Istana Batu

Kota Bharu


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 give a surprisingly intimate insight into royal life, with family photos and personal belongings scattered among the fine china, chintzy sofas and the late sultan’s collection of hats.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kota Bharu attractions

1. Istana Jahar

0.05 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…

2. Kampung Kraftangan

0.06 MILES

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

3. State Mosque

0.07 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…

4. Muzium Islam

0.1 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…

5. Bank Kerapu

0.12 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…

6. Streetart Gallery

0.38 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. Muzium Negeri Kelanta

0.5 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…

8. Gelanggang Seni

0.72 MILES

Local cultural events, including gasing uri (top-spinning), silat (a Malay martial art), kite-making, drumming and shadow-puppet shows are held regularly…