VIETJET HANOI TAIPEI NEW 2016 INTERNATIONAL ROUTE LAUNCHED

VietJet Hanoi – Taipei flight VJ5972 is the newest VietJet Air international route launched in 2016 with thrice weekly schedule from February 1st, departing at 1510 and arriving at 1850 in Taipei. VJ5973 will depart an hour later at 19:50 and arrive in Hanoi at 21:30.

Hanoi is located on Northern Vietnam with cool climate during winter is an ideal vacation choice all year round with its charming old French quarters architecture, heritage cultural and close proximity to Ha Long Bay limestone islands, an UNESCO world heritage site. 

VietJet operates daily flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Taipei on VJ840, departing at 1:10 and arriving in Taipei at 05:35. The returning flight VJ841 departs Taipei at 06:35 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh Coty at 09:00.

 

Book your Vietjet air tickets at www.vietjetair.com,https://m.vietjetair.com) or www.facebook.com/vietjetvietnam (by click the “Booking” tab).

VIETJET SINGAPORE AIRLINE REVIEW | VIETNAM SAIGON DA LAT FLIGHT ON SKYBOSS DELUXE

VietJet Air offers daily flight from Singapore Changi International Airport Terminal 3 to Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport, connecting VietJet domestic flights to  Ha Noi, Can Tho, Da Nang, Da Lat, Hai Phong, Hue, Vinh, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Buon Ma Thuot, and Phu Quoc.

International routes include Seoul and Busan (South Korea), Bangkok (Thailand) and new VietJet Air routes Taipei (Taiwan),  Siem Reap (Cambodia), Vladivostok (Russia) and KunMing (China)  in 2014 and 2015.

VietJet  Air invited Singapore media to experience VietJetAir's Flight of Smiles and explore Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) historical places of interest and Da Lat idyllic sights.

VietJet Singapore to Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Saigon

We travelled on  VietJet Skyboss deluxe with business class privileges. Perks included Airport lounge access,  flexible flight amendments, premium service  like priority check in, free check-in baggage, priority boarding with premium seats selection, optional inflight entertainment via tablet  for  an ultimate flying  experience on board.

VietJet Airport lounge access for SkyBoss Deluxe class
After checking in at VietJet priority counter, we stopped by Premier lounge, managed by SATS Gateway located above the departure hall for some refreshments before our flight.

We were seated at row 1 bulkhead seats with ultra legroom. After the flight safety demonstration, VietJet flight of smiles VJ8952 took off smoothly at 1240pm with the friendly cabin crew.

VietJet air brand new Airbus A320 aircrafts are fitted with leather seats for both Sky boss deluxe business class and eco fare passengers where they enjoy the roomy 29inch pitch legroom, delectable inflight cuisine at ultra pocket friendly price and duty free shopping on board.

VietJet inflight dining Jet Café hot meals selection and favourites

Our inflight meal was served and we had a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, even before reaching our destination as all inflight meals  are prepared in Vietnam.

VietJet inflight dining hot meals selection are five spices chicken with sticky rice, stewed beef noodles, crab and shrimp fried vermicelli noodles, BBQ grill pork skewers, Singapore noodles, spaghetti beef Bolognese, BBQ pork fried noodles and Vietnamese steamed cake with pork floss.

The succulent Roast chicken with sticky rice was a hot favourite, followed by crab and shrimp vermicelli. The stewed beef was good but the rice noodles was a little too dry. If you like spicy, the BBQ grill pork skewer is moist with lots of gravy.

Fresh coconut juice (40000VND) on VietJet air flight menu won approvals unanimously as it was perhaps the only airline that chose the healthy nutritious fruit on its permanent beverage menu.

Skyshop Jet Cafe Hot meals selections at 50000VND can be prebooked online before the flight. Hot Combo meals with soft drink  are available at 65000VND. Instant Vietnamese beef noodles, congee, noodles, snacks, chocolate, drinks and  Vietnamese beer are also available for purchase from only 5000VND to 40000VND (SGD 25 cents to SGD2). There is a surcharge of 20000VND (SGD1.20) per item for international flights.


VietJet Duty Free Shopping

Enjoy duty free shopping at VietJet SkyShop on board all VietJet flights or purchase VietJet merchandise like duffle travel bag, teddy bear, polo tee and more as souvenirs.

VietJet flight landing at Vietnam Tan Son Nhat International Airport was smooth and we arrived at ten minutes to two in the afternoon after the one hour  fifty minutes short flight.

