Kelantan in view

Kelantan which means 'The Land of Lightning', faces the South China Sea on the east, shares a common border with Thailand in the north-east, Perak in the north-west, Pahang in the extreme west and Terengganu in the south-east. The state is noted as the cradle of Malay culture.

Primarily an agricultural state with padi, rubber and palm oil as the main economic activity, life-stock breeding and fishing are equally important. Kelantan is also renowned for its traditional cottage industries chiefly gold and silver brocade weaving, brassware and batik printing.

The people of Kelantan, peace loving and friendly by nature, are rich in tradition and have such exciting pastimes as kite flying, top spinning, shadow play theatres and bird singing competitions, to name a few of the more popular sports. Due to its closeness to Thailand and having been under Thai domination intermittently until 1909, a lot of Thai influence can be seen in the customs and traditions.

History of Kelantan dates between 8000-3000 B.C. Chinese historical documents chronicle the existence of a government which had links with China, when Kelantan was referred to as 'Ho-lo-tan'.

The early history of Kelantan is rather obscure. The territories of Kelantan and Patani came under Siam in the 14th century. Around 1411, Raja Kumar, the ruler of Kelantan, became independent of Siam and Kelantan became an important centre of trade by the end of the 15^th century.
In 1499, Kelantan was conquered by forces of the Malacca empire and became its vassal state. With the fall of Malacca in 1511, Kelantan was divided up and ruled by petty chieftains.

With the conquest by the Siamese in 1603, most of the Kelantan chiefs became subject to Patani. Around 1760, a petty chieftain of Kubang Labu in Kelantan succeeded in unifying the territory of the present Kelantan. Soon after in 1764, Long Yunos seized the throne and proclaimed himself Raja of Kelantan. With his death, Kelantan came under the influence of Terengganu.

In 1800, Raja Muhammad declared himself as the first Sultan of Kelantan. In 1812, he broke from Terengganu's influence and became a separate tributary state of Siam. In 1831, Siam divided up the old Malay Kingdom of Patani into 7 provinces each under a Siamese Governor. Siam played an important role in Kelantan throughout the 19th century.

In the 1909 Anglo-Siamese treaty, Siam surrendered its claims over Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis in exchange with the British government for territorial claims in Siam. Kelantan thus came under the control of the Straits Settlements as one of the Unfederated Malay States.

Kelantan was occupied by the Japanese on 8th December, 1941. After the defeat of Japan on August 1945, Kelantan and the rest of Malaya came under the British Military Administration in September 1945.

Kelantan became part of the Federation of Malaya on 1st February, 1948 and together with other states attained independence on 31st August, 1957. On 16th September, 1963, Kelantan became one of the component states of Malaysia.

Kelantan is perfect for the traveller who wants a laid back holidy. Let us begin our tour of the state from the state capital of Kota Bharu (New Fort).

Situated on the north bank of the flood-prone Sungai Kelantan (Kelantan River), it is the centre of the fertile rice basin and home of the traditional Malay arts and crafts and traditional pastimes. Kota Bharu can be reach by air, rail, road and sea. The recent opening of the scenic East-West Highway has greatly reduce the travelling time from the West Coast to the East Coast.

If one should travel by road in Kelantan one will not be surprised to see yet other women at work, cooking sweet corn by the roadside, tilling rice and tobacco fields, ballering fish on the beaches, weaving silk and painting batik in traditional style.

Kota Bharu is also the home of the Kelantan Royal family. Situated between Jalan Hilir Kota and Jalan Hulu Kota and protected by a high wooden wall whose gates are elaborately carved, is the Istana Balai Besar (The Throne Room), the Audience Hall and the Royal Palace. It is also houses the State Lagislative Assembly Hall. Built in 1844, the palace presently serves as the venue for the important royal funtions and ceremonies.

Around Kota Bharu

The center of Kota Bharu, hugging the eastern bank of Sungai Kelantan, is based on a grid pattern, with a busy roundabout sporting a curious pink rocket-like clock tower marking the junction if the three major roads; Jalan Hospital, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim and Jalan Temenggong. The area surrounding the clock tower is where you’ll find most of the shops, banks and offices, while around Jalan Padang Garong, a few block to the north, are Kota Bharu’s markets. Further north still, close to the river, the quiet oasis of Padang Merdeka marks Kota Bharu’s historical center, a compact square of fascinating buildings.

