MOONLIGHT BEACH’S BATIK SHOPS A TOP TOURIST DRAW
Customers flock to Pantai Cahaya Bulan for low-priced batik
PANTAI Cahaya Bulan (PCB) or Moonlight Beach in Kelantan is not only a popular spot for family outings and picnics but also famous for its batik business.
The batik business can be seen along the way to PCB, which is also known for its long and wide sandy beach, with the setting up of nearly 20 shops selling batik outfits.
As batik shops mushroom along the PCB route, the area has become known as Perkampungan Batik (batik village) among locals and outsiders.
According to batik seller Rokiah Abdullah, the batik business started in PCB more than 15 years ago.
“As one of the famous tourist destinations in the state, PCB attracts many visitors as it offers water sports and horse riding.
“Seeing this, traders selling batik outfits started to expand their business, resulting in new shops being opened every year selling various batik outfits,” said the 55-year-old trader.
The mother of two said she ventured into the business more than 17 years ago.
Another trader, Nik Nabihah Mustafa, 33, said the shops selling batik outfits would receive many customers during school holidays and weekends.
“On a normal day, the majority of our customers are locals but on school and public holidays, the number will increase drastically.
“Many outsiders and foreigners prefer to buy batik outfits here because it is cheaper than other areas,” said the mother of three.
The beach was previously known as Pantai Cinta Berahi (Passionate Love Beach) but the Pas government decided to change its name after it took over Kelantan’s administration in 1990.
Kelantan batik differs from Terengganu’s as its designs have more floral patterns and geometrical designs.