A trip to Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan can be relaxing and wonderful. PD is often frequented for its beaches, but that is not all they have available.
There are plenty of things to do in Port Dickson for the whole family to enjoy. I have been to Port Dickson many times over the years. Me and my husband brought Little E here for his first beach vacation when he was just 6 months old.
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What We Love About Port Dickson
- One of the nearest beach town to Klang Valley
Port Dickson is a good option if you plan to bring your family to the beach for a day trip or overnight visit because it is only a short drive from Klang Valley.
- Small town vibe
Port Dickson has the small town feel and slower pace giving most city dwellers a break from the fast life in the city.
- Good and affordable seafood
If you love seafood, you get to find plenty of fresh and cheap fish, crabs, prawns, squid and more in Port Dickson from one of the many Chinese and Malay restaurants.
- Affordable
The prices for food and other things in Port Dickson are slightly more affordable than other popular cities in Malaysia. You can have a good time even on a small budget.One of the nearest beach town to Klang Valley
Children Friendly Activities To Do in Port Dickson
Visit The Beach
There are plenty of beaches in Port Dickson, you wouldn’t want to miss out the beautiful scenery at the beach. Consider going for a morning walk where the kids can build sandcastles and play with sand. If you love the night sky, you can go at dusk for a walk, wait for the sunset and enjoy the stars in the night sky. If you are adventurous, explore water sports at the PD beaches. For example, taking the banana boat, jet skiing, speed boating and canoeing at Teluk Kemang Beach.
Army Museum Port Dickson
Being the only military museum in Malaysia, the Army Museum Port Dickson is a great place to understand the military history of Malaysia. The museum has a subterranean tunnel and is divided into different galleries and each gallery will have a different story to tell you about the military. Find out more about the traditional weaponry, tanks and armoured cars that are used in different military campaigns.
Tip:
- Check out the collection of vehicles in the Museum’s compound. Little E particularly enjoyed the outdoor army trucks, military aircrafts and vehicles more than the indoor exhibits.
- Follow the painted footsteps on the floor to experience the exhibits in the prescribed order.
Address: Muzium Tentera Darat, Kem, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
Entrance:
Malaysian MyKad Holder Adult: RM2
Malaysian MyKad Holder Child 7 to 12 years old, OKU and Senior Citizens: RM1
Non-MyKad Holder Adult: RM5
Non-MyKad Holder Child 7 to 12 years old: RM2
Kids under 6 years old: Free entry
Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre
The Ornamental Fish Centre (Pusat Ikan Hiasan Port Dickson) is run by the Malaysian Department of Fisheries. There are more than 50 species of ornamental fish and 40 types of corals and marine life in this small aquarium in PD. This place is great for a short visit to learn about marine conservation efforts, our family spent about 40 minutes here.
You get to find fishes that you can rarely see in your daily life, including eels, sea horses, sharks and clown fishes. One of the main highlights will be getting close up to baby sea turtles outside the main hall and learning about their lifecycle.
Address: Jalan Kemang 8, Kampung Baharu, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours:
9am – 4:30pm (Monday – Thursday)
9am – 12:15pm, 2:30-4:30pm (Friday)
10am – 4:30pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Entrance: Free
Benns Chocolate Factory
Benns Chocolate Factory is one of the latest attractions in Port Dickson. Chocolate lovers can definitely indulge themselves here. Learn more about the chocolate making process including how they source cacao beans from the local farmers. Visitors can sample the products before purchase. We bought some premium quality chocolates at the gift shop (they were delicious!). Kids can sign up for their DIY chocolate-making session for a small fee.
Address: Lot 10389, Batu 9, Jalan Pantai, Teluk Kemang, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours:
11am – 7pm (Monday – Thursday)
11am – 10pm (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Entrance: Free
Port Dickson Waterfront
Port Dickson Waterfront is where you can find locals flying kites and fishing. Occasionally, there are events held at the PD Waterfront too. Check out the promenade walk, have a drink at one of the many F&B outlets there while you enjoy the view of the sea.
Address: 1-02-1, Persiaran Waterfront, 1st Mile, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours:
9am – 6pm (Monday – Saturday)
9am – 5pm (Sunday)
Entrance: Free
P.D. Ostrich Show Farm
Bring your kids to the PD Ostrich Show Farm, to see, feed, ride on, race with the ostriches. You can get close to them by feeding them and standing on their eggs. The other animals here include ponies, donkeys, rabbits, birds, snakes and many more. If your kids are into T-Rex, check out the Dinosaur park that has animatronics powered dinosaurs. ATV rides, archery and paintball are available here too.
Address: Lot 1419, Jalan Perdana 4, Batu 9, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 6pm
Entrance Fee Via Klook:
Adult: RM23 (MyKad Holder), RM28 (Non-MyKad Holder)
Child (3 – 12 Years Old) / Senior Citizen (Above 60): RM17 (MyKad Holder), RM22 (Non-MyKad Holder)
Child below 3 years old: Free entry
Alive 3D Art Gallery
With more than 50 interactive paintings, you are in for an immersive experience. The paintings in this art gallery are crafted by a group of artists from China. The gallery is divided into 5 different themes: Adventure Zone, Aquarium Zone, Animation Zone, Exotic Zone and Dark Art. Don’t miss out on taking some mind-boggling photos with your friends and family. We spent about an hour here.
