Cape Rachado

The 80-hectare Cape Rachado Forest Reserve is popular for its lighthouse, beaches and annually migrating birds. Also known as Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, it is located in the Alor Gajah area. Historically, this place is well-remembered for the naval tussle of 1606 between the supremely powerful Dutch and the Portuguese. The main highlight of Cape Rachado is the Tanjung Tuan lighthouse (Malaysia's oldest) reached through a 20-minute uphill hike through the forest reserve.

Though the lighthouse isn't open to the public, you can walk around and admire the mesmerising view which is visible up to Sumatra (38km away) on a clear day. Tanjung Tuan is visited by around 300000 migratory birds every year while the sea-turtles use the site for egg-laying. Blue Lagoon and Pantai Permai are two of the most alluring coastal spots sitting at the base of Cape Rachado. Replete with amusements like swimming, boating and water skiing, Blue Lagoon gives a spectacular view of the blue sea and the lush greenery around.