Revisiting World War II in Kelantan

Clock Tower of Peace, British Pillbox and War Museum (Kerapu), some World War II memorials in Kelantan | A Hollywood movie depicted that Japan’s invasion during World War II started with Pearl Harbor’s bombing. In actuality, Japan’s soldier had already marched into Malaya through Kelantan with bicycles more than one hour before the bombing happened. (source: The Star)

The Clock Tower of Peace

The Colock Tower of Peace is one of the many proofs that World War II happened in Kelantan. It was built by Japanese War Veterans at Taman Bendahara in February 1988 to commemorate japanese army first landing at Padang Pak Amat Beach, Sabak, Kelantan on 8 December 1941. It was built as a symbol of peace and to show gratitude for freedom. (source: Tourism Malaysia Kelantan)

Menara Jam Kedamaian di Kota Bharu kelantan dibina pada Februari 1988 oleh veteran Jepun sebagai simbol kedamaian dan mensyukuri kebebasan selepas Perang Dunia Kedua. — There used to be a clock on top of The Clock Tower of Peace.

The Clock Tower of Peace is situated at Taman Bendahara, Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan. This tower seems to be forgotten by the locals. I have done the “add missing place” in Google Maps. To find it, refer to the map below.

British pillbox near Pasar Tok Guru

If you have been to Pasar Tok Guru for shopping, you might have noticed this big block of stone near the road entrance. It looked like it was sunk into the the ground due to natural causes (probably flood) and road construction. But it is nicely fenced to preserve the area.

Kubu British di Kota Bharu Kelantan, berhadapan Pasar Tok Guru. — British pillbox

You can see Pasar Tok Guru right behind this British pill box. It is also located near the Clock Tower of Peace. Here it is in Google Maps:

War Museum (‘Kerapu’ Bank)

Kelantan War Museum or ‘Kerapu’ Bank displays artifacts from World War II in Kelantan, which includes a landmine, a bicycle (Japan soldiers cycled into Malaya) and guns. This museum was recently renovated and just opened back back for public when I visited last week.

Kelantan War Museum or ‘Kerapu’ Bank from the road.

The entrance to Kelantan War Museum features British and Japan flags.

Kelantan War Museum is called ‘Kerapu” Bank because it was once a bank before Japan took it to be their administration center. The word ‘Kerapu’ comes from the local dialect which refers to the rough surface of the wall. The building was made with chalk stones and mixed with sand and gravels to fix it firmly, which makes it irreplaceable because the technology is no more used in this modern times.

To go to Kelantan War Museum, follow this map below.

Kelantan Museum official website.

muzium.kelantan.gov.my/

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