Discover Kota Bahru

You can get to know Kota Bahru through a variety of cultural experiences: goods and food at the main market, a striking gateway structure, and collections on Kelantan’s history. There are also craft demonstrations and traditional performances, whose schedules are important for planning your trip. Choose activities according to your interests rather than treating them as a single programme.

Market Life and Variety of Goods

Pasar Siti Khadijah is Kota Bahru’s main market. Traditional kuih, prepared foods, batik and songket are sold there, alongside everyday clothing, fresh food, and gold and silver goods. Culinary experiences sit alongside textiles, everyday clothing and other goods. Most of the trading is carried out by women. The range of individual goods may vary. If you are interested in traditional foods, the kuih and prepared dishes offer a different perspective from batik, songket or everyday clothing; gold and silver goods broaden the picture to include other parts of the market. Pasar Siti Khadijah is therefore a tangible point of reference for travellers who also want to discover Kota Bahru through its merchandise and food.

A Gateway Structure in the Centre

Kota Sultan Ismail Petra is a large gateway structure in the centre of Kota Bahru, characterised by traditional Kelantanese Malay architecture. It has five towers adorned with replicas of the Quran. Its striking architecture and multi-tower design offer a different focus from the museum collections: here, the structure’s design takes centre stage. This provides a clear thematic complement to a travel itinerary that also explores history and displayed objects.

Museums with Different Focuses

Muzium Perang displays photographs and artefacts relating to the history of the Second World War, particularly in Kelantan. As a Second World War memorial, it is located on Jalan Sultan next to Padang Merdeka. Istana Jahar houses the Royal Museum of the State of Kelantan. It presents the history of the sultanate from its beginnings to the present reign and displays weapons and traditional clothing. Muzium Negeri focuses on the history of the State of Kelantan, using a variety of images and artefacts. This allows you to distinguish between different historical subjects: the history of the war, with a particular connection to Kelantan; the history of the sultanate; and the history of the state.

The history of art also includes Balai Seni Lukis Kelantan. Its original building was in Muzium Perang (Bank Kerapu) on Jalan Post Office Lama; the gallery later moved. At Muzium Kraftangan, you can experience another aspect of the cultural offerings: craft demonstrations can be watched on the ground floor. Seeing handicrafts being made complements the museums’ images and artefacts by showing how handicrafts are created.

Traditional Performances and Their Season

Gelanggang Seni presents Rebana Ubi, Gasing, Congkak, Seni Silat and Kertok, as well as demonstrations of wau kite-making, Wayang Kulit and cultural performances. The season runs from February to the end of October. Performances are suspended from November to January because of the northeast monsoon, and none take place throughout Ramadan. Check the current schedule before visiting and factor these periods into your trip planning.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Kota Bahru, you can start by considering which cultural experiences will be the focus of your trip. The market and its food, architecture, historical subjects, handicrafts and performances each offer a different emphasis. If performances are important to your plans, pay particular attention to their seasonal schedule.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ketereh, Machang, Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, Gua Musang, Tumpat, Rantau Panjang, Pasir Puteh.

For the overview of the wider region: Kelantan.