Contents
- 1. History
- 2. Physical Geography
- 3. Introduction
- 4. Economy
- 5. Cultural Heritage
- 6. Dikir Barat
- 7. Mak Yong
- 8. Rebana Festival
- 9. Top-Spinning
- 10. Transportation
- 11. By road
- 12. By rail
- 13. By air
- 14. Places to Eat/Special Foods
- 15. Ayam Percik
- 16. Nasi Kerabu
- 17. Nasi Dagang
- 18. Places Of Interest
- 19. Cultural Centre
- 20. Historical Zone
- 21. Royal Museum/ Istana Batu
- 22. Istana Jahar
- 23. Islamic Museum
- 24. State Museum
- 25. World War Two Memorial
- 26. Handicraft Village And Craft Museum
- 27. State Mosque
- 28. Istana Balai Besar
- 29. Merdeka Square
- 30. Kuala Krai Museum And Mini Zoo
- 31. Fishing Village
- 32. Natural Attractions
- 33. River Cruise
- 34. Jelewang Waterfalls
- 35. Kuala Koh
- 36. Waterfalls
- 37. Gunung Stong
- 38. Beaches
- 39. Pantai Cahaya Bulan
- 40. Pantai Seri Tujuh
- 41. Pantai Sabak
- 42. Pantai Irama
- 43. Pantai Bisikan Bayu
- 44. Shopping
- 45. New Central Market
- 46. Bazaar Buluh Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar)
- 47. Jalan Temenggong
- 48. Cottage Industries
- 49. Home stay
- 50. Accommodation
- 51. State Tourist Information Centres
- 52. Travel Bureaus
1. History
Kelantan was known from earlier times as a seat of powerful kingdoms, which established trading links with the Chinese Empire. Early Chinese records indicate the existence of trade links with China, which referred to Kelantan as Ho-Lo-Tan. The state has at various times in the past been a vassal of Siam. In the 18th century, a Kelantanese Prince, Long Yunus, ascended to the throne and the present-day royal family is descended from him. Kelantan along with the other states of the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which gained its independence on 31st August 1957.
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2. Physical Geography
Kelantan District
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3. Introduction
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4. Economy
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5. Cultural Heritage
Kelantan a state whose people are steeped in tradition, is also a seat of the Malay culture.
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6. Dikir Barat
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7. Mak Yong
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8. Rebana Festival
It is a colourful event held in a vast field after the paddy harvest. In this event, there are two or more teams competing for the best costumes, drum decorations and music. Each team comprises 12 drummers and six drums. Their music is assessed according to the categories of sound tone and reverberation.
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9. Top-Spinning
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10. Transportation
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11. By road
There is an excellent network of roads linking major towns in Peninsular Malaysia to Kelantan. From Kuala Lumpur, the overland route takes one eastward along the Karak Highway to Kuantan in Pahang, a journey of about 3 hours. The rest of the journey from Kuantan to Kota Bharu takes about 4 1/2 hours. The route heads northward along the coast passing through picturesque villages providing scenic vistas of the palm-fringed beaches overlooking the azure waters of the South China Sea. The in land route to Kota Bahru turns off the Karak Highway at Bentong and proceeds northwards to Raub and then to Gua Musang, before reaching Kota Bharu. An alternative route exits the Karak Highway at Temerloh and passes through Jerantut, Benta and Gua Musang en-route to Kota Bharu. From Penang, one has to get to Grik via Sungai Petani in Kedah and then travel along the scenic East-West Highway to Jeli in Kelantan before continuing the journey to Kota Bharu. There are regular air-conditioned express bus services operating from Kuala Lumpur and major towns to Kota Bharu.
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12. By rail
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13. By air
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14. Places to Eat/Special Foods
Kelantan boasts its own unique cuisine with many popular dishes such as Ayam Percik, Nasi Kerabu and Nasi Dagang being indigenous to the area.Back to Content ↑
15. Ayam Percik
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16. Nasi Kerabu
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17. Nasi Dagang
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18. Places Of Interest
The best place to appreciate Kelantanese culture and crafts is the capital city, Kota Bharu. A bustling town famed for its ornately decorated trishaws, Kota Bharu offers numerous attractions for the visitor.
