United Airlines USA to New Zealand & Australia New Flight Routes 2023/2024

UAL new flight routes includes San Francisco U.S. to Christchurch, New Zealand non-stop direct flight, Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland, more flights from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney and larger aircrafts to Melbourne from December 1, Winter 2023/2024.

United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S. with South Island of New Zealand,  offering the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers combined, with 66 United Airlines flights weekly to the South Pacific and Oceania.

UAL travellers will enjoy one-stop connections to more than 50 destinations in the region with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia network.

United Airlines New Flight Routes 2023 / 2024 Winter

San Francisco U.S. – Christchurch, New Zealand*

United San Francisco-Christchurch non-stop service is the first and only direct flight connecting U.S. and Christchurch,  operateing on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner thrice weekly from December 1, 2023.

Los Angeles U.S. – Auckland, New Zealand*

Next winter, United will build on its position as the largest U.S. airline to Auckland, adding four weekly flights from Los Angeles. 

United is the only U.S. carrier to serve Auckland year-round with its existing service from San Francisco. United will fly its Los Angeles-Auckland route on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, starting October 28.

Los Angeles U.S. – Brisbane, Australia*

United was the only airline to offer direct flights between Brisbane and San Francisco in Winter 2022. On November 29 2023, United will add three weekly Los Angles-Brisbane flights on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, becoming the largest carrier between the U.S. and Brisbane.

Additonal United to Australia Sydney and Brisbane Flights

United will offer daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flying nearly triple the number of passengers to Brisbane from the USA from October 28 2023, as well as twice daily between San Francisco and Sydney on Boeing 777-300ERs.

United San Francisco to Melbourne on 777-300 ER

United became the largest airline from the U.S. to Melbourne, increasing from ten to fourteen weekly roundtrip flights in 2022, with one daily flight from both San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2023 Winter. 

Starting this winter 2023 October 28, United will deploy its largest airplane 777-300ER on flights between San Francisco-Melbourne, adding nearly 100 daily seats to each departure. 

*flights subject to government approval

For more information and booking United flights, visit United.Com 

Jack's Place Christmas 2022 Signature Roasts Menu Festive Holiday Feasting

Celebrate Christmas 2022 with Jack's Place signature  offerings from roast ribeye, traditional roast turkey, honey baked chicken ham, truffle mushroom spaghetti, to chocolate praline log cake, yuzu goma log cake, Christmas red velvet cake, cake in a jar, brownies, pastries and festive cookies. 

Say cheers with Jack’s Place Papa Santa specialty festive drink in an annual collectible Christmas Glass while savouring the Christmas eve, Christmas Day, New Year eve and New Year Day dine-in set lunch and dinner menus with lobster, salmon, ribeye and turkey highlights.

Eatzi Gourmet, the Halal catering arm of the group conjours all festive Christmas roasts, bundles, sets, bentos, cakes and cookies.

Indulge in Santa Papa Feast ($368) featuring 6 festive dishes favourites like roast turkey or roast ribeye,a whole baked chicken ham, cheesy sausages, festive cold cut and seafood platter, roasted garden vegetables dish and truffle mushroom spaghetti, with Christmas chocolate praline log cake for a sweet Christmas. 

Choose from Santarina Feast ($288), Elves Feast ($218), DIY Jack’s Place Festive grilling combo of grass-fed beef signature steak cuts of tenderloin, striploin and ribeye with Jack’s Place homemade specialty brown sauce to Christmas festive bentos and buffet catering for a joyful feasting with family, friends and colleagues. 

Festive bundles are available for pre-order from now till 29 December 2022, early bird specials end on 9 December. Orders may be picked up from Jack’s Place most accessible outlets, the Jack's Place Building or home delivery through Eatzi Gourmet. 

