Looking for your next getaway destination? Look no further than Port Dickson, a magnificent coastal town in Negeri Sembilan, near Malacca. Generally, Port Dickson is well known for its various beaches, but there are plenty of other attractions in town that not many tourists know about. Here are some of them:
1. Army Museum Port Dickson
If you want to know more about Malaysia’s military then head for the Army Museum of Port Dickson. This museum is located next to a military base, about 7 km from the town centre.
Before you enter the museum complex, you can learn more about the armoury, warplanes, and cannons used by the military at the open-air site. Inside the museum, you’ll be awed by the tanks, weaponry, and army exhibits that will not only give you a glimpse of that past but will educate you on warfare as well.
Also, don’t miss the unique Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) Tunnel while in the Army Museum. It was an underground network of tunnels used by the communist rebellion during the emergency period. Everyone gets to experience exploring the tunnels during the tour. The tunnels are well ventilated, although it may be a bit dark in certain places. You’ll learn more about the function of the tunnels from the museum officers.
Address: Kem Sirusa, Persiaran Pahlawan, Kampung Baru Sirusa, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday (10am-5pm), Closed on Monday-Tuesday
Price: Free admission
Duration: About two hours
2. PD Ostrich Show Farm
Ostrich farms are common in Negeri Sembilan. There are two major ones in the state. One is in Seremban and the other is in Port Dickson. Although it is an ostrich farm, you will get to see various farm animals like ponies, goats, ducks, turkeys, parrots, hedgehogs, guinea pigs and rabbits. Visitors usually spend time feeding the animals while on the tour.
You can also take the kids to visit the Herb Garden for a pony ride, or just explore the entire farm. There are also fun information boards throughout the farm that will educate and test your general knowledge on ostriches.
You’ll get to try ostrich meat and eggs in the restaurant found at the farm. That opportunity doesn’t come by often so make sure everyone in your group gets a lion’s share.
Address: Lot 1419, Jalan Perdana 4, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (9.30am-6pm)
Price: Depends on attractions. Kindly refer to website for details
Duration: Around two hours
3. Pusat Ikan Hiasan Teluk Kemang
Next, visit the Teluk Kemang Fish Center. It is a marine conservation centre and aquarium managed by the Malaysian Department of Fisheries. Located in a strategic area in Teluk Kemang beach, Pusat Ikan Hiasan is not only popular among locals but also students, tourists, and marine life enthusiasts.
The main attractions are various marine life such as the coral reefs, clown fish, sea horses, turtles and stonefish. You do not need to swim underneath the ocean to see magnificent sea creatures, as this is a one-stop centre to learn about marine life conservation and the different types of fishes in the sea.
Address: Jalan Kemang 8, Kampung Baharu, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday (9am-4pm), Friday (9am-12pm, 2.30pm-4pm), Saturday-Sunday (10am-4pm)
Price: Free of charge
Duration: About three hours
4. Wan Loong Chinese Temple
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the town’s most beautiful Chinese temple. Ask any local in Port Dickson and they will recommend you see this temple. Wan Loong Chinese Temple is located opposite of PD World Marina Resort and you should be able to find it easily.
Wan Loong means ‘Dragon of the Clouds’. The purpose of the temple is to pay tribute to both Monkey King and Goddess of Mercy. They are major oriental deities for the Chinese. The magnificent fortress wall and the unique architecture of the temple alone give you enough reason to see this amazing location in person. There are no visiting hours and you can come to the temple at any time.
Address: Buddhist Temple, Kampung Teluk Kemang, 71050 Si Rusa, Negeri Sembilan
Duration: Around two hours
5. PD Dream World Upside Down & 3D
The main attraction at PD Dream World Upside Down & 3D is its upside down house. It is not the one like you normally see in Kuala Lumpur and other places. This upside down house is 3D.
At the gallery, there are different types of creative and bizarre artworks. Remember those upside down scenes from the hit movie, Inception? You can experience it firsthand in this art gallery. Among the popular 3D artworks are the upside down house, 3D shark, and the magic show. Some of the cutouts are rather amusing and will surely make you laugh out loud. You won’t find an art gallery such as this in other states of Malaysia.
Address: No 21-G, Medan Remis, Jalan Remis 2, Batu 5, Si Rusa, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (10am-9pm)
Duration: Around two hours
6. Kota Lukut
This is not just a major tourist attraction in town but also a significant historical site. You’re going to learn more about Port Dickson as you take a trip down memory lane at the Lukut Museum and Lukut Fort. Both historical sites are a stone’s throw away from each other.
Opened to the public in 1999, the museum was constructed by the Department of Museums Malaysia. The purpose of the museum is to let the public know about the significance of Fort Lukut as a defensive tract as well as the role and contribution of prominent individuals at that time.