With so much to see on the streets themselves, it’s easy to overlook the State Museum and the Gelanggang Seni (Cultural Center), south of the clock tower, which give a rather more ordered visual documentation of Kota Bharu’s cultural inheritance. Most of these sight are within easy walking distance of each other and, at a stretch, you could complete a tour in a day, perhaps taking in a show in the evening.

3. Silversmith                                                                      15. Islamic Museum
4. Batik / Songket Centre                                                   16. War Museum
5. Semasa Batik Factory                                                      17. Handicraft Village & Craft Museum
6. UDA Shopping Arcade                                                 18. Istana Balai Besar
7. Antique Shopping                                                          19. Merdeka Square
8. Buluh Kubu Bazaar
9. To Cottage Industries Area/PCB/Kite Making Area
10. New Central Market
11. Old Market
12. Night Food Stall / Night Market

IMPORTANT PLACES TRANSPORTATION

20. Tourist Information Centre                      32. Malaysia Airlines (MAS)
21. Cultural and Arts Office                           33. Local Bus Terminal
22. Kota Darul Naim (State Assembly Hall)34. Mini Bus Terminal (To PCB)
23. Police Station                                             35. External Express Bus Station (SKMK) Langgar
24. Custom Office                                            36. External Bus Station (Ipoh, Seremban, Malacca

25. General Post Office - Jalan Hamzah)
26. Telecom / Telegraph Office 37. Internal & External Taxi Stand
27. Federal Office Building / Immigration Office
28. Royal Thai Consulate
29. General Hospital
30. Women's Institution
31. Public Dentist

The Kelantan Tourist Information Centre, also known by locals as TIC, is the best place to begin a trip to Kelantan.The Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is located at Jalan Sultan Ibrahim in Kota Bharu; a short distance from the clock tower, and next door to the Kelantan State Museum. The TIC is the place for obtaining maps, schedules of upcoming events, such as demonstrations at the Culture Centre, and arranging for licensed guides .

Here you can make arrangements for a river safari to the upper reaches of the Kelantan River or "Ulu", jungle trekking or participate in the "Homestay Program" This is the best place to begin your trip to Kelantan.

Always available are maps, brochures and schedules of upcoming special events, such as traditional games competitions and festivals. In addition to obtaining schedules for the Cultural Centre and you can even obtain bus schedules here too. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer questions, and provide guidance to help make your stay in Kelantan much more enjoyable.

On display (and for sale) are many traditional crafts that you will come across during your journey here in Kelantan such as silver jewellery, woodworking, bamboo weaving, batik, Songket, and pottery.

Phone (609)748-5534
Fax:: (609)748-6652

Many of the tourist attractions in Kota Bharu are conveniently located in the cultural zone, thus making it easily accessible.Take a leisurely stroll down Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hilir Kota and check out these places. They offer an invaluable insight into the history of Kelantan.
Opening hours are from 10.30 am to 5.45 pm daily except Fridays. The admission fee is RM2.00 for adult and RM1.00 for children.

Admission is free except for the Royal Museum, Islamic Museum, Syura Hall, Royal Custom Museum and Craft Museum.Please also note that the Istana Balai does not admit visitors.

The Kelantan Arts Centre is a must on every visitor's itinerary. Here one can see tantalising performances and demonstrations of top-spinning (gasing), kite-flying (wau), shadow puppet-play (wayang kulit) and silat (malay's martial arts), the traditional Malay arts of self-defence on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Also available here are the traditional art forms of Dikir Barat and Rebana Ubi. This is specifically Kelantanese music and different to anything never heard before. One can also see exhibits of Islamic architecture and witness demonstrations of ceramic manufacture, textile and silk weaving.

