Tourist info
Things to see
Several museums are worth a visit while you are here, for example the Muzium Kraftangan (Handicraft Museum), the Muzium Negeri (State Museum) and the Muzium Diraja (Royal Museum). Kota Bharu is also home to several interesting Buddhist temples with unique architecture like Wat Pothivihan, Wat Mai Suwan Khiri, Wat Serova. In Niagara Jelawang you can see some exotic waterfalls in beautiful natural scenery.
Things to do
If you are looking for a challenge you can try to climb Mount Stong. On the mainland the best beach is Cahaya Bulan Beach but erosion threatens all beaches in the vicinity and most tourists head further south or to the nearby Perhentian Islands.
The Siti Khadijah Market is a popular shopping center in Kota Bharu and is a good place to shop for souvenirs.
Things to eat
Kota Bharu offers a unique dish of blue rice mixed with raw vegetables leaves (side dish). The blue color in the rice is derived from petals of telang flower. This dish is called Nasi Kerabu. Ayam percik made of grilled chicken with peanut sauce is also delicious to eat here. If you are fond of durian, you should try the Lepok Durian.
Getting to Kota Bharu
Flying to Kota Bharu: Kota Bharu is served by Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is located about 10 km northeast from Kota Bharu. A taxi into the city from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport would cost MYR 30.00. Read more about Sultan Ismail Petra Airport or look for flights to Kota Bharu