Travel To Port Dickson - The Birthday Celebration And BBQ Party

TRAVEL TRIP (FEBRUARY AND DECEMBER 2011)

I was lucky this year as my Birthday fell exactly on Chinese New Year, 4th February 2011. Most of my friends were not working, so I thought why not celebrate somewhere outside KL (a little difference from the typical restaurant scene) but still make our trip affordable and fun?

Then the idea of organizing a Barbeque comes to mind and I informed my friends. They love the it. Barbeque is all about preparing the food and enjoying them together. Port Dickson or PD is just a perfect spot for this activity. Plus, I love the sea and connect well with the oceanic nature atmosphere.

Port Dickson is the nearest beach to Kuala Lumpur. This was my first trip to Port Dickson with friends.

TRANSPORTATION

1. From outside Malaysia
If you are travelling from outside Malaysia, usually you will arrive in KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport). This is the nearest airport to Port Dickson. KL or Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital with lots of city attractions. I will advise you to spend few days in KL before going to Port Dickson. From KL you can travel to Port Dickson by road (car/bus/taxi). You may also choose to go straight to Port Dickson from KLIA as it is very near, only about 40km.

2. From inside Malaysia
By Air:
If you are travelling internally in Malaysia, try AirAsia (www.airasia.com) or Firefly (www.fireflyz.com.my). Both are Malaysian low-cost carrier and fly to KLIA. All flights from all over the states in Malaysia, fly to KLIA, KLIA2 or LCCT (low cost terminal) all 15 minutes drive from each other first prior to its international destination. Usually you must transit here. You may also check MAS (www.malaysiaairlines.com) as this is the national carrier of Malaysia, price could be a little higher. But you will be surprised during promotion, price is cheap. Why not flying with a 5Star airlines if price is almost the same? There is no direct bus from the KLIA to Port Dickson. You need to take the taxi.

By Road:
Port Dickson can easily be reached from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore by highway and major roads. Those coming from Penang or other northern destinations need to travel first through Kuala Lumpur, and this can easily be done by major highways or trunk roads. If getting there by car from Kuala Lumpur, you take the North-South Highway heading south towards Johor or Seremban and turn off at the Port Dickson exit. This will lead to the Seremban-Port Dickson highway which takes you to the beach in less than 30 minutes. There also several trunk roads which lead to Port Dickson that do not require toll, but you need to know which villages and towns to pass through with a map. Travelling by car is the primary way of getting to Port Dickson, but bus and taxi services are available to reach this popular beach destination. Public buses and luxury coaches depart frequently from Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson. Once in PD town, taxis are the only way of getting around other than walking or driving your own vehicle.

Journey by car/bus/taxi will takes about 1 hour and a half. If you want to travel by bus, you need to be sure which bus terminal you should go as KL has 3 main bus stations. I might be giving a wrong information as the bus departure details sometimes change from time to time. You need to check the latest information. For basic knowledge, these are the stations:

1. Pudu Sentral
The Pudu Sentral (formerly Puduraya Terminal) is located in the city centre, used to be KL's main bus station. After a complete make-over and the re-opening in April 2011, it now servers north-bound buses. The nearest LRT (city train) station in here is called Plaza Rakyat.

2. Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS)
Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS) covers the south territory. Much of the southern-bound buses have been moved to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (Bandar Tasik Selatan Integrated Transport Terminal), resulting in Pudu Sentral losing half of the bus volume. Less traffic and congestion in the city. The nearest LRT (city train) station in here is called Bandar Tasik Selatan.

3. Jalan Duta Terminal
Jalan Duta Terminal serving mostly express buses from the Northern states of Kuala Lumpur but more to the east coast of Malaysia. It is located at Jalan Duta, just opposite of Mosque Federal Territory and also next to the National Tennis Centre and Tun Razak Hockey Stadium. There is currently no LRT station nearby and taxis are the best way to get there.

You can check this website for more information on KL buses www.expressbusmalaysia.com.
You can check these websites for car rental:
www.avis.com.my, www.europcar.com.my, www.simedarbycarrental.com, www.iprac.com, www.mayflowercarrental.com.my, www.hawkrentacar.com.my.

By Rail:
If you want to travel by train, please check this website www.ktmb.com.my. There are 4 stations in KL: Kuala Lumpur Station, KL Sentral (advisable to departure from either these two stations), Kepong Sentral or Petaling. There is no train directly to Port Dickson. The closest trains go to is Seremban, about 32km away but you can take a separate bus/taxi from there (advisable by bus as the fare is very cheap).

ACCOMMODATION

Before deciding on hotel in Langkawi, you need to choose which area is your preference. There are 10 well known beaches in Port Dickson. Beaches in Port Dickson basically are divided by mile (batu). Pantai Batu 7 and 8 (Mile 7 and 8 Beach) or also knows as Teluk Kemang, is the most popular and crowded among all.

1. Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is a small but popular beachside destination enclosed within a secluded bay just before Cape Rachado, about 17km south of PD town. Sheltered by a dense cover of lush vegetation and forests from surrounding foothills, the Blue Lagoon enjoys an inherent tranquility missing from other beaches in Port Dickson, even with many visitors around. Because of its proximity to the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, wildlife sightings are common, including migratory birds, squirrels and monkeys.
The sea waters here are calm and particularly shallow, a result of the bay's naturally deep recess and sandbanks that protect the Blue Lagoon from strong tides and currents. At night, beams of light can be seen emanating in circles from the lighthouse at the hilltop of Cape Rachado, while visitors camp and fish from the beachside. During the day, the shallow waters and sandbanks prevent most water sport activities from being carried close to shore, which thankfully limits the number of jet skis and motor boats dramatically. At low tide, it is also possible to walk tremendously far out to sea, and yet encounter only knee-deep waters. At these distances, the sea contains small coral reefs, which sometimes attract scuba divers. Numerous mudflats and sandbanks also reveal themselves along the beach, isolating the immediate sea into shallow pools of water in which children take special delight.

2. Tanjung Tuan
Port Dickson's best beaches are hidden away at the Tanjung Tuan coastal forest, about 17km south from PD town at the tip of Cape Rachado. Being a protected park, the beaches along this forested cape are beautifully preserved, with crystal clear waters and sparkling white sand, not unlike tropical island destinations. Sheltered from tourist and hotel development, visitors have to hike through jungle and scramble down hilly slopes to reach isolated beaches, each imbued with its own natural charisma and pristine scenery. Tanjung Tuan is also a lush nature reserve, with potential wildlife sightings and botanical treasures to appreciate. From the lighthouse at the peak, a 1km uphill walk from the Tanjung Tuan entrance next to Blue Lagoon, a jungle trail leads through the coastal forest, passing by several entry points for small pockets of beachside. The most popular beach lies directly at the tip of the cape, which takes about 20-30 minutes of hiking following the signboards towards Pulau Intan. Here, contained within bays at both sides of the cape, are spectacular beaches that reveal themselves completely at low tide. While relatively small, the environment is unparalleled, with soft white sands and clear sea waters that gleam with a brilliant turquoise hue under a bright sun. Magnificent rocky formations and karst landscapes line the outlying edges of the bay, providing more mesmerising scenery for visitors. Continuing on the jungle trail will lead to more beaches, but smaller ones as the sea becomes murky towards Pulau Masjid.

3. Pantai Cermin
Pantai Cermin is a quiet beach destination directly behind Blue Lagoon, hidden away at the opposite side of Cape Rachado (Tanjung Tuan). The long strip of beach is spacious and peaceful, but frequented less by visitors. Similiar to Teluk Kemang, the sand here is of an orange hue, but with a fine texture mixed with black ore deposits washed up by sea waves. The waters are rather murky due to the muddy sea bed, but it's still clean, with a beautiful view of the rainforest and mangroves at its eastern edge.

4. Teluk Gemuk
Tanjung Gemuk is a quiet beach spot along the 2nd Mile of Port Dickson, just a short distance away by car from PD town. Despite being huddled among residential and commercial zones, the beach doesn't receive many visitors, perhaps due in part to its murky waters. Three major hotels provide accommodation within the area; Glory Beach Resort, Grand Lexis Port Dickson and Lexis PD. A paved walkway leads past gazebos shaded by casuarina trees through the beach, with small playgrounds for recreational pleasure. To come here, watch out for the exit at the main road to Tanjung Gemuk, turn in, and explore the roads around the houses until you find the beach.

5. Bagan Pinang
Bagan Pinang is a beach stretch between 2nd and 4th mile of Port Dickson. A relatively quiet beach, the beach features a wide expanse of sand at low tide, with relatively shallow and gentle sea waters. Kite flying, water sports and fishing activities are fairly minimal, but there are small park facilities along the resort, including paved walkways and gazebos. From the beach, a mangrove islets can be reached on foot at low tide, an opportune time to witnesss local fishermen rummaging its shore for clams and crabs. A hawker stall center operates at the main beach.

6. Saujana Beach
Saujana Beach lies along 4th mile of Port Dickson, stretching along a 1km beach stretch starting from Avillion Beach Resort until Pantai Cahaya Negeri. The main entrance is opposite the Saturday Night Market site, but a few gravel paths snake their way to the beach between the outlying hotels. A peaceful location near PD Town, the sand here is known for its soft, powdery texture, while the sea is clean and gentle. Water sports are limited to a few jet ski and banana boat operators, which helps preserve the tranquil environment. The spacious beach also makes it a popular venue for camping activities, kite flying and couples looking for a long stroll.