Kelantan is hailed as the cultural haven of Malaysia. It is here, at the Cultural Centre or Gelanggang Seni that you can witness Kelantan's rich culture heritage. Watch giant kites chase each other playfully in the azure sky, see tops the size of dinner plates spin rantically for hours and listen to the rich resonance of the rebana ubi (drums).

In the evenings, cultural performances such as the Malay Traditional Music and wayang kulit take centrestage. The wayang kulit or shadow play, is a unique form of theatre inspired by the great Hindu epics, the Flamayana and Mahabrata. The tok dalang manipulates the puppets (made from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks) and modulates his voice to create drama and suspence.

Showtimes: 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm (Sat, Mon & Wend)
9.00 pm - 11.00 pm (Sat & Wed)
Admission: Free

This is actually a World War 1 memorial to the unknown heroes and is located between the Masjid Muhammadi and the Balai Besar. Originally known as Padang Bank (Bank Field), it took on its new name Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) when the country achieved its independence from British Colonial in 1957.

Previously known as Padang Kelupang, Merdeka Square is one of many such central civic spaces in Malaysia. The British built most of the country's padangs as central open spaces around which revolved the buildings, and the life, of the colonial administration. Merdeka Square rose to prominence in 1844 after the completion of the Istana Besar.

This palace was built by Sultan Muhamad II in 1840 to replace his riverine palace on the Kelantan river. It now serves as the venue for ceremonial functions and investiture ceremonies. In close proximity to the Balai Besar is yet another imposing palace built in 1887 by Sultan Mahmud II. The palace displays carved wooden panels and intricate wooden framework. It was recently renovated and converted as the Royal Custom Museum and houses many valuable historical and cultural artefacts. In the same vicinity is the Muzium Di Raja (Royal Museum). It is housed in massive blue-white concrete building and is commonly referred to as the Istana Bata (The Brick Palace). This museum displays a variety of royal arts and artefacts as well as historical paraphernalia.

Along Jalan Sultanah Zainab is the Masjid Muhammadi (State Mosque). This mosque took ten years to build, i.e., from 1916-1926 during the reign of Sultan Ismail.This mosque is a hive of activity on Fridays when thousands of Muslims throng the prayer halls. The streets outside are busy with hawkers peddling a variety of wares, from religious books, chanting beads, headgear of sorts and traditional medicines.

Visitors are required to seek the permission of the caretaker before entering. They should be properly attired and should remove their shoes.

Believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. The mosque was actually dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece from its original site at Kampung Laut because floods from the nearby river threatened its structure. The mosque was built entirely without the use of nails. It is located at Nilam Puri.

On the outskirts of Kota Bharu one can see a number of Buddhist Wat (Temples) which are reminders of ancient Thai influence in the State.

One of the most famous wats is the Wat Phothivihan, situated in the village of Kampung Jambu in Tumpat which has sizeable number of Thai followers. This temple houses a 40-meter long, 11-meter high reclining Buddha which is believed to be one of the largest statues in the world and the largest reclining Buddha in South-East Asia. One can see swallows freely nesting in the ear lobes of the statue.

At Repek in Pasir Mas, Kelantan is the oldest and prettiest Thai temple, the Wat Uttamara. This colourful wat has fanciful flame-like upturned-roof ridges and an orange and green multi-tiered roof. Large dragons entwine the veranda columns.

Built in 1887 by Sultan Muhamad II for his grandson Long Kundur, this former palace, Istana Jahar, is now a museum. The intricate wood carvings are testimony to the superb craftsmanship of the Kelantanese. Photographs, artefacts and exhibits on Kelantan's rich cultural heritage will keep visitors enthralled.

Istana Batu was designed and built in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail I. It was used as a venue for royal weddings as well as to house royal guests. Today, it has been converted into the Royal Museum where regalia and palace items belonging to former Sultans are on display.

These include silverware, bedroom items and furniture from the royal household. There is also a photographic exhibition on the life of the late Sultan of Kelantan. Admission: RM2.00

Islamic Museum / Syura Hall

Adjacent to the mosque is the State Religious Building which also doubles as an Muzium Islam (Islamic Museum). Built in 1924, this building sprouts a unique Pattani (Southern Thai), style roof.