Whether you’re part of a tour or touring by yourself, you’ll gain knowledge easily because the artefacts, illustrations, as well as photographs in the fort and the town are quite educational with stories behind each one. You’ll learn things like how Lukut was formerly a tin mining centre in the early 19th century, and the developments that were made until Sungai Ujong district was established in 1880.
Address: Lot 730, Jalan Besar, Taman Pd Jaya, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (9am-6pm)
Price: Free admission
Duration: About one hour
7. Extreme Park @ Port Dickson
This is the most exciting park in Port Dickson. At Extreme Park, there aren’t just games, there are extreme sports. The activities range from go-karting, paintball, ATV, to archery. Such activities are good for character building, teamwork and building stronger bonds with your friends. Note that it’s better for you to book these activities instead of being walk-in customers.
Address: Palm Spring Resort, Jalan Pantai Batu 13 KM 21, Mukim Pasir Panjang, Negeri Sembilan, 71250 Port Dickson
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Friday (10am-6pm), Saturday-Sunday (10am-10pm), Closed on Tuesday Price: Depending on the sports and activities you choose
8. Wild West Cowboy Indoor Theme Park
How about spending some time watching cowboy themed shows and games for a change? While at the town centre, look for Segar City. It is quite similar to the one at A’Farmosa Resort but this particular indoor theme park is not an ordinary one either.
It is just like Port Dickson’s very own Texas City. You can enjoy Western meals at the Cowboy Café or Burger King. Kids can have their fun time at the amusement park with Cowboy-Go-Round, Rider Boat and Wild West Desert Explorer. But everyone can watch the live cowboy shows and movies at the 5D Motion Adventures and 7D Interactive Movie theatres. The fantasy escape game known as Awake is also a must-try.
Do not leave the theme park without buying some souvenirs! Just drop by at the Cowboy Souvenir Store to get some Wild Wild West related knick-knacks.
Address: 59-64, Jalan Ds 2/7, Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday (11am-10pm), Saturday (10am-11pm), Sunday (10am-10pm)
Duration: About three hours
9. Stage Family Karaoke
Get ready to sing your heart out and head straight to Stage Family Karaoke. The karaoke is located in Segar City, Port Dickson and is one of the most popular family entertainment spots in town.
In total, there are about 18 spacious rooms in the karaoke. You can choose the room that’s suited to you and your friends or family. Hello Kitty, Minions, Angry Birds, and emoji stuffed toys will be right there to keep you company and make you comfortable.
Address: No 41, 42, Jalan Ds 2/7, Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (5pm-3am)
Duration: Around three hours
10. Funny House Port Dickson
Funny House is the first and only funny haunted house in Malaysia. You will not only remember your childhood but you will laugh non-stop! Try not to bring the younger kids, they might get frightened with some of the stunts and performances. Although it is funny, there are still elements of horror and the paranormal.
Funny House will remind you of parody horror movies like Scream and Scary Movie because of the concept and how everything is set up. You will definitely be startled and burst out laughing when you see things like a fake mummy behind a door or when you’ve been “shrunk” to a tiny insect. Feel free to snap as many pictures as you want. You can also ask the staff on duty to help you with that.
Address: No 5 Lorong Aneka 1 Taman Aneka, Kampung Tanah Merah, 71050 Pasir Panjang, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (10am-8pm)
Duration: About one hour
11. Sungai Menyala Edu-Ecotourism Center
If you are looking for a nature retreat and some fresh air, just look for Sungai Menyala Amenity Forest. It is not just a forest but also an Edu-Ecotourism Center. The forest reserve is located about 12km from Port Dickson. You can reach it by car, bus, or taxi.
Moreover, Sungai Menyala Edu-Ecotourism Center is situated at a height of about 20 metres above sea level. It is also one of the remaining preserved and untouched forests that still exist in Peninsular Malaysia. Its Lowland Dipterocarp Forest is the largest and widest in the Tropical region.
Among the attractions at the forest reserve and ecotourism centre are a herb plot, lowland forest type Meranti Keruing, Razani trail, the largest Jelutong tree of Negeri Sembilan, and many others. You can know more about the plants, trees, and the forest by visiting the library, aboriginal gallery, and forestry gallery. There is a cafeteria on site and you can have a simple dining experience while you enjoy nature in Sungai Menyala Edu-Ecotourism Center.
Address: N8, 71000 Si Rusa, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (8.30am-5pm)
Duration: Around 4 hours
12. Baitul-Hilal Astronomy Complex(Teluk Kemang Observatory)
Did you know that Port Dickson has a huge observatory, which is among the best in Southeast Asia? Find your way to Baitul-Hilal Astronomy Complex. When you see a white futuristic-looking building, you’ll know you’ve found it. It is a popular spot for viewing lunar eclipses and other cosmic activities.
