31 March 2013

KOTA BHARU KELANTAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL BY FIREFLY AIRLINES – TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS/ FOOD/CULTURAL GUIDE MUST DO HIT LIST

Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan is renowned as the Cradle of Malay Culture for  its rich heritage, scenic costal idyllic pristine beach hotel resorts, rustic fishing villages and padi fields, Islamic culture, preserved architecture,  traditional art handicrafts and delicious local Malay food.

Kota Bharu Kelantan beach hotels sea resorts Villa Danialla Malay Culture rich heritage, scenic costal idyllic pristine beach rustic fishing villages padi fields, Islamic preserved architect Tok Aman Bali SPA HOLIDAY TRAVEL FIREFLY

Visit Kelantan, the city of culture for a genuine Malay traditional heritage experience with old world charm amid modern postcard pretty beach villas spa resorts that touches your mind, body and soul.

The Kelantan Culture Complex (Gelanggang Seni) is the perfect place to watch local heritage activities like Wau Bulan (giant moon kite) making and flying, Gasing (giant top spinning), performances like rebana ubi (giant drums), Malay music, wayang kulit (shadow puppet play) and silat.

Kelantan Culture Complex Kota Bharu culture Handicraft Village Museum Gelanggang Seni watch Wau Bulan giant moon kite making flying Gasing giant top spinning performances rebana ubi giant drums Malay music shadow puppets
Kota Bharu Handicraft Village and Craft Museum (Balai Getam Guri) is a one stop attraction developed by the Kelantan government in the heart of the city to showcase the traditional cottage industries.

Songket weaving hand-woven intricately patterned silk or cotton brocade fabric with gold silver threads Beautiful patterns simple to sophisticated designs Kelantan luxurious fabrics weaved meticulously  live demonstrations weavers

Famous for their traditional artisan skills, Kelantanese pride themselves in hand painted batik,  songket weaving with gold and silver threads, traditional embroidery, kite making , silverware crafting, wood carving, mengkuang weaving and unique Kelantan food.

Batik Kelantan Malaysia Kota Bharu Boutique largest batik atelier beautiful flora, butterflies sophisticated designs ladies gentlemen hand painted block, screen wading techniques fashionable trendy special occasions traditional art

Tour Kelantan and experience a rustic holiday with BeauteRunway.Com Kota Bharu City of Culture Guide Top 10 Must Do Hit List.

KOTA BHARU KELANTAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL BY FIREFLY AIRLINES TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS FOOD CULTURAL GUIDE MUST DO HIT LIST scenic costal idyllic pristine beach resort hotels rustic fishing villages padi fields,


1. Islamic Mosques and Architecture
Masjid Kampung Laut Kelantan is the oldest mosque in Malaysia, located at Kampung Nilam Puri, near Kota Bharu River.   Built in the 18th century, the amazing architecture design was created with cengal timber and without any use of nails, modelled after  the Demak Mosque and Peringgit Mosque in Java.

Kota Bharu Masjid Kampung Laut Kelantan oldest mosque Malaysia Kampung Nilam Puri, Built 18th century architecture design cengal timber no nail City of Culture Guide Top 10 Must Do Hit List Islamic Mosques Architecture

Beijing Mosque Kelantan otherwise known as Sultan Ismail Petra Silver Jubilee Mosque was inspired by Niujie Mosque in Beijing, China. Located at Rantau Panjang, the exquisite Chinese green tiles, red and white designed mosque looks majestic and picturesque.

Kelantan Beijing Mosque Kota Bharu Kelantan Niujie Mosque China, Rantau Panjang,Sultan Ismail Petra Silver Jubilee Mosque Islamic Mosques architecture Masjid Kampung Laut Kelantan FireFly

2. Istana Balai Besar, Istana Jahar and Sultan Ismail Petra Arch.
Known as the Palace with Great Hall,  Istana Balai Besar was built in the early 1840. Commissioned by Sultan Muhammad, the regal palace was built using premium timber and showcased the intricate Kelantan woodcraving. One of Malaysia’s oldest royal palaces, it is the official venue for the royal ceremonies and rites.