The history of Islam in Kelantan is well documented in the artefacts and inscriptions exhibited here. The setting-up of the Islamic Museum is timely as Kelantan is one of the centres of Islamic Learning.

The War Museum occupies the oldest brick building in Kelantan, dating back to 1912. This historic building now houses Japanese memorabilia and documents relating to World War Two.

Savour the hospitality of a typical Kelantanese family by opting to stay with a family of your choice. This unique homestay programme enables you to get an insight into the culture and lifestyle of these simple folks. You can choose to be "adopted" by any of these: potter, fisherman, kite maker, batik manufacturer, silversmith, top-spinning crafts-man.

Get in touch with the Tourist Information Centre or your hotel receptionist who will be able to make the necessary arrangements.

No visit to Kelantan would be complete without a trip to a fishing village dubbed "the soul of Malaysia's East Coast". Two of the most well-known village are Sabak Beach (approx. 14 km from Kota Bharu) and Kuala Besar (15 km from Kota Bharu).

If you wish to fully capture the moment, you should arrive no later than 2.30 pm, when the boats laden with the day's catch are first spotted on the horizon. As they come ashore, their intricately carved prows are a riot of colours. Then the bargaining begins between wholesales and the fishermen - a noisy but interesting ritual.You will also be able to witness other related activities such as fish-curing and the mending of nets.

Buses no 8 and 9 depart every half hour from the old market terminal to Sabak Beach.
Bus no 28 leaves from the new central market to Kuala Besar every half hour.

Kelantan Silver

Kelantan silver is renowed or it intricacy of design and superior workmanship. Silversmiths use two kind of techniques - filigree and repousse. Item range from the functional to the purely ornamental and include fruit bowls , tea sets , ash trays, brooches and bracelets.

You can visit the silvercraft factory at Kampung Sireh (along Jalan Sultanah Zainab), Kampung Marak or at Kampung Badang on the road to Pantai Cahaya Bulan.

Songket , aptly dubbed Malaysia's "cloth of gold" is a proud legacy of the Kelantan and Pattani courts. Once strictly reserved for royalty, songket is now used for ceremonial occasions and weddings . Richly woven with gold or silverthreads, songket was the dramatic consequence of the region's early trade with China (which supplied the silk) and India (gold and silver threads).. You may like to visit a Songket - weaving factory at Kampung Penambang , about 4 km north of Kota Bharu

Batik is indigenous to Kelantan . The first cotton sarungs were printed using the stamp block method but since then newer methods and diffrent materials have been employed.

A visit to the Batik factory gives an insight into the entire process of batik printing . Some of the bigger factories are at Kampung Puteh , Kubur Kuda and Kampung Badang. Open between 8.30 am - 5.00 pm everyday except Fridays.

Kelantan's woodcarvers are some of the best in the region. They produce lovely mirror frames, panels, lamp stands and headboards. Floral motifs are the norm.

Kelantan is the home of giant kites that soar through the air with nary a care in the world. Kite-flying usually takes place after the harvest when farmers have time on their hands to fashion and fly these wau. There are many different types - wau kuching ( cat kite ), wau merak (peacock kite), wau bulan (moon kite ) to name of few.

Kite making require tremendous skill and patience . The art is usually handed down from father to son . Along the road to Pantai Cahaya Bulan , there are many such establishments producing these gaily-decorated kites.

These establishments can be reached by boarding Bus No 10 in front of New Central Market.

The Kelantanese are masters of the art of boat-building and the secrets of this art are normally passed down from father to son. The little fishing village of Tumpat is synonymous with expert boat builders of the country. Here boatman build their boats from the experience and intuition. In order times some of these boats used to have some strange and fantastic forms attached to the prows. These could be in the shape of Bangau (Cattle Egret) or Garuda (a Demonic Birdman). However, the introduction of engines since 1950's began to spell the demise of the 'bangau' and 'garuda' but some of them still remain as exhibits to this day.

Kelantan is a shopper's heaven with not only traditional handicrafts on sale but a wide selection of goods from across the Thai border as well. Gorgeous silk kaftans, batik scarves, silver trinkets and rich songkets all vie for attention. Baskets of every hue, handbags woven from mengkuang and place mats are also on sale.