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19. Cultural Centre
Located on Jalan Mahmud close to the Perdana Hotel, the cultural centre is a veritable showcase of the living heritage of Kelantan. Demonstrations of popular folk arts and pastimes are held daily. Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry) shows, Silat (the Malay art of self defence) performances, Gasing (top spinning) displays, Wau (kite flying) and Rebana (Giant Drum) playing can all be seen at the centre. Evenings see cultural performances featuring traditional Malay music and Wayang Kulit. The cultural centre is open three times a week from March to October each year.
Performance time are 3.30 pm to 5.50 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and 9.00pm to midnight on Wednesday and Saturday.
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20. Historical Zone
Istana Jahar Kelantan |
The main cultural and historical zone of Kota Bharu is situated along Jalan Hilir Kota and Jalan Sultan where many museums and heritage buildings are located.Conveniently located
within the cultural zone in Kota Bharu, the museum is easily accessible from
Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hilir Kota.Built in 1887, Istana Jahar was a gift from
Sultan Mahmud II to his grandson, Long Kundur. Today, this palace is known as the
Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs.
An epitome of the
uncompromising standards of Kelantanese wood craftmanship, this beautiful
palace is adorned with intricately carved wooden panels. A tour of this museum
will reveal the grandeur of the Kelantanese traditional ceremonies and customs.
Inside, visitors can find an extensive collection of Kelantan's historical
documentation, rare artefacts, photographs and exhibits which portray the
state's rich cultural heritage. Some museums charge a nominal fee for admission.
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21. Royal Museum/ Istana Batu
The Istana Batu (Brick/ Stone Palace) was constructed in 1939 during the reign of Sultan Ismail. It houses the Royal Museum and was previously used as the venue for royal weddings and as a guesthouse for visiting royalty. The Royal Museum now serves as a repository for the history of the Kelantan royal family and displays regalia, pictures, silverware, furniture and palace items of former Sultans.Opening times 8.30am to 4.45pm daily-except Fridays.
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22. Istana Jahar
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23. Islamic Museum
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24. State Museum
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25. World War Two Memorial
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26. Handicraft Village And Craft Museum
Visitors to the Cultural Centre will be treated to activities such as kite-flying contests, which is also known as wau, top, which is also known as gasing, spinning competitions, puppets shadow plays, which is also known as wayang kulit, traditional Malay dance and band performances.
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27. State Mosque
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28. Istana Balai Besar
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29. Merdeka Square
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30. Kuala Krai Museum And Mini Zoo
Opening hours: 9.00 am- 6.00 pm daily (except Fridays).
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31. Fishing Village
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32. Natural Attractions
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33. River Cruise
Tourist visiting Kota Baru in Kelantan can now
opt for a river cruise along the Kelantan River. The Kelantan Tourism
Association and two private companies teamed up to introduce the cruise in
March in conjunction with Visit Kelantan Year 2008. The three parties decided
to pool their resources following a call from the state government for more
tourism products, Kelantan Tourism Malaysia director Muhammad Zaki Talib said.
The two-hour cruise is on a RM600,000 (subject to price change) boat called Seroja which has an air-conditioned cabin that can seat 40 people, a cafe and karaoke facility. The cruise starts at Seroja Jetty near Tesco hypermarket and takes passengers to the Kuala Besar fishermen jetty, 15km upriver, before turning back to Seroja Jetty.
Among the sights along the way are old temples
where traders from China were said to have stopped over before they headed down
to Malacca in the past. Passengers will also be able to see local residents
taking part in recreational activities such as angling, horse riding and
picnics on the riverbank. At Kuala Besar, they can buy both cooked and raw
seafood at the wet market there before returning to Seroja Jetty.
There is currently one trip on Friday and
Saturday departing at 5pm on both days. The trip costs RM15 for adults and RM7
for children aged between three and 12. Groups can request for trips at other
times (subject to price change).
Cruise operator Azhisham Mustapa said tour guides
had been hired to give a commentary during the cruise.
He said there were packages for students,
newly-married couples, birthdays or corporate events.
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34. Jelewang Waterfalls
The Kedasar Inn, located at Gua Musang old town can arrange visits to a goldmine, a deer park, an ethno-botanical garden and aboriginal settlements as well as organising river rafting and cave explorations. A summer camp, complete with various obstacle and fitness courses, provides leadership and youth training programmes.
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35. Kuala Koh
For bird watching enthusiasts, it is possible to see quite a variety of birds in a couple of days and for anglers, the pristine river offer some excellent sport fishing. The whole area offers superb opportunities for photographers, the diverse flora and fauna in the emerald forest providing perfect settings, colours and contrasts.
