Staying in Water Chalet in Port Dickson

I still remember my last visit to Port Dickson back in early 1974, when I attended a retreat organized by the Varsity Christian Fellowship (VCF) for undergraduates at the Golden Sand Baptist Retreat Centre. It was held right after my first year in Malaya University and just before the start of the long holidays. Hard to believe that was exactly fifty years ago - how swiftly time flies, carrying with it memories that feel both distant and vivid at the same time.

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For a change, on our Day 2 outing with my mother-in-law, we booked a stay at one of the water chalets at the Lexis Hotel in Port Dickson.

The chalet was designed with two separate sections - one housing the bedroom, and the other comprising a shower room, a generously sized open bathtub, and a toilet. While the layout and facilities were reasonably adequate, the overall condition left much to be desired. The interior looked old and rundown, with clear signs of neglect in both housekeeping and regular upkeep. Unless the management embarks on proper refurbishment and maintenance, I would find it difficult to recommend this accommodation to anyone planning a holiday here.

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Still, it's a pleasant feeling to walk around the concrete footpaths linking all the chalets to the main hotel lobby onshore.

Another Retirement Home at Seremban!

Similar to countries like Japan and Italy, Malaysia too is experiencing population aging. The composition of population aged 65 and over increased from 7.2% in 2022 to 7.4% in 2023. Hence, building developers in Malaysia are moving into building retirement homes, an optional place retirees can consider spending their final period of their lives.

We visited a retirement settlement in Tasmania in March 2019 (Read here) and have also started pursuing the implementation of a retirement home in my own home town since 2022 (Read here).

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Earlier, we received a short video about a new retirement home in Seremban. Since our Day 2's destination is Port Dickson in Seremban, we decided to make a detour to see this new retirement home before checking into our hotel in Port Dickson, the Lexis Port Dickson.

Buffet breakfast at VIP Hotel just before

we depart to Port Dickson.

This new retirement home, named Millennia Village consists of two blocks of multi-storey condominium are sited on a hill slope, once a granite quarry.

The village has good facilities to cater for the needs of the residents - gym room, art & craft room, recreational & majong room, library, swimming pool, laundry room and walking trail. 

Unlike the retirement home we visited in George Town in Tasmania which caters for heathy and well as the less healthy residents, Millennia Village currently only caters for healthy residents. This is designed for like-minded seniors who enjoy community living. According to the Founder, Mr. John Chia whom we met at the village, they have plan eventually to built another part that caters for physically challenged or less healthy seniors. No date on this was given.

This Village may attract seniors who are physically fit and healthy. But for those who plan to stay long-term until deteriorated health condition and eventual death, this may prove unattractive!

Common lounge for residents.

The site commands a spectacular view.

Entrance huge lounge.

Swimming Pool.

Gym Room.

Art & Craft Room.

Recreational & Majong Room.

Library.

Walking Trail.

Laundry Room.

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According to the Owner, the units are not for sale and only for rental. Three types of units are offered. All units are for double occupancy. Each unit is charged on monthly basis irrespective of whether it's occupied single or double. Charge rate includes housekeeping, breakfast and dinner but not lunch. Laundry is done at the laundry room and paid by the occupants.

Type 1 at RM5,500 per month.

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Type 2 for two singles.

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Type 3, the most luxurious comes with separate bedroom at RM7,500 per month.

Stone Kiln Roast Chicken in Segamat

One of the thrills of a driving tour is stumbling upon an unconventional meal in the least expected of places. I still remember our Kelantan trip back in October 2016, when one evening we set our hearts on dining at the Kampung Kulim Restaurant, famed for its signature Coconut Shell Fire Roast Chicken ((Read here). Finding it, however, turned into an adventure of its own - after several wrong turns and countless checks, we finally tracked it down, and the reward was worth every effort.

Fast forward to 26.05.2024: after checking into the VIP Hotel in Segamat, my wife suggested we try a place she had come across online - “Segamat PG,” a restaurant reputed for its stone kiln roast chicken (瓮窑雞). A quick Google search revealed that it was hidden deep within an oil palm plantation, some 18 Km away from town.

With no familiar landmarks to guide us, we relied entirely on Google Maps. When we reached what was supposed to be the destination, there was no restaurant in sight - just a junction with several unmarked tracks leading into the plantation. After some trial and error (two dead ends included), we finally decided to follow the only sealed road. To our relief, that choice proved right: the narrow road eventually opened up to reveal the restaurant tucked away in the heart of the plantation.

The proprietor was certainly ingenious in devising such a creative way to market their signature roast chicken. The concept bears some resemblance to the familiar tandoori chicken found in Indian restaurants. However, instead of using the traditional clay urn to roast chicken pieces, this outlet went a step further - constructing a custom-made kiln. Built from sturdy stone blocks cemented together with concrete and lined with a metal sheet on the inside, the kiln not only retains heat efficiently but also gives the chicken a distinct smoky aroma and evenly roasted texture. It is a clever blend of traditional inspiration and local innovation, transforming a simple dish into a culinary attraction in its own right.

Once the lid was lifted, we noticed the kiln is lined

with metal sheet

To be honest, after finally trying it, there was nothing particularly exceptional about the taste of the roast chicken itself. What makes the experience memorable, however, is less about the flavor and more about the journey to get there. For tourists and visitors, it is the remoteness of the outlet, coupled with the unusual stone-kiln setup and the theatrics of its preparation, that spark curiosity and turn an ordinary meal into a small adventure.