The shopper will find endless delights to captiveate him. Bargaining is part of the excitement. Often, a little patience will get you the best prices. You can stop at the bazaar, shopping complexes and the New Central Market.

The heartbeat of the town is at the central market where women traders sell cakes, spices, sweetmeats, preserved food, dried seafood, fresh fruits and vegetable, Kelantanese cuisine, local batik and handicrafts. Kelantan's Central Market is one of the most colourful markets in Malaysia to this day. The smell, the colours, the hubbub, the abundant variety of goods sold, and the dynamic entrepreneurship of the women traders give the central market a unique character.

It is an unusual place because on will see row upon row of women, dressed in batik, adorning gold jewellery, their heads carefully veiled in Muslim style, chewing betel-nut and haggling over prices of the great variety of wares, from colourful fruits and vegetables, pink lotus shoots, feathery ferntips, scarlet chillis to prickly durians, the 'King' of Malaysian fruits.

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

If you want to savour a truly Malaysian dining atmosphere, this is it. Go upstairs and we will be bewitched by the numerous food stalls selling Kelantan style dishes, rice and meat curries rice (nasi dagang) and tuna (nasi kerabu), rice with vegetables and herbs (nasi campur/nasi sayur). Yet other stalls sell spices, dry goods and local biscuits and cakes.

Head to this bazaar if you're looking for bargains. This 3-storey shopping complex is stocked with miniature souvenirs, which offers good buys in souvenirs, knick knacks, local batik and songket woven with gold and silver threats make lovely gifts.

All along this street are tastefully - decorated shops offering their treasures of gold, jewellery, rich textiles and brassware. The quality is good whilst prices remain competitive.

The Kelantan Airport of Sultan Ismail Petra Airports is situated at Pengkalan Chepa. It only caters for domestic flights. Another place of repute is in the Rantau Panjang, border with Golok Thailand, where we can obtain Thai goods at bargain prices and find the prettiest Malay women in Rantau Panjang on the Malaysia side. Here is the free-tax area. Another free-tax area is Pengkalan Kubur which is border with Tak Bai, Thailand.
Kelantan boasts unique cuisine with specialities like ayam percik, nasi kerabu or nasi dagang enjoying pride of place. Be adventurous and try the local fare. Restaurants and food stalls abound and hawkers selling snacks can be found almost anywhere.

At the junction of Jalan Padang Garong and Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, you will find Kota Bharu's Chinatown. Wan Tan Mee, Curry Mee, Fried Kway Teow are readily available here.

Dining out in the open, under the stars, makes a pleasant change. Night food stalls situated opposite the main bus terminal are open from 5.30 pm to midnight and serve a delectable array of dishes. If you want to savour a truly Malaysian dining atmosphere, this is it!

The Night Market, opposite of the central market is worth a visit for those who want to sample Kelantanese fare. Food stalls open in the evenings and dining is under the stars. Specialities include barbecued chicken with spicy coconut gravy, fried rice with herbs and Kelantanese cakes. For more elegant dining, air conditioned Malays restaurants serving local delicacies abound in many parts of the town.

Kelantan the northern most state on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, boasts of romantic beaches which have a poetic ring to their names. Invoked by the gentle waves lapping the golden sands, tall swaying coconut palms and lush green casuarinas whispering in the wind, the intricately v\carved prows of the fishing boats and the pervasive mood of peace and tranquillity along the beaches are too inviting for one to ignore.

The beaches of Kelantan are among the least developed in Malaysia. In keeping with the state's general air of being lost in time, one is morely likely to share the sands here with the occasional fishing boat than with other bathers.

Pantai Dalam Rhu
This beach also know as Pantai Bisikan Bayu, which means "Beach of Whispering Breeze", is fringed by tall casuarinas and lush. It seems like offer restful shade where families can enjoy a picnic. The crystal clear waters are cool and inviting! It offers a range of water sports viz, swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving. One can try ones hand at angling too. The beach is located near Semerak in the district of Pasir Puteh, about 50 km away from Kota Bharu. From the main terminal, you can take bus no 3 to Pasir Puteh. Then take bus no 96 to Kuala Besut.