Kelantan Kota Bharu Istana Balai Besar Istana Jahar Sultan Ismail Petra Arch Malay Culture City premium timber intricate Kelantan woodcraving. Malaysia oldest royal palaces, Museum Royal Tradition customs architecture designs

Tourists are seen aplenty posing by the Istana Balai Besar palace gates, Istana Jahar –  the Museum of Royal Traditions and customs as well as Petra Arch, built to commemorate Kota Bahru as a cultural city.

3. Thai Buddhist Temples - Wat Photivihan Reclining Buddha, Wat Machimmaram Sitting Buddha, Wat Phothikyan Standing Buddha and Wat Mai Suwan Khiri Dragon Boat and Standing Buddha

With its close proximity to Thailand, Wat (temples) have a significant presence in Kelantan.

Kelantan Thai Buddhist Temples Kota Bharu Wat Photivihan Reclining Buddha, Wat Machimmaram Sitting Buddha, Wat Phothikyan Standing Buddha 100 foot Wat Mai Suwan Khiri Dragon Boat Chinese largest tallest biggest Asia Malaysia

Wat Photivihan  is home to Asia’s longest Reclining Buddha statue at 40 metre and Wat Machimmaram houses the biggest Sitting Buddha . The Wat Phothikyan Standing Buddha in Kampung Balai at 100ft is the tallest in South-East Asia while Wat Mai Suwan  with the beautiful Dragon Boat Temple and the Standing Buddha are also popular with the locals and tourists.

4.  Wood Craving -  Kandis Resource Centre, Museum and Gallery in Bachok, Kelantan
Kandis Resource Centre is a treasure cove of refined Malay wood carvings, ship models, keris and other artefacts by the late master wood carver Nik Rashiddin Nik Hussein.

The 185-year old traditional Malay wooden house was restored as a museum and gallery to showcase Malay culture and traditions, Kelantanese wood carving, Islamic features, traditional motifs,flora and foliate designs.

Kelantan Wood Craving Kandis Resource Centre, museum gallery Malay culture traditions, Kelantanese wood carving motifs designs heritage art keris artefacts wooden house workshops, talks and tours visitors artists

Funded by the Kelantan State government and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, The Kandis Resource conducts carving workshops, talks and tours for visitors, artists and arts lovers.

5.  Eco-tourism  - Gunung Stong, Jelawang Fall, Kuala Koh National Park

Eco-adventure lovers will find joy in watching sunrise, visiting Jelawang Waterfall where the breath-taking seven tiered waterfall is the highest in South East Asia or snapping a photo of Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower, all while trekking at Gunung Stong.

Kelantan Eco-tourism Gunung Stong, Jelawang Fall, Kuala Koh National Park kayaking trekking seven tiered waterfall highest South East Asia Rafflesia world’s biggest flower fauna flora canopy walkway eco-experience

Explore the fauna and flora in Kuala Koh National Park, go kayaking or talk a walk through on the 300m high canopy walkway for an eco-experience.

Watch fireflies in Kelantan while you take a boat ride down the mangrove swamp river at night.

6.  Batik Painting – Kelantan Traditional Craft
Using techniques like block, screen and wading, Kelantan beautiful traditional batik cloth are handmade. Each design are drawn, hand painted stroke by stroke to form gorgeous unique elegant  designs for a fashionable statement.
Batik Painting Kelantan Kota Bharu techniques block, screen wading Malaysia beautiful traditional batik cloth handmade Each design are drawn, hand painted stroke by stroke form gorgeous unique elegant designs fashionable statement

Nordin Batik’s Boutique is the largest batik atelier  and retail store in Kota Bharu with beautiful flora, butterflies and  sophisticated designs for  ladies and gentlemen to create the perfect outfit for special occasions or for daily wear.

Kelantan Batik Malaysia Nordin Batik’s Kota Bharu Boutique largest batik atelier beautiful flora, butterflies sophisticated designs ladies gentlemen hand painted block, screen wading techniques fashionable trendy special occasions

7.  Songket Weaving
Songket is a hand-woven traditional textile making technique to create intricately patterned silk or cotton brocade fabric with gold or silver  threads, weaved meticulously by the dedicated experienced weavers.

