Lukut

Lukut is a small historical town just 7 km north of Port Dickson. Its main attractions are the Lukut Fort and museum, both next to each other. Both places can be reached from the main road at the turn-off next to the Shell station in town. Entrance for visitors to the fort or museum is free, but you need to register your name in the log book to enter the museum. Historically, Lukut was an important town in the lucrative tin trade back then.

The Lukut Fort, also called Kota Lukut, was once a mighty castle north of Port Dickson that was used by Bugis warriors to safeguard the tin mining trade. It was managed by a warrior called Raja Jumaat who fought many battles from this fort. Today, little remains of this once powerful fortress. What was once walls of stone with buildings inside is now a field of grass and trees with some brick remnants, a well and an empty moat.

The fort grounds are located on top of a hill, and resemble a recreational park area. A few thatched huts and watch towers have been built that provide a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Monkeys can be found in the dozens, rummaging through rubbish bins and terrorising visitors.

A series of stairs lead from the car park all the way up to the fort. After exploring it, you can then visit the Lukut Museum at the base of the hill. This wooden complex houses a wide range of antiques, relics and items related to the tin mining trade that went on in Lukut in the past. Pieces of the Dutch warship that was sunk off Cape Rachado in colonial periods can be viewed here as well. The halls and rooms also explain about the history of Lukut and the customs and traditions of its people through posters and exhibits. Replicas of ancient tin mining equipment sit at random places in the complex along with old photographs and diagrams on the walls. Outside, there are some replicas of ancient cannons that guard the doorway to the museum. Near the car park is a small courtyard with some shops that sell snacks and traditional food as well as the museum office.