Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II)
Jalan Hospital, Kota Bharu
Kelantan's largest hospital and main 24-hour referral centre. In an emergency call 999 for an ambulance.
Kelateh · Stay safe
Important
information.
The practical, in-trouble essentials: who to call, where to go, and how Kelantan works, so a hard moment stays a small one.
In an emergency, call 999.
999 All emergencies Police · Ambulance · Fire. One number, 24 hours.
112 From a mobile Works with no SIM or credit; routes to 999.
1-300-88-5050 Tourism Malaysia infoline Travel help and information (not an emergency line).
Hospitals & police
Calling 999 dispatches an ambulance, you do not need to phone a hospital first. Specific numbers change, so verify before relying on them.
KPJ Perdana Specialist Hospital
Jalan Bayam, Kota Bharu
The main private option for specialist or insured care.
IPK Kelantan
Jalan Bayam, Kota Bharu
State police contingent headquarters.
IPD Kota Bharu
Jalan Sultan Ibrahim, Kota Bharu
For police reports (theft, lost passport). For emergencies, call 999.
Lost your passport or robbed? File a report at the nearest police station, then contact your embassy or high commission (these are in Kuala Lumpur, there are no foreign consulates in Kota Bharu).
Health & safety
- Drink sealed bottled water or boiled water, not straight from the tap.
- Street food is a highlight; choose busy stalls with fresh, hot, high-turnover food.
- Use mosquito repellent: dengue is present, and the Aedes mosquito bites by day.
- The sea has strong currents. Heed red flags, never swim during the Nov–Jan monsoon, and avoid swimming alone.
- Sun and heat are intense year-round, hydrate and seek shade at midday.
Getting around
- Use Grab (ride-hailing) for the easiest way around Kota Bharu. Download and set it up before you arrive.
- Taxis are available, including at the airport; agree the fare first.
- Public buses exist but are limited and aimed at residents.
- Car rental suits trips beyond the city; drive on the left.
- The airport is Sultan Ismail Petra (KBR), about 8 km from the city, a short Grab ride in.
Money & currency
- The currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM / MYR).
- Cash is king at markets, stalls and small shops, carry small notes.
- ATMs are easy to find in town and at the airport.
- Cards and e-wallets work in malls and hotels, less so with small vendors.
- Money changers are available in town and the malls.
Local laws & conduct
- Kelantan is Malaysia’s most conservative, strongly Islamic state, behave modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
- Alcohol is heavily restricted and hard to find; do not assume availability.
- Malaysia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws, severe penalties apply. Never carry illegal drugs.
- Syariah rules (e.g. khalwat) apply to Muslims; tourists are governed by civil law but should stay culturally sensitive.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight.
Dress & religious sites
- Dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, more so than elsewhere in Malaysia.
- For mosques: cover arms and legs, women cover the hair; remove shoes; many lend robes.
- Mind prayer times, especially Friday midday; ask before entering or photographing worshippers.
- At the beach, modest swimwear; many locals swim in light clothing.
Social conduct
- Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating.
- Greet warmly; some Muslims prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex, follow their lead (a hand on the heart is polite).
- Ask before photographing people, especially women.
- The weekend is Friday and Saturday; many offices close then and reopen Sunday.
Timing your trip
The best months are roughly February to September, the drier half of the year. Avoid the northeast monsoon (about November to January), when rain, flooding and rough seas peak. And remember the Friday–Saturday weekend when planning markets and government errands.
Go deeper: holidays & school breaks · best time to visit · is Kelantan safe · getting around · plan your trip
Last verified 24 June 2026. In any emergency, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). Verify specific phone numbers and current details locally.