Songket Weaving Kelantan Kota Bharu hand-woven intricately patterned silk cotton Beautiful sophisticated designs weaved traditionally, thread by thread weavers stylish luxurious fabrics great celebratory occasions perfect gifts.

Che Minah Songket Retail Store is one of the largest Songket weaving factories in Kota Bahru and offers  tourists and visitors the opportunity to watch live demonstrations by the skilful Malay ladies. 

Che Minah Songket Retail Store largest Songket weaving factories Kota Bahru live demonstrations hand-woven intricately patterned silk or cotton brocade fabric gold silver threads luxurious fabrics sophisticated designs

Beautiful patterns from simple to sophisticated designs are weaved traditionally lovingly, thread by thread by talented Kelantanese, producing stylish and luxurious fabrics great for special celebratory occasions and perfect as gifts.

8. Kota Bharu Silverware, Kelantan

Kelantan is renowned for its exquisite handcrafted sterling 925 silversmithing.

A hidden gem in Kota Bharu is KB PERMAI, an established silverware shop with premium quality intricate hand made jewellery that are so  popular that it was handpicked by the Malaysia Government to retail at the world’s most prestigious Harrods Department Store in London, United Kingdom.

Kota Bharu Silverware KB PERMAI Kelantan famous exquisite handcrafted sterling 925 silversmith intricate hand made jewellery rings necklaces accessories customized designs creations gem Harrods Department Store London heritage

Luxury lovers looking for wedding gifts could indulge in this extraordinarily top quality fine silverware – at only RM$29,000.

Kelantan KB Permai Silverware Shop beautiful heritage silverware product accessories earrings premium quality intricate handmade jewellery sterling 925 silversmithing souvenirs workshop Create own designs customize creation Harrods

Create your own designs and customize your creations at KB Permai Silverware Shop  where the talented local Kelantanese artisans will dedicatedly handcraft your dream jewellery, gemstones optional for an impeccable statement piece.

Kota Bharu KB PERMAI Kelantan established silverware shop premium quality intricate hand made jewellery handpicked Malaysia Government retail store world most prestigious Harrods London wedding luxury gifts

Take your pick from the beautiful heritage silverware products from accessories like earrings, rings, bracelets to souvenirs and more at its in retail workshop at extremely pocket friendly prices starting from RM$15.

9. Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah Central Market/ Wakaf Che Yeh Night market / Pengkalan Kubor and Rantau Panjang Tax –Free Shopping

In the heart of the city are two popular markets - Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah Central Market and Wakaf Che Yeh Night market, the must go Kota Bharu hot spots, visited by tourists and locals alike.

Siti Khadijah Central Market Pasar Besar Kelantan home made kuehs, cakes, fresh keropok lekor, Laksam, Ayam golek percik, Nasi Kerabu Dagang freshly picked home grown vegetables, fresh seafood fishing villages, kampung fruits

Rise and shine early to take a walk at the vibrant Siti Khadijah Central Market, where the locals do their daily marketing. The pulse of the wet market is dominated by Malay women owners where the atrium stalls sell freshly picked home grown vegetables, surrounded by  fresh seafood from the fishing villages, kampung poultry and fruits stalls on the left.

Feast like a local and indulge in Kelantan home made kuehs, cakes, fresh keropok lekor, Laksam, Ayam golek / percik, Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Dagang,  solok lada, fermented coconut milk tauk and more at the right side of the market.

Kelantan homemade kuehs, cakes, fresh keropok lekor Laksam, Ayam golek percik Nasi Kerabu Dagang,  solok lada, fermented coconut milk tauk Kota Bharu favourite food crab mee curry tasty local food  Siti Khadijah Central Market

Keropok, mini provision stall selling spices, curry powder, sweets and snack,  toys, batik, sarongs, silverware, copper tooled handicrafts, leather goods, clothing and household wares are located on the second and third storey.

Kota Bharu famous most visited night market is Wakaf Che Yeh along Jalan Kuala Krai. Shop for a wide variety of products from apparels, shoes and accessories to electronic, toys and local street food, fresh fruits,  exotic eats and grilled squid.

Wakaf Che Yeh Kota Bharu night market famous most visited Jalan Kuala Krai.Shop products apparels, shoes accessories electronic, toys local street food, fresh fruit exotic barbeque sotong fish eats.