VietJet VIP Lounge for business class passengers at Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City airport for international flights commands a bird's eye view of the runway for plane watching. Sky boss deluxe class passengers could relax on the massage chairs, or try the  assortment of local sandwiches, fresh fruits, Vietnamese canapes, snacks and beverages before heading to the gate hold room.

Our return flight on board VietJet VJ8931 at 850am experienced a smooth take off and landing, arrived at Singapore Changi Airport at 1140am.

VietJet Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat Domestic flight

We also travelled on VietJet domestic flight to Da Lat, a picturesque town that is only 25 minutes by flight. CIP airport lounge access with  a good variety of local Vietnamese cuisine, snacks, fresh fruits and drinks are available for Sky Boss deluxe class passengers at both Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Da Lat Lien Khuong Airport.

The aircraft's seats configurations are the same and we enjoyed the roomy legroom even though it was a short flight. The flight attendants even have time to walk down the aisle to serve water to all passengers before preparing for landing.

VietJet Airline Review : 

• VietJet flight take off and landing were smooth for both the international and domestic routes. VietJet flights were flown by experienced captains and co-pilots with  friendly  attentive cabin crew.
• Comfortable leather seats with ample 29inch pitch legroom for both Sky boss deluxe class and standard eco fare passengers makes traveling on Vietjetair a pleasant and delightful journey.
• Skyshop Jet Cafe authentic Vietnamese, Asian and European hot food, instant food and drinks menu are super affordable at around SGD1.45 to SGD3.70. VietJet airline food is perhaps the most value for money among low cost budget carriers in the region.
• Browse through VietJet One-2-Fly in flight magazine, shop for duty free items or just sit back and relax on board the Flight of Smiles.

At the media reception held in VietJet Ho Chi Minh City head office,  VietJet’s Managing Director Mr Luu Duc Khánh shared that passengers  will enjoy VietJet Flight of Smiles experiences with a modern fleet of fifteen aircrafts, operating 24 flight routes with 700 flights per week at cost efficient prices.  

Currently, VietJet air have a thirty percent market share in Vietnam aviation scene and will be expanding new international routes in 2015 as well as adding a second flight to Singapore to meet increasing demands.

VietJet VJ8931 flies from Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 850am to Singapore  Changi International Airport, arriving 1 hour and 50 minutes later at 1140am and turnaround flight VJ8932 departs at 12.40pm back to Saigon.

VietJet Singapore to Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City connect to VietJet's extensive domestic routes and International routes like Seoul, Bangkok with new routes to Busan, Siem Reap, Taipei, Vladivostok and KunMing.

Book Vietjet sale airfares offers to Vietnam for as low as S$100, reserve discounted tickets  or even enjoy free flights (airport taxes and charges applicable) during flash sales and promotional periods at Vietjet Website: www.vietjetair.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VietjetSingapore or Mobile site : m.vietjetair.com .

 *Photography by BeauteRunway.Com using mainly Nikon Camera D5200 with 18-300mn lens. Visit Nikon Singapore at www.Nikon.com.sg to discover Nikon DSLR, Nikon CoolPix, Nikon 1 and Nikkor  lens including the all new Nikon D810 and J4.
  

Traders Hotel Singapore Staycation Review - Family Package + Cafe Biz Restaurant Promotion

Traders Hotel Singapore staycation offers family package with Club  Lounge Access, free room stay and daily meals for kids at the spacious Traders apartment. Nestled along the green leafy avenue at 1A Cuscaden Road, Traders Hotel by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is popular with both business and leisure holiday guests for the globally renowned impeccable service and its strategic location near Orchard Road, medical centres, Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

 

Singapore Staycation Weekend Family Package at Traders Hotel, Shangri-La Hotels group

 

A weekend Staycation reservation at Traders Hotel Singapore was planned for National Day and birthday celebration indulgence. The Traders Hotel room check-in was a breeze with the innovative digital environment friendly paperless process.



Traders Hotel Hotel Jen Singapore Night View.

We were given a warm welcome and to our surprise, Traders Hotel presented us with freshly made chocolate, a plate of fresh fruits, mini chocolate bars snack packs for the two kids and decorated the studio apartment with 'Happy Birthday' banner and colourful balloons!

 

Contemporary designed, Traders Hotel’s 50-square-metre apartments consist of a kitchenette with a full-sized fridge, microwave oven, toaster, kettle, crockery and utensils, complete with an adjoining bar counter and dining table.

 

A full size executive desk with lush greenery views, sofa and flat screen television with extensive  cable channels from HBO to Cartoon Networks and two extra beds for the children are prepared in the living room.

