A Budget-friendly Family Adventure in Vibrant Kota Bharu.

Discover the vibrant culture and endless adventures of Kota Bharu, Malaysia, the perfect destination for a memorable family-friendly vacation.

14 October 2023

Kota Bharu, Malaysia, offers a wonderful family-friendly trip with its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Explore the vibrant street markets, visit the iconic Islamic Museum, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Embark on an adventure to witness the breathtaking sights of the nearby Perhentian Islands or stroll along the scenic Pantai Cahaya Bulan beach for a delightful family getaway.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Cultural Delights

  • Start your day with a visit to Kampung Kraftangan, a bustling craft village showcasing traditional Malaysian handicrafts.
  • Marvel at the intricate architecture of Istana Jahar, a stunning wooden palace that will transport you back in time.
  • Swing by the Central Market, where you can browse through a variety of local goods and sample mouthwatering street food.
  • Unleash your inner history buff at the Kota Bharu Museum, packed with artifacts that tell the captivating story of the city.
  • Wrap up your day with a visit to the mesmerizing Budaya and Seni Music Museum, where you can learn about Malaysia's diverse music scene.
Day 2

Nature's Paradise

  • Wake up early to catch a mesmerizing sunrise at Pantai Cahaya Bulan, a pristine beach made for early morning strolls.
  • Immerse yourself in tranquility at the Taman Cahaya Seri Cheeding, a vast botanical garden boasting vibrant flora and fauna.
  • Head to the Air Panas waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs and bask in the lush surroundings.
  • Embark on a river cruise along Sungai Kelantan, gliding past picturesque villages and soaking in the serenity of the mangrove forests.
  • Enjoy a leisurely picnic at Tasik Paya Bemban, a scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for quality family time.
Day 3

Temples and Tasty Treats

  • Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Wat Phothivihan, home to a colossal 40-meter-long reclining Buddha that will leave you in awe.
  • Explore the vibrant Siti Khadijah Market, where you can haggle for local delicacies, fresh produce, and unique handicrafts.
  • Indulge in a satiating seafood feast at the bustling Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Restaurant, where the seafood is always fresh and flavorful.
  • Delve into the myriad of spices and flavors at Laksam KP Raja, a humble eatery renowned for its mouthwatering signature dish, Laksam.
  • End your day with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Pengkalan Datu, a riverside promenade offering stunning views of the city skyline and sunset.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kota Bharu, Malaysia by plane is to fly to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu. Several airlines operate flights to this airport from major cities in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Car

If you prefer to travel by car to Kota Bharu, you can take the North-South Expressway and exit at the Jeli Interchange. From there, follow the road signs to Kota Bharu. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours from Kuala Lumpur by car.

Train

There is no direct train service to Kota Bharu. However, you can take a train to Wakaf Bharu Railway Station in Kelantan, which is the closest train station to Kota Bharu. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kota Bharu.

Boat

Being located inland, Kota Bharu does not have direct access to the sea for boats. Therefore, traveling by boat is not a feasible option for reaching Kota Bharu.

Bus

To reach Kota Bharu by bus, you can take a long-distance bus from various cities in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur or Penang. The Terminal Bas Kota Bharu is the main bus terminal in Kota Bharu, where you can arrive.

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