Crafts, cuisine and culture come together in a conservative city.

BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
liyuin@ocision.com

Trishaw rider sending goods from Khadijah Market, Kota Bharu.

ONE can expect to find Kota Baru, Kelantan's capital city, well-developed and filled with many places of interest, not to mention local fares that are easily obtainable.

Granted, it is a lot more laid-back and relaxed, compared to larger cities like Kuala Lumpur and George Town, but it does make for a great overnight stop for those who are travelling to Thailand or Pulau Perhentian.

It would do visitors well to take note that Kota Baru is a socially conservative city with certain cultural and religious sensibilities, due to its primarily Muslim residents.

Due to the city's geographical proximity to the southern border of Thailand, visitors can also expect to find slight nuances of cultural influences from the Thais.

The traditional day and night markets not only sell a variety of items such as clothing, batik, crystals, gemstones and kites, but also delicious Kelantanese food such as ayam percik, nasi kerabu and keropok lekor.

A giant Kelantan traditional kite called 'Wau Puyuh' ready to fly at the beach.

Visitors can pay a visit to Pasar Siti Khadijah (central market), Bazar Tok Guru or Wakaf Che Yeh for their dose of retail therapy, and be prepared to fill their bellies with the unique cuisine.

Visitors to Pantai Cahaya Bulan can check out the batik shops or savour some fried seafood or refreshing coconut water. The beach's original name was 'Pantai Cinta Berahi', but was deemed a little too indecent for the state government and was subsequently renamed.

Tourists will also be able to immerse themselves in culture by visiting various museums, the old royal palace and former royal buildings in the centre of the town, allowing themselves to marvel at the elegant architecture as well.

There are also beautiful temples to visit, such as the Wat Pothivihan (home to a huge reclining Buddha) and Wat Mai Suwan Khiri (intricate dragon boat).

Nature-loving tourists will be pleased to know that they can enjoy the views of Fireflies Garden along a river in a traditional Malay boat. So come along and discover the hidden gems of this city, a good base for experiencing all that Kelantan has to offer.

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