Something of the identity of Kota Bharu, the capital of the peninsular Malaysian
state of Kelantan, can be gleaned from flipping through the phone directory. In just
over seven hundred pages of names listed in the directory, nearly ten percent begin
with the name Mohammed and another five percent begin with the name Abdullah. Where
this pattern is contradicted most noticeably it is with names like Chen, Low, Lok,
and Wong which are also heavily represented in the book. Kelantan is the only state
in Malaysia not run by the ruling party. Instead it is run by an opposition party
which has assured that Kelantan is the most noticeably Islamic state in Malaysia.
According to some it also means that Kelantan has suffered and neglected from the ruling
party in Kuala Lumpur who is punishing the Kelantan people for voting the opposition
party into power.Cultural City
Kota Bharu is known as the Cultural City, a town that is most "Malays" in Malaysia.
It is the centre for Malay culture. It is the place for you to sample the Malay traditional
culture, crafts and religion.
In 1993, The National Land Agency of Japan awarded Kota Bharu as one of the Best
8 cities in the world based on cultural uniqueness and the best tourist destination.
The town of Kota Bharu was built by Sultan Muhammad II in 1844. After 150 years,
Kota Bharu still serves as the administrative centre of the state, bustling trade,
and cultural activities.
Daily flights are available to and from Penang,
BY TAXI
Taxi services are available on a basis of four
BY RAIL
There are two stations in Kota Bharu. Both stations
BY BUS
Air-conditioned bus services are available from
TRAVEL TIPS
Malaysia Airlines links Kota Bharu to the major towns
BY AIR
Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
passengers to a taxi. The time of departure will
depend on its full loads.
are accessible by bus no 19 or 27. Visitors are advised
to use the Wakaf Bharu Station. Express train depart daily
for various destinations throughout Kelantan and major
towns in Peninsular Malaysia right up to Singapore.
Kota Bharu to various major towns within Peninsular
Malaysia and up to Singapore at reasonable rate.
in the Peninsula. Trains are available at the Wakaf Bharu
Station and Sungai Golok Station. There are adequate taxis
and buses plying between the capital and outlying districts.
Car rental agencies are plentiful. Travel agents can
easily plan a hassle-free holiday for you.