Kota Bharu (1 of 2)
Situated in the northeast corner of the peninsula, near the mouth of Sungai Kelantan, Kota Bharu, or new fort in Malay, is the state capital of Kelantan, and perhaps the most traditional Malay and predominantly Muslim city in the country. A modern city on the surface, Kota Bharu is a repository of culture, crafts, and religion. It is rich in palaces, museums, and mosques, and offers a fine regional cuisine. Traditional skills and customs such as kite-flying, silver-working, and weaving thrive here. Prayer times are rigorously observed, when all activity comes to a standstill, especially on Fridays, the Muslim holy day. Most of the city's attractions lie in its northeast section, at the heart of which is the Pasar Besar, one of the most vibrant markets in the country.
