12 Things To Do In Port Dickson Besides Visiting The Beach [2024]

Guide of things to do in Port Dickson

When it comes to exploring beaches in Malaysia, most of us gravitate towards Langkawi and Terengganu. But there are plenty of pantais to be found in less-touristy towns too.

Port Dickson is one of them. Just a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, the coastal town is best known for its laidback beaches that you can check out on a day trip.

To make your trip even more worthwhile, here are 12 activities and attractions in Port Dickson to explore beyond its sandy shores.

Table of Contents

Guide of things to do in Port Dickson

How do I get to Port Dickson from KL

A lot of locals and travellers alike visit Port Dickson – colloquially known as PD – for weekend day trips with how close the often-dubbed “resort town” is to KL. This is a recommended way to travel to PD, as there are no direct or express buses or trains to the town.

An option would be to board a bus to neighbouring Seremban and then utilise an e-hailing service like Grab to reach PD by car, which will take about an hour.

When is the best time to visit Port Dickson?

Like the rest of Malaysia, it’s typically hot and humid all-year round in Port Dickson.

But it’s best to avoid visiting PD between the months of November and March if you’re planning on heading to its popular beaches. This is because of the Northeast Monsoon season in Malaysia, with frequent rainfall observed during these months.

1. Stroll through PD Maze & discover trippy metal installations

Image credit: PD Maze via Facebook

Port Dickson is popular as a close beach destination for KL folks. But it also happens to have the largest maze in Malaysia that spans over 4,000sqm, PD Maze.

Image credit: @xin_424 via Instagram

There are 15 sculptures located at different corners of the maze, so it’s not just about figuring your way out of it. You’ll cross paths with trippy metal installations of sculptural human figures “broken” into a series of metal plates.

Image adapted from: @yi.chang via Instagram

A full round from entrance to exit takes around 30 minutes, so come wearing comfortable shoes and bring along a bottle of water to stay hydrated. There’s no need to fret about losing your way mid-way, as there are several “emergency” exits in the maze. Umbrellas are also provided to protect you from the heat or when it rains.

Admission: RM18/adult & RM13/child for Malaysians | RM20/adult & RM15/child for standard tickets
Address: Jalan DS2/10, Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9am-6.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 016-979 9119 | PD Maze’s Facebook | Instagram

2. Hop on an ATV at Uncle Wong’s Happy Farm

Outdoorsy folks can take their adventures to Uncle Wong’s Happy Farm. This family-owned recreational park in Lukut lets you try out a bunch of thrilling activities among their tree-lined pathways and on a serene lake.

Image credit: 欢乐农场 Uncle Wong Happy Farm via Facebook

They have a bundle package (RM80) that lets you hop on an ATV through a rural setting and paddle on a boat out on the lake alongside geese. For the first, you can choose between two beginner-friendly routes that are both challenging yet promises a load of fun.

Image adapted from: 欢乐农场 Uncle Wong Happy Farm via Facebook

You’ll be led by an experienced guide during the approximately 40 minute-long journey, with pit stops at strategic photo-worthy spots. Each session accommodates 8-10 individuals, so even if you’re coming with a large crew, no one will be left out of the fun.

Address: Lot 11886, Bukit Permata, 71010 Lukut, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 9am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 011-5419 1343 | Uncle Wong Happy Farm’s Facebook | Instagram

3. Go on a hike to discover Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse

Image credit: @scorpion_kigendren via Instagram

Malaysia is home to a collection of lighthouses that serve up phenomenal views – among them is Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse, formerly Cape Rachado. It’s widely considered to be the oldest lighthouse in the country, as it was built way back in 1528.

It’s also referred to as Broken Cape, symbolising the time when the Portuguese occupied Melaka.

Image adapted from: @balkiss.amr via Instagram, @seanyee via Instagram

Visitors can make their way here after a 20-minute climb up Tanjung Tuan, a forest reserve with a small entrance fee of RM1. During your trek, you can stop by the Bukit Batu Putih peak, which hikers and shutterbugs often head to for breathtaking panoramic views of the Straits of Melaka.

Directions: Make your way to Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, it’ll be an easy hike up to the top of the hill where the lighthouse is located.

4. Sip on fresh pineapple juice at Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm

Image adapted from: Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm via Facebook

If you don’t like pineapples on pizza and prefer to savour them fresh, make a trip to Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm. Not only does this attraction house a whopping 60,000 pineapple trees, visitors can enjoy fresh pineapple juice on a guided tour led by a knowledgeable staff.