Tip: Bring along a tripod.
Address: 38 & 40, Jalan DS 2/1, Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (Closed on Tuesdays except School Holidays and Public Holidays)
Entrance Fee Via Klook:
Adult: RM34.50 (MyKad Holder), RM37.50 (Non-MyKad Holder)
Child (Above 90cm and below 12 years old): RM17 (MyKad Holder), RM31.25 (Non-MyKad Holder)
Child below 90cm: Free entry
Wild West Cowboy Indoor Theme Park
A mini cowboy theme park where you enjoy with your kids. There’s escape games, kid’s rides and interactive movies. Fill up your stomach at one of their F&B outlets when you need to rest or grab a souvenir at their souvenir shop.
My children were spending some time on the rides and enjoying themselves. The escape game is something we love too.
Address: 59-64, Jalan DS 2/1, Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (Closed on Tuesdays except School Holidays and Public Holidays)
Entrance Fee Via Klook:
Adult: RM60.80 (MyKad Holder), RM60 (Non-MyKad Holder)
Child (Above 90cm and below 12 years old): RM48 (MyKad Holder), RM75 (Non-MyKad Holder)
Child below 90cm: Free entry
Cape Rachado Lighthouse, Bukit Batu Putih & Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve
Cape Rachado Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Malaysia. It has a beautiful view of the sea and sky connecting to each other.
If you love hiking, challenge yourself by hiking to Bukit Batu Putih. The route can be a bit tough for beginners, but worth the challenge.
Don’t miss Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve for birdwatching. The perfect time to visit will be from February to April, where you can catch thousands of migrant raptors returning to their breeding location.
Note: The hike up Cape Rachado Lighthouse was about 25 to 30 minutes on tar road with some incline. It might be tough for younger kids below 4 years old to hike the entire way up and down. Great for slightly older kids to explore.
Address: 71050 Port Dickson, Malacca
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm daily
Entrance: Free, RM1 for Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve
Wan Loong Chinese Temple
If you are looking for a spiritual trip, don’t miss Wan Loong Chinese Temple. You can find several oriental deities at the temple including Kuan Yi and the Monkey King. There’s a man-made fountain and a fish pond where coins are tossed for good luck.
Address: Buddhist Temple, Kampung Teluk Kemang, 71050 Si Rusa, Negeri Sembilan
Opening Hours: Open throughout the day
Entrance: Free
How To Get To Port Dickson
- Drive from KL to Port Dickson
Driving from KL to Port Dickson is about 93 km and takes about 2 hours. If you are coming from KLIA to PD it is about 50 km and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hire a private vehicle
Another option is to hire a private taxi or grabcar to get to Port Dickson. You can travel around Port Dickson by Grab which is quite convenient.
- By Bus
Since there is no direct express bus from KL to Port Dickson, you will need to change buses in between. First, you need to take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Seremban. After getting off at Seremban, you need to take a local bus to Port Dickson.
Best Time To Visit Port Dickson
- Best Months To Visit
The best time to visit will be around September and October because the weather is usually cooler. January to March is recommended if you plan to visit the beaches.
- Peak Season
January and February are the peak season because it is the best time to visit PD, hence you can expect more tourists than other usual months.
Items To Pack and Bring Along When Visiting Port Dickson
- Beach towel – Beach towel is a must if you are going to the beach.
- Sunscreen – It can be hot at Port Dickson especially under the hot sun on the beach. Apply some sunscreen to prevent sunburnt.
- Bug repellent – There may be sand flies and mosquitoes on the beach. Bug repellent can help to keep the bugs away.
- Slippers – Remember to pack your flip flops when you are going to the beach.
- Hat / Cap – Whether you are going sightseeing or to the beach, it helps to keep your head and face protected from the sun and hot weather with a hat or cap.
- Swimwear – Pack your swimwear if you plan to go for a swim in the beach or enjoy the swimming pool at the hotel.
Port Dickson Accommodation Guide (Where To Stay in Port Dickson)
- The Lexis Hibiscus Resort
A family-friendly resort where there is something for the whole family to enjoy including a private pool, water sports facilities, Lex spa, Kidz world and water JPark.
- Avillion Port Dickson
Designed after a traditional Malay fishing village where you can fish from your balcony. There is a mini farm for kids to explore.
- Grand Lexis Port Dickson
Balinese-inspired villas with private pools. Nearby to many tourist attractions in Port Dickson.
- Corus Paradise Resort
A family friendly resort environment with plenty of facilities. Enjoy the game room or swimming pool with your kids.
- Avillion Admiral Cove Resort
A luxurious accommodation by the sea where guests can enjoy water sports or beach volleyball by the sea. Stop by the orchid hut to admire the exotic flowers.
- Thistle Port Dickson Resort
The best beach resort that is surrounded by a landscaped garden. A perfect place for team buildings.