7. Pantai Cahaya Negeri
Pantai Cahaya Negeri is a popular beachside destination between 5th and 6th mile of Port Dickson, served by a considerable number of resorts, hotels and apartments perched along its coastal strip. Some claim this to be PD's best beach, balancing natural beauty, tranquility and public facilities. The sea waters here are also quite clean, reflecting bluish green with good visibility. Meanwhile, the soft, powdery sand here is notably inviting, gleaming white when lit by the afternoon sun. A recreational park occupies a small cape at the eastern edge, with panoramic views of sea along its perimeter, and a wooden bridge that leads to a small mangrove island (Pulau Burung) off the coast.

8. Teluk Kemang
Teluk Kemang is the largest and most popular beach of Port Dickson, located between 7th and 8th mile from PD town. Consequently, this beach stretch has the most number of hotels, resorts and apartments providing family accommodation. On weekends and public holidays, the beach gets unbelievably crowded with visitors, while the sea becomes frenzied from motorised water sports. Visitor facilities and amenities are abundant, including car parks, walkways, gazebos, bathrooms and zones for souvenir shops, hawker stalls and restaurants. A large square at the back hosts the annual Port Dickson Festival, but is used for recreational activities other times.

9. Teluk Pelanduk
Teluk Pelanduk is a coarse beach stretch about 18km down south from Port Dickson town, after Tanjung Tuan. 'Pelanduk' refers to a local species of mouse deer, the smallest of its kind in the world. This name presumably originates from its abundance within the area, when there was much more forest cover than today. The sea is murky and the beachside narrow, lined with coarse pebbles. Some sections have even been reinforced with stone embankments to prevent further erosion of the shore. While not suitable for swimming, there is a small fishing community that brings in a fresh catch daily for sale, while their boats may be chartered for scuba diving trips around Port Dickson.

9. Pantai Purnama
Pantai Purnama is a secluded beach at the 9th mile of Port Dickson, located away from the busy main road and hidden behind apartment blocks and secondary forest. The name translates to 'Moonlight' in English, refering to its peaceful environment that sets a romantic mood, making it popular with couples and loafers that flock here in the evening. The beach is mostly deserted during the afternoon, but accommodation is served by several hotels and apartments in the vicinity. The sea waters here are clean and quite clear, with pretty rock formations and landscapes that reveal themselves at low tide, especially near the eastern portion of beach.
Source: http://portdickson.info/how-to-go.htm

As I always prefer more of a quiet and clean beach, I chose Pantai Batu 5 (Mile 5 Beach). Here the beach is more private, but not too deserted.

On the 3rd February 2011, four cars departure from KL to Bayu Beach Resort, Pantai Batu 5 Port Dickson. I chose this hotel because of the affordable rate and the extravagant family deluxe room which was perfect to support our number. The room is segregated into two floors with four beds (duplex).

We had a drink at the nearby 'kampung' food stalls before check in the hotel. I was lucky once more as the weather was great although it rained heavily almost everyday in KL. Hot and sunny throughout the day! We started to grill the chickens and sausages around 5.30pm and we end up ‘lepak’ at the ocean until 12.30 midnight. With the arrival of 12am on 4th February, I am officially a year older.

We enjoyed the food very much, 'borak' while starring to the night sky full of stars. A friend who is a chef did a fabulous job by making me a wonderful 'LV' cake while the others surprised me when they dogged a lot of holes in the sands to create words Happy Birthday Alvy with a shortform HB LV. My heart was flowery. Many hotel guests stared from their room balconies to see these candle lights flickered from the beach side. I was deeply happy and proud of my friends effort.

The next morning since our room only allowed for 4 persons, the rest of us including me went for a breakfast outside the hotel. We had Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai and hot drinks. Afterwards we went to beach again, jumped into the water like small children and played volley ball until our muscles ached. The most unforgettable experience was when we took the Banana Boat Ride together! It was so mesmerizing! We were dropped twice into the sea by the boatman until I swallowed too much salty water but it was worth with all the joys and laughter!

We checked out from the hotel later and went out for lunch at the famous Teluk Kemang beach. The lunch besides the ocean was very relaxing as the warm gentle sea breezes continuously accompanied us all throughout the time when were there. I felt relieved I did not select hotel from Teluk Kemang for our accommodation because as predicted, it was very congested and the beach was dirty.

We had our goodbyes there and went back to KL. What a wonderful Birthday Celebration I had this year. Simple yet memorable.

Thank you all! Love you..Muaxx!

The second trip happened because I was also craving for another Barbeque get together at the beach. This time I went with a different group of friends.

As I was happy with my previous choice of accommodation, I chose to stay again in Bayu Beach Resort.

Guess because I am an Aquarian, I just enjoyed the ocean water so much. We dipped ourselves all day long until night time after the Barbeque grilling.

As the previous Banana Boat Ride experience were magnificent, I managed to persuade all of my friends in this trip to go for this ride with me.

The second trip to Pantai Batu 5 was still an interesting experience to me. The BBQ was good and the trip was more intimate. I believe Port Dickson is just a perfect weekend break for those work in the hectic life of KL! Only an hour and half drive to be close to nature!

-Alvy-