Kota Bharu means 'New City' in Malay. The name is somewhat ironic as the city is one of the most traditional places in all of Malaysia. Kota Bharu (or with the alternative spelling Kota Baru) is the capital of the state of Kelantan, one of the most popular states on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The east coast of Malaysia has always been known to be far more conservative than the west coast and the central region. However, the city's conservative lifestyle will allow travellers to experience unique Islam-centric way of life, enjoy beautiful Islamic architecture in the form of graceful mosques and learn more about traditional Malay heritage from the various museums and handicraft villages found here. Travellers can also indulge themselves with the smorgasbord of local dishes that are unique to the state of Kelantan.

Best time to fly from Manila to Kota Bharu

The peak and busiest times of Kota Bharu are in June followed by September and March. Hotel prices, as well as flight tickets, will be higher than any other month. However, booking a flight or accommodation ticket earlier will give you more value for your money. The month with lesser travellers is in February. You can get cheap flight tickets and hotels if you are visiting Kota Bharu at that time. Travellers are recommended to visit Kota Bharu during the month of Syawal according to the Islamic calendar to celebrate the Aidilfitri with the locals. The city will be transformed with bright colours and various traditional delicacies will be readily available during this celebration period. Bear in mind that this celebration is also a time when families living in other states will return to Kelantan to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families.

Main airports available in Manila and Kota Bharu

Ninoy Aquino International Airport - The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is an international airport serving the Manila and surrounding city. It is also known as NAIA by locals. The airport is located along the border between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque. The nearest town to the airport, which is in the south of Manila and southwest of Makati, is located around 7 kilometres. The airlines that operate in this airport is AirAsia Philippines, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines. There are four different terminals at this airport, and it houses many interesting shops and eateries within the airport so you can shop or dine in while waiting for the plane to arrive or depart. It is easy to reach the airport as there are many types of transportation available in Ninoy Aquino International Airport for visitors.

Sultan Ismail Petra Airport - The Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is an airport that serves the area of Kota Bharu and other cities in Kelantan, Malaysia. The airport is named after the 28th Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Ismail Petra who ruled Kelantan from 1979 to 2010. The new terminal at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport was fully functional in September 2002. With the size of 12,000-meter square, the airport consists of three aircraft stands and three aerobridges. Sultan Ismail Petra Airport can handle up to 1.45 million passengers. The Sultan Ismail Petra Airport services flights to 7 domestic destinations in Malaysia. Many airlines operate to this Sultan Ismail Petra Airport such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly and Malindo Air. However, there is no direct flight from the Philippines to Kota Bharu. You will need to transit at Kuala Lumpur International Airport before boarding a local flight to Kelantan.

Climate pattern in Manila and Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu experiences a tropical monsoon climate bordering with a tropical rainforest climate. The hottest month in Kota Bharu is May with an average temperature of 32.8 °C. While December to February brings about cooler temperatures. Kota Bharu experiences an intense rainy season every season. The rainy season usually falls between July, August, September, October, November, and December. These months will see frequent floodings, especially in the more rural areas of Kelantan. Travellers are advised to plan their journey well and do the necessary research before visiting Kota Bharu.

Highlights in Kota Bharu

• Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace) - If you want to know more about the history of Kota Bharu, head for Jahar Palace or Istana Jahar, an old palace located right in the heart of the town. The palace is within walking distance from hotels and other tourist attractions. Originally built-in 1887, the palace first served as a palace for the royalties of Kelantan. However, once the new palace was constructed, Istana Jahar was later turned into a museum in 1992. It is now known as Kelantan Traditional Royal Ceremonies Museum. The luxurious and unique woodcarvings, its main attraction, are still preserved until now, making the place a location of opulence and elegance.
• Siti Khadijah Central Market - Another must-do activity in Kota Bharu is the shopping session at Siti Khadijah Central Market, locally known as Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah. The huge compound sells anything you can imagine, from local foods and groceries to clothes and accessories. A visitor can spend hours here, exploring every corner of the market. If you’re looking for great bargains, plan your visit to Siti Khadijah Central Market after the Eid Festivals for items at a shockingly low price.
• Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moon Light Beach) - Pantai Cahaya Bulan is one of the most famous beaches in Kelantan. Located about 10 km from Kota Bharu, this beach was the infamous Japanese landing site to attack the British on December 8, 1941. At one point, this beach is named Pantai Cinta Berahi (Passionate Love Beach), a name that a British soldier said when he was on this beach during the World War II period. At that time, the soldier was suffering because his love was rejected. Some locals still use this old name today, though they prefer to refer to this beach as a PCB. Apart from beach activities, there are plenty of stalls selling a variety of seafood and local delicacies.