Friday, March 28, 2008

Port Dickson - Malaysia Tourist Attractions

Port Dickson, the playground resort in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, 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 by casuarinas, 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.

Beaches
Plunge headlong into a day of fun-filled leisure activities such as water-skiing, canoeing, snorkelling and wind surfing. Enquire at your hotel reception for arrangements to utilise 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


Cape Rachardo
Visit the lighthouse at Cape Rachardo built by the 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 metre 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 by him. Local devotees have known to pay their homage at this spot.

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.

Fort Kempas
About 23km from the lighthouse, there is a small village called Keramat Ujung Pasir. Here you will find a15th 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.

Restaurants
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.

Accommodation
A number of resorts, hotels, villas and bungalows have sprung up along the coast, offering a range of accommodation facilities.