Everything You Need to Know About Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest, Port Dickson

I’ll be honest, hiking has never really been my thing. I’ve always preferred jungle trekking. My last real hike? It happened by accident in Vietnam! Looking back, it’s funny now, but at the time, I seriously thought I wouldn’t make it. Spoiler: I did.

So, yesterday I decided to give hiking another try… on purpose this time! I went to Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest, Port Dickson. I had been here before, about 8 months ago, but only explored the hidden beach. This time, I aimed higher—literally. And I’m so glad I did. The hike was fun, the trail was manageable, and the view from the top? Absolutely stunning. It was totally worth the effort.

If you’re planning to visit, here’s everything you need to know:

Where is the location?
Just next to PNB Ilham Resort. Search for Tanjung Tuan Recreation Forest on the map.

Where to park?
There’s no official parking lot. You’ll need to park along the roadside near the entrance.

The entrance fee?
Just RM1.00 per person—super affordable!

What’s inside Tanjung Tuan Recreation Forest?
1. Cape Rachado Lighthouse
2. Secret Beaches (If you’re lucky, you might get one all to yourself!)
3. Batu Putih Hill.

Paved trail to the lighthouse (easy walk)

What to wear?
Sportswear or activewear, especially if you plan to explore both the beach and the hill. Proper shoes with grip are a must, too!

What to bring with you?
Drinking water. It’s a must, especially with Malaysia’s hot weather. Also, maybe some chocolate or a small snack for a quick energy boost.

Do you need a guide?
Nope! The trail is very easy to follow. Just look for the yellow tape tied to the trees to stay on the right path. The hike isn’t too hard, but yes, there is a killer staircase (a.k.a. Denai Tangga Taubat—you’ll see why 😅)

When’s the Best Time to Go?
Personally, I prefer hiking after 10:00 AM when more people are coming down than going up. Try to go on weekdays to avoid the crowd.
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Is there any wildlife?
Since it’s a forest, you’ll definitely see monkeys—especially near the entrance. Be cautious if you bring food, they might try to grab it! Oh, and guess what? I nearly stepped on a snake on the way up Batu Putih Hill! I was so shocked, but it slithered away quickly.

More about the entrance?
Before entering, go to the small cottage on the left to buy your ticket. Don’t forget to check in via MySejahtera (if required). There’s also a public toilet at the entrance.

Is there any rest stop area?
Yes. There’s also a rest stop area that you could along the trail.

Can I bring my kids?
That really depends on your kids. The trail to the lighthouse is easy and kid-friendly. But the hill and beach trail can be more challenging because of the steep stairs. Use your judgment here.

Can you swim at the beach?
Not recommended. The water is quite deep, and there aren’t lifeguards around. Better to enjoy the view and maybe dip your feet.

Can I camp here?
Yes! Many people do. Most prefer to camp on the beach.

Does it have an internet connection in the forest?
Yes, I had no problem connecting to the internet using Maxis and U Mobile. Both worked well inside the forest.

Final Thoughts

So that’s it, guys! I hope all this info helps if you’re planning a trip to Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest. It’s a great place for light hiking, nature exploring, and enjoying scenic views. But be prepared—it requires a fair bit of walking and climbing. If you have any health concerns, this might not be the best spot for you.