Kelantan’s Capital of Culture, Royalty, and Islamic Heritage
Kota Bharu District, located in the northeastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, is the capital district of Kelantan State. Known as a “Cultural City”, Kota Bharu blends royal tradition, Islamic values, and a rich heritage of crafts, food, and community life. As the political, economic, and spiritual heart of Kelantan, the district is both deeply rooted in Malay culture and open to modern development.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Kota Bharu District |
| State | Kelantan |
| District Capital | Kota Bharu City |
| Area | Approx. 400 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Over 500,000 (most populous in Kelantan) |
| Parliamentary Seats | 3 (Kota Bharu, Pengkalan Chepa, Kubang Kerian) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Kota Bharu – Bandar Raya Islam (MPKB-BRI) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim)
Kota Bharu District includes multiple mukims, some key ones being:
- Bandar Kota Bharu
- Pengkalan Chepa
- Kubang Kerian
- Kampung Sireh
- Wakaf Che Yeh
- Ketereh (southern area under greater Kota Bharu)
Key Towns and Areas
- Kota Bharu City Centre – Government buildings, royal palaces, markets
- Kubang Kerian – Home to Universiti Sains Malaysia (Health Campus)
- Pengkalan Chepa – Industrial area and airport zone
- Wakaf Bharu & Wakaf Che Yeh – Commercial suburbs
- Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB) – Famous beachside destination
Economy & Development
- Retail and commerce: Large markets, small businesses, shopping malls
- Education and healthcare hub – Home to USM Health Campus & HUSM Hospital
- Crafts & heritage industries: Batik, songket, wood carving, wau (kites)
- Food businesses & cottage industries in traditional kampungs
- Government employment and service sectors
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus
- International Islamic University Kelantan (IIUMK branch)
- Government schools, Arabic religious schools, Tahfiz & pondok institutions
- Renowned for Quranic memorization & Islamic studies tradition
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) – top referral hospital
- Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) – government general hospital
- Private medical centers: KPJ, An-Nur, and several clinics
Transport & Accessibility
- Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (Pengkalan Chepa) – domestic flights
- Well-connected by Federal Routes 3 and 8
- Intercity bus services and taxi terminals
- No direct railway to city center, but Wakaf Bharu is nearby KTM stop
Tourism & Attractions
- Siti Khadijah Market – iconic central market run mostly by women
- Royal Palace (Istana Jahar) and Kelantan State Museum
- Masjid Muhammadi – central mosque with beautiful Islamic architecture
- Handicraft Village & Craft Museum
- Pantai Cahaya Bulan (PCB) – beachside getaway
- Wau Museum, Batik Workshops, and Cultural Shows
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Strong Malay-Muslim identity with traditional Islamic lifestyle
- Cultural pride in dress, language, and religion
- Must-try foods:
- Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Dagang, Laksam, Ayam Percik, Kuih Akok, Tepung Pelita
- Night markets (pasar malam) are vibrant and widespread
- Traditional music: Dikir Barat, Rebana Ubi, and Wayang Kulit (shadow play)
Summary
Kota Bharu is the beating heart of Kelantan—a district where Islamic values, royal heritage, colorful markets, and community life come together. As both the cultural capital and gateway to the East Coast, Kota Bharu offers visitors and residents a truly authentic Malaysian-Malay experience.