malacca
Malacca Trip Day Two Part Four
(a continuation from my Malacca Trip Day Two Part 3…)
At last, we have come to the last installment of my Malacca trip.
That’s a bit long for a two days one night trip, I must say.
Anyway, after boarding the coach at Mahkota Parade, we are finally leaving Malacca and headed for dinner at Kulai.
With nothing to do on a long journey, I nodded off like most of the people on board who got tired of chatting with their neighbors and karaoke-ing.
We must have traveled for quite a while when the coach came to a stop.
“What’s going on? Why are we stopping by the roadside? Are we there already?”
It’s for this!
Delicious yellow fruit!
Why spend thousands on gym packages when you can train your chest opening durians?
After durians, we were on the road again
It didn’t take me long to realize what a bad idea it was to have durians on a long journey
Dinner was at this double-storey building and we climbed the stairs to the second floor. The room wasn’t that big but the deco was nice and cosy.
I loved the wallpaper!
Must.resist.sharksfin
Chants: Sharksfin is cruel
This is nice but the sauce is barely enough
Very fatty but very nice!
I think this is Lemon Chicken
This is uber nice!
The dishes
After dinner, it’s time to hit the road again
The sky is turning dark
Singapore!
Thank goodness traffic was smooth and we managed to clear the custom without a hitch!
I’m glad to be able to spend quality time with Mum but at the same time, I’m not very happy with the itinerary.
How could I tell people that I have been to Malacca when I have not tasted Chicken Rice Balls or even visited Christchurch? (I have to make my own way there but I still didn’t get to see the Stadhuys and St Paul’s hill due to the lack of time)
It’s like going to China without seeing the Great Wall and leaving England without taking a picture with the Big Ben!
I would love to visit Malacca again for their Chicken Rice Balls and the Cendol from Dessert 88 at Jonker Street. I also hope to return with a better camera so I could snap better pictures of the architecture especially the Orangutan House which I failed to locate.
And with that, I conclude the end of my two days and one night trip to Malacca.
Malacca Trip Day Two Part 3
(a continuation from my Malacca Trip Day Two Part 2…)
My heart sank like the Titanic after learning that we will not be visiting anymore historical places!
How can this be happening to me? This is totally NOT the historical tour I was looking for!
As reality sets in, I began frowning all the way from Restoran Hikeng.
While we were nearing Mahkota Parade, the coach suddenly cruised past the Dutch Square and the Maritime Museum!
“Noooooooooooooooooo…” I screamed silently as they faded out of sight.
So near yet so far!
I can’t just sit by and do nothing?
Think! I must THINK!
And so, a plan was conceived…
My plan is this: While the group is shopping at Mahkota Parade, I shall take the time slot to visit the Christ Church instead.
All I have to do is to return to Mahkota Parade before the two hours are up and meet up with the rest of the tour group at the entrance. I informed my horrified Mum of my impromptu plan and left her in the care of her colleagues while I retraced my steps to the Dutch Square alone.
The route I took
I walked along Jalan Merdeka towards Jalan Quayside and as I turned the corner, a magnificent view of the ‘Flora De La Mar‘, a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of
Malacca in the 16th Century came into view.
Majestic looking ship!
It is a Maritime Museum showcasing Malacca’s history as a trading hub
It’s an exact replica of the real thing at 34m high, 36m long and 8m wide
entrance fee of RM2 applies and I would love to go in for a look but
due to time constraints, I had to go off in search of the Christ Church first.
A walk further up brings me to this newly constructed watermill.
The Malacca Malay Sultanate Water Mill located beside the Malacca River
I can’t find any info on this watermill except that “it used to fuel Malacca’s booming port
trade”
This watermill is a replica and no longer functioning
Newly constructed and it’s not working already?
The Santiago Bastion
utilized to the advantage of any of its rivals.
After following the map for 30 minutes, I finally arrived at the Dutch Square!
Was this the Mousedeer that inspired Malacca its’ name?
A windmill – to commemorate the Dutch’s presence in Malacca?
Erm… People returned to China already and it’s still hanging there?
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower
built by Tan Jiak Kim in 1886 in memory of his father, Tan Beng Swee.
You may or may not have heard of Tan Beng Swee but surely his father Tan Kim Seng, the Philantropist rings a bell?
The Queen Victoria Fountain
Victoria’s Coronation.
Now, behind this fountain stood the famous…
*starts playing dramatic music*
YAY! YAY! YAY!
The bazaar beside Christ Church
It was time to bade farewell to the Dutch Square for I have to
meet up with my Mum and the rest of the tour group at Mahkota Parade.I found her waiting anxiously for me at the entrance who was worried sick about me and I felt remorseful for causing her distress.
