Kota Bharu means ‘New City’ in Malay which is a bit of a misnomer as it is actually one of the most traditional places in Malaysia. Those searching for a more traditional side to Malaysia would be hard-pressed to find anywhere more fitting than the northern city of Kota Bharu in the state of Kelantan bordering Thailand. You’d be pleasantly surprised with the overall look and feel of Kota Bharu in this eye-opening heritage tour.
Breakfast at Ayang Café
Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at Ayang Café. One of the best ways to soak in local culture is to eat like its locals. Apart from the classic Toasted Bread with Egg and Kaya on top that you could never go wrong with, there are also other local favourites here such as Nasi Berlauk, Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Dagang, Nasi Tumpang, and more. The great number of scrumptious food and beverages will leave you wanting more!
Tin Hin Kong Temple (Tokong Mek)
Known to the locals as Tokong Mek, it welcomes visitors with a bright red arch into an inner courtyard designed with colourful murals and wall relief. What is so special about the place is that therein lies within the temple a drum that was a royal gift from the Sultan of Kelantan. Don’t forget to whip out your camera to capture viral-worthy shots of this second oldest temple in Kelantan.
Keropok Factory
Don’t miss out on the great fun and knowledge in the process of Keropok making. Keropok, which means crackers, comes in a plenty of variety in Malaysia from fish crackers, prawn crackers, to banana crisps. The Keropok Factory in Kota Bharu takes pride in preserving their recipe and devours its visitors with its old school tradition and childhood nostalgia.
Pantai Kundur
Enjoying a breathtaking view of Nami Island Malaysia at Pantai Kundur, Kota Bharu. Then step into a historic foundation, the British Pillbox. The British Pillbox (WWII Bunker) in Pantai Kundur is one of the few Pillboxes that you can step into. Surprisingly, it’s in a relatively good shape and maintains its sturdiness. Being in the Pillbox gives you a feel on what it was like to mend a defensive position awaiting the enemies to attack. Unless a diehard history fan, the average visitor to Asia may not realize the impact that World War 2 and the Japanese Military Forces had on the region. Memories from that not-so-long-ago war are present on this beach.
Batik & Nipa Cigarette
Head over to a humble kampung at Mek Mas Beach (Pantai Mek Mas) and see what’s the Batik & Nipa Cigarette all about. It’s eye-opening to know that much of Malaysian batik takes root in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Whether it’s creating batik for most of their lives or preparing Nipa leaves to make traditional rolling cigarettes, it’s evident that many of their skills are passed down from their families. This expertise is clear when you notice their efficient handiwork; it can be impressive to observe.
Pak Sapie Wau Gallery (Galeri Wau Pak Sapie)
Established by the late Pak Sapie, the legendary Wau maker of Malaysia. The famous “Wau” or traditional kites are mostly made in and associated with Kelantan. The kites are made of split bamboo and coloured paper with tassels and strings. Such art of making kites is not easy and requires patience and precision. Learn the art of Wau making, an endangered art - from the history of the kites to the carving of the frame and the process of making the colourful motifs. It’s an experience that will make you go “Wau”.
Monkey Plucking Coconut Demonstration
At Kampung Badang, monkeys play an important economic role in the livelihood of their masters. They help their masters in the harvesting of the coconuts. Watch these smart creatures as they climb up the tall coconut trees and sniff out the best coconuts before twisting them off the tree and letting the coconuts fall to the ground from an impressive height.
Lunch (Optional)
Enjoy lunch with a scrumptious nasi kandar at Nasi Kandar Banggol. The way that Nasi Kandar is served is that a variety of pre-cooked curries are added to a plate of rice. It’s a delightful way to enjoy multiple flavours of all the rich curries, yum. If you’re not up for nasi kandar, try local Malay dishes that you’re familiar with from Restoran Kak Ros Pantai Sabak instead.
Artistic Fisherman Boats
At the Pulau Gajah Fishermen Village (Kampung Nelayan Pulau Gajah), be amazed by the vibrantly-painted boats docked at the jetty looking like they are set to sail for a magnificent sea carnival. The Kampung Pulau Gajah is the only fishing village in Kelantan, and probably among the few in the country, where its fishing community practices the tradition of painting their boats. The fishermen boats are painted in bright shades of red, blue, yellow and green and its bow decorated with intricate, and equally colourful, carvings of figures such as the dragon, eagle or fish. The view of the colourful boats is absolutely beautiful and its reflection on the surface of the water, even stunning.
Masjid Ar Rahman Pulau Gajah
The unique architecture and design of Ar-Rahman Mosque in Kampung Pulau Gajah, Sabak reels in people for its charm. Covering an area of 5,000sq ft and surrounded by a man-made river, the Masjid Ar Rahman Pulau Gajah was built to cater to the increasing number of haj pilgrims in Mukim Pulau Gajah. Its interior decor is a wonderful mix. Its main door is imported from Yemen, the two green pillars and pulpit are from Morocco, the drum set is from Indonesia, the chandelier from India while the water faucets for ablution are imported from Turkey.