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26 | FireFlyz
get
away
E
ighteen
kilometres of
prime beachfront, Port
Dickson offers a little bit
of everything a beach
destination does. Come for
the clear blue waters and
watersports, stay because
you deserve a break from work.
Port Dickson aka PD, is a holiday
destination in the tiny state of Negeri
Sembilan located just 60km out of the
Kuala Lumpur city centre. Hop into your
car and leave the hustle and bustle of the
city behind and instead, opt for flip flops,
a fresh coconut and a hammock.
Originally a small charcoal village,
the coast is framed by sandy beaches,
casuarina trees, coconut palms and the
fans of Banyan tree leaves. It’s been said
to be a popular location for locals because
it’s not crowded with a sea of tourists
and even for tourists hoping for a more
authentic look into a beach spot. With
great popularity, comes great facilities.
Need a place to stay? Or looking to check
some activities off the bucket list? There’s
a host of international, hotels, apartments
and offerings suited to everyone.
So you’ve survived the two hour car
ride from Kuala Lumpur, what are you
going to do? Before you lather on the sun-
screen and head straight to the beaches,
this quaint location does offer more than
just white sand and waters.
Head to the Cape Rachado Lighthouse
which was built in 1528. The attraction
has obviously gotten a bit of a makeover
since its first unveiling. Originally built
by the Portuguese during colonial times,
this tower has guided many ships back to
safety. If you were thinking of popping by,
you’d need to do so using the entrance of
the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve. You’d
have to go up a steep road leading to
the lighthouse, cars are prohibited from
An old coast thatwent frombeing a charcoal hub to a beach destination.
Port Dickson On a Whim
entering. Seventy two short steps later
and you’ll find yourself staring out onto
the straits of Malacca. Soak in the fresh
air, feel the cool breeze and enjoy the sight
of ships sailing about the wavy waters.
Sometimes if you’re lucky enough, you
may even catch a small glimpse of the
Sumatran outline in the horizon.
Who doesn’t love huge birds that can’t
fly? The Ostrich Farm should be your next
destination. Along Jalan Pantai, you’ll find
the farm. Dozens of large feathered birds
waltzing around. If you’ve ever wanted to
ride an ostrich, this would be your chance
and in a twisted humour sort of way, you’ll
also get a chance to taste a nice juicy
ostrich burger! Don’t worry, all meat has
been cleared for sale. If you were hoping
for a more Malaysian taste of the birds, try
the satay. Fresh off the barbecues and into
your bellies in no time.
And if you’re done riding or eating the
flightless birds, you can also hop on by to
the rabbit petting zoo. Nothing says dream
holiday, then to cosy up to fluffy bunnies.
If furry adorable critters aren’t your thing,
you can also take a look into the collection
of rare and beautiful birds. It’s not an
uncommon sight to see a proud peacock
in all its glory. Of course don’t forget to
take some snapshots of you standing on
an ostrich egg.
After all the exploring, you should do
some unwinding and of course eating at
the night market. Located at the fourth
mile near a petrol station, you’ll find
colourful umbrellas shadowing an array
of bites, drinks and trinkets. Offering only
the freshest seafood and unique snacks,
youmight want to take a better look before
your go gnawing on a piece of sweetened
dried squid.
But of course, no trip to Port Dickson
is complete without the obvious tan
lines and beach lazing. Head to the Blue
Lagoon, which is a hideaway with beauti-
ful views. Lush greenery, clear waters, a
picture-perfect backdrop to make your
friends jealous. If you’re in the mood for
some adrenalin pumping action, go rent
a Jet Ski, hop on a banana boat or hold
tight on a speed boat. It’s a haven for
watersports and beach bums alike.
So now that you’ve decided to go, you
must be wondering how. If you’re jetting
in from KLIA, Port Dickson is a mere
45-minute drive away and you can always
hail a cab upon your arrival. There are also
plenty of coaches that go bihourly cruising
their way down to Port Dickson with a
bus full of thrill-seekers. Apart from that,
you can also catch a train to Seremban
through the KTMB (Keretapi TanahMelayu
Berhad) and catch a quick ride out there.
There is plenty to see, do and eat out
by Port Dickson. So all you need to do
now is to take some days off, pack your
bags and slip into some flowy beachwear.
Fresh coconuts, fast water vehicles and
adventure await you at the port.