A Post-MCO Getaway: Exploring Tanjung Tuan and Beyond (Jul-2020)
- Sasteria
- Aug 4, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Day 1: The Journey Begins – From Gelang Patah to Tanjung Tuan
After months of lockdown due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), the urge to travel and embrace nature was irresistible. In July 2020, I finally embarked on my first post-MCO trip, a very early in the morning before dawn, starting from Gelang Patah, Johor, and heading toward Tanjung Tuan, a hidden gem near Port Dickson that is located in the Alor Gajah District of Malacca, Malaysia, and is an exclave of Malacca next to Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan.
The drive was smooth, with minimal traffic, and after a few hours, I arrived at the historic Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse, also called Cape Rachado Lighthouse, which means "broken cape" in Portuguese. This hidden treasure is renowned for its rich biodiversity, making it a significant bird migration site and an important ecological sanctuary. The area is also steeped in history, with the Cape Rachado Lighthouse standing as a sentinel over the Straits of Malacca for centuries. This lighthouse is also considered the oldest in the nation, originating from the Portuguese era of Malacca during the 16th century.
Standing tall against the sky, the lighthouse offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the Strait of Malacca, where the deep blue sea stretched endlessly into the horizon. The cool sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the cliffs made the moment unforgettable.
Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary featuring sections of mangrove swamps and secluded beaches. This exclave is perfect for nature trekking. In the evenings, locals often visit the uphill road to jog or walk briskly for exercise and leisure, enjoying the shade provided by the dense foliage.
Into the Forest and Fishing at Pulau Intan Beach
Behind the lighthouse, I found the entrance to a forest trail with foot steps that led down towards Pulau Intan, a small rocky peninsula that becomes cut off from the mainland when the tide rises. On the other side of Pulau Intan is a gorgeous sandy beach. Exploring Pulau Intan and you’ll find graves belonging to people who presumably saw fit to make this special spot their final resting place. The trek was a blend of steep and winding steps, surrounded by lush greenery, the occasional chirping of birds, and glimpses of playful monkeys darting between the trees.
Reaching the secluded beach, I set up my fishing gear, as the tide was high—perfect conditions for fishing. Time seemed to slow down as I cast my line into the clear waters, the anticipation of a catch building with each passing minute. By the time the tide receded around 2 PM, I had successfully reeled in four medium-sized fish, a satisfying result for the first day of the trip. With my catch in hand, I made my way back up the trail and drove to my homestay apartment in Port Dickson, looking forward to another exciting day ahead.
Day 2: Blue Lagoon and a Sunset Hike
The next morning, I set off early for Blue Lagoon Beach, one of Port Dickson’s most beautiful and tranquil spots. The calm waters were inviting, and I spent the morning swimming and soaking in the serenity of the place. Despite being a weekday, a few other travelers were also enjoying the crystal-clear waters.
Surrounded by lush tropical forests and rocky outcrops, the Blue Lagoon Beach provides a picturesque setting that feels almost like a private retreat. The lagoon's shallow waters make it perfect for families with children to enjoy a safe swim, while its gentle waves offer a relaxing experience for all ages. The beach is also a fantastic spot for snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant marine life thriving beneath the surface.
By early afternoon, the tide was low, making it the perfect time to walk along the shore toward Monkey Beach at Tanjung Tuan. This lesser-known beach was accessible via a scenic coastal walk, where I spotted crabs scuttling along the sand and a few monkeys curiously observing from the trees. The peaceful atmosphere was a stark contrast to the more popular beaches in Port Dickson, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.
As the sun started its descent, I embarked on the hike up Bukit Batu Putih, a well-known vantage point offering a stunning sunset view. After a 30 to 40-minute hike, I finally reach the crown jewel of the trail – the Batu Putih cliff. The climb was moderately challenging, but reaching the peak was worth every step. This rocky outcrop provides me with a breathtaking vantage point overlooking the azure waters of the Straits of Malacca. On a clear day, we can take in an uninterrupted view of the coastline, nearby islands, and even watch ships passing in the distance.
From the top, I watched the golden hues of the sun reflecting over the vast sea, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. It was a breathtaking moment of tranquility, marking the perfect end to my adventure at Tanjung Tuan.
The Batu Putih's striking white limestone cliffs contrast beautifully with the deep blue sea, creating the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photos. Whether you're capturing the golden hues of sunrise or the serene ambiance of sunset, this spot offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
After descending, I returned to the apartment to rest, preparing for my next journey—to the cool highlands of Cameron. The trip had been a refreshing mix of exploration, adventure, and relaxation, a much-needed escape after months of lockdown.
As I packed my bags for the next leg of my journey, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the beauty of nature and the freedom to travel once again.
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