Malaysia index   Malaysia information   Malaysia History   Festivals   Weather forecast   Weather overview   Weather Satellite   Transportation   Guide to all States   Visa   Tourist line   Maps   Golf   Diving   Adventure with Nature

other destinations THAILAND MALAYSIA SINGAPORE VIETNAM INDONESIA

Kelantan offers a fascinating variety of local handicrafts. This is supplemented by merchandise from Thailand which is available at the Malaysian border towns of Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubur. In the shops, richly coloured silks are displayed alongside batik scarves, prints and songket textiles.

New Central Market
In the mornings, the pulse of Kota Bharu is the Central Market (renamed the Siti Khadijah Market). The majority of the traders here are women and the profusion of colours, aromatic and sounds bear testimony to the variety of goods on sale. Fruits and vegetables of all colours, shapes and sizes are everywhere while cakes, spices, sweetmeats, preserved foods, pickles and dried seafood flood the senses with their scent.

Bazaar Buluh Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar)
This three storey shopping complex is stocked with just about everything imaginable and at bargain prices as well. The sheer variety of locally made souvenirs, knick-knacks, batik, gold and silver songket, fine silverware and imported Thai goods leave you in awe. A wide choice of clothes, T shirts, sarongs and hats are also offered at reasonable prices.

Jalan Temenggong
Virtually the whole street is lined with craft shops selling gold and silver jewellery, textiles, brassware and wood carvings. Be prepared to bargain and search for the best deal.

Kelantan boasts its own unique cuisine with many popular dishes such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu, and Nasi Dagang being indigenous to the area.

Ayam Percik - A favourite with locals and visitors alike, this barbecued chicken is marinated with a rich, spicy coconut gravy.

Nasi Kerabu - A rice-based dish served with coconut milk, flaked fish, dessicated coconut and a variety of herbs, spices and sauces.

Nasi Dagang - A type of rice with a brownish tinge steamed with coconut milk and served with a rich spicy fish gravy.

Food stalls and restaurant abound in Kota Bharu and other larger towns, and hawkers selling snacks can be found along every road. Kota Bharu's Chinatown, located at the junction of Jalan Padang Garang and Jalan Pengkalan Chepa has fine traditional Chinese noodle dishes, among others.

Outdoor dining at food stalls is something not to be missed in Malaysia, and visitors to Kota Bharu must try the food stalls at Padang Bas in the town centre, which serves traditional fare from 6pm to midnight.