Sometimes the best trips are the ones organised among friends without too much fuss. In October 2017, four of us who worked together decided to take a short weekend break in Port Dickson, Malaysia.
We left Singapore on Friday night, 27 October. One colleague did most of the driving, with another taking over occasionally. We headed straight to our resort in Port Dickson and checked in before venturing out to find something to eat.
I remember us walking around near the resort and finding a roadside stall serving local food. It turned out to be a good choice, and we enjoyed our late dinner before calling it a night.
A Relaxed Saturday in Port Dickson
Saturday began with breakfast and a walk along the beach. There were plenty of people around, enjoying different activities by the sea. We were in no particular hurry, so we took our time before spending a while at the resort’s swimming pool.
Later that morning, we drove to the Army Museum, or Muzium Tentera Darat, in Port Dickson. There were military aircraft, helicopters, weapons and other exhibits on display. It was an interesting place to explore, and we spent some time looking around before heading off for lunch.
We drove to a seafood restaurant called Sea View, overlooking the water. After lunch, we returned to the resort and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
That evening, rather than look for somewhere new, we went back to the same roadside stall where we had eaten on Friday night. Sometimes a familiar place with good food is all you need.
An Unplanned Stop in Melaka
On Sunday, 29 October, we checked out and began our journey back towards Singapore. Along the way, someone suggested stopping in Melaka. It hadn’t been part of our original plan, but we decided to make a little detour.
We walked around the historic area, visiting the Dutch Square, Christ Church and the ruins of St Paul’s Church.
One place that particularly stayed in my memory was the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum. It is a wooden replica of a traditional Malay palace, built using construction techniques that do not require nails. I remember being fascinated by that detail. Even years later, the thought of such a large wooden structure being put together without nails still amazes me.
By lunchtime, we split into two groups. Two colleagues went looking for halal food, while another colleague and I went for chicken rice.
I don’t remember the name of the restaurant, but I do remember the food. It was one of the best chicken rice meals I’ve ever had. Funny how some meals stay with you long after you’ve forgotten where you ate them.
After lunch, we did a little shopping at a mall before finally heading back to Singapore.
A Funny Ending at the Checkpoint
We reached Singapore at around 6 in the evening.
There was one small incident at the checkpoint that I still remember with a smile. I had forgotten about a can of Tiger beer that was left in the boot of the car. When the officer found it, I was reminded that it wasn’t allowed and advised to be more careful next time.
Thankfully, it turned into nothing more than a funny moment and a lesson to remember.
Looking back, it was a simple weekend away. No complicated itinerary, no elaborate planning. Just four colleagues sharing the driving, enjoying local food, relaxing by the sea and making an unexpected stop in Melaka.
And somehow, those little moments are the ones I still remember nine years later.