Image credit: @orlapinappletattoos via Instagram

During the tour, you’ll be taken on a lorry ride to explore a section of the 5-acre pineapple field on foot and learn more about the fruit’s cultivation. There will be photo spots such as a blue sky ladder to take pictures at too.

Image adapted from: @honeyholidayss via Instagram

Once you’re done exploring the farm, you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of refreshing pineapple juice. You can expect to spend about 30 minutes here.

Admission: RM12/adult | RM8/child
Address: Lot 2273 Jalan Kampung Sri Parit 3, Bandar Baru Lukut, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 017-617 3633 | Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm’s Facebook | Instagram

5. Learn more about the local armies at Army Museum

Image credit: Hoo Chon Seong via Google Reviews

History buffs will want to pencil in a visit to Port Dickson’s Army Museum, also known to locals as Muzium Tentera Darat. At this free-entry museum, you can learn more about the local army in pre- and post-independence Malaysia.

Image credit: Muzium Tentera Darat via Facebook

Founded by the Malaysian Royal Armed Forces, this museum has nine galleries, each depicting the struggles of our local army during World War I and II. One interesting gallery to look out for is the replication of the underground tunnel that was used by the Communist Party of Malaya (CMP) during the Malayan Emergency period.

Image credit: Izwan Abdullah via Google Reviews

You’ll also get to explore the weapons and artillery guns that were used by our armies to protect themselves from invaders during war. Outside in the open area, there are decommissioned military vehicles like a British Hawk fighter jet and a missile launcher on display.

Admission: Free
Address: Muzium Tentera Darat, Kem, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 011-5375 1886 | Port Dickson Army Museum’s website | Facebook

6. Sip on coffee & gaze at the sea at PD Waterfront

Image adapted from: Agoda

If you’re looking to hit two popular Port Dickson activities with a stone – dining and soaking up views of the sea – PD Waterfront is a relatively new development in the town centre to head to.

Locals often come here to fly kites by the field here, and dine at waterfront restaurants overlooking Pulau Arang.

Image credit: Safwan Kassim via Google Reviews

Most locals crowd to the ZUS Coffee outlet here. While you can find this homegrown coffee spot at a nearby mall, this outlet is especially eye-catching. It’s housed in an all-glass building, with chairs also set outside on a patio facing the sea.

Image credit: @ordynarygal via Twitter

ZUS Coffee @ PD Waterfront
Address: 1-02-1, Persiaran Waterfront, 1st Mile, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 06-647 2808 | PD Waterfront’s website | Facebook

7. Discover over 50 fish species at Ornamental Fish Centre

Image credit: Lexis Hibiscus PD

Prepare to be mesmerised when you enter the Ornamental Fish Centre, or Pusat Ikan Hiasan. It’s a haven for aquatic enthusiasts and curious souls alike. This government research centre boasts an impressive collection of over 50 fish species, each more captivating than the last.

Image credit: Masz Awang via Google Reviews

As you explore the centre’s halls, you’ll encounter a vast array of marine life – including dazzling collections of colourful tropical fish and intricate coral formations. The sight of these living wonders is sure to leave you in awe of the diversity and splendour of the ocean world.

Image credit: Kay Arnold via Google Reviews

In addition to its extensive fish collection, the centre also houses a menagerie of other sea creatures, including Hawksbill and Green Turtles at the Turtle Showroom. This zone within the centre is an important conservation site for turtles in the Negeri Sembilan area, operating mainly as a hatchery space to nurse stranded and injured turtles back to health.

Address: Jalan Kemang 8, Kampung Baharu, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 9am-4.30pm, Daily
Contact: 06-662 1089

8. Feed & pet ostriches at PD Ostrich & Pets Show Farm

Image credit: PD Ostrich & Pets Show Farm via Facebook

At PD Ostrich & Pets Show Farm, the stars are – you guessed it – the ostriches. While they house a variety of well-kept animals, such as rabbits, birds, donkeys, and horses, the ostriches are the ones that draw a crowd, as this farm lets visitors pet and feed them.

Image adapted from: PD Ostrich & Pets Show Farm via Facebook

The active long-necked creatures roam the area freely, so you can get up-close with one to snap selfies. If not, you can purchase packs of feed for RM9 at the entrance that’ll be sure to attract the ostriches.

