More popularly known as PD, Port Dickson is synonymous with sun and fun on the beach. Situated a mere 32km from Seremban and 60km from Kuala Lumpur, PD has long been a weekend retreat for many inland dwellers, especially those from the city seeking temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of a hectic and stressful life.
Originally a town where charcoal was made and was once called Arang, it was later sought to be developed as a port. While it never did develop into a full-fledged port, PD's popular beaches attract thousands of weekend visitors from the cities.
PD's main attraction is its 18km stretch of white sandy beaches that extend from Tanjung Gemuk in the north to Tanjung Tuan in the south. These are carefully protected by rows upon rows of casuarina palms, coconut trees, and elegant Bayan trees. Located near Cape Rachado (Tanjung Tuan), Blue Lagoon is the most famous picnic spot and is an excellent spot for the water sport enthusiast.
PD usually comes alive in August each year during the "Pesta Port Dickson". This annual event draws in crowds from all over the country. This would be one great time to visit PD's beaches as there would be several activities and cultural events relating to the life of the locals.
Accommodation should pose no problem for the visitor as this resort town has a place to stay for all. Accommodation can be found in the form of government chalets, hotels, and bungalows or even privately owned apartments that are rented out at reasonable rates. Food stalls can also be easily found along the beaches, as well as the town center. Being a seaside resort, PD's specialty would naturally be seafood.
With frequent buses, commuter trains, and taxis plying between Kuala Lumpur and the resort, Port Dickson's appeal lies in its easy accessibility and the attractions of a beach getaway.
Cape Rachado (Tanjung Tuan)
Cape Rachado is renowned for its lighthouse that was reputedly built by the Portuguese in the 16th Century, which guides ships into the Straits of Malacca. This lighthouse that is built on a hillock overlooking the straits is until today still operational! On a clear day, one can see PD town and the outline of Sumatra across the Straits from this vantage point. Flocks of migrating sparrows, honey buzzards, swifts, hawks, and eagles stop over here between the months of September and March every year. Then there is a spot here where the legendary 15th Century Malay warrior of the Malacca Sultanate, Hang Tuah, was supposed to have set foot.
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