Kota Bahru Travel Guide Kota Bharu (also called Kota Bahru or Kota Baru), is the capital of the state of Kelantan which is located on the eastern coast of peninsular Malaysia. Kota Bahru which means "New Fort" in Malay (the local language) stands on the east bank of the muddy Sungai Kelantan in the fertile lowlands. The town in itself is not much of interest to most casual travelers who tend to ignore it and simply pass through on their way to/from Thailand. However, this does not mean that Kota Bahru has nothing to offer to a visitor. Visitors to Kota Bahru will surely be impressed by the region's geographical isolation and the wild scenery of the encircling mountains. The nature's beauty can be enjoyed by any traveler irrespective of his or her mode of transport-land, railroad, air or sea! The commercial heart of Kota Bahru has most hotels and is the Central Market off Jalan Temenggong which thrives during the day. From dusk to the dawn, local people barter and bargain over a fantastic variety of tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, dry goods, clothing and cosmetics. One visit to Kota Bahru and you will know that the Central Market surely deserves an hour or two of any visitor's itinerary! However, on Fridays the hurly-burly trade gives way to rest, contemplation and the call to prayer of the "muezzin". If the Central Market deserves the distinction of being the commercial hub of Kota Bahru, then the crown of "cultural heart of the city" definitely goes to the area around Merdeka or "Independence" Square. Here, visitors can find the symbols of power, wealth and authority which are surely distinctive about the state of Kelantan. In fact, it is in this Merdeka that one can also find all the state machinery -palace, mosque and bank! On the north side of the square, next to the imposing State Mosque, stands the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (now Hongkong Bank) - Kota Bahru's first and oldest brick building. Built in 1913, it served briefly as a Japanese army headquarters during the Second World War before reverting to its intended role in banking and finance. On the east, away from Merdeka Square and its twin symbols of spiritual and commercial endeavor, a visitor will be confronted by Kelantan's supreme symbol of temporal power - the "Istana Balai Besar", or "Palace of the Great Audience Hall". Dating way back to 1844, this predominantly wooden building has some history associated with it. This building which is chiefly remarkable for its elaborate gingerbread style was once the palace of Sultan Muhammad II. Although the Throne Room and Hall of Audience are still used on important royal occasions, they are generally open to the public at other times and are worth a visit for their richly decorated wood-carvings. Directly opposite of Istana Balai Besar and on the northern side of Jalan Pintu Pong, stands another royal palace, the "Istana Jahar". This building now serves as the state museum but it was once the palace of King Bendahara and was constructed by Kelantanese master craftsmen in 1877. Just like the "Istana Balai", which it closely resembles, the "Istana Jahar" also contains many fine examples of wooden fretwork and tracery, displaying the skills of Kelantanese wood-carvers at their impressive best. The museum is open to the public every day between 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., except Wednesdays. The state of Kelantan is famous for local Malay arts and crafts. Hence, it is no surprise that Kota Bahru which is the state capital is a popular center for such pursuits as "silat" martial arts and "kertok" drumming. Like most parts of Malaysia, the favorite past-times at Kota Bahru are top-spinning (also known as "gasing") and the flying of giant but elaborately decorated kites (called "wau"). Needless to say, any visitor to Kota Bahru can experience such traditions and be a part of them. The Kelantan Cultural Centre, which is the main cultural center in the city of Kota Bahru also stages "wayang kulit" or "shadow puppet" performances for visitors. Apart from these attractions, a visitor may also find spending some time at the beaches of Kota Bahru to be an excellent idea. Even though Kota Bahru may not be one of the most famous cities in the world but it still can offer a visitor a chance to explore the beauty of nature in the midst of the normal hustle-bustle of a city. If you are a person who enjoys tropical weather and is looking for a place that is somewhat different from the most popular tourist places, then Kota Bahru is certainly the place for you to be. Kota Bahu with its unadulterated natural beauty, simplicity, rich traditions, exotic food and culture is certainly worth a visit for any avid traveler. Melaka Real Estate - Kuala Lumpur Real Estate - Negeri Sembilan Real Estate - Kelantan Real Estate - Terengganu Real Estate - Tioman Island Real Estate - Johor Real Estate - Kedah Real Estate - Langkawi Island Real Estate - Penang Real Estate - Sabah Real Estate - Shah Alam Real Estate - Selangor Real Estate - Kuching Real Estate - Cameron Highlands Real Estate - Perak Real Estate - Sarawak Real Estate - Kuantan Real Estate - Malacca Real Estate - Pahang Real Estate - Sarawak Real Estate - Kota Bharu Real Estate - Kuala Terengganu Real Estate - Johor Bahru Real Estate - Ipoh Real Estate - Mersing Real Estate - Pulau Pinang Real Estate - Port Dickson Real Estate - Seremban Real Estate