Bank Kerapu (War Museum)

Location: Kelantan

Location Info

Address: Perbadanan Muzium Negeri Kelantan,
Jalan Hospital, 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Office Number: +609 7482 266
Opening hours: 08:30am - 04:45pm (Sunday - Thursday, Closed on Friday)

District » Kota Bharu

Location

Kelantan is one of the biggest states in Malaysia, located on the west peninsular. Kota Bahru is the capital of Kelantan, and it's known for its colorful culture and traditions. Bank Kerapu (War Museum) is located in Kota Bahru, and is among the many historical buildings around today.

Overview

Bank Kerapu was built by Mercantile Bank in 1912, on a land that apparently belongs to Nik Yusof, a renowned local chieftain. It is also believed to be the first stone. In 1941, during the Pacific War (1941-1945), Japanese troop landed near Kota Bahru. During the occupation, Bank Kerapu was used by the Japanese as their 'Kempen Tai', which is a secret police station for war coordination. Upon the fall of Japan and the return of British, Bank Kerapu continued to function as bank until 1992, when it was turn into a war memorial by the Kelantan Museum Corporation. It houses more than 1,000 exhibits relating to the war and a mixture of Japanese tool used during the occupation, including Japanese bicycle. Photographs, articles and artifacts in this memorial can bring you back to 1912 using your imagination.

There are many more attractions in Kota Bahru for you to experience the Kelantanese lifestyle. Thorough visits can take more than 3 full days and a compact tour will take 2 full days. There are many hotels available for short and long stay and Kelantan hotel ranges from RM 100-300 per night for short stay.

Transport

By Bus

There are regular express buses operating from Kuala Lumpur Putra station to most of the major towns in a Kelantan before stopping at Kota Bahru and the journey will take about 8-10 hours.

By Plane

Malaysia Airlines commence twice daily flight to Kota Bahru from Kuala Lumpur. You will arrive at Kota Bahru Sultan Ismail Petra airport. From there, you can access the town via taxi; the journey will take approximately 20 minutes from airport.

By Train

Express train departs to Kelatan and many other major towns. Get off at Wakaf Bahru Station and catch a No.19 or 27 bus into the city, otherwise, hail a taxi.