Kota Bahru Hotels

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan, on the 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 is a very socially conservative city in a state ruled by the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS). Be respectful of the cultural and religious sensibilities of its primarily Muslim inhabitants. There is no need for non-Muslim women to wear a tudung (kerchief over the hair), but both men and women should consider wearing clothing which covers their legs and torso completely, and if you are a woman, also consider covering your arms. Also, be prepared for breaks to be taken in many places, including the Pasar Malam (Night Market) during Islamic prayer times. Kota Bharu itself offers many museums .Malay-language only) near Independence Square (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, however, 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 heritage 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 8:30am-4:45pm 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 (World War II Memorial [very small but 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 Kota Bharu Town: Wat Pothivihan (huge reclining Buddha), Wat Mai Suwan Khiri (dragon Boat & standing Buddha), Wat Machimarran Varran (sitting Buddha), and Wat Serova Buddhist Temples (Goddess of Mercy - Kuan Yin). The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see .Kota Bharu is the capital city of the State of Kelantan. It's an Islamic state. The beautiful people are very warm and gentle. Alcohol is officially out of order in this State. So, if you are in for an alcoholic drink in your hotel, then you can forget it. It's simply not sold in public buildings. But, however, you will find Chinese, which are living in Kota Bharu, who will sell you beers silently. Kota Bharu is a real typical Malaysian city. It's still so pure. Kota Bharu means "new city/new castle", and this serene and peaceful town offers both rich tradition and some magnificent natural wonders. Life here proceeds at a leisurely pace, and the time-honored tranquility of this unique locale is well worth discovering. Some people think, that Kota Bharu is worth only a stay of one night! Don't do that. I think it's the nicest city, that you'll find at the East Coast. There is so much to do and to see in and out of the city. Don't just stay in the city, but make trips into the surroundings. You'll find wonderful temples, large Buddha's, which is peculiar because there are more than 30 Buddhist temples throughout Kelantan.