Pantai Irama
It also name as Beach of Melody whose exquisite beauty has inspired a lyrical name. It situated in the district of Bachok about 25 km south of Kota Bharu. Its clean, white sands and casuarina groves make it a favorite place to camp. Pantai Irama is believed by some to be the most beautiful beach along the entire east coast! It is a hit with picnickers and campers alike. To reach here , take bus no 23 or 39 to Bachok.

Kelantan's emerald forests is home to a number of picturesque waterfalls. Many of them are in the Pasir Puteh district, about 35 km form Kota Bharu.

Jeram Pasu
This is the most popular waterfalls by far. It is situated off the Kota Bharu-Pasir Puteh road at Kampung Pak Amat and is accessible by car. Or board bus no 3 from the main terminal to Padang Pak Amat. Then take a taxi from there to the waterfalls, about 8 km away. A dip on the crystal clear icy water does wonders to the spirit.

Jeram Lenang
This is another favourite among the locals. The waterfalls is only 12 meters high but nonetheless draws the crowds. Bus no 3 will take you to Pasir Puteh from where you can board a taxi to Jeram Lenang. But the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Lata Beringin. At 120m, it is also one of the highest waterfalls in the country. The pool at the base provides a rejuvenating dip. The magnificent view and lush surroundings make this a popular camping spot. Lata Beringin is near the Sungai Pas Kesedar Land Scheme. It is accessible via a dirt track leading off from the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang highway.

Situated in the district of Kuala Krai. It has more than 30 species of mammals and birds. Its large grounds and facilities makes it a suitable place for picnics.

Opening hours: 9.00am - 6.00pm
(Open Daily)
Admission : RM2.00 - Adult
: RM1.00 - Child

The ecotourist will find much to delight him were he to take an upriver cruise of Sungai Kelantan into the virgin rainfor-ests of Kelantan. The secrets of the jungle will unfold itself if he looks and listens;

and the little villages along the bank is an added bonus. Take Bus No. 5 which leaves the main terminal at 7.45 every morning for Kuala Krai. At Kuala Krai, take the boat which leaves at 10.00 am for Dabong. The 2-hour boat ride affords ample time to take in the grandeur of the rainforests.

While waiting for the 17.45 pm train back to Wakaf Bharu, you can take a stroll around the village and observe the villagers at their daily chores. Alternatively, you can venture up to Jelawang to stay the night in one of the chalets (RM25.00 including meals). A one and a half-hour jungle trek brings you to the Jelawang Waterfall, spectacular and every bit worth the effort.

If you decide to return to Kuala Krai on the same day, you can catch a taxi from Kuala Krai to Kota Bharu. Please note that there are no boats available on Fridays. The southbound train from Dabong brings you to Gua Musang in two and a half hours. Here is where the majestic Lata Beringin is located. Gua Musang also lies within the National Park amidst the splendour of the world's oldest rainforests. Explore the many limestone caves, cascad-ing waterfalls or enjoy a river boat safari.There are similiar trips organised by the Travel. You are advised to book in advance.

Kuala Koh the entrance to the National Park. Popular for its fishing spots for fish like 'Indian Masheer' or locally known as 'Ikan Keloh' Fishing enthusiasts will find this a thrilling experience. Visitors are advised to book in advance through travel agents or fax no: 609 - 9122940.

