Day Trip Idea -Port Dickson

If the city gets too much for you- the traffic a tad congested or the monster malls seem to encroach on your space- and if all you crave for is some respite, the coastal town of Port Dickson or PD may just provide you with the right dose of rejuvenation. The best part- PD is a mere 80km away from the city; just an hour drive away. Your drive should be a fairly easy one – along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) highway. You’ll soon spot the sea as you drive along the coastal road that meanders along the coastline of the Straits of Malacca.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia

Forget chic eateries or hip boutiques, Port Dickson is not that sort of a town. This sleepy town is popular for its white sandy beaches and laid back feel. You’ll find Chinese shop lots typical of a bygone era and temples along your coastal drive. The only reminder that PD has always been a favorite among holiday goers from KL and Singapore are the countless hotels that pop up along its coastline. Some of PD’s popular beaches are at Tanjung Tuan (on the 11th mile of PD’s coastal road) and Teluk Kemang (on the 5th mile of the coastal road).

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia

Tanjung Tuan
The Blue Lagoon – shaped like a crescent moon- is a quiet beach along Tanjung Tuan with breathtaking views of the lush greenery and the expansive sea. Water sports enthusiasts can keep busy with a range of activities such as boating, windsurfing and water skiing. About 500 meters away from the beach is Monkey Bay – ideal for snorkeling.

Here you’ll find the Cape Rachado Forest Reserve – rainforests and mangrove swamps that cover stretches of the beach. The forest is home to a number of bird species including jungle fowls which often scurry across jungle trails, and birds of prey. The forest also brims with insects and reptiles, including large monitor lizards, snakes and crocodiles.

The Lighted Lighthouse gives you unrivalled views of the sea (unfortunately it’s not open to visitors but the keeper may be happy to give you a tour if he’s around). Built by the Portuguese, the lighthouse’s searchlight still illuminates the shores of Tanjung Tuan till this day.

Teluk Kemang

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia

Teluk Kemang’s Bagan Pinang Beach is a hive of activity. Here’s where you’ll find most of the area’s resorts and hotels. Find a shady spot under the casuarina and coconut trees lining the beach and enjoy the sun. Or rent a banana boat, canoe or jet ski and head out into the sea. At the end of the stretch you’ll find a mangrove swamp where you can hunt for mussels and crabs during low tide as well as take short strolls on the rocks. The beach gets especially busy on weekends.

Hot Tip: The best ‘Malaysian’ thing to do – after sometime in the waters, pack a typical lunch of rice and crabs from any nearby restaurant and savor a picnic on the beach; then take a snooze.