Rebuilding the allure of Pengkalan Kempas
Once a bustling hub for traders, Pengkalan Kempas is set to rise in status once more.

Various stakeholders, including Negri Sembilan government, are planning to turn this tiny town – located 35km east of Port Dickson and some 60km north of Unesco World Heritage City Melaka – into a tourist hotspot.

Development plans are focused on Pengkalan Kempas jetty in particular, to attract a wider tourist market.

The jetty, which had attracted vessels carrying nobles and dignitaries for centuries, is now an angling spot known for prized catches amid the serene waters of Sungai Linggi, one of the state’s two main rivers.

For Lee Ching Dong, a boat rental operator whose family has lived in the town for over three decades, the jetty has the potential to pull in both local and globetrotting adventurers.

The town has been spruced up with murals of its history and past events.

“For over 35 years, we’ve catered primarily to freshwater prawn anglers and yet, within this quaint township lies untapped potential that will benefit from tourism development,” he told Bernama.

“If this jetty is refurbished akin to the Sungai Timun jetty in Linggi, it could have significant positive economic impact on small businesses and local residents here,” he added.

A check by Bernama found that the area’s attractions include the Historical Complex of Pengkalan Kempas and megalithic stones believed to have existed since the second or third century.

Additionally, there are several rows of old buildings that have been repainted besides murals newly adorning walls, sure to enliven the town’s atmosphere.

State Heritage, Technology, Innovation and Digital Action Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli said a special committee would be formed in collaboration with Port Dickson Municipal Council to develop tourism in the Linggi township.

Stakeholders hope to make it a tourism hotspot.

He underlined the need for more strategic planning involving all parties, including local residents and state government.

“Every weekend, the vibrant Pengkalan Kempas jetty is a hive of activity as eager anglers flock to rent boats, creating a scene brimming with excitement and anticipation.

“Yet, amid this lively atmosphere, I can’t help but notice ageing infrastructure begging for a transformation.

“Imagine the possibilities of a state-of-the-art floating jetty, seamlessly blending modern convenience with the timeless charm of our coastal heritage,” said Mohd Faizal, who is also Linggi assemblyman.

He praised the grassroots initiative of local tourism associations who have taken small steps to inject life into this timeworn town.

“It’s truly heartwarming to see our community banding together to breathe new life into our quaint town by the jetty.”

He expressed excitement over the possibility of Pengkalan Kempas’ ancient megalithic stones and info-rich historical complexes being part of the attraction for adventurous travellers.

“While Port Dickson has long been synonymous with pristine beaches, Linggi has its own hidden treasures, beckoning explorers to uncover its natural wonders,” Mohd Faizal added.
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Once a bustling hub for traders, Pengkalan Kempas is set to rise in status once more.