Kota Bharu (or Kota Baru or Kota Baharu) is a town in Malaysia, and is the state capital of Kelantan. The name means 'new city' or 'new castle/fort' in Malay. It is in Peninsular Malaysia, and lies at the mouth of the Kelantan River at . In 2004, it had an estimated population of 280,000.
This northern town is close to the Thai border, and is home to many Thai-style Buddhist temples. It is also known as one of the most conservative towns in Malaysia, having adopted strict Islamic laws. There are separate services for men and women, and everything is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Kota Bharu was the landing point for the Japanese invasion forces on 8 December 1941 in their Malayan campaign when they successfully engaged the British in jungle warfare.