The outlet also offers fresh fish, caught straight from the large tanks positioned beside the restaurant - a clear sign of how seriously they take freshness. Tempting as it was, we decided to give the fish a miss this time; our appetites were still only half-recovered from the hearty bak kut teh we had indulged in during our late lunch earlier that day.

A Short Driving Tour of Johor, Seremban & Malacca in May 24 - Segamat

The last time we went on a driving tour in West Malaysia with my mother-in-law was back in October 2016 - more than seven years ago (Read here). That journey had taken us through the states of Terengganu and Kelantan.

Earlier this year, when it became known that my sister-in-law in Batu Pahat was planning a trip to China from 22.05.24 to 31.05.24, my wife decided to take the opportunity to fly down to Johor. She wanted to spend a few days with her mother during that period and perhaps fit in a short trip or two around Batu Pahat. Since my mother-in-law, now 93 years old, is no longer likely to embark on long journeys, we planned instead for a modest 4D3N tour covering nearby destinations - Johor, Seremban, and Malacca.

It turned out to be a journey shadowed by reminders of life’s fragility. During the span of just eight days in West Malaysia, I received two sad pieces of news: first, on 27.05.24, the passing of my cousin Ellen’s mother at the age of 84, and two days later, the passing of the mother of one of my CG members, Hyen Siong who lived to the remarkable age of 104. Against this backdrop, our own trip with my mother-in-law carried a bittersweet weight. We could not escape the feeling that this might well be the last time she would be able to join us for an overnight, out-of-town adventure.

Our first stop, on Day 1 (26.05.24), was Segamat. Along the way, we drove through Parit Sulong, Pagoh, Lenga, and Bukit Kepong. My mother-in-law was especially delighted to revisit these small but historic towns - places she had known and remembered fondly from decades ago

Day 1 Route.

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A trip to Batu Pahat without tasting some of its famous local delicacies would be unthinkable. To start off our Day 1 journey, we stopped for breakfast at Local Aroma Cafe along Jalan Jelewat, Batu Pahat - a cozy spot well known among the locals for its hearty offerings and authentic flavors.

Lontong at the Local Aroma Cafe.

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From Batu Pahat to Segamat, we had our first stop at Pagoh for an early lunch at a newly opened coffee shop, Ang Xiang Kopitiam.

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Not long after passing through Lenga, I came across a rather picturesque little park located right by the main road and along the banks of the Muar River. It is called Taman Rekreasi Lim Pei Tiam.

The park was the brainchild of Lim Pei Tiam, a native son of Lenga who later moved to Kuala Lumpur to build his career. Rising to success as a banker and eventually serving as a director of numerous companies, he never forgot his roots. A plaque at the park describes him as a man of “endless and deep affection” for his hometown, someone who has continuously devoted himself to its well-being despite his achievements elsewhere.

As a gift to the community, he donated RM500,000 to transform a 500 m stretch of the Muar Riverbank into this leisure park, complete with footpaths and sports facilities. It now provides a welcoming space for residents to walk, exercise, and enjoy nature - contributing to both their health and quality of life.

It is not often that one encounters such a strong sense of pride in humble origins, especially from someone who has found success on a larger stage. Lim Pei Tiam’s gesture in creating this park stands as a truly commendable act of generosity and love for his hometown, leaving a lasting legacy for both the community and its visitors.

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Before checking into our hotel (VIP Hotel) in Segamat, we stopped for a late lunch at a well-known bak kut teh shop - Teo’s Bak Kut Teh along Jalan Sultan, overlooking the Segamat River. Though the dishes are a little on the pricier side, the portions more than make up for it. The steaming claypot was brimming with large, tender chunks of meat, accompanied by generous servings of taufupok, enoki mushrooms, and fu chok. What makes Teo’s stand out is its option of yam rice, served alongside the usual white rice - a hearty twist not often found in typical bak kut teh outlets.

Even close to 2 p.m., the place was still bustling with customers. Judging from the crowd, I had the impression that many were not locals but travelers in transit or visitors making it a point to stop by this popular eatery while in Segamat.

Another Short Visit to Keluang

On 24.05.2024, which was Day 2 after our arrival in BP, we visited the family of my wife’s eldest brother and his wife in Keluang, together with my mother-in-law. It was heartwarming to see them again - they have not changed much since our last meeting in October 2022 during the Lim family’s grand reunion outing to Ipoh (Read here).

Upon reaching Keluang, we stopped by Tiong Hwa Restaurant and picked up a few dishes to share over a simple yet meaningful mini reunion lunch.

Like many aging couples in Malaysia, the two of them now live alone in their spacious home. Their daughter, Sophia, is married and residing in the UK, while their son, Tai Tai, is also married and based in KL.

However, there was also some sadness in the air. Tai Tai has been diagnosed with a rare illness that prevents him from working. Our prayer is that he will one day find healing and regain his strength, health, and normal life again.

It was quite amazing to see that the photo display on the TV countertop has remained virtually unchanged since we last saw it in 2008 - some 16 years ago. My daughter Serene’s beautifully framed wedding photo is still proudly displayed there!(Read here).