Unique in every sense, Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah is the most photographed market in the country.  This place is a visual delight and favourite photography subject in Kota Bharu.  Located in the heart of Kota Bharu, it used to be known as Pasar Buluh Kubu.  The market is particularly unique because most traders are women.

KUALA KOH NATIONAL PARK
Tel: +609-928 2952
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Kuala Koh is the new entry point to Taman Negara on its northern border.  This is still a lightly visited area of superb wilderness and pristine rivers flowing down from the mountains of Tahan, Perlis, Penumpu and Gagau.  These rivers are lined with giant trees like the tualang and the neram, the fruit of the latter providing food for the kelah, Malaysia’s premier river sportfish.

MOUNT STONG

Go north to Kelantan and spend a weekend at the ever-popular Stong complex; make a trip to the Gua Ikan (Fish Cave), named after a fish-like rock formation inside.  Rumour has it that this cave still houses the horde of gold left behind during the Japanese occupation.  Sweat it out hiking (2hrs) from the majestic Stong mountain (1,442 metres high), crossing the waterfall (one of seven in the Jelawang area), route to Jelawang camp where campers camp out in the wild.

NENGGIRI RIVER

Each year sees hardcore sport rafters from all over the world congregate here to compete in the Nenggiri River Challenge.  Those who are less adventurous can always opt for the inflatable tube or bamboo raft rides.

PANTAI CAHAYA BULAN (MOONLIGHT BEACH)

Formerly known as Pantai Cinta Berahi (Beach of Passionate Love), a name given after a lovelorn British soldier during World War II, this beach is a popular spot for family outings especially during the weekends.  The trip to the beach from Kota Baru will take you through quaint, traditional Malay villages that are also famous for small handicraft industry.  Among them are batik printing, songket-weaving, brassware and kite making.

BUDDHIST COMPLEXES
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

The Buddhists temples are an attraction in themselves as there are about 25 of them in Tumpat alone.  A 200-year old Phathivihan temple has one of the largest Reclining Buddha statues in Asia, measuring 40m from head to foot at a height of 11m.  The founder Phra Prasasprachakorn initiated the construction of the tample with the village filk of Kampung Jambu and Buddhists all over Malaysia.

PANTAI SERI TUJUH (SERI TUJUH BEACH)

This lovely beach, located about seven kilometers north of Kota Bharu and near the Thai border, host the Annual Malaysian Kite Festival.  During this festival, Pantai Seri Tujuh will be busy with enthusiasts of the traditional kite, known as the wau.  The drive there passes through scenic coastline and fishing villages where traditional boats are built the traditional way.

KELANTAN CULTURAL COMPLEX
Tel: +609-748 5534
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Kelantan’s rich culture is showcased at this centre.  Watch demonstrations of giant kite (wau bulan) flying, giant top spinning and listen to the giant drums (rebana ubi).  Cultural performances, such as the shadow puppet play (wayang kulit) and traditional Malay music, are held on selected evenings.  Showtime is on Saturday and Wednesday from 3.30pm to 6.30pm and 9pm to 11pm.

ISTANA BATU (ROYAL MUSEUM)
Tel: +609-748 7737

Also known as Istana Batu, the Royal Museum is located in the middle of Kota Bharu town, close to Istana Jahar.  The design of the palace was inspired by HRH Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad IV who reigned from 1920 to 1944.  The building in its present form, was completed in 1939 and was given as a wedding gift from HRH Sultan Ismail to his nephew Sultan Yahya Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim Petra (1961 – 1979).  Since then, the palace has been the residence of the Kelantan royal family.  In 1969 however, the building was turned into the Royal Museum with consent from HRH Sultan Ismail Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yahaya Petra, the reigning Sultan of Kelantan.

FISHING VILLAGE IN SABAK AND SABAK BEACH

Covering the coastline from Kuala Pak Amat to Pantai Dasar Sabak, Sabak Beach has its own historical significance due to the landing of Japanese soldiers during World War II.  Visit the fishing village and view the many colourfully decorated boats and watch as the jetty comes to life when the locals bring in day’s catch.

ORE BRIDGE

Yet another remnant of World War II, Jambatan Bijih (Ore Bridge) in the village of Jubakar Village, in Tumpat, Kelantan, was built by the British, but was later used by the Japanese when they occupied Malaya (1941 – 1945).  The Japanese troops used this bridge, which lays right by beach in Tumpat, to transport iron ore onboard ships headed to Japan.

WAKAF CHE YEH

Wakaf Che Yeh along Jalan Kuala Krai in Kota Bharu is a favourite shopping destination in Kelantan and attracts people from all over Malaysia.  This place is actually a huge 24-hour market, which is more active at night when traders set up numerous stalls selling unusual local food, exotic tropical fruits, cheap clothes, second hand goods as well as fresh produce.

BAZAR BULUH KUBU (BAMBOO FORT BAZAAR)

This is a spot for avid collectors and shoppers.  The bazaar boasts a wide range of goods from handmade shoes, kites, miniature musical instruments, bags and silverware.

LOJING HIGHLANDS

Just across from Cameron Highlands, is the newly opened Lojing Highlands sitting at about 1000m above sea-level.  The elevated location of Lojing makes it ideal for planting fruits like persimmon and honey oranges, as well as fresh vegetables.  Its mild climate also makes it a popular holiday retreat.  Lojing Highlands was once a focus of visitors who heard of the existence of a species of the infamous Rafflesia flower, whose bud takes months to develop before blooming in full for only a few days.  Lojing is located in Gua Musang.

HANDICRAFT VILLAGE AND CRAFT MUSEUM
Tel: +609-744 3949

Also known as ‘Balai Getam Guri’, the museum is located in the heart of Kota Bharu’s cultural zone and is in walking distance from the Istana Balai Besar and Buluh Kubu Bazaar.  The museum features a selection of Kelantan handicraft in traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silversmith and matting.  On the ground floor of the building, there is a restaurant called ‘Balai Sulur Gadung’ where visitors can savour some of Kelantan’s famous cuisine and refreshments.

MEDICINAL HERB GARDEN

The medical Herb Garden is a unique attraction with about 100 herb species from all over Malaysia.  They include Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), Temu Lawak (Curcuma paucifolia), Tengkuk Biawak (Allomorphia mallaccinsis), Cekur (Kaemferia galangal) and Sekunyit (Coscinium blumeanum).  These herbs have medicinal properties to improve blood circulation, curing muscle pain, cramps and other ailments.

LOCAL TRAIN RIDE
Tel: +609-719 6986 (HQ), +609-966 6168 (Kuala Krai)

Take in the sights on this local train ride used by students and locals to access various smaller towns in the interiors.  Commuters are known to carry fresh vegetables, forest produce and provisions with them.