The Istana Balai Besar is the official royal palace of the Kelantan royal family and one of the finest examples of traditional Kelantanese architecture in the city. The building is characterised by its soaring roof, elaborately carved wooden panels, and elevated structure — a design adapted to the heat and humidity of the east coast.
The palace faces the Kelantan River near Padang Merdeka and is visible from the surrounding streets. You cannot enter, but the exterior and the manicured grounds are worth a look. The carved wooden details on the facade are exceptional — more ornate than the nearby Istana Jahar — and the setting against the river makes it one of the most photogenic spots in Kota Bharu. The Royal Mausoleum, where Kelantan's former sultans are buried, is a short distance away.