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Located at the northeastern corner of the Malaysian peninsula at the
boundary of Malaysia and Thailand, and terminus of the east-coast road
is the state capital of Kota Bharu. The center of a very fertile rice
basin and the Kelantan Royal Family, Kota Bharu is known to be one of
the places where tourists can get a very good taste of traditional Malay
culture.
With modern architecture, Kota Bharu looks like any other east-coast
cities at first glance. But on closer inspection, it would be very easy
to see the many other attractions the area has to offer. While many
visitors stop by here before heading on to Thailand, more often than
not, they end up staying longer than planned to take in the sites and
revel in the last seduction of Malaysian culture.
Museums
Museums in Kota Bharu are located close to one another near the "Padang
Merdeka" (Independence Square). All are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. except on Fridays.
Bank Kerapu (War Memorial Museum)
This museum contains collections of Japanese photographic memorabilia
and documents relating to World War II. Built in 1912, the War Museum
occupies the oldest brick building in Kelantan. Some artifacts including
Japanese swords are to be seen among the exhibits.
 Gelanggang Seni
For a dose of Malay play traditions head on out to the Gelanggang Seni.
Here, visitors may take part in top spinning, seni silat (martial arts)
kite making, chicken-feather-ball, etc.
Syura Hall (Islamic Museum)
The history of Islam in Kelantan can be found in this mosque-like
building that is located across the road from Bank Kerapu. Artifacts and
inscriptions document how Islam influences the everyday life of the
state. The building itself was once known as "Serambi Mekah" (Verandah
to Mecca), which refers to its days as Kelantan's first school of
Islamic instruction.
Istana Jahar (Royal Custom Museum)
Carved wooden panels and intricate wooden framework displayed act as
testimonials to the superb craftsmanship of the Kelantan people.
Recently renovated and converted as a museum, it houses many valuable
historical and cultural artifacts.
Istana Batu (The Royal Museum)
Commonly referred to as the "Istana Bata" (The Brick Palace) the Royal
Museum was originally built to serve as the palace of crowned princes in
1939. This lasted until the year 1969 when the building was donated to
the state to be used as venue for royal weddings and accommodations for
royal guests. Today, the museum displays a variety of royal arts and
artifacts, as well as historical paraphernalia that belonged to former
"Sultans" (kings). Visitors can expect to see items such as a royal
dining room, a lavish living room, replicas of crown jewels, and other
royal bric-a-brac
Kampung Kraftangan (Handicraft Village and Craft Museum)
Kelantan's exquisite range of handicrafts is on display here.
Silverware, "songket", batik, and woodcarvings shown for both exhibition
and sale purposes. Other cultural activities are also displayed through
pictures and exhibits in this museum.
Istana Balai Besar (Palace of the Large Audience Hall)
Surrounded by walls, this palace is closed to the public. Located
opposite the Istana Batu, the palace was built in 1840 by Sultan Muhamad
II to replace his palace on the Kelantan River. It now serves as the
venue for ceremonial functions and investiture ceremonies.
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