A new trail has also been laid to Gunung Tahan, the peninsula's highest peak, from Kuala Koh. It is actually a long and arduous trek rather than climbing as such, and is an excellent alternative to the more well known trails. There are, however many other jungle trails of varying distances and degrees of difficulty within the vicinity. And for those who wish to view life at the top of the jungle, a canopy walkway has recently been completed adjacent to Kuala Koh.
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36. Waterfalls
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37. Gunung Stong
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38. Beaches
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39. Pantai Cahaya Bulan
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40. Pantai Seri Tujuh
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41. Pantai Sabak
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42. Pantai Irama
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43. Pantai Bisikan Bayu
About 50 km from Kota Bharu in the Pasir Puteh district, both north and south of the village of Semarak, the gentle breezes rustle the casuarinas needles producing a hushed sound. Surfing can be good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find excellent sport.
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44. Shopping
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45. New Central Market
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46. Bazaar Buluh Kubu (Bamboo Fort Bazaar)
This three-storey shopping complex is stocked with just about everything imaginable and at bargain prices as well. The sheer variety of locally made souvenirs, fine silverware and imported Thai goods leave you in awe. A wide choice of clothes, t-shirts, sarong and hats are also offered at reasonable prices.
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47. Jalan Temenggong
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48. Cottage Industries
Kelantan's cottage industries are found mainly on the outskirts of Kota Bharu with the majority being not more than 10 km from the town centre. For silver craft, Kampong Marak, Kampung Sireh and Kampung Badang are the most well known. Famed for their intricate designs, Kelantan silverware offers traditional and decorative items from vases to jewellery.Only 4 km north of Kota Bharu at Kampung Penambang is a 'songket-weaving' factory. Here silk material is woven with gold and silver thread. Originally the silk material came from Thailand while the gold and silver threads were imported from India. The use of songket material was once reserved for royalty but now it is used for ceremonial occasions and weddings.
Kites of all shapes and sizes take to the skies especially after the harvest season and Kelantan kites are without doubt the finest in the land. Requiring tremendous skill and patience, the art of kite making is usually handed down from father to son. Some of these kites carry names such as 'Wau Merak' (peacock kite). There are numerous shops in Kota Bharu and many more along the road to 'Pantai Cahaya Bulan' selling and displaying a vast array of gaily decorated kites.
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49. Homestay
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50. Accommodation
Chalet Sri Ketitir
Bandar Baru Gua Musang,
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9121235
Fax: 09-9121044.
Chalet Sri Tujuh
Pantai Sri Tujuh, Tumpat
Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7211753.
Crystal Lodge
124, Jalan Che Su,
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7470888
Fax: 09-747 0088
Diamond Puteri Hotel.
Seksyen 9, Jalan post Office lama
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09- 7439988.
Fax: 09- 7438388.
Dynasty Inn
2865-D&E Jalan Sultanah Zainab,
15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7473000
Fax: 09-7473111
Hostel Pantai Timur
Lot 391, seksyen 27, Jalan Kebun Pantai,
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7483753.
Hotel Ansar Inn
Jalan Maju, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7474000
Fax:09- 7461150
Hotel Gua Musang
Bandar Baru Gua Musang,
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9122121/9122929
Fax: 09-9122121
Hotel Mawar
Bangunan Mawar Jalan Parit Dalam, Bandar Kota Bharu,
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7448888/7440000
09-7400110
Fax: 09-7476666
Hotel Perdana.
P.O.Box 222, Jalan Mahmud
15720 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7485000
Fax: 09-744762
Hotel Sentosa
No.3180-A, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-74432000
Hotel Tanah Merah
Taman Tasik, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9557682 / 9557398
Fax: 09-9557398.
Hotel Temenggong
Jalan Tok Hakim
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7483481
Fax: 09-7441481
Johnty's Malaya Villa
Lot 882, Jalan Kebun Sultan
Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7448866.
Juita Inn
Pt 60-64, Jalan Pintu Pong
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09- 7446888
Fax: 09-7445777
Kencana Inn
Jalan Padang Garong
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7447944
Fax: 09-7440181
Kesedar Inn
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9121491
Fax: 09-9122121
Menora Guest House
Wisma Chua Tong Boon
Jalan Sultanah Zainab
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7481699.
