A weekend trip to Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia

Here's my experience to Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia (also known as Pusat Hiasan Ikan) in Port Dickson (PD). The destination is best suited for a road trip because it's very close to Kuala Lumpur (KL) or Melacca. I spent about 1 hour 50 minutes to this spot as traffic didn't favour me along the way from KL. Well, it's still okay to quarantine for a while so I've got some quality time to talk and sing in the car.

What's in it for us to travel to that place? 

First off, PD has got beaches and most of the camping spots are highly occupied. It's kind of crowded on the beach (unless you can afford to stay in a resort with a private beach). So, I bet most of us will only spend 1 or 2 hours walking along the sea line on the beach. Then? Go back? It's not worth all the effort to travel this far and go home just for nothing!

Now, you can make it a point to visit Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia. The place is about 5-10 minutes' drive from PD beach area. The point is, admission is FREE. Plenty of parking outside the Jabatan. It's open daily including Sunday. 

Location map: https://goo.gl/maps/BiuRphu5mnq8UUVd9 (search Pusat Hiasan Ikan on Google map)

The name Jabatan might've gotten you frightened but trust me, it's just an aquarium where you (and your kids) can feast your eyes on various types of fish (also snakes, turtles etc) - basically marine life and mostly sea creatures. The creatures are healthy, alive and kicking. You can even take a close-up view to 'check' their body textures - well, don't be a pervert! Just see, don't touch!

The building is air-conditioned. As of now (Nov 2022), the facilities and aquarium boxes are well maintained. At very least, the aquariums looked crystal clear (literally no shit in it). It wasn't that packed when I visited the place. It's spacious enough for your kids to run around. 

If you're super academic (who likes to study like a bookworm), you might end up spending 3-4 hours scrutinizing every single type of creature. People who like to take it leisurely, 1 hour is more than enough. However, the Jabatan is closed at 4.30 pm. Make sure you plan your time. 

Are there food stalls or cafeterias in the Jabatan? 

No, there's nothing else except fish and snakes (and visitors). Fortunately, several food stalls are just at the entrance. They sell drinks and light food. Basically, just the normal malay food stall that sells kuih. Pricewise, I've no idea as I didn't manage to buy any edibles. It was so hot and I quickly went back to my car.

The place is also equipped with water closets outside the building and even inside the building. Surau is definitely available for Muslims.  

In front of the entrance (or outside the building), there's a boat for selfie (if you must take some selfies there). Besides, there's also a man-made pond for keeping sea turtles, but that area is a bit stinky, if you don't mind. 

So, what's my overall comment and rating? 

I'd give it a 4-star rating because of the healthy creatures and clean environment. It's rather off putting because there's no classy place to dine-in. There's nothing else to play (for kids) except a photo shooting counter where they entertain your kids by providing photography service. Anyway, if you have no where to go during the weekend, this could be a place of interest. 

Next, tell me how you find this place when you are back from the spot.