Kota Bharu Shopping Tour

There are good reasons why Kota Bharu does not come up regularly when you are looking for recommendations of things to do in Malaysia. And that’s simply because there is not quite enough time to see the things the shops have to offer. So if you are unsure of the things to do in Kota Bharu, and if you are going to be passing through and want to have a look around, the markets show you a slice of life here that is much more monocultural than most of Malaysia, and that is a sight in itself.

Authentic Malay Cuisine Lunch at Singgora House (RM25.00 per head)
Enter a nostalgic Singgora House and enjoy rich Kelantanese flavours with simple yet scrumptious delicious dishes. With its menu extensively curated for a full-fledged Malay meal, cooked according to traditional recipes that have been only getting better over the years, feast on a delicious authentic Malay cuisine lunch here. Your tummy will be pleased by the delectable foods savoured.

Pasar Siti Khadijah (Central Market)
If you’re looking to get a glimpse of local life, then Pasar Siti Khadijah – with its cacophony of sights, sounds and scents that are typical of a local market – is definitely the place to be. Your senses are bound to be overwhelmed by the sights and scents of a variety of local traditional kuih in this market. The plethora of colours as well as novelties would naturally attract shutterbugs and their trusty cameras. Traders are generally welcoming of curious onlookers, but some might only consent to a photo after you have bought something from them. That being said, it’s always polite to ask for permission before you click that shutter.

Bazar Tok Guru (Textile Market)
In Kelantan, you’ll notice that the Muslim community is more dominant. If you see this building, dont assume that it’s just another mosque or Islamic center. In Bazar Tok Guru, you’ll be able to get some special shopping done. Open every day except Friday, Bazar Tok Guru offers textiles, traditional prayer items, men’s and women’s attire, accessories for your home and office and even some dry goods.

Aeon Mall Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu being a sleepy town on the east coast has few malls. One of them is the AEON Mall. Located a little bit outside the city centre, this is a fairly new, modern mall with good facilities. It has plenty of mid range international brands for fashion and homewares. The restaurants here are plenty ranging from food court on the 3rd floor to dine in restaurants on its ground floor. Explore the range of food and enjoy a nice and casual dinner within this mall.

Wakaf Che Yeh Night Market
When night falls, a myriad of colors takes over the main night market area where you see traders selling all sorts of items. The stalls run along the main streets covering a vast area. Items sold are by areas, therefore, making it easy for you to go for what you want. Of course, what’s a huge night market without “branded” goods? You will find brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and New Balance. Sure, while its authenticity is a mystery but you will find it pretty interesting that many of the younger generations here are eager about them. Fun fact, many of the traders in pasar Wakaf Che Yeh do speak basic English so communication is relatively easy if you are unsure.