Nikmat Lodge
Jalan Tengku Besar, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9104070
Pantai Cinta Berahi Resort
Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7732307
Fax: 09-7741466
Pantai Irama Motel
Bachok, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7788462
Perdana Beach Resort
P.O.Box 121, Jalan Kuala Pa'amat,
Pantai Cahaya Bulan
15710 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7744000
Fax: 09-7744980
Perdana Stong Hill Resort
Kampong Jelawang
18200 Dabong, Kelantan.
Tel/Fax: 09-7476100
Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel
Kota Sri Mutiara, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra,
15150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-746 2233
Fax: 09-7461122
Safar Inn
Jalan Hilir Kota
15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7478000
Bandar Baru Gua Musang,
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9121235
Fax: 09-9121044.
Chalet Sri Tujuh
Pantai Sri Tujuh, Tumpat
Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7211753.
Crystal Lodge
124, Jalan Che Su,
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7470888
Fax: 09-747 0088
Diamond Puteri Hotel.
Seksyen 9, Jalan post Office lama
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09- 7439988.
Fax: 09- 7438388.
Dynasty Inn
2865-D&E Jalan Sultanah Zainab,
15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7473000
Fax: 09-7473111
Hostel Pantai Timur
Lot 391, seksyen 27, Jalan Kebun Pantai,
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7483753.
Hotel Ansar Inn
Jalan Maju, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7474000
Fax:09- 7461150
Hotel Gua Musang
Bandar Baru Gua Musang,
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9122121/9122929
Fax: 09-9122121
Hotel Mawar
Bangunan Mawar Jalan Parit Dalam, Bandar Kota Bharu,
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7448888/7440000
09-7400110
Fax: 09-7476666
Hotel Perdana.
P.O.Box 222, Jalan Mahmud
15720 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7485000
Fax: 09-744762
Hotel Sentosa
No.3180-A, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-74432000
Hotel Tanah Merah
Taman Tasik, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9557682 / 9557398
Fax: 09-9557398.
Hotel Temenggong
Jalan Tok Hakim
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7483481
Fax: 09-7441481
Johnty's Malaya Villa
Lot 882, Jalan Kebun Sultan
Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7448866.
Juita Inn
Pt 60-64, Jalan Pintu Pong
15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09- 7446888
Fax: 09-7445777
Kencana Inn
Jalan Padang Garong
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7447944
Fax: 09-7440181
Kesedar Inn
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9121491
Fax: 09-9122121
Menora Guest House
Wisma Chua Tong Boon
Jalan Sultanah Zainab
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7481699.
Nikmat Lodge
Jalan Tengku Besar, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9104070
Pantai Cinta Berahi Resort
Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7732307
Fax: 09-7741466
Pantai Irama Motel
Bachok, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7788462
Perdana Beach Resort
P.O.Box 121, Jalan Kuala Pa'amat,
Pantai Cahaya Bulan
15710 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7744000
Fax: 09-7744980
Perdana Stong Hill Resort
Kampong Jelawang
18200 Dabong, Kelantan.
Tel/Fax: 09-7476100
Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel
Kota Sri Mutiara, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra,
15150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-746 2233
Fax: 09-7461122
Safar Inn
Jalan Hilir Kota
15300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7478000
Fax: 09-7479000
Square Point
Jalan Pengkalan Chepa
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7433333 / 7432333
Fax: 09-7438333
Sri Chalet
Taman Tasik Sri, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9556626
Fax: 09-9556300
Sutera Inn Prima
Jalan Dusun Muda, Off Jln. Bayam
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7441000
Fax: 09-7442000
Taman Rehlah
Pantai Bisikan Bayu Semarak
Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-6919887
Fax: 09-6918358.
Town Guest House
Jalan Pengkalan Chepa
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7432521.
Square Point
Jalan Pengkalan Chepa
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 09-7433333 / 7432333
Fax: 09-7438333
Sri Chalet
Taman Tasik Sri, Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-9556626
Fax: 09-9556300
Sutera Inn Prima
Jalan Dusun Muda, Off Jln. Bayam
15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7441000
Fax: 09-7442000
Taman Rehlah
Pantai Bisikan Bayu Semarak
Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-6919887
Fax: 09-6918358.
Town Guest House
Jalan Pengkalan Chepa
Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7432521.
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51. State Tourist Information Centres
Jalan Sultan Ibrahim15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Tel: 09-7485534 / 7483518
Fax: 09-7486652.
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52. Travel Bureaus
Batuta Travel & ToursTel: 09-7443652
Gloways Travel & Tours
Tel: 09-7481833
KUB Travels
Tel: 09-7484870
Sino American Travel Corp
Tel: 09-7485099
Super Services Travel Agency
Tel: 09-7444999
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