Jack's Place 2022 Christmas lunch and dinner sets, signature roasts, Papa Santa, Santarina and Elves feasts, festive grilled meat combos, Christmas chocolate praline log cake and new yuzu goma log cake, pastries and cookies sets the Christmas celebration mood for festive joys. Visit Jack's Place for menus, offers and promotion details. #jacksplacesg @jacksplacesg Facebook 

Bintan​ ​Lagoon Resort hosts Junior Golf Tour of Asia ​JGTA​ ​Junior Championship​​ ​

Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR) will host the inaugural Junior Golf Tour of Asia (JGTA) Junior Championship​​ ​ at Bintan​ ​Lagoon​ ​Golf​ ​Club's​ ​two​ ​world-renowned​ ​18-hole​ ​golf​ ​courses​ ​designed​ ​by​ ​Jack​ ​Nicklaus​ ​and Ian​ ​Baker-Finch​ from December​ ​20​ ​-​ ​22, 2017, alongside with​​ ​USA University​ ​golf​ ​programs​ and seminars.

 

The JGTA is the sanctioning body in Asia for American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Performance Based Entry (PBE) Status and represents the series of tournaments throughout the region where ​Asia’s​ ​rising​ ​stars​ ​of​ ​junior​ golfers aged 12 to 18 years old can build their AJGA PBE Status through their final ranking on the JGTA’s Junior Order of Merit ​without​ ​having​ ​to​ ​travel​ ​to​ ​USA.

 

 

Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, Bintan​ ​Lagoon Resort Indonesia is the leading premier leisure,​ ​golf​,​ ​corporate​ ​meetings​ &​ ​incentives​ ​destination with beachfront​ ​gardens​ and own ferry terminal in Bintan, has​ ​played​ ​host​ ​to​ ​events​ ​on​ ​the​ ​Asian​ ​Tour​ ​and offers​ ​a​ ​world-class​ ​resort​ ​experience​ ​and​ ​golfing​ ​venue​ with its ​annual Bintan golf event, BLR President’s Cup.

For BLR golf packages, Bintan Spa & Massage Kedaton rejuvenation vacations, family resort holidays,  Singapore weekend getaways, accommodation reservations and Bintan Mozaic ferry lines bookings, please visit https://www.bintanlagoon.com/bintan-packages/all-bintan-packages/ and updates on​ ​​Junior​ ​Golf​ ​Tour​ ​of​ ​Asia​ ​JGTA​ ​Bintan​ ​Lagoon Junior​ ​Championship at www.​jgta.org ​.
 

Lake Toba Medan Indonesia travel guide holiday attractions must visit list

Lake Toba, Sipiso-piso waterfall, Parapat, Samoir Island, Berastagi Gunaling hill with views of volcanos Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung, Blue Lake Sibolangit waterfall, Taman Alam Lumbini Golden Pagoda Natural Park, Maimoon Palace, Mesjid Raya Al Mashun mosque are must visit attractions located in Medan and beyond, in North Sumatra Wonderful Indonesia.

 

Poised to be Indonesia ecotourism destination and top 10 must visit places in Indonesia, the fascinating lake toba flora and fauna greenery is set to be even more magnificent with new flower park and millions of new trees to be planted by 2019 through sustainable tourism planning.

 

Lake Toba, North Sumatra Indonesia (Medan to Danau Toba approx 4-5 hours drive)

 

Mejuah-juah ! Crater Lake toba (Danau Toba) in Medan Indonesia is the 2nd largest and deepest volcanic lake in the world.

 

 

The picturesque lake toba is a spectacular sight to behold with its breath-taking enchanting views amidst rolling green hills, colourful flora, primeval forest and gentle breeze climate at approximately 900 meters above sea level.

 

Rest, relax and recharge yourself in Lake toba pristine postcard perfect scenery and infinity instagramable places for ultimate holiday memories.

 

Sipiso-piso waterfall Indonesia (from Berastagi 45-minute drive)

 

Sipiso-piso waterfall Indonesia is the largest and highest plunge waterfall at 120 meters formed from a river cave in Karo Highlands at 800 meters above sea level.
 

