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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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