Sometimes, you can spend hours together as a family without really spending any time together at all. In an age where households have more devices than they do people, most of us are guilty of checking out the second we log in, and letting precious moments, conversations, and connections pass us by.
Malaysian stand-up legend Harith Iskander and multi-hyphenate powerhouse Dr Jezamine Lim Iskander know this all too well. So when a family vacation at the luxury beach resort Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson came calling, the couple and their three children, Zander, Alessandrea and Zydane were more than ready for the adventure.
From banana boat rides at the beach to discovering a 16th-century lighthouse, follow along on this family holiday where we learned what it truly means to disconnect and reconnect.
Town: Port Dickson
Population: 119,300
Area: 572.35 square km
Weather: 31°C, Wind SE 9 km/h, 79% Humidity
Day 1
After a two-hour drive southwards from Kuala Lumpur, we arrived in high spirits at our favourite hibiscus-shaped water villa resort. A warm welcome awaited us at The Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, where only a swift check-in stood between us and two days of non-stop fun by the sea.
Before we knew it, a buggy was whisking us off to our exclusive accommodations within the famed hibiscus – a collection of sea villas that connect to form the contours of Malaysia’s national flower. Anticipation grew as the rollicking wind and stunning views swept past us en route to our destination, the Imperial Suite.
A tour of the Imperial Suite
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At last, we reached the stigma of the hibiscus, where the grand villa proudly stood. A good while was spent marvelling the expansive suite’s two bedrooms, living room, dining area, kitchenette, bar, and sauna, not to mention the breathtaking views of the water. The kids made a bee-line for the private infinity pool at the balcony, while the grown-ups avidly browsed the wide array of activities at the resort that they’d soon take full advantage of.
Day 2
We were up bright and early the next day for an excursion to Port Dickson’s historic Cape Rachado at Tanjung Tuan Beach, located a stone’s throw away from the resort. Our 15-minute uphill walk to the peak of the hill was filled with lush greenery, pristine fresh air, and to our delight, a chance spotting of the native dusky leaf langur monkey.
But it was the 16th-century lighthouse dating back to Portuguese rule in Malacca that remained the highlight of the morning. The Iskander family took turns taking photos and selfies in front of the historic sight, before climbing up for a closer view of the white and blue structure, as well as the sun-speckled waters below.
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Back at the resort, we enthusiastically refuelled on the mouthwatering selection of local and international specialties at Roselle Coffee House. House favourites like Nyonya Curry Laksa, Southern Fried Chicken Burger, and Hong Kong Mango Pudding ensured that we were all satiated, energised, and ready to take on anything and everything Lexis Hibiscus had to offer.
On a gorgeous day brimming with sunlight and tempered by a gentle breeze, there was no question that the beach would be our next port of call.
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As we soon found out, the sandy stretch of Lexis Hibiscus’ Pantai Cermin is home to a multitude of activities on land, sea and everything in between. From accomplishing triumphant feats of sand castle architecture to facing off against each other in an epic water-gun battle, the Iskanders savoured every minute spent together on the shore.
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They decided to kick things up a few notches after spotting a banana boat zipping across the surface of the water in the distance. Eager for some rip-roaring thrills of their own, the party of five hopped on the bandwagon couch ride and shot off on their watery escapade. Upon their return, the kids immediately bolted for the donut boat tug ride, and then the banana boats and jet skis, their appetite for high speed excitement growing with every new activity conquered.
Day 3
Check-out day arrived far too soon for all of us, but that didn’t stop the Iskander family from squeezing every last drop of sun-soaked fun out of the trip. The early hours of the morning saw the quintet grab some rental bikes, pedal along the wide connecting paths of the hibiscus, and take a scenic tour of Lexis Hibiscus’ picturesque grounds.
A leisurely lunch on the pier backdropped by the serene vistas of the sea was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable getaway. Over a sumptuous spread, the family reflected on the past couple of days, each member offering up their favourite parts of the vacation.
Top contenders for best moments include cannonball dives in the private villa pool, exhilarating tug boat rides on the beach, blissful sessions at LexSpa, and indulging in new dishes at the resort’s many dining spots.
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It turns out, tuning out of your devices and tuning into the moments that matter is easy when you’re in the right place. It seems the Iskander family has found theirs.
Bidding a bittersweet goodbye to Lexis Hibiscus, we set off on our car journey back home refreshed, content, and mentally drawing up plans for our return.
For more information, or to book your own beach getaway at Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, visit lexishibiscuspd.com, call +603 2083 0933, or email reservations@lexis.my
Video: Felix Khu, assisted by Craig Wong
Photography: Anson Siau