 

Surrounded by enthralling flora greenery, Sipiso-piso waterfall with its cascading water forms rainbow hues as it descends in the gorge captivates  travellers to soak in the extraordinary panoramic views of northern Lake toba as its enchanting backdrop.

Nature lovers could trek to Tongging village and be right next to the magical waterfall in around 30 minutes.

 

Berastagi Karo highlands, Indonesia (from Medan, 2 hours drive)

 

With an altitude of 4595 feet above sea level, the beautiful city of Berastagi charms visitors pleasantly with cool climate of 18-26 degrees all year round with lush flora and fauna greenery, fruits picking farms and fresh vegetation.

 

Gundaling Hill in Berastagi offers alluring views of dormant volcano Mount Sibayak and active volcano Mount Sinabung with hotsprings in the vicinity.

 

Adventurous travellers can hike up Mount Sibayak for magnificent views and see a sulphur crater lake or trek down to foothills (around 2-3hours trek) to Sibolangit waterfall or Blue Lake Sibolangit, renown for its magical light blue and white colours due to the high phosphorus and sulfur content from the volcano.

 

 

Mount Sinabung volcano erupted gas while we were on Gundaling Hill and volcanic ash landscape offered another insight of wonderful Indonesia.

 

Taman Alam Lumbini Berastagi

 

Taman Alam Lumbini natural park is a replica of the renown Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar and is the second highest replica golden Pagoda outside Myanmar and surrounded by strawberries fields, raspberry, avocado and orange farms.

 

Officially opened in 2010 with a beautiful garden park behind the Golden Pagodas, vegetarian restaurant and souvenir shop, Taman Alam Lumbini was inaugurated by 1300 monks and hundreds of Buddhist devotees at Tongkoh village, Dolat Rakyat, Berastagi during the celebration.

 

Berastagi Market
 

Berastagi fruit market beckons with countryside pony rides and horse drawn carriages, fresh strawberries and raspberries, beautiful flowers stalls and local village food.

 

Berastagi produces Marquisa passion fruits, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, avocado, mangos, melons, pineapples, carrots, vegetables and beautiful flowers like lavender and hydrangea with fruit picking farm tours available.

 

Fruit and veggies lovers, flowers fans rejoice as you take your pick for fresh fruits - strawberries IDR15,000 a pack, avocado around IDR20,000/kg, egg mango or mangosteen at IDR25,000/kg.

 

Enjoy a bowl of home style Indonesia's most famous instant noodles Indomie and a cup of piping hot Bandrek - a traditional popular Indonesian drink made from spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, palm sugar and condensed milk which Indonesians drink to keep warm in cool highlands or chilly  weather .

 

Sip a cup of Indonesia's  favourite Indocoffee and roasted sweet corn / sweet potato at local coffee shops in Berastagi market while admiring the soft cuddly rabbits opposite the flower shop during tea break.

 

 

Flying fox / fruit bats are the world's biggest bats and used in traditional medicine in Indonesia to treat asthma symptoms. We made a pit stop to visit a small flying fox farm before stopping for durians.

 

Take a break, have some durians at the local stalls stocked with abundant supply of decadent creamy Medan durians by native Karo villagers for sale at around IDR100,000 (USD7.50/MYR33/SGD10.50) for 3 durians, compared to Medan city for double the price. Most of the durians are collected from Berastagi villages before transporting to Medan city centre for sale.

Indonesia Berastagi hotels, resorts and accommodation in the vicinity

Berastagi cottage hotel sits on an immaculate flora landscape garden of a hill slope with Mount Sinabung view and a stone throw away from Berastagi local fruit market.

 

Mikie holiday resort hotel 4 star accommodation with weekend Funland theme park attraction offers 35 fun rides, carnival games and paint ball activities is the perfect choice for families with children and located in Sempajaya on a gentle hill.

