Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah on Borneo. With an estimated population of 532,129 in the city and 700,000 in the urban area, it is the largest urban centre in Sabah and the sixth largest in Malaysia. It is located close to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia.

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Bahasa Malaysia) lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). Popular for it’s beaches, snorkeling and driving. Like a real postcard.

Wats around Kota Bharu

There are a few impressive thai buddhist temple between Kota Bahru and near thai border in the north

Kelantan (as well as Kedah and Terengganu)  was under Siamese control until the late 19th century. Therefore it was it wasn’t effected by structural and immigration policies of the british in the 19th century. Thus, the northern states retained their traditional Malay culture. However, the long Siamese control and the approximity to Thailand also results in thai buddhist culture leaving a mark in northern Kelatan.
Here are some of serveral temples in the area:

Wat Photovihan (Reclining buddha)
The temple is located in Kampung Jambu in Tumpat, and is near the border with Thailand (see the map on the right)

What Phothivivihan is the most famous Buddhist temple in Kelantan. It contains the biggest statue of the Reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia. The statue - which measures 40 metres long, 11 metres high and nine metres wide - was completed in 1979. The funds came from public donations and the Buddhist Association of Malaysia and Thailand.

Wat Matchimmaram (big sitting buddha)
Lot No 2367, Kampung Jong Bakar, Jalan Penkalang Kubur, Tumpat, 16200 Kelantan Darulnaim, Malaysia

Phikulyai Buddhist Temple
just across the road from Wat Matchimmaram

Wats around Kota Bharu Gallery