Things to do in Port Dickson, Malaysia
Trust that whenever there’s a long weekend, you’ll find scores of Singaporeans crossing the border for a short getaway. If you’ve already checked off all the Johor Bahru activities and have even visited other destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Genting Highlands, try an island expedition to Port Dickson on for size.
Located south of KL and a 4-hour drive from Singapore, the coastal town is home to a lot more than sandy beaches and water activities. From an ostrich farm and Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course to resorts with ocean villas and log cabins, here are things to do in Port Dickson, Malaysia that make it a choice holiday spot for kids and grownups alike.
The current exchange rate is ~RM1 = S$0.30 as of 24th October 2024.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Port Dickson, Malaysia
- When is the best time to visit Port Dickson?
- How to get to Port Dickson from Singapore?
- – Where to stay in Port Dickson –
- 1. Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson
- 2. Eagle Ranch Resort
- 3. Grand Lexis Port Dickson
- – What to do in Port Dickson –
- 1. Get lost in Malaysia’s largest hedge maze
- 2. Go on Wild West-influenced rides in an indoor theme park
- 3. Scale a high elements course at Segar Recreation Eco Park
- 4. Get close with animals at the Port Dickson Ostrich Farm
- 5. Cool down with some snorkelling, fishing & banana boating
- 6. Race your friends while riding ATVs at Uncle Wong Happy Farm
- 7. Chill on a sunset cruise with a saltwater jacuzzi pool
- 8. Try foaming milk tea at Coconut Bay
- 9. Taste locally-grown pineapples at Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm
- Which beach is less crowded in Port Dickson?
When is the best time to visit Port Dickson?
The dry season typically occurs from January to March and again in June, so you can explore Port Dickson’s attractions with minimal rainfall then. Avoid visiting in November, as this month tends to experience the highest levels of rainfall.
How to get to Port Dickson from Singapore?
By bus (direct from Singapore)
You can buy tickets online to take a bus directly from Singapore to Port Dickson from services such as BusOnlineTicket.com and redBus, where tickets are both priced from $38 respectively.
The trip usually takes about 4-5 hours depending on traffic,.
Pick-up points are at Concorde Shopping Centre, and also at City Plaza if you’re booking with BusOnlineTicket.com. Drop-off points are located at:
- Grand Lexis Hotel
- Avilion Port Dickson Hotel
- Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson Hotel
- Thistle Port Dickson Hotel
- Corus Paradise Resort
- Lukut Port Dickson (BusOnlineTicket.com)
By car
If you prefer driving, it’s about a 5-hour journey from Singapore. From either the Woodlands Causeway of Tuas Second Link, you’ll want to make your way to the North-South Expressway. Take Exit 219 to get onto Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH), then exit again at Exit 2903 to reach Port Dickson.
By train
This is perhaps the longest way of travel, as there’s no direct link between Singapore and Port Dickson by train. You will need to hop onto a KTM shuttle train from the Singapore Woodlands checkpoint to JB Sentral before getting on the KTM train to Gemas. From there, you’ll need to board another train (ETS) and get off at the fourth station at Seremban. You will then need to take the bus no. 828 to head to Port Dickson.
Otherwise, if you’re journeying via KL, the quickest, simplest, and most comfortable method would be to get a Private Intercity Transfer from KL airport straight to your Port Dickson hotel.
– Where to stay in Port Dickson –
There are many accommodation options at Port Dickson, here are some of our top finds we think you’ll love.
1. Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson
Luxury Maldives-style resort
True to the name of the resort, the layout of the ocean villas creates a hibiscus shape.
Image credit: Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson
Just like how there’s an entire housing estate in Indonesia that’s modelled after Singapore, you can find a resort in Port Dickson that looks straight out of Maldives. Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson is a 5-star resort, but don’t worry about having to fork out thousands of dollars. Rates start from just RM792/night for a 4-pax room.
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2. Eagle Ranch Resort
Ranch-themed hotel with teepees & log cabins
Image credit: @eagleranchresortpd via Instagram
For an even more affordable option without sacrificing on the comfort and aesthetic factor, head to Eagle Ranch Resort, a unique ranch-themed hotel with old Western influences everywhere. Air-conditioned teepee tents which are suitable for couples and families of up to 4 pax are available for RM250.
Spacious kampung villas atop shallow pools are priced RM300/night.
Image credit: Eagle Ranch
Besides a variety of different lodgings to choose from, there are also amenities aplenty. Make your vacation count by clocking in hours of fun at their beach volleyball, basketball, and football courts, table tennis rooms, lap pool, and archery range.
3. Grand Lexis Port Dickson
Balinese-inspired villas with private pools
Image credit: Grand Lexis Port Dickson
Grand Lexis Port Dickson is a 5-star hotel nestled on the coastal side of Port Dickson. Just about every villa has its own private pool, be it on the ground or 2nd floor of the villa. For a couple’s trip, you can get the Deluxe Pool Villa from RM468/night. And if you’re coming in large groups, they have suites available from RM538.20/night.