 

 

Slide open the panelled wooden door to enter the bedroom with floor to ceiling windows, separate dressing table and another television set, providing privacy for parents when the kids are asleep. Room amenities include plush bath robes, bedroom slippers, hotel safe, iron and hair dryer.

 

The marbled bathroom consists of bath tub, large mirror and a generous supply of bath and body toiletries.

 

Just as we finished unpacking our luggage, the doorbell rang. The kids were surprised as they were not expecting anyone as we were at Traders Hotel for a staycation.

 

We opened the door and were greeted by Traders Hotel Café Biz Restaurant staff who delivered Sweet surprises - a gorgeous Happy Birthday blackforest chocolate cake with cute cupcakes  and pretty cake pops in a bowl of m&m chocolates and jelly beans! 

 

Traders Hotel impeccable service and attentiveness is impressive, as always.

Traders Hotel Singapore Club Lounge and Restaurant Dining

  

Traders Club  Lounge complimentary access on the 17th floor with evening cocktails and  canapés are part of Traders Hotel  Singapore family staycation package.

Chicken satay, barbeque ribs, smoked salmon, fresh fruits and juices,  assortment of cakes, cheese and  chocolates and vegetarian selection are some of the delicious refreshments available. Sip from the fine selection of whiskey, brandy, vodka or have enjoy a cocktail as you watch sunset in the city.

 

The kids loved the satay, nachos with cheese, salsa, guacamole dips and the hot chocolate while the superb cheese selection and fruits paired with Dilmah luxury tea was our favourite.

 

Another perk for Traders Hotel staycation package is that two kids can dine for free at  either Ah Hoi’s Kitchen or Cafebiz. 

 

Traders Hotel Cafebiz celebrated Singapore 49th birthday with Peranakan décor, Tingket Tiffin carriers and an amazing spread of  49 Singapore local dishes for the month of August. Singapore Chilli crabs, Hainanese Chicken rice, Singapore Laksa, Hokkien noodles, braised pork knuckles, Indian rojak, fried oyster, soup kambing, pandan chiffon cake, devils curry are some of Singaporeans' favourite food choices.

 

There was also a selection of Japanese cuisine like sashimi, tuna, fresh crabs, prawns, whole salmon fish, seafood clams, mussels, jellyfish,  California Maki sushi and fresh soba.

 

The dessert table is a beautiful rainbow hued sweet selection with local kuehs, delicious cakes, pastries, fruit tarts, chocolate fountain with cake pops, marshmallows, fruits, ice kachang shaved ice, chendol, goreng pisang, mango sago and ice cream flavours like coconut, mango, chocolate and strawberry.

We liked Cafe biz buffet restaurant's Singapore signature chilli crabs with fried Mantou, the wide variety of local food and live stations where chefs prepare Kueh pie tee, satay, otah, wanton noodles, chicken rice and fried kway teow.

 

Traders Hotel is conveniently connected to Tanglin Mall,  a one-stop lifestyle mall  with Tanglin Market Place gourmet supermarket with bakery and Tasty Food Court. We stopped by for a walk before proceeding back to Traders Hotel swimming pool to enjoy the natural night breeze.

 

The evening was spent relaxing in our comfortable Traders Hotel suite apartment. The kids watching cartoon network on the two extra beds in the living room and the parents reading electronic news and magazines via Pressreader app, downloaded using the free hotel Wi-Fi in the bedroom.

 

 

After a good night's sleep on the super comfortable Traders Hotel king size bed  with fluffy pillows, we were energized for a workout at the hotel gym, swimming in the beautiful pool on level four or perhaps a relaxing massage at the hotel’s spa later on the day.

 

Traders hotel club lounge with its panorama city garden views sets the lovely Sunday mood brightly.

 

 

Complimentary buffet breakfast are provided as part of the weekend staycation family package. Fresh omelette, sunny side ups, back bacon, sausages, hash brown, waffles, pancakes, grilled tomatoes, cold cuts, cheese, fruits, vegetarian selection, yogurt, muesli, raspberries mix fruits are some of the tasty choices to start the day.

 

At Traders Hotel Jen Singapore swimming pool, there are weekend kids activities like water polo games, tug-of-war and marble hunt from 10 a.m. to noon.

 

 

After an indulgence weekend staycation at Traders Hotel Singapore, we checked out at Traders Club Floor and heeded the advice of the friendly front office staff to hop on to the Hotel shuttle bus to Orchard Road for some shopping.

Thank you Traders Hotel Singapore for the warm hospitality.

