AT Port Dickson, 18km of pure white sand beaches lead out to the waters of the Malacca Straits.

This small seaside town was formerly a British colonial beach resort.

What to do

Try your hand at various watersports like water-skiing, snorkeling and yachting.

If beaches are not your thing, historical sites abound. At the tomb of 15th-century warrior Ulama Sheikh Ahmad Makhtum, put your hand through the "ordeal stone" and see whether it does tighten around your arm if you lie.

Or enjoy a slow canter at the Eagle Ranch - no, there are no eagles - where horses are available for young riders.

The Ostrich Show Farm allows guests to get up close to the 2.4m tall birds and perhaps even ride on their backs.

What to eat

Try the fish cooked in coconut milk with chilli padi or the beef rendang.

Seafood is available in several restaurants along the main trunk road.

A night market every Saturday next to the Petronas petrol station offers a variety of local snacks and produce.

Getting there

Port Dickson is about four hours from Singapore by car. Express buses are available from Kuala Lumpur International Airport for those who prefer to catch a flight. The journey takes about one hour.

Where to stay

There are a variety of resorts along the coastline, most with seaviews and direct access to beaches.

Tiara Beach Resort counts the largest manmade beach in Malaysia as one of its star attractions.

Huge Family Suites offer much more space for relaxation. It has won the Favourite Family Resort Award three times. $$$: RM320 ($135) for a 2D1N stay with free waterpark usage.

Top photo: Tiara Beach Resort

This article was first published in The New Paper on May 16, 2008.