Visitors to Kota Bharu must visit its famous beach, Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Moonlight Beach). It used to be called Pantai Cinta Berahi (Beach of Passionate Love), a name reputedly given by a lovelorn British soldier in a moment of fantasy while he was at the beach during World War Two. Today, some locals still use the old name, although many now prefer to just refer to it as 'PCB'. 

With a long, wide and sandy beach, it is a popular spot for local family outings especially during weekends. The beach is well-developed for visitors' convenience, with a resort hotel, chalets, restaurants, food stalls, a camping ground, public restrooms and changing rooms.

The journey to the beach from Kota Bharu will take you through quaint, traditional Malay villages. This area is famous for the small industry of traditional handicrafts. Look out for simple advertisements along the roadside as you pass through, indicating batik printing, songket-weaving, brassware and kite making shops. You can buy these handicraft items directly from these producers at a good price.