(NST, 3rd April 2014)

By Zainal Abidin Musa
PORT Dickson, about an hour’s drive from the Klang Valley, is an accessible holiday spot for many. My last visit there was during Raptor Watch weekend last month, organised by Malaysian Nature Society.
Port Dickson has seen many changes over the years, though I’m not sure if it’s for the better or worse. Judging from the crowd at the beach, I’d say that it still holds some charm.
Raptor Watch enabled my family to learn more about the migratory birds and their passage back north to nest. Many nature-oriented organisations also took part to promote birdwatching, educate about poaching and encourage recycling, among others.
For me, it was an eye-opening experience to learn about the efforts of many passionate Malaysians to preserve nature.
My favourite part of the trip was going on forest and mangrove walks with MNS guides. Despite developments, it’s nice to see large pockets of nature being preserved in Port Dickson.
I also had enough time to do a 7 in x 10 in watercolour sketch of the mangrove forest in Tanjung Tuan.
Article source: NST
Read Jason Apolonio’s, Raptor Watch 2014 international delegate from Philippines, experience during the event: http://ebonph.wordpress.com/tag/raptor-watch/