 

 

 

Hotel Sibeyak 4 star resort with President Suite and white washed cottages is located on the foothills of Gundaling Hill, just five minutes walk to Berastragi fruit, vegetables and flower market. Reservations: res@hotelsibayak.com

 

Relax at the delightful Taman Simalem nature five stars agro resort on Merek Hill, Berastagi consisting of villa hotel hostel lodge, restaurants, golf course, Buddhist temple with carved statues from Fujian China, Batak cultural centre, mini zoo, flower nursery, orange, mango and passion fruit orchard, agriculture research centre, a natural river running through the sprawling resort with a spellbinding panorama bird's eye view of Lake Toba and beyond at 1200 meters above sea level.

 

 

Explore day trips, sports adventure, just for kids activities, cultural batik weaving handicrafts, art gallery, eco green activities tree planting, flower nursery, golfing, trekking, camping activities and more.

Dine in at Taman Simalem resort cafes and restaurants like Teahouse Chinese cuisine, toba cafe for quick bites,  Kodon Kodon rainforest Cafe, Pengambatan Asian and western style cafe and Afro organic cafe, most with views of Lake Toba and Mount Sinabung volcano at the hidden pearl of Lake Toba.

Taman Simalem resort offers a range of accommodation at Tongging Point Hotel, Waterfall Lodge Villa hotel lodge and Sidompak Camping for travellers with different needs and budgets and is located at Km 9, Jalan Raya Merek – Sidikalang, North Sumatera Indonesia. For reservation, email info@tamansimalem.com.

Parapat / Prapat Indonesia ( from Medan approx 5-6 hours drive)

 

Horas ! Visit beautiful Parapat and wake up to wonderful views of crystal clear lake toba, misty mountains and blue sky at Inna Parapat hotel, situated in front of the lake with its own private jetty.

 

 

Inna Parapet hotel sits on the sunsoaked lake front with alluring mountainous lake views and is located at Jl. Marihat No. 1 – Parapet,Lake Toba, North Sumatra Indonesia.
 

 

If you happen to be in Parapat on Saturday, visit the Pekan Tigaraja weekend market just next to the ferry pier and Inna Parapat hotel for local Batak handicrafts, fruit, flowers and more by the local farmers and  villagers.

 

Samoir Island Lake Toba Tomok / Tuk Tuk (Approximately 50 mins from Parapet pier)

Take a ferry cruise to Samoir island the largest volcanic island in Toba Lake and encounter the mythical legends of King Sidabutar, experience Tor-tor dance by Batak tribe of Christian beliefs living in traditional bolon house with peak roof in Tomok village, explore Lake Aek Natonang and Lake Sidihoni, renown as lakes above lake.

 

 

Try Batak toba local staple food - mie gomak, a curry noodle with condiment, Sidak fish or shop for ulos traditional woven cotton fabric for gifts or souvenirs at Samoir island or Parapat.

 

Most of the stalls retail similar items, do negotiate and typically you could purchase a batik shirt for IDR60,000 and a scarf for IDR50,000.

Samosir attractions on the island include Pusuk Buhit dormant volcano, 1800metres above lake toba with Aek rangat sulfur hotsprings at the foot of the mountain, Binangalm waterfall, Batak ulos cloth weaving at Lumban suhi-suhi village, Batak museum tomok, Sigale gale puppet show or simply hike, trek, kayak, jet ski, swim or cruise in the crystal clear lake.

 

 

On your cruise back to the Parapet hotels, keep a lookout for Batu Gantung hanging rock on the edge of a mountain which resembles a lady.

 

 

Silangit Airport (approximately 2h+ drive from Parapat)

 

Take a 45 mins flight from the new Silangit airport to Medan Airport - Kuala Namu on Garuda Airlines, Sriwijaya Air, Susi Air or it's only a couple of hours away for 90Km drive.

 

 

Medan City Tour, Indonesia

 

Medan is the capital of South Sumatra and the largest fourth city in Indonesia after Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung with new Kualanamu international airport (KNO) as gateway to Lake toba and beyond.

