Pasir Panjang is a small seaside town set between sandy beaches and lush rainforest. The town has a local feel and swaps resorts and high-rises for family-run hotels and homestays. Hike in forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, visit an ancient megalith site and enjoy authentic Malaysian cuisine at laid-back restaurants.
Things to do in Pasir Panjang
Visit one of the oldest lighthouses in Malaysia at Cape Rachado Forest Reserve. The 80-hectare reserve protects a beautiful stretch of coastal rainforest and is a sanctuary for migratory birds and nesting sea turtles. A paved trail winds through the park to the 16th-century Tanjung Tuan lighthouse. It’s one of the oldest in Malaysia and features a postcard-perfect white façade. The views are spectacular and stretch all the way across the Strait of Melaka to Indonesia on clear days.
Discover ancient history at the Pengkalan Kempas Megalith Site. The historic site is one of the best-preserved Muslim cemeteries in Malaysia and is dotted with elaborately carved tombstones. Some of the oldest tombstones in the cemetery date to the 2nd century.
Swim, sunbathe and sip cocktails at one of the high-end resorts further up the coast. You don’t need to be a guest to dine at the restaurants, rent a kayak or take a spin on a banana boat. Find some of the best resorts clustered around Port Dickson.
Restaurants in Pasir Panjang will tantalise your taste buds with local Malaysian dishes. Try “laksam” rice noodle soup served in a creamy coconut milk broth, blue-tinged “nasi kerabu” rice and “asam pedas” fish cooked with chillies and tamarind juice.
Getting around Pasir Panjang
Pasir Panjang is in Negeri Sembilan, a 25-minute drive from Port Dickson and 1.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the coast at your own pace or you can take taxis to surrounding sights and attractions. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a one-hour drive away.