Port
Dickson, the playground resort in Negeri Sembilan is 34km
from the state capital of Seremban and about one and a half
hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. It offers 18km of fine sandy
beaches fringed bycasuarinas, coconut palms and the
spreading branches of the Banyan tree. The road practically
hugs the coastline - you can just stop wherever it suits
your fancy and just plunge into the cool waters. Vendors
along the road offer thirst quenching drinks of coconut
water and sugar-cane juice. The Kuala Lumpur
International Airport is about one and a half hour drive
away.
PLACES OF
INTERESTS
Beaches
Plunge headlong into a day of
fun-filled leisure activities such as water-skiing,
canoeing, snorkeling and wind surfing. Enquire at your
hotel reception for arrangements to utilize these
facilities. If you enjoy sailing, arrange to have temporary
membership at the Yacht Club.
Blue
Lagoon
About 15 km from Port Dickson
town lies the Blue Lagoon which offers a breathtaking view
of the surrounding greenery and the blue open sea. The
lagoon is an ideal spot for swimming, boating, wind surfing
and water skiing. This is where the action is when it comes
to having fun in the sun. Accommodation is easily obtainable
as a number of hotels and motels are located here.
Fort Lukut
About
7km from Port Dickson stands the Fort of Raja Jumaat, the
19th century Bugis warrior. The fort was built in 1847 to
control the lucrative tin trade in the area. Today the
muzzle loading guns used to defend the fort can be seen
within the grounds of the District Officer’s residence and
outside the Police Station in town. In the vicinity of the
fort are also the remains of the foundation of an old palace
and a royal burial ground.
Cape
Rachado
Visit the lighthouse at Cape
Rachado built bythe Portuguese in the 16th century. The
beacon guided sailing ships to Malacca, the most important
port in South East Asia. The lighthouse is still functioning
today. Ascend the narrow spiral staircase and see the
magnificent view of the coastline of Sumatra, 38km across
the Straits. The cape is also the stopover point for
migratory birds. From September to March, flocks of
sparrows, honey buzzards and swifts can be seen here
together with hawks and eagles.
Walk down
the 63 steps beside the lighthouse and follow the jungle
trek to a secluded beach. The footprint embedded in a
boulder, about 50 meter to the right of the track, is said
to be that of Hang Tuah, the legendary Malay warrior of the
15th century. Legend has it that upon acquiring innate
strength and knowledge, Hang Tuah chose to meditate here.
The footprint marks the spot where he first landed at
Tanjung Tuan. A nearby well whose icy cool water is a boon
for the tired and thirsty, is also said to have been dug byhim. Local devotees have known to pay their homage at this
spot.
Fort Kempas
About 23km from the lighthouse, there is a
small village called Keramat Ujung Pasir. Here you will find
a 15th century tomb of a leading historical personality, Ulama Sheikh Ahmad Makhtum, with its famous carved megalith.
Beside his grave are the famous stone inscriptions or "Batu
Bersurat" which depict his struggle and victory. The mystery
surrounding the stone remains unsolved to this day. Of
special interest is the ‘ordeal stone’, an ancient
lie-detector, through which a person puts his arm when
answering questions. If he lies, the stone tightens like a
vice.
EATING OUT
If
you are the adventurous type, get the taste of the local
cuisine which is hot and spicy. There’s fish cooked in thick
gravy of coconut milk and the killer's cili padi’s-
guaranteed to make your mouth and eyes smart. Or try the
rendang (beef cooked with coconut milk and a rich assortment
of spices). This is normally eaten with ‘Lemang’ - glutinous
rice cooked in bamboo. |