The JL Fara Houseboat, a cherished floating restaurant in Kota Bharu, has officially marked its status as "permanently closed" on Google, signaling the end of its journey after the catastrophic Kelantan floods.
This floating gem gained widespread attention when a viral video captured the restaurant being carried away by strong floodwaters. Shared on platform X by Malaysia Hari Ini, the video showed the houseboat drifting uncontrollably downstream. Later, a TikTok clip by @ranggo56 documented a speedboat successfully towing it back to safety. Despite these efforts, the extensive damage proved insurmountable, leading to the closure of the RM1.2 million establishment.
Owner Fara Sharina shared on Instagram that the restaurant had endured back-to-back tragedies, first being struck by a tree and then swept away the following day. These compounding events left the business unable to recover.
News of the closure has sparked an emotional response on social media, with many expressing sadness over the loss of the unique dining spot. The JL Fara Houseboat had been a one-of-a-kind experience in Kota Bharu, making its closure a poignant reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters.
This closure marks the end of an era for a place that was more than just a restaurant it was a symbol of creativity and resilience in the face of challenges.
