HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR - MISCELLANEOUS

Port Dickson is a town on Malaysia's west coast, south of Kuala Lumpur. It is a popular beach resort destination at Negeri Sembilan and is known for its relaxing beaches, fresh seafood,historical sites and offer family-friendly atmosphere. Port Dickson is about 60 km from Kuala Lumpur.

The name Port Dickson originated from the British High Officer, Sir John Frederick Dickson who was posted at the Straits Settlement during the end of the 29th century.

Port Dickson is also home to many army camps of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

I have many memories of Port Dickson town from my childhood. Among them are:

FAMILY VACATION

9.11.1996

Family vacation at Kemang Condominium, Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson in November 1996.

METD LEADERSHIP RETREAT - PORT DICKSON (2006)

While working with the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, from 1999 to 2011, I was responsible for managing three Technical Divisions, namely the Mechanical Engineering Technical Division (METD), the Building Services Technical Division (BSTD), and the Manufacturing Engineering Technical Division (MnfTD). My job was to manage and conduct courses, talks, seminars, conferences, visits, and other activities for each Technical Division under my management.

The picture below is a memory of attending the METD Leadership Retreat session held at Port Dickson Golf and Country Resort on 24-25 November 2006.

Port Dickson Golf and Country Resort is a budget hotel and golf course at 5th mile of Port Dickson. A golfer will enjoy the 18-hole public golf course beautifully landscaped with trees, along with the driving range. Finally, the nearest beach, Pantai Cahaya Negeri is a quick drive away on the main road.

MOTIVATION COURSE

MALAYSIAN HEART FOUNDATION

CASA RACHADO BEACH RESORT

11-12 FEBRUARY 2012

The staff of the Malaysian Heart Foundation attended a Motivational Course at Casa Rachado Beach Resort located in Port Dickson, N.Sembilan. Also participating were 6 members of the YJM Board of Directors. The course lasted for 2 days. We stayed at Casa Rachado Beach resort throughout the course.

The Motivational Lecture was delivered by Col (Rtd) Mohan. Apart from the motivational course, the YJM staff also participated in Team Building and Jungle Trekking Training at the Tg. Tuan Recreational Forest.

Casa Rachado Beach Resort is a Caribbean-themed budget hotel facing the western edge of Pantai Cermin, a beach directly behing Blue Lagoon at 10th mile of Port Dickson.

TEAM BUILDING

Among the course modules is Team Building, which aims to create a spirit of cooperation between teams. In this exercise, course participants are required to build a raft and are divided into two groups. The first group to complete the raft is considered to have a strong spirit of cooperation.

FOREST TREKKING

TANJUNG TUAN LIGHTHOUSE

PORT DICKSON

We spent the day trekking through forests and over the hill to the Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse. This training was quite challenging considering that some of the YJM staff were quite old, but age was not a barrier. We all managed to reach the top, which is where the Tanjung Tuan lighthouse is located.

In 2012, jungle trekking at the Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse (also known as Cape Rachado) was a slightly more "raw" experience than it is today, though the core trails remain mostly the same.

At that time, the area was well-known primarily as a weekend getaway for Port Dickson visitors and a major site for the MNS Raptor Watch, but it hadn't yet reached the peak "Instagram popularity" of current years.

Rumah Api Tanjung Tuan or the Cape Rachado Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in the Cape Rachado, also known as Tanjung Tuan in Malay, in Alor Gajah District of Malacca. Even tough Port Dickson is located in Negeri Sembilan, but it was under the administration of Alor Alor Gajah which was in Melaka.

The name "Cape Rachado" comes from the Portuguese term "Cabo Rachado" which means "Broken Cape", referring to the high, fractured bluff on which it sits.

It is the site where the Battle of Cape Rachado took place in 1606, a massive naval engagement between the Dutch VOC and Portuguese fleets that eventually paved the way for the Dutch to take control of Malacca in 1641.

The lighthouse is believed to be the oldest in the country dating back to Portuguese rule of Malacca during the 16th century.

The current masonry tower was built by the British Straits Settlements Government in 1863. It stands 24 meters high and was originally built at a cost of $16,454.

In 1990, a second, more modern concrete tower was erected next to the original structure to house a MEASAT radar for monitoring modern ship traffic.

