The city of Kota Bharu serves as the administrative centre of the state of Kelantan, which is located in the upper-northeast corner of the peninsula. This city is the primary port of entry for visitors visiting Thailand. Kota Bharu’s population has been lauded for its role in preserving the region’s culture and continues, even now, to incorporate the region’s customs and rituals into their day-to-day lives. It is thought that Kota Bharu is the centre of Malay culture, and there is a significant amount of Islamic influence present in every aspect of the city. Kota Bharu has the allure of a virgin city.
Visitors are drawn to the one-of-a-kind handicrafts and woodcarvings that are produced in Kota Bharu as a result of the town’s longstanding cultural heritage. Handicrafts in Kota Bharu are works of art because they brilliantly represent the sophisticated skill and talent of the people who live there, particularly the women. Each and every item of handicraft, whether it a silver collection, a basket, or an article of clothing, is an original work of art in and of itself. In Kota Bharu, everything from tops to kites to Rebana Ubi-drums seems to be incredibly enormous physically, which also serves as a symbol of the large hearts that the inhabitants of this city possess.
Main Tourist Attractions of Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Pedang Merdeka
This is one of the public areas that was constructed by the British in the nation, and it is also known as Merdeka Square. Historically, this public space was known as Padang Kelupang. When Malaysia became an independent nation on August 31, 1957, the square was renamed and given the name Merdeka Square to commemorate the occasion. In the immediate vicinity of this location, there are a number of structures that served during the colonial era as administrative offices.
World War II Memorial Museum
The town’s oldest continuously inhabited structure, which dates back to 1911 A.D., now houses this museum. During that period, the building served as the Mercantile Bank of India’s regional headquarters. During the Second World War, it was transformed into the command and control hub for the Japanese intelligence service. Pictures, documents, and artefacts from the military that date back to the time period when Japan ruled are on display at the museum today. The museum’s displays are quite well arranged, and they feature a very informative reference to the history of World War II as well as a recreation of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender.
Islamic Museum
The Islamic Museum serves as a symbol of the significance of Islam in this part of the world and is an important gathering spot for Kelantan’s Muslim population. In addition to this, it highlights the significance of the state as a leading centre for Islamic studies. The museum’s collection of exhibits includes works of art and craft that are associated with Islam, in addition to some photographs of historic locations. Additionally, some of the Prophet Mohammed’s personal belongings may be discovered at this location.
Royal Museum or Istana Batu
In 1939, construction began on the Istana Batu, also known as the Stone Palace. It was under the reign of Sultan Ismail I, who oversaw the area at the time. This royal home was once used both as a place to hold royal weddings and as a place for prominent visitors to stay while attending such weddings. Currently, it serves as the location of the Royal Museum, which has an extensive collection of relics from previous Sultans, including as photographs, silverware, furniture, and other objects from their palaces.
Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre can be found on Jalan Mahmud, close to where the Perdana Hotel is located. A genuine presentation of Kelantan’s cultural history may be seen in the center’s exhibits. People go to this location to get a first-hand look at the state’s traditional arts, which include things like kite flying, top spinning, and various forms of martial arts. Every day, artists at the centre display their abilities in this manner. Evenings are reserved for cultural performances that showcase Malay music and dance.
Handicraft Village and Craft Museum
The museum is located in a beautiful traditional Malay structure that is built of wood. There are numerous excellent specimens of Kelantanese workmanship can be found at the museum. Some of these examples include woodcarving, weaving, textiles, and coconut graters. Visitors get the opportunity to see highly trained craftspeople at work at the Handicraft Village, which showcases their wares. Embroidery, weaving, and woodcarving are some of the crafts that will be shown. Some of these works of handicraft are also available for purchase by guests.