 

Maimoon Palace Medan / Istana Maimun is the royal residence for Sultanate of Deli and was built in 1888 during Dutch colonial times with Malay, Moghal and European influences across its 30 rooms and sprawling gardens, just next to great mosque of Medan, the Al-Maksum mosque.

 

The Istana main throne room functions as a museum attraction with historical artefacts and Maimoon palace offers a heritage insight to the majestic grandeur of inauguration throne, golden royal bedroom and state meeting rooms.

 

Visitors could dress up as Sultanate royalty in traditional Malay costumes for an incredibly small fee from RP10,000 (approximately from USD 80 cents/ SGD 1.10, MYR 3.30) depending on your choice of costumes, accessories like gold necklaces, diamanté tiaras, rubies, ceremonial kerises daggers and even gold shoes!

 

Onsite photographers are available and would take your photographs for you, print and deliver your very own royalty momento to the hotels in the city from only RP25,000 per copy.

 

Mesjid Raya Al Mashun mosque was built in 1906 and is reminiscent of the great mosque in Banda Aceh. Beautifully built and maintained, it's certainly instagram worthy to visit the biggest mosque in Medan at Jalan Sisingamamangaraja, Medan Kota.
 

 

Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is a majestic Marian Shrine dedicated to Mary, Our Lady of Good Health with a chapel of Annai Velangkanni and a garden for Marian Pope John Paul II.

 

The Medan Indian Catholic Church's impressive Indo/Mogul architecture, intricate designs and towering temple design draws devotees, visitors and tourists to step into the community hall on the ground hall, worship place on the first floor with balcony and a seven storey tower with triple domes symbolizing Heaven, home of God.

 

Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni was built in 2005 and is located at Jl.Sakura III, No.7-10 Tanjung Selamat, Medan 20134, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia  

 

Gunung Timut  (Temple of eastern mountain/Yuk tong kuang) Chinese temple at Jalan Hang Tuah, next to Babura river is the largest Taoist Temple in Medan with devoutees in droves during Chinese festival celebrations.

 

 

Sri Mariamman temple in Medan is the oldest Hindu temple and was built in 1884. Adjacent to sun plaza, Sri Mariamman temple is at Teuku Umar 18, Kampung Madras, Medan.

 

 

Durian lovers can look forward to indulge in Medan durians, known for its lighter taste and goes extremely well with sweet glutinous rice and cockles satay at popular Ucok Durian Shop.

Takeaway boxes of durian prices range from IDR100,000 to IDR250,000 (approx. USD19/MYR81/SGD26)

 

 

Medan souvenir shopping includes Bolu Meranti sponge cake, Bika Ambon Zulayka cake, Napoleon cake, Indo coffee, Sido Muncul ginger tea and tingting ginger sweet.

Medan is famous for Indonesia food, do embark on a culinary delicacy tour in the city. Rumah Makan Sinar Pagi Indonesian food,  Bihun Bebek Kumango Koh Asia noodles, Jalan Perniagaan roti canai, Tip top restaurant colonial deco with charcoal oven opened since 1929 and bakery cake shop next door are some popular restaurants. Try local street foods at Merdeka Walk or while zipping across the city in motorised rickshaws becak or toyoko.
 

Medan shopping at Centerpoint mall with anchor tenants H&M, Lotte Supermarket, Ace Hardware, restaurants, cafes and more.

Popular Medan hotels - JW Marriott Hotel, Grand Aston City and Danau Toba hotel are all in the vicinity together with Medan rooms stays budget accommodation for everyone to visit the beautiful Medan city.

 

 

Grand Aston city hotel in Medan is a five stars property home away from home, located in the heart of the city, directly opposite airport railway station (30mins ride from Medan Kualanamu international airport, ticket IDR80,000), Merdeka Walk market and Centerpoint shopping mall.

 Airlines to Medan Indonesia Kualanamu international airport includes AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Indo AirAsia, Batik Air, Malindo Air, Lion Air, Garuda airlines from Singapore and Jakarta, Singapore Airlines, Silkair, Jetstar Asia.