Sorry, Mum!
Look out for my Malacca Trip Day Two Part 4: The Final Chapter!
Malacca Trip Day Two Part 2
(a continuation from my Malacca Trip Day Two Part 1…)
After leaving the Sam Po Kong Temple and Hang Li Poh Well, the coach brought us to a Laughing Buddha Temple an hours’ drive away. We were there for quite long as some people wanted their fortunes told while some prayed for (money) luck.
I was getting edgy because time is running out and I wanted to visit more places yet here we are wasting precious time.
We finally left the Laughing Buddha Temple and headed for lunch at Restoran Hikeng.
Lunch was here at Restoran Hikeng
Mixed Platter
Can’t remember what this is…
Pork something…
Egg Tofu with Oyster Sauce
Fish Maw Soup with Fishball
Steamed Garoupa
The four heavenly kings – Aubergine, Okra, Winged Beans and Petai
Lemon Chicken
On that fateful day, poor me did not expect what awaits inside the washroom. The moment I pushed open the door, I was greeted by a scene of epic proportions which I thought I could only find in a disaster movie!
The toilet bowl was choked to the brim and the slightest ripple would cause the water to overflow. Worst of all, there were lots and lots and lots and lots of yellow “submarines” in it!
You gotta believe me, at that point of time, I was fearing that this would happen…
Run for your lives!
I returned to the table, traumatized and trying hard to erase that horrendous scene from my memory.
So, after lunch, we boarded the coach and was told that the itinerary for the remainder of the day will be shopping at Makhota Parade followed by dinner at Kulai and then straight to the second link.
WHAT?
We came all the way to this historical place rich with heritage and we are leaving without visiting the Farmosa, Christchurch and Stadthuys?
How can?
This is totally NOT the kind of historical cum heritage tour I was expecting!
Malacca Trip Day Two Part 3 coming up next!
FIRST COMMENTOR: KELVIN
Malacca Trip Day Two Part 1
(a continuation from my Malacca Trip Day One Part 4…)
Before returning to our rooms the previous night, we were told that the hotel breakfast buffet would be available from 7am onwards.
The first round (L to R) Beef Rendang, Mee Goreng and Hashbrown
Second round: Porridge
Third round: Mini pan cakes
Fourth round: Nasi Lemak
Come to think of it, the breakfast selection is quite ‘heavy’ due to the spices and coconut used.
Seems like I have eaten quite a lot but I had a bit of everything in moderation. I don’t have the habit to eat too full during long journeys as I’m afraid I can’t find a toilet in the middle of nowhere.
Anyway, our first itinerary for the second day was the Sam Po Kong Temple and the Hang Li Poh well. Well, we are going somewhere historical and that’s a good start for the day.
Sam Po Kong Temple
One of the versions I read was that in the olden days, many Chinese traders flocked to Malacca with dreams of making it big. However, some died in this foreign land before they could fulfill their dreams. Thus, Sam Po Kong Temple was built to take care of their graves at Bukit Cina, many of whom have no descendants to care for because their families did not travel with them.
Another version I heard was that this temple was built in dedication to Admiral Cheng Ho, whose other name was, you guessed it, Sam Po.
Admiral Cheng Ho
Didn’t know he’s a hobbit
The Hang Li Poh well was situated right next to the Sam Po Kong Temple
The well water which wouldn’t overflow as demonstrated by the guide 
Hang Li Poh Well
Princess Hang Li Poh was married to the reigning Sultan Mansur Shah in
the mid 15th century for diplomatic ties between China and Malacca. The
well was then built at the foot of Bukit Cina – a Chinese settlement
given by the Sultan to the Princess as a gift.
In 1511, the Portuguese conquered Malacca and gained total control of the well, which was the city’s main source of water. In retaliation, Malay warriors filled the well with poison and many Portuguese who drank from it died.
In 1677, the Dutch conquered Malacca and enclosed the
well with a brick wall to maintain their rights over it. The well
was subsequently turned into a wishing well, a situation which
continues until today.
The brick wall built by the Dutch surrounding the well
Find out more at my Malacca Trip Day Two Part 2!
FIRST COMMENTOR: TRIPLESMILEY
Malacca Trip Day One Part 4
(a continuation from my Malacca Trip Day One Part 3…)
The sky was just beginning to turn dark when we stepped out of the Nyonya Gift Shop.
We boarded the coach and was told that we’re headed for the last itinerary of the day – Jonker Walk.
Whoopee! We are finally going somewhere touristy at long last!
I have long heard about this street in Malacca, a popular destination with both foreigners and locals alike!