Local lore suggests the legendary warrior Hang Tuah meditated at the cape. Nearby, visitors often look for "Hang Tuah's Footprint," an indentation in a rocky outcrop near the shoreline.

Since 1921, the area has been a gazetted Forest Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. It is globally famous as a primary stopover for migratory raptors (like eagles and hawks) flying from Siberia toward the southern hemisphere every March.

Further reading:

1. Battle of Cape Rachado

The lighthouse is well-known for watching the sunset. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture the nature's wonderful aura. The golden brown sunset at Cape Rachado Lighthouse was unforgettable. How many of such magnificent sights can you witness in a lifetime?

In 2012, watching the sunset at Tanjung Tuan (also known as Cape Rachado) would have been a quintessential experience of that era's local travel. Before it became the viral "Instagram spot" of the 2020s, it was a quiet, rugged weekend escape known mostly to locals and birdwatchers.

Back in 2012, Bukit Batu Putih (the white quartz outcrop) was far less crowded. You likely hiked the short, 20-minute jungle trail or walked up the steep tarmac road to the lighthouse before branching off toward the cliffside.

From the jagged white rocks, you would have seen a panoramic 270-degree view of the Straits of Malacca. On a clear 2012 evening, you could easily spot the silhouettes of massive cargo ships and, if the horizon was sharp, the faint outline of Sumatra, Indonesia.

A whirpool is a body of ratating water produced by opposing currents or a current running into an obstacle. A powerful whirlpool formed in seas or oceans may be called maelstroms.

The "whirlpool" at Tanjung Tuan is a fascinating mix of maritime danger, local folklore, and modern-day luxury.

Because the Straits of Malacca narrow significantly at this point, the tidal currents are exceptionally strong. These "boiling" waters and treacherous shoals often created vortexes or whirlpools at the foot of the headland.

Ancient mariners believed these whirlpools were inhabited by powerful spirits. To ensure safe passage, sailors would stop at the base of the cliff to leave offerings at a Keramat (sacred shrine).

These turbulent waters contributed to many shipwrecks, including those during the famous Battle of Cape Rachado in 1606 between the Dutch and Portuguese.

If you are someone who likes a little nature and trekking in your trip, Cape Rachado Lighthouse will be a nice addition to your stay at Port Dickson. Else, you may be disappointed with what the lighthouse has to offer. Make your visit worth the effort with the sunset.

THE GHOST SHIPS LEGEND
The "ghost ship" legends of Tanjung Tuan (Cape Rachado) are deeply rooted in the area’s violent maritime history and its unique geography as the narrowest point of the Straits of Malacca.
While sailors across the globe tell tales of the Flying Dutchman, Tanjung Tuan’s legends are specific to the bloody battles and shipwrecks that occurred right off its limestone cliffs.

1. The Battle of Cape Rachado (1606)

The primary source of these legends is the Battle of Cape Rachado, a massive naval engagement between the Dutch VOC and the Portuguese.

The Carnage: 31 ships fought a brutal three-day battle. Four major galleons—the Nassau, Middelburg, São Salvador, and Nossa Senhora das Mercês—became entangled, caught fire, and eventually sank to the seabed at the foot of the cape.
The Legend: Locals and fishermen have long claimed that on certain misty nights, or during the anniversary of the battle in August, the sounds of phantom cannon fire and the shouting of sailors can still be heard echoing off the cliffs.

2. The "SS Ourang Medan" Connection

Though the mystery of the SS Ourang Medan is often associated with the wider Straits of Malacca (or Sumatra), many local storytellers link its chilling end to the waters near Tanjung Tuan.

The Story: In the 1940s, a ship reportedly sent out a frantic SOS: "All officers including captain are dead... I die." When rescuers boarded, they found the crew dead with terrified expressions, but no visible wounds. The ship then exploded and sank.
The Local Tie: Because Tanjung Tuan is a "bottleneck" for ships, many believe the Ourang Medan was passing this very headland when its crew met their mysterious end.

3. The "Lady in Red"
While not a ship herself, the most famous "ghost" of Tanjung Tuan is often sighted looking out for a ship.

