Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Being a young city (founded only in 1857) it developed fast into a bustling metropolis of 1.5 million people (6 million including the satellite cities in the Klang Valley). Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL (as it is it called by Malaysians), literally means “muddy estuary” in Bahasa Malaysia. With good and cheap accommodation, great shopping and even better food in this multi-cultural melting pot, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.
Having been in the shadow of other big cities in the region like Bangkok and Singapore, KL was put back on the map for good with the opening the Petronas Twin Towers in 1997, until 2004 the highest and still one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Though, the sights are not what makes this city unique, it’s KL itself and it’s mixture of people and visitors.

Langkawi

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of Malaysia’s Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 45,000. The island is a declared duty-free zone.

Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan.The name means ‘new city’ or ‘new castle/fort’ in Bahasa Malaysia. Kota Bharu is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2005, it had an estimated population of 425,294, making it the largest town on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.It’s known for its colourful markets and the muslim culture.

Excellent alternative online resources:

Wikipidia:Kota Bharu

Dikir Barat

Dikir Barat is the most popular traditional music from Kelatan. It is also still actively performed in Terengganu and Singapore. It is very unique and entertaining to watch. The basic elements of a Dikir Barat group are the two frontmen, the Juara and the Tukang Karut, and the big vocal "rhythm group". Have a look! ... more

Things to Do & See
Central Market (Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah)
very colourful dry and wet market in the city center ... more
Historical Quarters
part of the city center with lots of museums, the Grand Palace, the Muhammadi Mosque and the tourist office ... more
Wats around Kota Bharu
There are a few impressive thai buddhist temple between Kota Bahru and near thai border in the north ... more

... view all things to do & see

HOSTELS
Zeck’s Traveller’s Inn
Homestay, Kota Bharu
Homestay-like hostel in a residential area close to the city center. It is almost like staying with a malay family. Zeck and his family are lovely hosts and run the place for over 20 years already. ... more

... view all hostels

LINKS

Kota Bharu Links


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CALENDAR
Kota Bharu





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Kota Bahru
bridge over Kelantan River
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STORIES
Keropok Lekor
The easiest way to describe Keropok Lekor is to call it fish sausage. It is the specialty from Terengganu, a state at the east coast and omnipresent in the streets and villages and very much a part of the live of the people there. Here are some pictures from one of the most popular Keropok Lekor stalls or shall I say factory, in Kuala Terengganu.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pre-paid phone cards

If you plan to stay a bit longer in Malaysia it’s worth to get your own sim card for your mobile so it’s easier to make phone calls and be reach by your folks back home. Phone cards are sold virtually everywhere. Providers are: Maxis, Celcom and Digi. Some of them offer good IDD rates starting from RM 0.10 to call abroad