Immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant commerce of Kota Bharu, Kelantan with a visit to the iconic Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah (Siti Khadijah Market). Originally opened as Pasar Besar Buluh Kubu, the market was renamed in 1997 in honor of Siti Khadijah, the revered businesswoman and first wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Today, it stands as a celebrated cultural landmark where the entrepreneurial spirit of Kelantanese women shines throughout an octagonal, multi-level building centered around an open atrium. If you are seeking authentic things to do near Hotel Ma’Wa, this bustling marketplace is an essential stop.
Exploring the Market: Sights, Flavors, and Crafts
Inside the central market, each level offers a unique look into daily Kelantanese life:
- Ground Floor: Stroll through vibrant rows of fresh local produce, fruits, vegetables, herbs, fresh seafood, and meat, alongside regional staples such as budu (fermented fish sauce) and aromatic spices.
- Middle & Upper Floors: Discover a food lover’s haven filled with authentic ready-to-eat Kelantanese specialties. Savor traditional dishes including nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, nasi tumpang, laksam, and ayam percik, or enjoy sweet local kuih such as akok and lompat tikam.
- Textiles and Handicrafts: The upper levels feature an extensive collection of traditional Kelantan batik, intricate songket, woven handicrafts, and prayer garments (telekung).
- Iconic Photography: Head up to the upper balcony levels to look down into the central octagonal atrium for panoramic photographs of the colorful produce stalls below.
Practical Tips for Muslim Families
Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah offers free entry and a warm atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Keep these practical tips in mind when planning your day:
- Operating Hours: The market is open daily from 7:00 AM / 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. On Fridays, operations pause or slow down significantly between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM for Friday congregational prayers (Jumu’ah).
- Halal Dining & Prayer Spaces: Finding halal food is completely hassle-free, as the vast majority of vendors are Muslim and local meals are halal by default. Inside the market complex, dedicated surau (prayer spaces) with ablution facilities are available for men and women. In addition, the historic state mosque, Masjid Muhammadi, is located just 500 to 700 meters away.
- Modesty and Comfort: To respect local conservative norms, visitors are advised to wear modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees. Choose loose, breathable cotton clothing, as the market is not air-conditioned and can get warm.
- Family Navigation: Floors are connected primarily by stairs, making baby carriers a more practical choice than strollers when moving through busy aisles.
Getting There from Hotel Ma’Wa
Guests enjoying a halal-friendly stay at Hotel Ma’Wa will appreciate the property’s prime location on Jalan Post Office Lama in the city centre. Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah is only 200 to 350 meters away, making it an easy 3- to 5-minute walk via Jalan Buluh Kubu or Jalan Temenggong. For families with young children or extra shopping bags, a quick taxi or Grab ride takes roughly 1 to 2 minutes.
After a fulfilling day of shopping and tasting local delicacies, return to the comfort and convenience of our Muslim-friendly hotel Kota Bharu. We invite you to stay at Hotel Ma’Wa for your next trip to Kelantan.
Photo: irwan zahuri / Pexels