The Lore: Visitors to the Cape Rachado Lighthouse have reported seeing a "Lady in Red" roaming the area.
The Backstory: Some say she is the spirit of a Portuguese woman waiting for her husband’s ship to return from a voyage or battle—a ship that likely became a "ghost ship" itself, resting on the seabed below.

4. Why the Legends Persist

The geography of Tanjung Tuan makes it a perfect breeding ground for ghost stories:

The Whirlpools: As mentioned before, the "boiling" water and natural vortexes look like something is pulling ships down from below.
Deep Shipwrecks: In 1995, marine archaeologists actually located the wrecks of the ships from the 1606 battle. Finding physical proof of these "tombs" under the water only strengthened the local belief that the spirits of the sailors never left.
Atmosphere: The thick coastal jungle and the isolated lighthouse create an eerie, lonely atmosphere after dark, especially when the fog rolls in from the Straits.

1995 EXCAVATION AT TANJUNG TUAN

The 1995 excavation at Tanjung Tuan (Cape Rachado) was a landmark event in Southeast Asian maritime archaeology. It was led by the renowned British marine archaeologist Mensun Bound (from Oxford University) in collaboration with the National Museum of Malaysia and Malaysian salvage expert Soo Hin Ong.

The excavation focused primarily on the shipwrecks resulting from the Battle of Cape Rachado (1606), where the Dutch East India Company (VOC) clashed with the Portuguese.

Ships Successfully Located and Excavated

While four major ships were known to have sunk during the battle, the 1995 project was most successful in recovering artifacts from:

The Nassau (Dutch): This was the primary focus of the 1995 dig. It was a Dutch VOC warship of about 320 tons. The wreck was found buried under layers of silt near the Bambek Shoal, roughly 5 km off the coast.
The Middelburg (Dutch): Another VOC vessel lost during the same engagement. Artifacts were recovered that helped identify its final resting place alongside the Nassau.
The São Salvador (Portuguese): A massive 900-ton Portuguese galleon. It was one of the primary targets of the Dutch fleet and was eventually set ablaze and sunk during the chaotic three-day battle.
The Dom Duarte de Guerra's Galleon (Portuguese): This ship (sometimes referred to as the San Nicolas in different records) was also identified in the vicinity of the shoal.

What Was Recovered?

The 1995 excavation was "Asia’s first proper scientific underwater excavation," moving away from "treasure hunting" and toward historical preservation. Key finds included:

Category	Artifacts Found
Weaponry	Bronze and iron cannons (some with VOC markings), gunpowder flasks, and lead bullets.
Personal Items	Silver "Pieces of Eight" (Spanish coins used for crew wages) and pewter plates.
Cargo/Storage	Dutch and Northern European ceramics, Southeast Asian storage jars, and intact wooden timbers from the hull.
Navigational Tools	Compasses and early maritime instruments that provided insight into 17th-century sailing.

Where are they now?

If you want to see the physical remains of these "ghost ships" today, many of the recovered artifacts—including the massive cannons and delicate porcelain—are on permanent display at the National Museum (Muzium Negara) in Kuala Lumpur and the Port Dickson Army Museum.

KARAOKE NIGHT

Stopped in Port Dickson on the way to Linggi for a community program at the 1Malaysia Internet Center in Linggi on 15 March 2015.

Port Dickson is popular among travellers like me. In fact, many travellers have been visiting to check out local hot spots and explore the best things to do.

Port Dickson is a uniquely Malaysian experience. It hard to forget that you're in this beautiful and diverse country.

The best way to get to Port Dickson is either by car or bus. If you are using a car, drive along the North-South Expressway towards Negeri Sembilan and enter the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway. If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, the journey will take you about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Hj Zulheimy Bin Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

27 November 2024 - 9.54 p.m

Pontian is a district located in southwest part of the state of Johor. It borders Batu Pahat and Kluang District to the north and Kulai and Johor Bahru districts to the east.

It is the home to Tanjung Piai, the southernmost point to the Malay Peninsula and mainland Eurasia as a whole.

In the evening, we will stroll along the beach, which is located not far from our hotel. Gazing at the vast sea that stretches out brings back memories of when I was a sailor. I can't believe that I once sailed this vast ocean. How I miss sailing back across the vast ocean.

