Central Market

Kota Bharu


One of the most colourful and active markets in Malaysia, this market is at its busiest first thing in the morning. Downstairs is the fresh produce section, while upstairs are stalls selling spices, brassware and batik. Also on the 1st floor is a tasty array of food stalls that are a top spot for breakfast or lunch.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kota Bharu attractions

1. Kampung Kraftangan

0.14 MILES

This handicraft market, a touristy affair opposite Istana Batu, has a one-room museum with displays of woodcarving, batik-making and other crafts.

2. Istana Jahar

0.16 MILES

Kota Bharu’s best museum focuses on Kelantanese ritual and crafts. It's housed in a beautiful chocolate-brown building that dates back to 1887 and is…

3. Istana Batu

0.18 MILES

The pale-yellow building, constructed in 1939, was the crown prince’s palace until it was donated to the state. Now a museum, the richly furnished rooms…

4. State Mosque

0.22 MILES

The original wooden mosque built here in 1867 was replaced by the current masonry and concrete structure in 1922. It can accommodate over 2000 worshippers…

5. Muzium Islam

0.24 MILES

Muzium Islam occupies an old villa once known as Serambi Mekah (Verandah to Mecca) – a reference to its days as Kelantan’s first school of Islamic…

6. Streetart Gallery

0.24 MILES

This colourful display of street art covers several connecting back alleys between Jln Ismail and Jln Dato Pati. There are depictions of smiling locals at…

7. Bank Kerapu

0.27 MILES

Built in 1912 for the Mercantile Bank of India, the Bank Kerapu building was the first stone structure built in Kelantan. During WWII it was the HQ of the…

8. Muzium Negeri Kelanta

0.36 MILES

Next to the tourist information centre, this is the official state museum. The exhibits on Kelantan’s history and culture are interesting, but the…