The site of many historical events, Padang Merdeka (Independence Field) rose to prominence in 1844 after the completion of the Istana Besar. It is also known as Padang Bank (the bank refers to bank kerapu which was built nearby).
Padang Merdeka comes alive every year with the annual parade of Rejimen Askar Melayu DiraRja, in conjunction with the annual celebration of HRH Sultan of Kelantan's birthday (31st march).
Padang Merdeka in Kota Bharu is a historic site and has witness many major events. It was that the corpse of Tok Janggut Pahlawan Kelantan who fought the British was hung upside down in 1915. It was here too that the declaration of the country’s independence from British was made on 31st August 1957.
Padang Merdeka rose to prominence in 1844 after the completion of the Istana Balai Besar during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II (Long Senik). During that time, it was called Padang Kelupang and was the venue of Kota Bharu’s fresh market. Prior to 1844, Kota bharu had a floating market.
This floating market was later named to Adang Kelupang when further development took place in Kota Bharu. In 1906, Sultan Muhammad IV started a mint and bank in the grounds of the Istana Balai Besar. The bank still stands at the entrance of Istana Balai Besar opposite Padang Kelupang. Ever since then, Padang Kelupang came to be known as Padang Bank. Several historical events happened at this place.
It was here that the body of the slained legendary Malay warrior and patriot, Tok Janggut, who fought against the British in Pasir Puteh, was exhibited in 1915 for one week. With the declaration of Independence on August 31st 1957, Padang Bank came to be known as Padang Merdeka. However, the place is more fondly remembered Padang Bank by the elderly.
Getting there
It will take about 20 minutes by driving from Kota Bharu city centre.
Address:
Padang Merdeka Kota Bharu
Jalan Sultan
Kota Bharu
15000 Kota Bharu
Kelantan
GPS:
6.131450, 102.234233
Ground Arrangement:
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