I had the opportunity to set foot in Pontian during the Health Screening Program held at SJK (Chinese) Cheow Min in Pontian, Johor on 6 September 2014.

Our journey from Kuala Lumpur to Pontian, Johor, a distance of 314 km, took 3 hours and 43 minutes.

We went straight to our hotel, the Pontian Hotel, located on Jalan Delima, Pontian Trade Center.

The best and affordable hotel in Pontian District, the district where also known as "The Southern-Most Tip of Mainland Asia."

Sited at Pusat Perdagangan Pontian Kechil, a strategic location that offers an exhilarating view of the Straits of Malacca. Within walking distance from Pontian rocky beach, Pontian New Express Bus Station and shopping places. Hotel Pontian is the most preferred choice of hotel for travelers and businessman.

This is how the Pontian Hotel looks like on Google Maps taken in December 2020. It may no longer be in operation.

Go Red For Woman

SJK (Cina) Cheow Min

Pontian, Johor

6 September 2014

The "Go Red For Women" campaign this time was held at the Cheow Min SRK (Chinese) Hall in Pontian District, Johor. This time the campaign was in collaboration with the Johor National Unity and Integration Department with the help of nurses from Pontian Hospital.

Various events were held including Health Checkups, Aerobics, Coloring Contest for children, CPR Training and others.

A total of 92 nearby residents underwent a Health Screening Test conducted by the Malaysian Heart Foundation.

Opening and Launching Ceremony

Speech by PUan. Ainon Kuntom, Director of Go Red for Women, Malaysian Heart Foundation.

Speech by Mr. Rajali bin Hj Mudin, Director of JPNIN Johor

This campaign was officiated by Mr. Rajali bin Hj Mudin, Director of JPNIN Johor while YJM was represented by Mrs. Ainon Hj Kuntom, Director of Go Red for Women, Yayasan Jantung Malaysia.

Senamrobik

Test for Blood Pressure

Coloring Contest for Children

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

TANJUNG PIAI

KUKUP, JOHOR

Tanjung Piai is a famous tourist attraction in Malaysia. It is the southernmost land in the Asian continent (the tip of the Asian continent). Tg Piai is located in Mukim Kukup, Pontian district, Johor.

Tanjung Piai is named after a local grain tree known as 'Paku Piai', which is a type of grain plant that can live in salty areas.

Tanjung Piai is a truly iconic spot because it is the southernmost tip of mainland Asia (the Eurasian continent). Looking at your photos, it’s great to see you captured the essential landmarks of the park.

Key Highlights:

The Globe Monument: You can see the famous steel globe in several of your shots. It’s the "must-have" photo for anyone visiting, marking the exact spot where the continent ends.
The Entrance Sign: The large "Taman Negara Johor Tanjung Piai" sign is the classic gateway to the park’s extensive mangrove boardwalks.
Waterfront Dining: That first photo of the restaurant on stilts brings back memories of the seafood available in the area, likely near the Kukup fishing village nearby.
Geographical Significance: As the plaque in your photo says, "Penghujung Selatan Benua Asia." Standing there means you were further south than anyone else on the entire Asian mainland at that moment!

Fun Facts about Tanjung Piai:

A Ramsar Site: It’s recognized internationally as a significant wetland, home to diverse mangrove species, dusky leaf monkeys, and mudskippers.
Three Countries in One View: On a clear day, you can stand at the tip and see the coastlines of both Singapore and Indonesia (Karimun Island) across the water.
Shipping Lanes: The waters you see in your photos are part of the Malacca Straits, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, which is why there are always so many tankers on the horizon.

SEDENAK, JOHOR

On our way back to Kuala Lumpur, we stopped to buy pineapples in Sedenak, Johor. It was a mukim in Kulai District of Johor, famous for its sweet pineapple fruit.

Sedenak new village was established in the year 1950. It is located in the district of Johor Bahru in the state of Johor. Sedenak’s area is just around 46.888 hectares and there are only 350 villagers. The town closest to this new village is Kulai which is 18km away from Sedenak. The villagers in Sedenak are mostly Chinese but there is also a small group of Malays and Indians.