 

Lake Toba Medan Travel destinations Indonesia
 

Best weather to visit Medan : Dry season April to September, wet season October to March.

 

Lake toba festivals in Indonesia : Lake Toba festival, Coffee Festival Toba, Samoir Jazz festivals, usually May to November, check Wonderful Indonesia travel events page for latest updates

 

 

Suggested Medan Indonesian itineraries: Medan, Lake Toba, Berstragi, Gunaling Hill, Sipiso-piso waterfall, Mount Sibayak crater, Sibolangit blue waterfall, Mount Sinabung,  Taman Simelan eco resort, Parapat, Samoir Island.

 

 

AirAsia flights from Malaysia to Indonesia Bali, Bandung, Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Lombok, Makassar, Medan, Manado. Padang, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Pontianak, Semarang, Solo, Surabaya and Yogyakarta - 16 different cities with more than 350 times weekly flights including Kuching to Pontianak to explore Indonesia, the biggest country in South East Asia.

 

Singapore to Medan flights (flight time from Singapore 90 minutes) includes Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Silkair, Jetstar Asia or via Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia , Batik Air,  Malindo Air and Lion Air (flight time from Kuala Lumpur 60 minutes).

Garuda Indonesia Medan Singapore holiday packages with spa and shopping options starts from S$299

Visit Wonderful Indonesia to discover the wonderful wonders and Thank you Wonderful Indonesia for the warm hospitality.

IBIS NOVENA HOTEL ACCOR SINGAPORE ANNVERSARY POWER OF THREE CELEBRATIONS + SLEEP ART APP WIN ROOM STAYCATIONS

ibis Singapore Novena Hotel, part of Accor Hospitality is the  first international 3-star value economy hotel with 5-star service for international travellers  that features 241 high ceiling, timber-floored accommodation rooms equipped with 32-inch LCD TVs, free WiFi, eco-friendly facilities and Oopen Pasta & Grill all day dining restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Calvin Ow.

The contemporary and stylish Ibis Novena located near Novena MRT Station with its close proximity to Orchard Road, Singapore Central Business District and world class Tourism Medical Hub with Mount Elizabeth Novena hospital, Tan Tock Seng hospital, Thomas Medical centre and Novena medical centre,  opened along Balestier Road in 2011 with newly added family rooms in 2013 .

ibis Singapore Novena “Power of Three” celebration commemorates the beginning of its third year of successful operations, consistent high occupancy of over 90% since opening and ibis Sleep Art launch Facebook contest.

ibis Sleep Art App is an exclusive ibis brand concept and the first and only hotel in the world with an  innovative iPhone mobile app that uses motion sensor technology to turn the guests sleep into a beautiful creative work of digital art.

Ibis Hotel Singapore Novena FaceBook Contest – WIN 3D2N Stay in Accor Bangkok, Thailand 3D2N Stay in Accor Bali, Indonesia Hotel or ibis Singapore Novena Oopen Pasta & Grill $100 Dining Voucher

• Stay at any ibis hotel located anywhere in the world  from 15 May 2013 to 16 August 2013
• Download ibis Sleep Art app, post the created digital sleep art on the ibis Singapore Novena Facebook page www.facebook.com/IbisSingaporeNovena 
• all participants are entitled to a 30% discount at Oopen Pasta & Grill restaurant at ibis Singapore Novena’s just by showing the ibis Sleep Art app artwork they have entered.

ibis Hotel in Singapore Novena located at 6 Irrawaddy road, S 329543 is a 3 star hotel that offers guests with a 5 star hotel stay experience,   catering to different travellers’ budget is renowned for its warm hospitably, Oopen Pasta & Grill all day dining restaurant and dedicated service with complimentary shuttle bus service to Novena MRT and Singapore CBD area. For hotel room reservations, enquires or restaurant booking, please visit  www.ibis.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

10  Home stays in Kelantan - Kampung Renok Baru,  Kampung Pantai Suri and Kampung Blok Ulu Kusial

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

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.

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 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.

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.