More about hotels in Chinatown
Chinatown is a declared designated areas at Jalan Kebun Sultan in Kota Bharu since 2013 that assembles merchants of large business activities. Like any other typical Chinatown, the area is decorated with brightly coloured lanterns and Chinese characters’ signboards.
How to Get There
By Plane
There are flights to Pengkalan Chepa provided by Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Air Asia. From the airport, guests may hail up a taxi to Chinatown, Kota Bharu.
By Car
People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive through the east coast highway via Karak Highway exiting at Bentong before continuing the journey towards Kota Bharu and finally reach Chinatown.
By Bus
The express bus terminal is located in Kota Bharu town, nearby Jalan Pendek. Among the available express bus services are Konsortium Express, Transnasional, PLUSLiner, Nice Express, Cepat & Cekap Express and many more. From the bus terminal, guests may hail up a taxi to Chinatown, Kota Bharu.
By Train
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) provides day and overnight trains that offers stops at Wakaf Bharu Railway Station. From the railway station, guests may hail up a taxi to Chinatown, Kota Bharu.
Tourist Attractions
Chinatown Night Market
A typical hangout spot for people strolling around having a look on stalls selling all kinds of items from Chinese herbs and stuffs. It is also the place to find Chinese eateries offering Chinese cuisine and dishes such as dumplings, steamed buns and wan tan mee.
Local Shopping Activities
The best place for local shopping would be at the Pasar Siti Khadijah located in Kota Bharu. This market offers something for everyone from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. Pasar Siti Khadijah is also connected to the largest shopping mall in Kota Bharu known as Kota Bharu Trade Centre.
Visiting Kelantan History Attractions
Places of interest regarding Kelantan history are mostly located in Kota Bharu, which are quite close to the Chinatown area. One of them is Istana Jahar, a palace used to be the royal residence built in 1855 by the Sultan Muhammad II. Today, the palace become the Museums of Royal Traditions and Customs of Kelantan. Another interesting place to visit is the Pintu Gerbang Kota Sultan Ismail Petra. It was an arch which was built to commemorate Kota Bharu as a cultural city.
Balai Getam Guri
In the heart of Kota Bharu’s cultural zone, guest may come across Kelantan Handicraft Village and Craft Museum also known as ‘Balai Getam Guri’. The Craft Museum displays many fine examples of Kelantanese craftsmanship while the Handicraft Village provides demonstrations on how these crafts are made which include traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver works and wood carvings carried out by skilled artisans.
The State Museum Kota Bharu
The State Museum Kota Bharu is just next door from ‘Balai Getam Guri’ placed in a 1930s era former government office building. Informative background on the state are captured here whereby there are two theories on the origin of the name Kelantan – it either comes from the Malay word Kilat-Kilatan, meaning lightning strikes that are very common during monsoon season or it comes from Thai word Klang Tang, meaning middle place.
Hotels
G Home Hotel
This hotel is located in the heart of Kota Bharu town at Jalan Pejabat Pos Lama with convenient walking distance towards most attractions’ locations within the city centre including the Chinatown. It offers cozy and affordable rooms for an enjoyable stay in Kota Bharu.
Sabrina Court Hotel
This city hotel is surrounded by many shops and a popular choice among travellers on the go. It provides simple accommodation and good facilities for a comfortable stay in Kota Bharu.
Crown Garden Hotel
This hotel provides the modern comfort, premium rooms for its guests. It is located right at Chinatown areas on Jalan Kebun Sultan. It possesses warm hospitality combined with excellent services every time.
Crystal Lodge Kota Bharu
This hotel is the most popular hotel amongst foreigners and has been rated 3 stars by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia. It also received the awards for 2006 Best Budget Hotel and 2005 Cleanest Hotel. With these achievements, this hotel clearly satisfies its guests at its best.
Grand Riverview Hotel
This hotel is located along Kelantan River and suited to its name, it provides great panoramic views of the city centre and the flowing river. It is ideal for business and leisure travellers because of its strategic location that is accessible towards business, shopping and cultural zones of Kota Bharu.
