Port Dickson mega resort, in decay.

When visiting Port Dickson, I have always marveled at the absolutely huge set of buildings that make up the Marina Bay resort.
It’s been around for a long time, and I had assumed that most of the buildings (I think there are about 10 of them!) were deserted. But on my most recent visit, I decided to be nosey and drive around the complex and investigate.
There is security posted at all the entrances, and what I found very interesting was that there was a high level of occupancy on the lower 3 floors. Many looked quite nice, obviously homes rather than short-let resort suites. The car park reflected people of modest means, and the overall impression is of low economic status, but some pride in ownership.
As one approaches the high-rise buildings, impressions change. The whole complex has obviously never been painted, and the level of maintenance, I suspect, is of the lowest order. Many units, indeed from viewing, most units were vacant. Some with tattered curtains still hangjng in the windows, whilst others looked like they had never been occupied.
The whole complex gave me an impression of a JG Ballard story, high rise dystopia, with no future other than gradual decay. And failed ambition, to create such a huge project that must be hardly economically viable.
I shot a few pics, but they can’t quite convey the vastness and strange atmosphere of this mega-complex by the sea. I continue to be intrigued by it, as an example of developers folly and grandiose schemes that failed.

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Absolutely Limited Edition.

A friend recently made a trip to Langkawi, famous not only for it’s stunning beach resorts but also it’s duty free status.

She brought back a collection of miniatures, Absolut vodka, in Limited Edition packaging designed on conjunction with Borneo Ink, one of Malaysia’s most famours tattoo studios.

Unfortunately the same design is carried acooss the different vodkas, otherwise it would have created a nice set of tattoos, but interesting anyway.

Tasting notes: The grapefruit vodka was a bit harsh, with quite an aftertaste. The peach was smooth as silk and left one immediately wishing more bottles were at hand! Sadly, they weren’t, but I can definitely recommend this flavour to those who like a soft, subtle vodka.

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Abandoned motel.

One of my fascinations is abandoned buildings, and I always make a point of trying to get as close as possible, or even inside if it seems safe, to any interesting buildings that I see.

Whilst visiting Port Dickson recently, I couldn’t help but wander around this once famous, now neglected motel which stands near the beach. At least 15 years have passed since it closed, and nature is gradually taking it back to it’s own. I like.

Random shots: The PD “flyer”

Seems like every city has their version of the “wheel” attraction, the London “Eye”, the Brisbane “wheel”, the Singapore “flyer” to name but a few of very many around the world.

Port Dickson’s version is rather under-stated.