ACCOMODATION IN KOTA BHARU

HOTELS	No of rooms
Hotel Berling 326 - A, Jalan Tengku Putra Semarak Tel: 09 - 7485255/7485359	35
Hotel Aman 236 C-D, Jalan Tengku Besar Tel: 09 – 7484042	20
Hotel Merry 6011, Jalan Hamzah Tel: 09 - 7446722	14
Hotel Anda 2529-A, Jalan Kebun Sultan Tel: 09 - 7446722	36
Hotel Intan 5581 – 5586, Jalan Dato’ Pati Tel: 09 - 7481277	24
Hotel Kami 204, Jalan Pasir Puteh Tel: 7446260	25
Hotel Tokyo Baru 3945/46, Jalan Tok Hakim Tel: 7449488/7444511	24
Hotel Sentosa No 3180-A, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim Tel: 09 - 7443200	16
Kencana Inn Jalan Padang Garong Tel: 09 - 7447944	52
Hotel Perdana Jalan Mahmud Tel: 09-7485000 Fax: 09-7447621	176
Kencana Inn City Centre Wisma Suara Muda, Jalan Doktor Tel: 09 - 7440944	34
Perdana Resort Pantai Cahaya Bulan (P.C.B.) Tel: 09 - 735011 Fax: 09 - 739960	120
Hotel Temenggong Jalan Tok Hakim Tel: 09 - 7483844 Fax: 7441481	36
Pantai Cinta Berahi Resort Pantai Cahaya Bulan (P.C.B.) Tel: 09 - 732307 Fax: 09 - 732605	43
Hotel Murni Jalan Dato' Pati Tel: 09- 7482399	38
Hotel Indah Jalan Tangah Besar Tel: 09 - 7485081 Fax: 7482788	43
Juita Inn Jalan Pintu Pong Tel: 09-7446888 Fax: 09 - 7444411	67
Dynasty Inn 2865 - D & E, Jalan Sultanah Zainab Tel: 09- 7473000	47
Hotel Ansar Jalan Maju Tel: 09 - 7474000 Fax: 09 - 7461150	78
Safar Inn Jalan Hilir Kota Tel: 09 - 7478000 Fax: 09 - 7479000	31
H.B. Village Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB) Tel: 09 - 7734993	24
Hotel Mawar Jalan Parit Dalam Bandar Kota Bahru Tel: 09 - 7448888 Fax: 09 - 7476666	21
Mohani's Inn Lot 3761 Jln Temenggong Tel: 09 - 7477899 Fax: 09 - 7471736	25

ACCOMODATION OUTSIDE K. BHARU

HOTEL	No of room
Perdana Stong Hill Resort Kg. Jelawang, Dabong Tel: 09 - 7476100	15
Kesedar Inn Gua Musang Tel: 09 - 9121229/9121491 Fax: 09 - 9122131	33
Hotel Gua Musang Bandar Baru Gua Musang Gua Musang Tel: 09 - 9122121/9122929 Fax; 09 - 9121044	23
Chalet Sri Ketitir Bandar Baru Gua Musang Gua Musang Tel: 09-9121235 Fax: 09- 9121044	4
Pantai Irama Motel Bachok Tel: 09 - 7788462	18
Hotel Tanah Merah Jalan Tasik, Tanah Merah Tel: 09 - 9557682/9557398	10
Sri Chalet Taman Tasik Sri, Tanah Merah Tel: 09 - 9556626	26
Chalet Sri Tujuh Pantai Sri Tujuh, Tumpat Tel: 09 - 7211753	17
Hostel Pantai Timur Lot 391, Seksyen 27 Jalan Kebun Sultan Tel: 09 - 7483753	35
KB Inn Town Centre Jalan Padang Garong Tel: 09 - 7441786	40
GUEST HOUSES
Johnty's Malay Villa Lot 882, Jalan Kebun Sultan Tel: 09 - 7448866	40
Menora Guest House Wisma Chua Tong Boon Jalan Sultanah Zainab Tel: 09 - 7481669	54
Town Guest House Jalan Pengkalan Chepa Tel: 09 - 7485192	60

Malaysia Airlines links Kota Bharu to the major towns in the peninsula. Trains are available at the Wakaf Bharu Station and Sungai Golok Station. There are adequate taxis and buses plying between the capital and outlying districts. Car rental agencies are plentiful. Travel agents can easily plan a hassle-free holiday for you.

Daily flights are available to and from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Johore Bahru. For reservations please contact Malaysia Airlines: Tel: 09-7447000 /7443482/7443346 Airport Tel No: 09-737000

Taxi services are available on a basis of four passengers to a taxi. Time of departure will depend on its full loads. Daily taxi services, plying between Kota Bharu to Kuala Terengganu and Gua Musang charge between RM12.00 to RM15.00 per person. Taxi services are also available to Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang, Ipoh and Gua Musang. Rates vary from RM25.00 to RM40.00 per person according to the distance travelled.Airport transfers are RM10.00 per person.

