If you are visiting Kotabharu, some of the things you might want to add to your list of Kotabharu things to do would be: visiting a museum, exploring the town, shopping, enjoying the local delicacies or even diving. Here are a few recommendations for you.

Istana Jahar

Every city has a culture of its own, just like the city Kotabharu. It is often called “the Islamic City,” since it observes the Islamic principles in every aspect of the native’s daily lives. You might want to visit the Istana Jahar, which is also known as the Museum of Royal Traditions. You will be able to see intricately carved wooden panels all over the palace. This is a great place to take in the culture of Kotabharu.

Taste the Good Food

As a traveler, the first thing that will surely enter your mind when you visit a place is to taste the native delicacies. According to the travelers that stayed in Kotabharu, the city’s great food always encourages them to keep coming back. Ayam Percik is a must-try while visiting Kota Bharu, this is a chicken dish that is marinated and roasted over a charcoal flame. Once the chicken is cooked, a creamy coconut sauce is poured over the chicken and it is served hot. Nasi kerabu, Nasi berlauk and Nasi dagang are some of the popular local dishes you would not want to miss.

Shopping Galore

Pasar Siti Khadijah (central market) is the most famous shopping destination in the city. There is also a commercial building next to the central market called the Kotabharu Trade Center (KBTC), one of the largest malls in the city since its opening in 2009. Shopping for native clothes, accessories and souvenirs is certainly worth your time and budget.

Fun in the Sun at the Beaches

Kotabharu’s magnificent beaches include the famous "Beach of Passionate Love." Although tough waves make swimming perilous, people leisurely walk alongside the beach, taking pleasure in the cool zephyr and enjoying drinks from various food stalls.

Wreck Diving

One of the things you might want to try in Kota Bharu is "wreck diving." This is a new activity that has just recently become very popular with tourists in Kota Bharu. However, there is only one dive operator that offers this attraction. You will have the chance to dive and see the wreck of the Japanese transport ship which sunk during the Great Pacific War. You will be amazed to see the several different species of marine life at the wreck. You can take a boat ride to the wreck and enjoy the dive.