Cape Rachado

Cape Rachado, or Tanjung Tuan as it is known to locals, is one of Port Dickson's most popular tourist attractions, yet it does not fall under the state of Negeri Sembilan to which PD belongs, but rather, under Malacca. This is because Cape Rachado lies directly at the border of Negeri Sembilan, with visitors from Malacca city travelling about 20 km to reach while those from Port Dickson about 15 km. This large cape is a gazetted nature reserve and rainforest park, with several hilly peaks and a lighthouse at its highest point. Magnificent outcrops of granite boulders and rocks line its coast, with recesses in between that hide tranquil beaches and blue waters perfect for swimming. The forested areas are ideal habitats for insects, mammals and birds that one can look out for while exploring the jungle trails. The Cape takes its name from the Portuguese word for 'Broken Cape'.

It was the Portuguese colonial forces that built the historical lighthouse that sits on the highest peak in 1528, a landmark that still sits there today with modern enhancements including a radar beacon. From the lighthouse, visitors can catch an amazing view of the sea, sunset and neighbouring island of Sumatra (the oultine barely visibile only on a very clear day). A gravel road leads to the lighthouse from the entrance just next to the Ilham Beach Resort which fronts the Blue Lagoon. During the evenings, this uphill road is frequented by locals who come to jog and walk briskly for exercise and recreation. A few jungle trails meander through the coastal forest across both steep and level terrain. Some of the trails are well paved with cement blocks while others are mere jungle clearings. At some points, there are sheds for bird watching and small hits with signboards explaining the flora and fauna of Cape Rachado.

The jungle trails also lead to three isolated beaches. The nearest beach is an unnamed one that can only be reached from an unknown trail behind some huts at the Blue Lagoon. This beach can also be reached from unmarked trails along the gravel road, heading downhill. The next most pristine beach is Pulau Intan, which is found at the end of the cape. The beauty of this beach, with its warm sands, clear waters and surrounding vegetation along with the inherent tranquility of the area, makes Pulau Intan the best beach easily in Port Dickson. The effort of hiking to get there is well worth the effort. The last beach is Pulau Masjid which lies at the southern side of Cape Rachado, also accessible by jungle trail. This is more of a mangrove area and while the scenery is beautiful, the water is murky and the beach sand grainy and coarse.