 

Traders Hotel Singapore Staycation weekend offers Family Package promotion for one-night stay in a 50-square-metre apartment with free Hotel Wi-Fi, Traders Club access plus complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails, two extra beds and two kids daily meals at the hotel’s restaurants is available from now till 31 October 2014, including September school holiday Friday and Saturday weekends. Complimentary parking and hotel shuttle bus to Orchard Road are available for all hotel guests.

 

Traders Hotel Staycation Apartment rates starts from S$380 per night for two adults and two kids below 12 years old and are subject to a 10 per cent service charge and prevailing government tax. Cafebiz restaurant buffet are priced at S$63++ per Adult and two kids under twelve dine for free under the staycation package.

Traders Hotel is renamed as Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore and is located at 1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249716. For reservations, please visit: www.hoteljen.com/singapore                                        

   

*Photography by BeauteRunway.Com using mainly Nikon Camera D5200 with 18-300mn lens. Visit Nikon Singapore at www.Nikon.com.sg to discover Nikon DSLR, Nikon CoolPix, Nikon 1 and Nikkor  lens including the all new Nikon D810 and J4.
  

WELCOME TO THAILAND LAND OF SMILES 2014 COMPASS POINT SINGAPORE + WIN TOUR PACKAGES

Tourism Authority of Thailand and Compass Point jointly organised Welcome To Thailand The Land of Smiles inline with Thailand Happiness Street Festival 2014 in Bangkok this weekend at Ratchaprasong areas - CentralWorld Square, Parc Paragon and The Platinum fashion mall.

 

Photography by Hilarion Goh

Supported by Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways and Air Asia, book your Thailand holiday packages at attractive prices with the authorised Thailand holiday tour agents at  Compass Point Main Atrium and you might just walk away with free air tickets Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui, enjoy Blue Elephant restaurant set lunch, watch Muay Thai Live" stage show , explore Bangkok with one-day unlimited travel BTS pass or souvenirs like  foldable bags, luggage tags, travel adaptors and  thumb drives.



Photography by Hilarion Goh

Pick up Thai cooking tips by  world renowned Blue Elephant restaurant head chefs who have flown in to Singapore especially to share with visitors the art of cooking authentic Thai cuisine. Watch "Thailand Got Talent" perform the traditional Thai cultural dance, learn to make Thai Handicrafts at the workshops or shop for Thai jewellery, spa and body products  and local Thai snacks.

 

Photography by Ozaki Studio

Visit Welcome to Thailand Travel Fair 2014, soak in Thailand cultural and local activities with 10 package prizes to be won daily sponsored by Aonang Cliff Beach Resort, Aonang Princeville Resort & Spa, Crown Lanta Resort & Spa, Krabi La Playa Resort, Sunset Beach Resort, The Small Krabi and See Tho Holidays to Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lanta for 2 persons (no purchases required) at Compass Point, Level 1 Main Atrium,  next to SengKang Mrt Station and Bus interchange from July 24 to 28, 10am to 10pm daily.



Photography by Ozaki Studio

 

VIETJET SINGAPORE HO CHI MINH BUDGET AIRLINE VIETNAM FLIGHT ROUTES + SALE OFFERS

VietJet Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam international flight route on Airbus A320 from Changi International Airport Terminal 3 to Tan Son Nhat International Airport will operate daily (SGN-SIN) to meet business, leisure and student travellers demand  from May 23 with expansion plans for twice daily flights in near future.

 

Award winning VietJet budget low cost carrier launched its first International flight routes to Bangkok, Thailand and Singapore, one of the biggest aviation markets in Asia where VietJet sealed the USD6.4 billion, 100 aircraft AirBus buying spree  at The Singapore AirShow 2014 is next on its radar.

VIETJET SINGAPORE HO CHI MINH AIRLINE VIETNAM BUDGET FLIGHT NEW ROUTES

 

 VietJet to Seoul, South Korea, KunMing, China, Taipei, Taiwan and Siem Reap, Cambodia are new international flight routes launching in Asia Pacific and beyond by end of 2014.  The addition of seven new Airbus A320 fitted with leather seats expands VietJet modern fleet of eleven aircrafts, operating 24 flight routes with 700 flights per week.

 

As part of Vietjet regional plans, Thai Vietjet, will launch in Thailand with at least two Airbus A320. Similar joint ventures with airline partners will follow swiftly.

 

Travelling around Vietnam is easy as VietJet domestic routes  flies extensively to beautiful scenic places of interest like Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Hue, Vinh, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, opening new markets and preserving the familiar sights at Ho Chi Minh City, to promote tourism and growth successfully.

