On Top A Lighthouse, Port Dickson – Part 4

12 till 14 October 2013

In the 16th century, the Portuguese built the Cape Rachardo Lighthouse to guide ships to the port of Melaka. The lighthouse is still operational today (source : malaysiafactbook).

 

However, entry inside the light house is not allowed. This we found out after hiking through a jungle trek in Tanjung Tuan's Recreational Forest. 

On the morning of 13 Oct 2013 (Sun), we took a drive to Tanjung Tuan which lies at the southern tip of PD's coastline. 

the border between the two states - Negeri Sembilan (where PD is) and Melaka

we stopped at the Pantai Cermin behind Blue Lagoon to check out the orange hue sand

Tanjung Tuan is actually in Melaka so you will be crossing the border from Negeri Sembilan to Melaka to get to the famous Cape Rachardo Lighthouse, also known as Rumah Api Tanjung Tuan.

The hilly cape is a gazetted forest reserve and wildlife sanctuary (source : wikitravel).

Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve

The entrance to Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest

Our plan was to trek through the jungle to the light house. For those who do not want to use the jungle trek, you have the option of using the paved road. 

ticket counter

The entrance fee is RM 1 per person, children below 12 get to enter free. 

Ok Rishi, you think we are lost? I can't see the trek, you know.

The jungle trek

PD was originally famous for charcoal

another species marked

part of the jungle trekking pathway

The jungle trek took about 40 mins as we went slow. There were obstacles along the way created by nature (fallen trees) and  gazebos for rest. The climb is steep as it goes uphill but not difficult. Some of the jungle trails lead to hidden beaches, which the children ventured into.

The lighthouse entrance - the lighthouse is visible on top of the hill - a drink stall can be seen and no, you can't bring vehicles up, that car belongs to a staff

details of the lighthouse

When we finally reached the end of the road, we found ourselves at the foothill of the lighthouse. Alas, access inside the lighthouse was denied. But that did not stop us.

not sure if this is allowed, but it was an easy climb

looking at the Straits of Malacca and watching out for passing vessels

the view from the top - heard that Sumatra can be seen on a clear day

finally, spotted a vessel

So, the only thing we could do was to go around the light house and sit at a spot where we got a good view of the Straits of Malacca.