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Literally meaning ‘a beach of passionate love’, once upon a time, Pantai Cinta Berahi attracted many young couples to its dreamy stretch – some 1.2 km in length. Many years ago, the name was changed to Pantai Cahaya Bulan – which means ‘Moonlight Beach’. In Malay, both ‘moonlight beach’ and ‘beach of passionate love’ uses the same acronym – PCB. Locals refer to the beach – purportedly the most famous in Kelantan – as PCB, although amongst the older generation, PCB carries a meaning of love and passion its name once stood for.
Holiday makers from the world over flock the beach, which is renowned for its clear blue waters and golden sands. These, plus elegant coconut palms that sway to the rhythm of the whispering wind, are tempting indeed. Strolling and kite flying are the favorite past times of tourists and locals alike. On sunny days, sun lovers bask in the ambiance, reading a book, chatting away, or simply gazing at the azure clear Malaysian east coast sky.
The road that takes you to Pantai Cahaya Bulan from Kelantan’s capital city Kota Bharu (which is approximately 10 km away) zigzags through old fashioned villages. In many of these, there are cottage industries producing local, handmade goods such as batik prints, kain songket (local fabric adorned with golden thread and sewn in amazing traditional designs), kites (referred to as ‘wau’), and silver, as well as copper tooled handicrafts. The intricacy and beauty of these remarkable products will surely delight tourists. Many make their way as priceless souvenirs and gifts to family and friends back home.
At some spots along the beach, there are numerous shops selling local cultural and artistic pieces. Interacting and bargaining with the village dwellers and shop owners (and chances are the shop owners are locals – with very distinctive accent that is difficult to find elsewhere in Malaysia) during the buying transaction is an experience in itself. Kelantanese are sharp but charming. Be sure to practice your negotiation skills during the process (although some places put fixed prices to their products).
There are many hotels and resorts that dot along Pantai Cahaya Bulan as well as the areas nearby. Whatever your budget, you are likely to find a suitable accommodation here.
As in many destinations of Malaysia, the weather in Kelantan is hot and sunny most of the time. However, at the end of the year (circa November and December), rain fall becomes frequent. So plan your trip here outside of the last two months of the year.
| How to get there: | ||
Pantai Cahaya Bulan is a mere 20 minutes drive through 12 kilometres of road from town centre.
| Opening hour and entrance fee: | ||
Pantai Cahaya Bulan is opened to the public with no entrance fee required.