Photography by Hilarion Goh

 

From Ho Chi Minh City, VietJet VJ8931 flies at 8.50am from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Singapore  Changi International Airport, arriving 1 hour and 50 minutes later and turnaround flight VJ8932 departs at 12.40pm back to Saigon.

Mr Luu Duc Khánh – VietJet’s Managing Director shared at the official launch held at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, “We are witnessing a strong and increasing need for business trips, tourism and family visits between Singapore and Vietnam. This is also a great entry to the Asia Pacific market, especially for tourists to connect to this part of the world, therefore, VietJet has carefully chosen Singapore as its next destination.We will bring Flight of Smiles to Singapore. Passengers will also enjoy great flight experiences with a new craft at cost efficient prices.”
 

 Travel in style on VietJet Skyboss deluxe service where you enjoy an ultimate flying experience with premium priorities services, free check-in baggage and in flight entertainment via tablet. All passengers onboard could browse its One-2-Fly magazines, order Asian and European  cuisine airline meals, or purchase limited edition merchandise and duty free shopping at SkyShop with the friendly in flights service attendants.

WIN VIETJET AIR FLIGHTS + AIRFARE SALE

On VietJet Singapore inaugural flight, be surprised by the onboard flight performances on 23 May 2014, daily promotions and lucky draws where free air tickets, Visa cards worth 1 million Vietnamese Dong awaits till 23 June .  

VietJet is offering 1,000 lucky customers free round-trip* tickets from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City! Simply fill up the registration form on VietJet Facebook Page and purchase your tickets between 23 June 2014 and 6 July 2014, while stocks last, and VietJet air ticket will be valid for travel between the two cities until 31 December 2014.

Win with VietJet as all passengers on VietJet flights - international routes Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok and domestic routes  Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Hue, Vinh, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat and Phu Quoc will be automatically entered into a draw to win the Toyota Vios E special prize, one Honda SH 125 every month, one set of Samsung Galaxy Core II Duo smartphone and 70 air tickets each week from July 15 to September 15.

Winning VietJet passengers simply produce their VietJet boarding passes or e-tickets when collecting the prizes. Visit VietJet’s website http://www.vietjetair.com to view list of prize winners, specified by corresponding flight and seat numbers, will be updated daily.

 



Photography by Hilarion Goh

Book your Vietjet cheap airfares offers, discounted tickets  or even enjoy free flights (airport taxes and charges applicable) at Vietjet Website: www.vietjetair.com, Mobile: m.vietjetair.com or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VietjetSingapore during flash sales and promotional periods for VietJet Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City return flights from as low as S$100. Join VietJet frequent flyer programme for more perks and treats.

VIETJET INFLIGHT DUTY FREE SHOPPING + DISCOUNTS

VietJet international routes from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand offers all flight passengers premium duty free shopping options on board including beauty and grooming products like cosmetics, skincare, perfumes as well as wine, spirits and jewelry. Mode of payment onboard for duty free shopping on VietJet international routes are cash in US, Singapore, and Taiwan dollars, Vietnam dong, Thai baht, and Malaysian ringgit

Shop with VietJet Air as all passengers will enjoy a 30 percent discount on all in-flight purchases from Tuesday, 22 July to Friday, 22 August 2014 and with any purchase from VietJet's in-flight duty free shop will win wonderful VietJet specially designed merchandise like travellers duffle bag, polo t-shirts. VietJet Bear Mascot, cap and more.

Fly VietJet Singapore Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam  daily airline flights from Changi International Airport Terminal 3 to Tan Son Nhat International Airport and connect to VietJet's extensive domestic routes and new launch routes like Seoul, South Korea, KunMing, China and Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2014.

 

 

KOREAN AIR A380 PARIS SEOUL ROUTE

Korean Air A380 flight service route between Seoul Incheon Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport features  12 ultra luxurious First Class Kosmo Suites, 94 Prestige Class (business class) and  301 Economy Class seats with the world’s first ‘Duty Free Showcase’ and a new onboard bar and lounge area, commenced on March 30th.

Korean Air offers a brand new and highly enjoyable relaxation flight experience with three-class layout of just 407 seats - the lowest configuration of any A380 operator currently and replaced the B777-300 formerly used, increasing the total capacity on the route by 40%.

Korean Air A380 Flight number KE901 will depart from Seoul/Incheon at 13:05 daily and arrive in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at 18:20 the same day. KE902 return flight will depart Paris daily at 21:00 and arrive in Seoul/Incheon at 14:50 the following day.

Korean Air operates eight A380 aircraft with additional two joining the fleet by the end of 2014. Visit http://www.koreanair.com to book your A380 Paris Seoul route flight experience now.

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.