Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan,Malaysia or PD as it is affectionately known to the locals- is the first choice of many people in the Klang Valley and particularly the city of Kuala Lumpur,when it comes to having a short relaxing stint by the seaside. Named after a British surveyor in Colonial times, this ever popular resort is is located only about 60 kms south of Kuala Lumpur,Port Dickson, certainly makes a super quick getaway for those seeking to escape the stresses,noise, frenetic pace and hustle and bustle of big city life. With loads of local and tour buses and taxis plying the route it is a very easy place to get to.
For foreign visitors, whose trip to Malaysia mainly takes in Kuala Lumpur, it is worth making the jouney to Port Dickson if you want to sample a well developed Malaysian seaside resort but havent the time to go to Penang or the beaches on the East Coast. You wont find the same quality of beaches as on the East Coast but PD is so convenient to get to.
There are around 18 km of beaches in Port Dickson and they provide opportunities for the visitor to just laze about in the sun,picnic, go boardsailing,windsurfing,waterskiing or boating.For families with children in tow, the warm waters and gently sloping coastline gives chances for the kids to have a fun filled break. The quality of the beaches,however, cannot compare with those on Malaysian islands or on the east coast of the Peninsular and in places the beaches are rather dirty.
There is a good forest recreation park and Fort Lukut offers interest to those interested in history. You can also visit the Cape Rachardo lighthouse which borders the neighbouring state of Melaka. If you climb the steps to the top you do get absolutely stunning views across the Melaka Straits.
There are now a lot of de luxe hotels,budget places and one or two cheap boarding houses in PD and there are also condos offering accommodation for visitors. Seri Malaysia is part of a franchised chain of budget hotels and offers good value for money. During the week there is usually no problem obtaining rooms but during weekends and public holidays Port Dickson can get very crowded and late bookings are not advisable.
If seafood takes your fancy PD can satisfy your desires. Much of Jalan Pantai (Beach Road) is taken up with seafood restaurants and hawkers. These are the haunts to try the likes of barbecued crabs, sweet and sour prawns, deep fried squid, and steamed grouper or deep fried carp at comparatively moderate prices,at least compared to Kuala Lumpur.
Night time entertainment is decidely very limited although several of the hotels do have discos and sometimes have live bands and there are a few pubs in Port Dickson town itself.. These,however, are mainly by local Chinese educated patrons and are apt to be more than a bit noisy and smoky and certainly not sophisticated. The Yacht Club and the resort hotels are better bets for foreign visitors but to visit the former you have to be signed in by a member.
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