Wakaf Bharu town.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kota Bharu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kota Bharu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kota Bharu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kota Bharu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kota Bharu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKota Bharu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kota Bharu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kota Bharu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kota Bharu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kota Bharu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kota Bharu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kota Bharu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kota Bharu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kota Bharu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kota Bharu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kota Bharu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kota Bharu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kota Bharu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kota Bharu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kota Bharu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kota Bharu Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kota Bharu

eHalal Group Kota Bharu is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kota Bharu. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kota Bharu.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kota Bharu ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kota Bharu. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kota Bharu, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Azam Hotel Beside Azam Photo, Jalan Padang Garong, Rack rates from RM70 - RM100.

Crystal Lodge - From RM100 with standard twin room RM129.

Renaissance Kota Bahru Hotel

Pelangi Riverview Kondominium - 4 rooms condominium.

Local Customs in Kota Bharu

Be respectful of the cultural and religious sensibilities of Kota Bharu's 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.

News & References Kota Bharu

Travel Next

Malaysia

Perhentian Islands (via Kuala Besut)

From the airport, train station (in Wakaf Bharu), and city you can take a taxi (45-60 min; RM60-80) to Kuala Besut for regular boat connections to the Perhentian Islands. There is also a direct bus service to Kuala Besut Jetty - take bus 639 from the central station (6RM) and the trip takes 1:30-2:00 hours and services by Cityliner Kelantan Bhd. leaves at 06:15, 07:30, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:39, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:30, 18:30. The bus has no AC and is quite dirty and with doors open to get some fresh air gets very dusty. The same company also offers slightly discounted fast boat tickets at their Kota Bharu bus station ticket counter.

Thailand

Sungai Kolok

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