- Klana Beach Resort Port Dickson
A beach resort located on a scenic hilltop. Enjoy the night view at their observation tower.
- PD London Bus Retro Village
A unique accommodation experience where guests can stay in a retrofitted double-decker bus or container room.
Port Dickson Beach Guide (Best Beaches in PD)
- Saujana Beach
You will find locals flying kites and fishing on Saujana Beach. Shower facilities are available.
There’s a playground where children can play. We enjoyed walking at the walkway since it is shaded. There are food trucks and hawker stalls for a quick meal.
- Teluk Kemang Beach
Being the most popular beach in Port Dickson, Teluk Kemang Beach has the best well-equipped facilities from water skiing to water scooter and banana boat for adventure seekers.
- Blue Lagoon Beach
Blue Lagoon Beach is a place where you can relax in the sun playing volleyball, frisbee and collecting seashells. You can grab some souvenirs, beach accessories and beach toys for children to enjoy.
- Tanjung Tuan Beach
Tanjung Tuan Beach is a nature forest reserve and is a great spot for hikers. You can spot the Cape Rachado lighthouse on the beach.
- Bagan Pinang Beach
One of the least crowded beaches in Port Dickson where the beach is clean with fine white sand. Banana boats and speed boats are available at this beach. There’s even a night market nearby on Saturday night.
- Tanjung Gemok Beach
Tanjung Gemok Beach is less developed compared to other beaches. You can watch sea turtles laying eggs from April to September if you are lucky. Local resort helps to take care of the eggs and release them after they hatch.
- Cahaya Negeri Beach
A great spot for you and your family to enjoy a day on the beach to chill out. The Negeri Sembilan Tourism Board organises a fun beach festival with plenty of activities and competition here annually.
Port Dickson Food Guide (Where To Eat in Port Dickson)
Kafe Kampung Kaw
This container-style Muslim-friendly cafe is a crowd favourite. It is a great place for breakfast and lunch where they sell local Malay food. Kambing bakar (barbeque lamb) is their signature. You can order it by itself or pair it with nasi lemak or nasi goreng. Another must try will be their roti gemok, where you can pair it with chilli sambal, lamb curry or sardine sambal.
Operating Hours:
8am – 2:15pm (Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday & Sunday)
8am – 12:15pm (Friday)
Closed on Monday
Address: PT3038, Jalan Hj Sirat, Kampung Baru, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Restoran Fatt Kee
An outdoor Chinese Tai Chow style restaurant where you can order a variety of dishes and seafood including oysters, fish, prawns and slipper lobster. Food is well-prepared, fresh and delicious. There is a satay stall in front of the restaurant which sells some delicious and tender satay.
Operating Hours:
12:30pm – 3pm, 5pm-10pm (Friday – Sunday)
5pm-10pm (Monday, Tuesday & Thursday)
Closed on Wednesday
Address: Jalan Seremban Kuala Lukut, Lukut, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Lucky King Bun
A well-known Non-halal restaurant serving curry chicken bun in Port Dickson. Their curry chicken bun is freshly made everyday. Try their Yuan Yang bun which has two flavours, curry chicken and DongPo pork. Their Dragon Tiger Seafood Pot, a milky mild curry soup with seafood is another must-try dish.
Operating Hours: 11am – 6pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Address: 4366, Jalan Besar, Lukut, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
PD Fung Hai Kopitiam
A Hainanese kopitiam where you can try out some of your favourite Hainanese food. Hainanese chicken chop, a fried deboned chicken thigh with brown onion gravy and fried potatoes is a must-try and left a good impression on us.
Operating Hours: 8:30am – 3:20pm (Closed on Thursday)
Address: 80, Jalan Dato’K. Pathmanaban, Kampung Bahasa Kapor, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Sri Pantai Ria Seafood Restaurant
A large Halal Chinese seafood restaurant in Port Dickson at Port Dickson Waterfront where patrons can enjoy their meal with an ocean view. They have a good menu spread at affordable prices.
Operating Hours: 11am – 10:45pm (daily)
Address: 26, Persiaran Waterfront PD Waterfont, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Mient’s Burger
A local Muslim friendly burger joint that provides a variety of burgers from chicken to fish and beef, there will be something for every burger lover. They even have fried rice with lamb chop or chicken chop.
Operating Hours:
4pm – 11:30pm (Monday – Thursday)
4pm – 12am (Friday)
3pm – 12am (Saturday & Sunday)
Address: 258, Kilometer 1, Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
What We Didn’t Like About Port Dickson
- Not the best or cleanest beaches in the country
Port Dickson has many beaches but they may not be the cleanest or most beautiful in Malaysia. You can visit Redang or the Perhentian islands in the east coast or the islands in Sabah instead if you have time to travel further.
- Old resorts
There are some old resorts in Port Dickson of which some are not well-maintained. Do check out the reviews online before booking your accommodation.
Is It Worth Going To Port Dickson?
Yes, it is still worth going to Port Dickson if you are looking for a quick beach vacation. There are many indoor and outdoor attractions to visit, even if you are not a beach person. Our family enjoyed our Port Dickson stay and we hope you will too!
