Kota Baharu: the gateway to the Perhentian Islands

Cultural and religious capital of Muslim Malaysia, Kota Baharu remains the departure point for the crystalline waters of the Perhentian Islands.

The center, gateway to the Perhentian Islands, is comfortably explored by taxi or local bus.

The Central Market of Kota Baharu, octagonal across multiple floors, remains one of Malaysias most colorful markets, with stalls of batik and spices.

A few steps away, the Kelantan State Museum recounts the history of the local sultanate and the regions traditional crafts.

Heading toward the port one boards ferries to the Perhentian Islands, an archipelago with turquoise waters among Malaysias most celebrated snorkeling destinations.

As evening falls, the night market of Kota Baharu proposes local street food, including the celebrated nasi kerabu, blue rice typical of Kelantanese cuisine.

Kelantan, the state of which Kota Baharu is capital, remains among Malaysia's most conservative, governed according to stricter Islamic principles than the rest of the country.

The Perhentian Islands, devoid of asphalt roads and with limited electricity in some areas, remain one of Southeast Asia's most authentic and least developed coastal destinations, popular among those seeking tourism away from crowds.