Shop to your heart’s content at Kelantan Tax-Free Zone at Pengkalan Kubor and Rantau Panjang, near Golok River. Situated about 40km from Kota Bahru City, catch a boat ride or bus across to the Gateway of Thailand, Tak Bai for a day trip.

Kelantan Pengkalan Kubor Tax free Rantau Panjang Shopping Golok River Gateway to Tak Bai Thailand boat ride bus day trip apparels, shoes accessories to electronic, toys and local street food, fresh fruits logan exotic seafood eats

10  Home stays in Kelantan - Kampung Renok Baru,  Kampung Pantai Suri and Kampung Blok Ulu Kusial
Kelantan  Home stays - Kampung Renok Baru,  Kampung Pantai Suri,Kampung Blok Ulu Kusial Fishing, swimming, relaing seaside, live like local, Kelantanese villager , paddy rice husking, monkey coconut, rustic living lifestyle

Close to the South China Sea, Kelantan is home to fisherman and farmers, harvesting fresh seafood like fish, prawns, crayfish and grain rice.


KOTA BHARU KELANTAN HOLIDAY TRAVEL FIREFLY AIRLINES TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS FOOD CULTURAL MUST DO HIT LIST Cradle of Malay Culture for  its rich heritage, scenic costal idyllic pristine beaches rustic fishing villages

Live like a local and enjoy true blue Kelantanese villager laid back lifestyle. Wake up in a picturesque kampung, catch fishes, play a traditional Malay instruments like 'dikir barat', rebab or serunai, paddy husking, watch a Monkey leap up giant trees and pick fresh coconut for you to savour or enjoy a walk by the beautiful seaside.
Kelantan Local watch Monkey pick coconut Live like one enjoy true blue Kelantanese villager laid back lifestyle. Wake up picturesque kampung, catch fishes, play traditional Malay instrument 'dikir barat', paddy husking,
Geographical Climate : Located on the northern east coast of Malaysia, bordered by Thailand and South China Sea, Kelantan is tropically sunny with monsoon season from November to January, temperatures from 22 to 32 °C.

Getting There : Kota Bahru is accessible by flights on Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and FireFly Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines which flies from Singapore/Johor/Subang direct to Kota Bharu Jalan Ismail Airport, in just 90 minutes. 

Kota Bahru Firefly Airlines Flight Routes Kelantan accessible Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia fly from Singapore Johor Subang direct Kota Bharu Jalan Ismail Airport international route railway train bus car Thailand Indonesia Perhentian

Kota Bharu-Singapore  is Kelantan's first international route, operating four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to Singapore. Road trips by bus, railway train or enjoy a scenic drive along the Peninsular Malaysia to the heart of Kelantan.

Travel around : Taxis, buses and trishaws.

Bonus : Visit Perhentian Island in Terengganu for white sandy beach, crystal clear water reef diving and snorkelling or turtle watch,  just 45 minutes from Tok Aman Beach Jetty.

Hotels & Accommodations :Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel, Grand River View, Tok Aman Bali Beach Resort, Holiday Villa, Villa Danialla Beach Resort, Home Stays like Kampung Pantai Suri, Tumpat, Khalifa Suites hotel & apartments and Sutera Inn.

Tok Aman Bali Beach Kealantan Resort, Hotels, apartment, jetty Perhentian Island accomodation Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel, Grand River View, Villa Danialla Beach Resort, Home Stays Kampung Pantai Suri, Tumpat, Khalifa Suites Rooms


Contact : Visit Tourism Malaysia at www.tourism.gov.my , FireFly at  www.fireflyz.com.my or call Kota Bharu Tourist Information Centre at 609-7485534 for enquires.

Kelantan Kota Bharu holiday tour of rich cultural, heritage and delightful Kelantanese cuisine are just 90 minutes away from Singapore, perfect for a short rustic getaway or a relaxing beach holiday.  FireFly flies from Penang and Subang to destinations within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and between Malaysia and Singapore. Visit Tourism Malaysia at www.tourism.gov.my and FireFly at  www.fireflyz.com.my to plan your dream holiday today.

Special Thanks to Tourism Malaysia, FireFly and Kelantan Tourist Centre for the warm hospitality.

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