The Gelanggang Seni (Cultural Centre) is where Kota Bharu's traditional performing arts are on display. Regular sessions feature wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), rebana ubi (giant frame drum competitions), dikir barat (call-and-response choral singing), silat (Malay martial arts), kite-making, and gasing (top-spinning). The schedule varies by season, with more shows in the dry months between February and October.
Check the current programme at the centre or through your guesthouse before visiting — shows are not daily and timings shift. When you do catch a performance, it is worth staying for the whole thing: a wayang kulit session typically runs for several hours and the storytelling is as important as the puppetry. Traditional giant top competitions (gasing) are surprisingly dramatic — tops can spin for over an hour. Admission to performances is free or costs a nominal amount.