Air-conditioned bus services are available from Kota Bharu to various major towns within Peninsular Malaysia and up to Singapore at reasonable rates.

There are two stations in Kota Bharu. Both stations are accessible by bus No: 19 or 27. Visitors are advised to use Wakaf Bharu Station. Express trains depart daily for various destinations throughout Kelantan and major towns in Peninsular Malaysia right up to Singapore. Train schedules are subject to alteration at short notice. Please contact the nearest station master for further details. For enquiries please call: 09 - 796989, 966168, 966169. (Traffic Division).

Fishing Village

Sabak Beach (Japanese army first landed in Malaya (Malaysia) during World War II – 14 km from town centre). How to get there: Bus No. 8 and 9 departs every half an hour from main terminal.

Reclining Buddha

Wat Phothivihan at Kampung Jambu, Tumpat. How to get there: Take Bus No. 27 at the main terminal to Cabang Empat From here, hire a taxi to the temple – 3.5 km.

At Pantai Sri Tujuh Tumpat (Beach of Seven Lagoons). How to get there: Bus No. 43 from the main terminal.

Immersed in a swirl of local colour, sound and activities, most of the traders are women.

To every visitor, A VISIT TO THE CENTRE IS A MUST. Witness our Cultural games and pastime programme scheduled on every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday from March - October each year.

Showtime : 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm (Afternoon)
: 9.00 pm – 11.00 pm (Evening) Location : Jalan Mahmood (near Perdana Hotel) Admission : Free

Note: No cultural activities during Fasting month and on the every of major muslim calendar. Date, time and venue are subject to change out without prior notice. For more information, please consult your hotel/guest house/travel agent or please enquire at TIC Counter.

Enjoy our delicious Kelantanese cuisine at this open air eating area. Location – opposite the main Bus terminal along Jalan Padang Garong.

Songket Weaving. Batik Printing – P.C.B, Kg. Penambang. Kite making – Kg. Redang (Kg. Penambang), Kg. Kijang. How to get there : Take Bus No. 10 or 28 to P.C.B. Beach – departs every half an hour infront of Central Market.(Visitors are advised to inform the bus conductor/driver to stop at this area).

Wood Carving – Pakatan Jurukir Tradisional, bersebelahan Sek. Men. Maahad (Lelaki), Batu 1½,Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, 15400 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Tel: 7485235 How to get there : Bus No. 8 and 9 departs every half an hour from main terminal.

Copper Tooling at: Farajuca Copperkraf, DS 30/1, Bangunan Letak Kereta, Jalan Petra Semerak, 15000 Kota Bharu.Tel: 7743368.

How to get there : Bus No. 10 departs every half an hour infront of central market.Where to stay:Perdana Resort (Tel: 7744000)
H.B. Village (Tel: 7734993)
P.C.B. Motel (Tel: 7732307)

Beach of Whispering Breeze (pantai Bisikan Bayu) – 50 km from Kota Bharu How to get there : Bus No. 3 to Pasir Puteh departs from main terminal. Take Bus No. 96 from Pasir Puteh to Kuala Besut. Stop at Semerak – 15 minutes walk from the mainroad Where to stay : Komplek Rumah Rehat (Visitors are advised to contact Pasir Puteh Town Council Tel: 7861011for reservation during office hours – 8.00am – 4.00pm)

Beach of Melody (Pantai Irama), Bachok – 25 km south of Kota Bharu.How to get there : Bus No. 2A or 2B to Bachok, departs from main terminal.Where to stay : For reservation please call: Restaurant Motel Bachok. Tel: 7788462.

Beach of Seven Lagoons (Pantai Sri Tujuh) – 35 km northwest of Kota Bharu)How to get there : Bus No. 43 departs from main terminal.Where to stay : Chalet Sri Tujuh – for enquiries and reservation. Tel: 7211753.