Image credit: Grand Lexis Port Dickson
Don’t get holed up in your room when there are so many things to do here like the humongous swimming pool, spa, and go-karts – perfect for the kiddos just to name a few.
For satisfying meals, you can choose from Roselle Coffee House and UMI Japanese Restaurant which serve local Malaysian and Japanese cuisines. But if you’re just looking for light snacks or a drink, you can head to the Pool Cafe or Lanun Restaurant & Bar.
– What to do in Port Dickson –
1. Get lost in Malaysia’s largest hedge maze
Image credit: Leong Gt via Google Maps
The PD Maze is like a scene ripped straight from Harry Potter – it spans 4,000sqm and has walkways that total up to 1,300m long. Relax, nothing in this maze will pose a danger to you. Instead, Malaysia’s largest hedge maze has quirky art installations nestled within its corners.
Image credit: Kent and Michelle & WH Aw (WH AW) via Google Maps
Sculptures like huge photo frames protruding from the ground invite visitors to pose for a picture. There’re more trippy ones as well that’ll make you do a double take – such as a dragon whose eyes seem to fixate on you as you walk around it, and human-like metal sculptures made to mimic a glitch in the matrix.
Don’t worry about getting lost in the labyrinth, as most visitors find the exit within 15-30 minutes. Staff are also on hand if you really need a clue on where to go next.
Rates:
Child (Below 5 years old): Free
Child (5-12 years old) & Seniors (60 years old and above): RM18
Adult: RM23
2. Go on Wild West-influenced rides in an indoor theme park
The charming old Western exterior and set-ups like cacti and horse-drawn carriages make for great photo ops.
Image credits: Wild West Cowboy Indoor Theme Park via Google maps
Continuing with the old Western theme, the Segar City Wild West Cowboy Theme Park is the main amusement venue in Port Dickson. Think of it as a mini theme park with attractions suitable for all ages. Admission is from RM60/pax, and you’ll gain entry to all the attraction zones.
Image credit: Klook
Parents with little ones in tow will benefit from various kid-friendly rides like the Rider Boat, Cowboy-Go-Round carousel, and Wild West Desert Explorer mobile car ride. There’s also an escape room attraction with different themes like fairy tale princesses, dinosaurs, galaxy, ancient Egypt, and haunted mansion.
The Awakening Of Pharaoh escape room.
Image credit: Klook
Make sure to check out the 5D Motion Adventure – an immersive cinema ride where you get rocked around in your chair as wind, rain, and lightning effects are timed according to the screening. Great for people with a fear of roller coasters who still want to experience some thrill!
3. Scale a high elements course at Segar Recreation Eco Park
Image credit: Klook
Malaysia is known to be a foodie’s paradise. For travellers looking to torch some calories amidst all that feasting, hit up the Segar Recreation Eco Park. Set in an expansive space where sunshine and greenery are abundant, the park’s amenities allow you to engage in physical activities with varying levels of thrill and difficulty.
Image adapted from: Klook
Examples include the flying fox, high elements trail, 13-station obstacle course, abseiling, and rock climbing wall, just to name a few. And because most of the activities have beginner and intermediate options, even kids can participate.
4. Get close with animals at the Port Dickson Ostrich Farm
Ostriches are peculiar creatures, and the average Singaporean wouldn’t know much about these big birds other than that they bury their heads in the sand…and have brains that are even smaller than each of their eyeballs. The Port Dickson Ostrich Farm offers the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these wholesome creatures.
Image credit: Muhd Afif Baharuddin and akmal poland via Google Maps
Besides feeding and petting sessions, kids can meet the ostriches up close with animal keepers who will be guiding the interactions at all times.
Image adapted from: @abprabianti_89 & @iam_n.a.n.a via Instagram
Expect an abundance of other animals – many of which are open to feeding and petting – such as rabbits, donkeys, goats, horses, ducks, and guinea pigs. Beyond wildlife experiences, there is an ATV track onsite which even kids can ride along, and a Planet Jurassic zone with animatronic dinosaurs and photo ops aplenty.
5. Cool down with some snorkelling, fishing & banana boating
Go snorkelling in the crisp waters of Blue Lagoon Beach, dubbed the best beach in Port Dickson by locals.
Image credit: Klook
In terms of both getting the most bang for your buck and having a jam-packed itinerary, you can’t get more bao kah liao than this Port Dickson boat tour. At S$20.89/pax for a 2-hour charter, you get to pick and choose all the activities that tickle your fancy.
Image adapted from: Klook
The boat holds snorkelling equipment and fishing gear, and you’ll also get to try your hand catching crabs with a bamboo cage. Thereafter, you can choose to bring your loot home or top up S$8.61/pax and have it cooked fresh as part of a seafood lunch.
