Travel to Kota Bharu

Photo by Tourism Malaysia
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Things to do in Kota Bharu

Shopping

Your shopping experience in Kota Bharu is vibrant and diverse. Visit Siti Khadijah Central Market for local produce and crafts. For a more modern atmosphere, Kota Bharu Mall and Billion Shopping Centre offer a variety of shops and entertainment options, perfect for families and city vibes.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Sultan Mohammad IV Stadium, where you can engage in various sports activities. For a touch of luxury, visit the Kelantan Golf & Country Club, offering exquisite golfing facilities amidst lush landscapes for relaxation and enjoyment.

Adventure

In Kota Bharu, explore the lush beauty of Bukit Takun for trekking and climbing adventures. Visit the vibrant Pasar Siti Khadijah for local delicacies and cultural immersion. Dive into the serene waters of Redang Island for snorkelling, where colourful marine life awaits.

Nightlife

Kota Bharu's nightlife offers a vibrant mix of local culture and entertainment. Visit the bustling Night Market for street food delicacies, or unwind at a nearby café for traditional music. For a lively atmosphere, explore local pubs, where you can engage with friendly locals and enjoy regional brews.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu, located in Kelantan, Malaysia, is an ideal destination for business, city, and beach-themed vacations. Visitors can explore significant attractions such as mosques, museums, and historical sites, offering rich cultural and outdoor experiences. Notable points of interest include the Sultan's attractions and the Kota Bharu Mall, providing a blend of traditional and modern experiences for every traveller.

  • Muhammadi Mosque: This stunning mosque, located in the heart of Kota Bharu, showcases exquisite Islamic architecture and is a hub of spiritual culture. Visitors can appreciate its intricate designs and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for reflection.
  • Istana Jahar: A historic palace that offers a glimpse into Kelantan's royal heritage. Its unique architecture and rich history provide insight into the state's past, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
  • Handicraft Village and Craft Museum: This vibrant museum celebrates traditional Malaysian arts and crafts. Explore various exhibits showcasing local artisans' skills, and immerse yourself in the craftsmanship that defines Kelantan's cultural identity.

Best time to go to Kota Bharu

The best time to visit Kota Bharu can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kota Bharu falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kota Bharu falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January78.1°F (25.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September81.3°F (27.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October81.1°F (27.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November80.1°F (26.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
December78.8°F (26.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Kota Bharu

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically September and December to January) for more affordable package holidays to Kota Bharu.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Kota Bharu Beach Holiday

Forget about the stresses of daily life and let yourself unwind on your Kota Bharu holiday. Few things are more refreshing than the smell of salty sea air and the soothing melody of waves hitting the shore. Organise your trip to Kota Bharu the quick and easy way by booking one of our Kota Bharu holiday deals. Many visitors opt to stay near Cahaya Bulan Beach, a must-see only 10 kilometers from the city centre.

Things You Should Know About Kota Bharu

  • Be lulled to sleep by the calming sounds of the sea in one of our Kota Bharu beach hotels. Nothing beats staying right by the water.
  • Whatever your style or budget, you'll find a great place to stay for your holiday in Kota Bharu. Why not browse some hotels, like The Grand Renai and Hotel Perdana? They're a hit with visitors of all sorts.
  • Kota Bharu is home to 1,460,000 people and offers plenty to see and do. Want to start planning some exciting activities? Have a look at our Kota Bharu things to do page.
  • Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Cahaya Bulan Beach and Billion Shopping Centre are some impressive sights that should be on your travel schedule. With our Kota Bharu holiday deals, you'll have more money in your back pocket to explore.

Top hotels in Kota Bharu

Tune Hotels - Kota Bharu City Centre

Tune Hotels - Kota Bharu City Centre

2 out of 5
KBCC, Jalan Hamzah Kota Bharu Kelantan
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM90 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
RM90
RM110 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
6.2/10 (141 reviews)
Good place
Convenient location but cleaniless and maintenance of the room has room for improvement.

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2023

Tune Hotels - Kota Bharu City Centre
Renai Hotel Kota Bahru (formerly known as The Grand Renai Hotel)

Renai Hotel Kota Bahru (formerly known as The Grand Renai Hotel)

4 out of 5
Kota Sri Mutiara Jln Yahya Pet Kota Bharu Kelantan
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM248 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
RM248
RM281 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
8.2/10 Very Good! (344 reviews)
Loved this hotel
This hotel is absolutely gorgeous! Bed comfortable and clean. Staff very friendly. Food exceptional! The Billion Mall is connected so you don’t even need to leave the building to shop for fresh foods, clothing, electronics or sweet treats. There is a bowling alley on the fourth floor which was really ...

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Renai Hotel Kota Bahru (formerly known as The Grand Renai Hotel)
ibis Styles Kota Bharu

ibis Styles Kota Bharu

3 out of 5
Lot 184, Loroing Minyak Gas Kota Bharu Kelantan
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM173 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
RM173
RM199 total
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (58 reviews)
Great stay

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

ibis Styles Kota Bharu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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