Located about 10km south of Port Dickson, the observatory has various astrology artefacts as well as a few vintage telescopes. There is a beach resort located within the Baitul-Hilal Astronomy Complex. You can stay there for a night or two while enjoying the night view from the observatory.
Address: Lot 4506 5, 8, Jalan Pantai, Tanjung Tanah Merah, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (3pm-5pm, 10.30pm-12am)
13. Regina Mall
Wondering where to shop for your souvenirs and go on a shopping spree? Although you will not find many shopping malls in Port Dickson compared to Seremban, the best place for shopping is none other than Regina Mall, previously known as Oceanic Mall.
From entertainment to dining, there is something for everyone at this large shopping mall. Whether it is a bowling centre, a karaoke bar, retail shops or restaurants, kids and families can spend time together for a perfect holiday. You can purchase electrical and electronic items, souvenirs and groceries at the various retail shops located in the shopping mall. Choose from local or international brands while shopping and satisfy your cravings at the restaurants or cafes.
Address: Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (10am-10pm)
Duration: About one hour
14. Port Dickson Golf & Country Club
Port Dickson Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole course that is vast and can accommodate a large group of golfers at any time. The seaside is just nearby and you can bask in the sound of the waves and feel the fresh breeze while playing a game. For details on golf package and fees, you can refer to their website.
Address: 5, Jalan Pantai, Taman Orkid, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday
Price: Kindly refer to website for details
15. PD Waterfront
The main attraction of Port Dickson is its waterfront. At PD Waterfront, you can treat yourself to a number of luxurious opportunities such as watching the beautiful sunset, eating in world-class restaurants and bars, shopping, and staying in a villa, hotel, resort or vacation rental located by the beachside. Your kids will also have their share of enjoyment at the fun fairs and the open areas where they can fly kites. You can also drop by at the park near the beach and enjoy the majestic view of the coastal town.
Address: 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (9am-6pm)
Duration: About two hours
16. Port Dickson International Triathlon
Venue: Avillion Admiral Cove, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Date: Yearly
Duration: Usually one to two days
The most anticipated event in town is its international triathlon. Plan ahead and be part of the athletes for The Port Dickson International Triathlon. If you are up for it, sign up as a competitor! There are categories for adults, kids, and students.
Do not treat this competition as a normal event as it is a gruelling task. Triathlon involves three major obstacles, which are swimming, cycling and running. Some of the race categories are Olympic Distance Triathlon-Relay Team, Olympic Distance Triathlon-Individual, Sprint Triathlon-Individual and Kids Triathlon-Individual.
17. Festival Pantai Port Dickson
What better way to bond than to spend time with your entire family through a wide range of activities? Attend the Festival Pantai Port Dickson and challenge your family to a game of volleyball or beach soccer. You can even try the fishing competition, or if you just want to be laid back, you can watch the live music performances by local artists. Every year, local tourists from all over Malaysia come here to be a part of the festival.
Venue: Pantai Cahaya Negeri, Batu 4, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Date: Every year
Duration: Four days
18. PD International Bike Fest
Bike enthusiasts should mark this event on their calendars. After, all it is the biggest bike fest in Negeri Sembilan and one of the most popular international events held in Port Dickson each year. Participants from various countries, as well as those from Malaysia, race and showcase their bikes throughout the event. You’ll see motorbikes from Harley Davidsons to rare and unique bikes from countries across the world.
Venue: Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Date: September each year
Duration: Usually 3 days
19. Tetikus Toys House
Before heading home or your hotel, drop by Tetikus Toys House with your kids. They will love seeing the different types of toys at the house. You need to plan your journey and take note of the opening hours of the Toys House as it is only open during weekends.
You will be surprised to see the toys at the house, some are very rare and hard to find in normal toy shops. Take your time and let your kids pick from the array of strange dolls, mini figures, soft toys, and collector sets. However, some of the toys are not for sale, so it is better to ask the staff for assistance.
If some of the toys interest you, there’s no shame in indulging in and buying a few of them for yourself. Toys are for all age groups. Not just for kids!
Address: Lorong Baru Kemang 1, Taman Baru Kemang, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Saturday-Sunday (11.30am-4.30pm), Closed on Monday-Friday
If you have not been to the coastal town of Port Dickson, it’s time to plan your vacation NOW. From the list above, you already know that this amazing coastal town is not just about beaches. It’s about experiencing a unique combination of fun, art, history, nature, sports, and the great outdoors.