Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Kota Bharu is a city in Malaysia, is the state capital and Royal City of Kelantan. It is also the name of the territory in which Kota Bharu City is situated. The name means 'new city' or 'new castle/fort' in Malay.

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Culture:

The Kelantanese culture is a smorgasbord of Malay and Thai influences due to its geographical proximity with Thailand. The Chinese here are much more assimilated with local culture compared with other parts of Malaysia. Much of the food are spicy with rice as the primary staple as the local diet. Traditional dances like Mak Yong and Wayang Kulit were widely practised here but the practise was clamped down by the local authorities due to perceived Hindu Influences which is thought to contradict Islam.

Food:

Nasi berlauk, nasi dagang and nasi kerabu are popular local cuisine. Kelantanese also have a liking for sweet cakes or kuih. These include apom, apam, akok, lompat tikam, netbak, buah mulong, onde-onde, puteri mandi, butir nangka, asam gupa and much more.

Shopping:

The more famous shopping destination in Kota Bharu is Pasar Siti Khadijah (Kota Bharu Central Market), where many goods are sold. Most of the sellers are women. Next to Central Market is the nearly completed construction of Kota Bharu Trade Center (KBTC) which is considered one of the largest mall in Kota Bharu and has opened in August 2009. Parkson is the anchor tenant for this shopping mall. These two buildings are connected by an overpass on the second floor. Other shopping centers in Kota Bharu are KB Mall, Pelangi Mall, Kota Seri Mutiara, Pantai Timur, The Store and the new Nirwana Maju (at Bandar Baru Kubang Kerian). A new Tesco hypermarket has opened in 2008. Most of Kota Bharu's downtown shopping area is currently undergoing a major reconstruction and several multi-story shopping centers are in their early construction phases in this vicinity. By March 2010, a new Mydin Mall has been opened and located at Bandar Baru Kubang Kerian on the east. Other shopping complex will open soon is Mydin Mall, is located at Bandar Baru Tunjong on south of Kota Bharu. Giant Hypermarket also take place to be open in Bandar Baru Tunjong.

Beaches:

All major beaches in the Kota Bharu vicinity are currently prone to excessive erosion by strong surf. The community has been implementing wave breakers and tries to protect the shoreline by piling up massive amounts of boulders. Regular beach activity has become impossible as visitors frequent beaches further south. The most famous beach in Kota Bharu as a tourist attraction is Pantai Cahaya Bulan.