You can also go banana boating and, since there’s a guide present for the whole tour, feel free to ask for assistance if you’re a first-timer at any – or all – of the activities.
Rates: From RM70/pax for a half-day tour with 6-15 pax, higher rates apply for groups with 2-5 pax.
Book a Port Dickson boat tour.
Meeting point: 5th Mile, Jalan Pantai, The Grand Beach Resort Port Dickson, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Time: 9am-11am, Daily
6. Race your friends while riding ATVs at Uncle Wong Happy Farm
Image credit: Klook
The adorably-named Uncle Wong Happy Farm allows you to race your friends on ATVs that are beginner-friendly and easy to navigate.
A professional instructor will guide you through the ins and outs of driving an ATV, including how to manoeuvre inclines so you can feel the thrill of coursing through the bumpy track. Now you can zoom zoom and live your Mario Kart fantasies even without a driver’s licence.
Image credit: Klook
The farm is home to a scenic route with thick forests, palm tree-lined paths, and an expansive lake to accompany your ride. Cool off afterwards by cruising down the tranquil lake in a paddle board ride, included as part of the activity.
7. Chill on a sunset cruise with a saltwater jacuzzi pool
Image credit: Platinum Charters
Contrary to popular belief, a luxurious sunset cruise need not cost a bomb. For S$26.25/pax, sail the Dickson Dragon along Port Dickson just in time to catch the sky transforming from daytime to crimson dusk. Expect panoramic views of the Straits of Malacca, and a glimpse of the Cape Rachado Lighthouse – which dates back to the 1500s and is said to be the oldest lighthouse in Malaysia.
Image adapted from: @exorabri & @dicksondragon via Instagram
On board the Dickson Dragon, you’ll get to soak in a saltwater jacuzzi, which is essentially a trawling net by the boat where you can get massaged by the waves. There’s also a quality sound system and karaoke machine, so you and the gang can have the most vibey KTV session ever.
8. Try foaming milk tea at Coconut Bay
We’re not sure how they make the foam, but it’s definitely a feast for the eyes.
Image credit: @misterjaviss via Instagram
After a day of thrilling activities, head to Coconut Bay for a meal to replenish depleted energy. Coconut Bay is known for its Sha-B Milk Tea (RM6.80) which has foam overflowing from the gigantic cup that lasts for the entirety of the meal. Not only does it look cool, it tastes great as well. You’ll have no problem downing a few cups yourself in the hot weather, especially if you are a fan of teh peng.
Image adapted from: @baes_food_everything, @jennifer_chongyh via Instagram
Other must-try dishes here include their Curry Laksa (from RM 7.50), Wanton Noodles (from RM6), and the Claypot Yee Mee (RM7.50). The curry laksa is raved about on Google Reviews for how flavourful it is; some even say it’s the best they’ve tasted.
9. Taste locally-grown pineapples at Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm
There is a misconception that farms don’t offer much to do when in fact, they are full of fun activities that don’t just involve fruit picking and tours. At least, that’s the case for Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm.
You’ll be surprised at how many aesthetic photo spots there are here.
Image adapted from: @unicornholidaypd, @skyladderpineapplefarm via Instagram
For just RM18/pax, you can experience a fully guided tour, taste fresh fruits, and get free pineapple juice. By the end of the tour, you’ll be a pineapple master who knows how the fruit is grown, and how best to tell when the fruit has become ripe.
Beyond the tour, there are also other activities available. Whip out your camera and head to the photo op spots; there are 4 multi-coloured sky ladders that you can climb and pose on for that much-needed Instagram post.
Image credit: @skyladderpineapplefarm via Instagram
There’s also a mini petting zoo where animal lovers can feed farm animals like goats, ducks and chickens for free.
Which beach is less crowded in Port Dickson?
You’re probably more familiar with the popular Teluk Kemang beach, but if you’re looking for a quieter spot, head over to Blue Lagoon Beach instead. Situated next to the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, it offers a picturesque view of the lush surroundings and the ocean. Alternatively, you can also check out Pantai Cermin, located next to Blue Lagoon, known for its distinctive orange sands.
Best hotels & attractions in Port Dickson, Malaysia
Whether you’ve already checked other Malaysian cities and towns off your travel bucket list or are looking for a lesser-known island getaway, Port Dickson has beaches galore as well as activities suitable for the whole fam.
Check out our other travel guides:
- Best waterparks in SEA
- Foodie things to do in Melbourne
- Must-try activities in Kuching
- Family-friendly activities in Bangkok
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, all opinions are ours.
Cover image adapted from: Klook, Eagle Ranch & @lexishibiscus via Instagram
Last updated by Ariel Soh and Mae-Z Fam on 23rd October 2024.