Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan, the Malaysian state most associated with preserving traditional Malay arts that have faded elsewhere on the peninsula, from wayang kulit shadow puppetry to wau, the decorated kites once flown competitively across the state. The Siti Khadijah market, run largely by Kelantanese women traders known for their business sense, is one of the liveliest in Malaysia, packed with produce, dried goods, and batik cloth before dawn. Kelantan sits close to the Thai border, and that shows in the local dialect, cuisine, and architecture, a blend distinct from the rest of Malaysia. The city is a common stop before crossing into southern Thailand. Talent covering Kota Bharu lists here on a subscription basis, and the platform handles the booking and the payment.