Top 10 Traditional Handicraft Stores in Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu, the cultural capital of Kelantan, is famed for its rich heritage and vibrant handicraft scene. From intricate batik textiles to delicate songket weaving and silverwork, the city offers a plethora of traditional crafts that reflect the artistry and history of the region. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 traditional handicraft stores in Kota Bharu, complete with locations, cultural insights, and shopping tips.

1. Ana Craft

Ana Craft is a well-established store preserving Kelantanese heritage. It offers traditional batik, songket, and wood carvings crafted by skilled local artisans. Each piece reflects the unique Kelantanese artistry and cultural symbolism.
Location: Kompleks Tabung Haji Lama, No. 6, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Closed (Check local listings)
Why Visit: Ana Craft allows visitors to own authentic Kelantanese handicrafts while learning the history and significance behind each item. It’s ideal for culture enthusiasts seeking meaningful souvenirs.
Highlights: Handwoven songket, decorative wood carvings, traditional batik textiles, unique home décor, and one-of-a-kind souvenir pieces.
Shopping Experience: The store offers a calm, immersive atmosphere with friendly staff who explain the craftsmanship, making shopping educational and memorable.

2. Kampung Kraftangan (Handicraft Village & Craft Museum)

A cultural hub showcasing Kelantanese artistry, including batik, songket, silverwork, and wood carving. Visitors can witness artisans at work and gain insight into traditional methods.
Location: Jalan Tengku Seri Akar, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Closed (Check locally)
Why Visit: Perfect for experiencing the cultural heritage of Kelantan firsthand. You can see live demonstrations and interact with skilled artisans.
Highlights: Silver jewelry, wood carvings, hand-dyed batik fabrics, live craft demonstrations, and traditional embroidery.
Shopping Experience: Offers an interactive and educational shopping experience. Visitors can choose from a variety of handmade items while learning about the techniques used.

3. Daun Emas

Specializes in batik, songket, and embroidery, preserving traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each product tells a story of Kelantanese craftsmanship.
Location: Lot 1315, Jalan Hospital, Kampung Tapang, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Website: Daun Emas Channel
Opening Hours: Closed (Check locally)
Why Visit: Ideal for collectors seeking premium traditional Malay handicrafts. The store provides authentic items and cultural context.
Highlights: Exquisite batik, elegant songket, handcrafted accessories, decorative home items, and gift-ready pieces.
Shopping Experience: Serene environment with knowledgeable staff who guide visitors through the collections, making it easy to select high-quality pieces.

4. Pusat Beli Belah Kompleks Bazar Buluh Kubu

A bustling market offering a wide array of local handicrafts and traditional clothing, including batik, songket, and handmade jewelry.
Location: Laluan Pasar Karat Kota Bharu, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Closed (Check locally)
Why Visit: Offers a vibrant market experience, ideal for those who enjoy exploring multiple stalls and finding hidden gems.
Highlights: Traditional batik, songket, handmade jewelry, local textiles, and culturally inspired souvenirs.
Shopping Experience: Engaging and lively; shoppers can interact with vendors, compare products, and find unique handcrafted items.

5. Mega Lace & Ribbon

Specialty store for textile craft enthusiasts, offering lace, ribbons, embroidery materials, and ready-made craft supplies inspired by traditional designs.
Location: 226-228, Jalan Pintu Pong, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15300 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Open now
Why Visit: Perfect for crafters and DIY enthusiasts seeking high-quality materials to create their own traditional-inspired crafts.
Highlights: Decorative lace, embroidery ribbons, sewing accessories, and ready-to-use craft supplies for projects.
Shopping Experience: Organized and friendly; the store provides expert advice for selecting materials and planning craft projects.

6. Siti Khadijah Market

Iconic market run predominantly by women, offering traditional crafts, textiles, and local delicacies.
Location: Jalan Buluh Kubu, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Why Visit: Immersive cultural experience showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of Kelantanese women.
Highlights: Traditional Malay clothing, handmade crafts, local snacks, fresh produce, and artisanal souvenirs.
Shopping Experience: Bustling, colorful, and full of local flavor; perfect for exploring, bargaining, and discovering unique items.

7. WS Handicraft

Offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts including batik, songket, and wood carvings, all sourced from local artisans.
Location: Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Why Visit: Convenient for tourists looking for authentic Kelantanese crafts in a single location.
Highlights: Traditional batik, songket, wooden carvings, decorative items, and cultural keepsakes.
Shopping Experience: Pleasant shopping with knowledgeable staff and a well-organized display of products.

8. Che Minah Songket

Boutique specializing in handwoven songket, preserving traditional weaving techniques with intricate designs.
Location: Jalan Kebun Sultan, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Why Visit: Explore authentic handwoven songket fabrics and witness the weaving process firsthand.
Highlights: Handwoven songket fabrics, custom-made items, and traditional weaving demonstrations.
Shopping Experience: Personalized, intimate shopping; artisans provide guidance and insights into the craft.

9. Shadow Art

Specializes in traditional shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit) and cultural artifacts reflecting Kelantanese heritage.
Location: Jalan Hospital Lama, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Why Visit: Learn about Wayang Kulit and purchase handcrafted shadow puppets.
Highlights: Handcrafted shadow puppets, puppetry accessories, and culturally significant items.
Shopping Experience: Niche shopping for art and culture enthusiasts, offering detailed explanations of traditional shadow puppetry.

10. Perniagaan Cahaya Kraf

Offers a diverse range of traditional crafts including batik, songket, and wood carvings, combining authenticity with variety.
Location: Jalan Tok Hakim, Bandar Kota Bharu, 15000 Kelantan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Why Visit: A convenient stop for those seeking a wide selection of Kelantanese handicrafts under one roof.
Highlights: Batik, songket, wooden carvings, decorative items, and souvenirs.
Shopping Experience: Friendly staff, well-organized displays, making it easy to browse and purchase authentic crafts.

Why Kota Bharu is a Handicraft Haven

Kota Bharu is a city where traditional crafts flourish. Visitors can purchase authentic Kelantanese items, witness artisanal techniques, and immerse themselves in local culture. Each store provides stories and context behind the crafts, making every shopping experience meaningful and memorable.