Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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Pulau Kapas

Pulau Kapas is a small island located only about 6km off Marang in the east coast state of Terengganu (about 1h north of Kuala Terengganu). It has quite and relaxed atmosphere because it is bypassed by the majority of the backpacker circuit looking for a more remote place like the Perhentian Islands. Pulau Kapas only get fairly busy on the weekends when locals come to island. There are a few good snorkeling spots around the island. All accommodations and beach are on the west coast facing the mainland. The west coast is the weather side has no sand beach, only rocks - it can be reached after a short walk through the jungle. Pulau Kapas shuts down during the monsoon season between November and February.

Brunei

Tiny state in Borneo, sandwiched between Sarawak and Sabah. After it was a big regional player a few hundred years back, Brunei became rich upon the discovery of Oil in the 1940s. For a period time the Sultan of Brunei was the richest person in the world.

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
Market People
STORIES
Thaipusam Festival
Every year end of January / beginning of February it is time for the spectacular Thaipusam Festival which is expected to draw more than one million devotees and visitors to the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur but there are also precessions in Georgetown/Penang and Singapore. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community. Especially images of devotees piercing their cheeks, tongue, face or other suitable body parts with sharp objects make this event memorable.
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
KL Moments
Open Kitchen
Things to do & see
Melaka, Kampung Morten, Villa Sentosa

(2 comments)
a village of traditional Malay houses, it is located in a bend of Sungai Melaka, north of downtown. A Family in one of the biggest houses, Villa Sentosa, receives visitors. ... more
Kuala Lumpur, BB Plaza / Sungai Wang

Massive complex with 2 shopping malls and hundred of shops in Bukit Bintang. People tend to get lost in there. ... more