After alighting the coach, we turned the corner and neon lights that spelled “Jonker Walk” greeted us
According to Wiki:
Perhaps the most famous story in which Hang Tuah is involved is his fight with his closest childhood companion, Hang Jebat.
Hang Tuah’s deep loyalty to and popularity with the Sultan led to
rumours being circulated that Hang Tuah was having an illicit affair
with one of the Sultan’s stewardess dayang.
The Sultan sentenced Hang Tuah to death without trial for the alleged
offense. The death sentence was never carried out, however, because
Hang Tuah’s executioner, the Bendahara, went against the Sultan’s
orders and hid Hang Tuah in a remote region of Melaka.
Believing that Hang Tuah was dead, murdered unjustly by the Sultan
he served, Hang Jebat avenged his friend’s death. Hang Jebat’s revenge
allegedly became a palace killing spree or furious rebellion against
the Sultan (sources differ as to what actually occurred). It remains
consistent, however, that Hang Jebat wreaked havoc onto the royal
court, and the Sultan was unable to stop him, as none of the Sultan’s
warriors dared to challenge the more ferocious and skilled Hang Jebat.
The Bendahara then informed the Sultan that the only man able to stop
Hang Jebat, Hang Tuah, was still alive. The Bendahara recalled Hang
Tuah from his hiding place and the warrior was given full amnesty by
the Sultan and instructed to kill Hang Jebat. After seven gruelling
days of fighting, Hang Tuah was able to kill Hang Jebat. (Source)
Some karaoke activity going on with the Chinese community
Hugeass pineapple tart that was awarded the Malaysia Book of Records
Ice lollies
Fresh-out-of-the-oven 马蹄酥
I like the dragon-on-the-beam and intricate carvings on the windows of the Hokkien Association
The trademark of Jonker Street
San Shu Gong
Oriental design on the window
Preserved mandarin oranges
Medicinal products
An old-school bench and table outside San Shu Gong
Attempt to take professional architecture shot failed
I wished I had a DSLR at times like this…
I was a little disheartened after visiting Jonker Walk because there wasn’t as much stalls as I had thought. My Mum said there were alot more stalls and variety during her last visit here. Most of the stalls I observed are selling repeated items like hand-held fans and magnets.
I wished I could have taken more architecture shots of Jonker Walk but there were way too many people around. Perhaps I should return during the day when there are lesser people.
I returned to the hotel feeling unsatisfied
And so, that sums up the first day of my Malacca trip.
Day Two Part 1 of my Malacca trip coming up as soon as this entry reaches 1K views!
FIRST COMMENTOR
Malacca Trip Day One Part 3
(a continuation from Day One Part 2…) RIP JOHNNY DEPP DIED IN CAR CRASH BORDEAUX, France?
My apologies for the delay of this installment but the Qishan Abused Dogs are more important!
Magical healing in process…
Here’s a recap from Day One Part 2.
We were brought to this old shophouse not far from the hotel for a miracle ear-pricking session which is said to improve our eyesight.
I was sceptical over its’ claims. How does pricking ones’ ears aid in improving the eyesight?
I was getting restless waiting for them and it seems like forever when it finally ended.
“Surely we can go visit somewhere now?” I thought.
But I was dead wrong…
I was aghast to learn that the next activity won’t be till two hours later and the only thing we can do in the meantime was to take a rest in our room due to the long journey we had earlier. I could have ventured out myself for that two precious hours but my Mum wouldn’t hear of it and is worried that I might get mugged lose my way and can’t get back in time.
So, after much grumbling and two hours later, we gathered at the hotel lobby and were brought to Dataran Pahlawan for an hour’s shopping.
Shopping doesn’t arouse much interest in me as the stores are more or less the same everywhere. The only thing that managed to trigger my interest was seeing A&W but regrettably, dinner was next on the itinerary so I must leave my stomach alone.
Painful decision.
After leaving the shopping mall, dinner was at the following restaurant.
Seroni Nyonya Cuisine Restaurant
No 60 & 62 Taman Melaka Raya I,
Jalan Melaka Raya 25, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
The interior
Nyonya Chicken Curry
Nyonya Chap Chye
Sambal Fish or something
Sambal Okra
Udang Nenas
Cendol for eight in a large bowl
The aftermath
After dinner, we crossed the street and turned the corner to this shop…
Little Nyonya Gift Shop
It sells a variety of local produce
A cuttlefish’s worst nightmare
There’s nothing Nyonya about this shop.
No salesgirls dressed in Kebaya, no Nyonya Kuehs, and no one singing Pantun.
It’s just one of the many shops selling local produce.
I’m getting pretty fed up because we’ve been taken nowhere the whole day except to places where the tour guide can earn his commission.
Where will we go next?
Malacca Trip Day One Part Four coming up!