Image credit: PD Ostrich & Pets Show Farm via Facebook

There are five other zones here, including a domestic animal and poultry station where you can meet farm animals like ponies and peacocks.

Standard tickets are priced RM25/pax, while Malaysians get to enjoy tickets for RM20/pax.

Address: Lot 1419, Jalan Kemang 13, Batu 9 Jalan Pantai Teluk Kemang, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 9.30am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 018-230 8286 | PD Ostrich Show Farm’s website | Facebook

9. Aboard a sunset cruise, Dickson Dragon

Image credit: Wong Annie via Google Reviews

For another way to see the blue seas of Port Dickson besides going on a stroll along the shores, hop on the Dickson Dragon. This trusty cruise ferries up to 60 passengers at once, sailing south towards Teluk Kemang and the Blue Lagoon during sunset.

The whole trip takes around 1.5 hours, during which you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the sun dipping below the horizon.

The cruise takes off at 6pm from three locations, depending on the day – PD World Marina, Lexis Hibiscus, or Admiral Marina & Leisure Club. You can opt for a trip on the weekends, or Fridays.

Fees: RM88/adult | RM55/child

10. Take trippy photos at Upside Down Port Dickson

Image credit: Upside Down Port Dickson via Facebook

For families with kiddos, Upside Down Port Dickson is a 3D museum that the whole fam will enjoy. Picture walking across everyday objects and furniture that are suspended from the ceiling and seem to defy gravity – that’s exactly what you’ll get to see here.

Image credit: Upside Down Port Dickson via Facebook

The museum features rooms with optical illusions that are both disorienting and entertaining for visitors of all ages. You can try “walking” on the ceiling and have a photo proof of it.

Admission: RM20/adult | RM15/child
Address: No.13A & 15, Jalan Coral Walk, Batu 9, Jalan Pantai, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 016-336 8751 | Upside Down Port Dickson’s website | Facebook

11. Explore a cowboy-inspired theme park, Wild West Cowboy

Image credit: Wild West Cowboy Port Dickson via Facebook

It’s not every day that you get to come across a cowboy town in Malaysia. At Segar City’s Wild West Cowboy Theme Park, you can have a taste of the West with the indoor theme park’s cowboy-themed zones and activities that are all family-friendly.

Image credit: Wild West Cowboy Port Dickson via Facebook

There are a collection of kiddo-friendly rides at the theme park, such as the Rider Boat and Wild West Desert Explorer. For the whole fam to enjoy, there are ones like the 5D Cinema, where you’ll go beyond just watching a flick to experiencing wind and lighting effects.

If you’re looking for more thrills, the theme park also hosts outdoor activities such as go-karting (RM60) and ATV rides (from RM40) at Segar Recreation Eco Park.

Admission: RM55/adult | RM44/child
Address: 59-64, Jalan DS 2/1, Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 10am-9pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 012-611 7379 | Wild West Cowboy Port Dickson’s website | Facebook

12. Visit local temple Wan Loong Temple & feast on Chinese food after

Image credit: 你别问 via Google Reviews

Just across the PD World Marina Resort is Wan Loong Temple, a humble temple that serves as an important religious site for local devotees. It was built in 1913, with its name translated to English as ‘Dragon in the Sky’.

Image credit: Johor Now

At the temple’s main entrance, you’ll spot two castle-like, striking-yellow gates that lead into the temple grounds. At its core is a humble main temple building that’s dedicated to several Chinese deities, including Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie. The structure is accompanied by classic Chinese garden elements, including a fish pond to toss coins for good luck and a turtle pond.

Image credit: Christine Vfr via Google Reviews

Across from the temple is an established Chinese restaurant, Yun Long Seafood Restaurant, that’s housed in a striking temple-like structure of red, yellow, and green with angled roofs.

Address: Kampung Teluk Kemang, 71050 Si Rusa, Negeri Sembilan
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 017-662 6028

Guide of the best things to do in Port Dickson in 2024

Whether you’re in need of a brief escape from the city or planning a family getaway, PD is the perfect destination for urbanites yearning for a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

If you’re planning a visit soon, consider upscaling your experience by exploring these additional activities for added fun alongside indulging in the breathtaking sea views.

For more things to do reads, check out 15 things to do in Sarawak and 20 things to do in KL.

Cover image adapted from: @xin_424 via Instagram, 欢乐农场 Uncle Wong Happy Farm via Facebook, PD Ostrich & Pets Show Farm via Facebook, Wong Annie via Google Reviews