FIRST COMMENTOR: YI HAN
Malacca Trip Day One Part 2
(a continuation from my Malacca Trip Day One Part 1…)
So, after a satisfying lunch at Nyonya Manis Sayang, we proceed to check in our luggage at Bayview Hotel where we are going to spend the night. By then, it was already 2pm, half a day gone and we have not even started our tour!
A decent room for a night’s stay
The only complaint was the malfunctioning TV remote control and the lack of TV channels
“Surely we can start our tour proper now?” I thought anxiously.
Boy, was I wrong…
We were brought to this shop which was a stone’s throw away from our hotel.
According to the tour guide, the shop owner possess a very special skill and not everyone is able to learn it. It seems, you must be ‘gifted’ to master it.
So, what formidable skills does Uncle actually have?
You may not believe it but he has the ability to improve your eyesight! Allow him to make a few pricks behind your ear and your short-sightedness/astigmatism would be gone – forever.
All he needs is a needle and RM5 per ear and you can bade farewell to your glasses...
Sounds incredible but there is no lack of customers queuing up to have their ears pricked. Other than the people from my group, there was actually another tour group before us.
I don’t see the logic behind it hence I didn’t go for it and while waiting for them to finish, I went round shooting the surroundings…
The ‘weathered’ door
The shop used to be a teahouse
Next door
I like old signboards because there’s a story behind everyone of them
A corner inside Uncle’s courtyard
My grandparents used to have this food cabinet at the old house too!
Zinc roof in the courtyard
Mirror reflection
Oh, did I mention in the previous post that I saw Jeanette Aw?
There she is – the last ‘jade girl’
There are stacks of it on the table to entertain us while we waited.
By then, I was getting quite fed up of waiting.
I don’t know about you but when I go traveling, I want to maximize every single minute to explore as much as I can and not wasting time doing nothing!
Where will I go next? Will I get to visit the Christ Church before it gets burned down?
Watch out for my Malacca Trip Day One Part 3!
FIRST COMMENTOR: KELVIN
Malacca Trip Day One Part 1
Over the last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Malacca, a historical state rich in culture and heritage.
The map that I depended on…
If you have been following my blog, you would have known from my previous entry that I have been reading up everything I could to prepare myself for this trip.
From Christ Church to Sam Po Kong Temple and Chicken Rice Balls to Cendol, Malacca have so much to offer! (At least that’s the info I gathered from the net)
This trip was initiated by my Mum’s colleagues so I thought that there will only be a few of us going Free & Easy. However, only when I boarded the coach do I realize that this was a guided tour with twenty over people embarking on this journey!
Well, I didn’t see that coming. There might be a change in my plans now because I already had everything worked out.
I do not know of the itinerary of the guided tour as everything took me by surprise.
I do not know where we will be staying for the night, what are the places we will be visiting and even the time we are returning to Singapore!
But still, I’m keeping my fingers crossed because it might not be a bad thing to have someone who knows the way around.
So, after clearing the custom, we were headed for breakfast.
Breakfast was here, instead of the usual Yong Peng whenever I visited Malaysia.
Can any Malaysian bloggers tell me where this place is?
Mee Rebus
The Mee Rebus my Mum had also tasted different from the Singapore version. She said that those crackers lookalike were tempeh. Quite nice, actually.
After breakfast, I was raring to set off for Malacca but was told that we will be heading for a “Bee Farm” instead.
Again, I’m not sure where we are.
Anyone knows where this place is?
I did a search for “BB TOWN SDN BHD” and this address turns up:
756-I, Taman Kerjasama, Bukit Beruang, Melaka, Melaka, 75450. MALAYSIA
Beehive boxes
The bees were hovering around me when I closed in for this shot
Some even flew inside my shirt!
Showing us where the Queen Bee is…
Staring at the hexagons made my skin crawl…
The owner letting us try his delicious honeycomb but when we left, no one bought his honey products
Nyonya Manis Sayang
Ayam Pongteh
Nyonya Chap Chye
Otak Otak – made of fish paste mixed with spices then wrapped in banana leaves
Some kind of fish dish
There’s only this much “Petai with Ikan Bilis” left when rotated to me on the lazy susan
Udang Nanas
Buuuuuuuuuuuurp!
Cendol
Sadly, this Cendol wasn’t prepared fresh. It was prepared beforehand and left to chill in the chiller. The ingredients, including the “Cendol” (the green color thingy) was frozen thus not soft and chewy.
Stay tuned for my Malacca Trip Day One Part 2: I met Jeanette Aw (a.k.a Moon Mother Yue Niang) from The Little Nyonya at Malacca!
FIRST COMMENTOR: KELVIN
The Dead Cockroach 