Malacca Duck Tours 30 May 2014

During we were near Dataran Pahlawan, we came across this strange and quite fun vehicle. Both children Issac and Annabelle want to have a tour on that. Then, we just purchased the tickets at the mobile counter, then we waited for our turn for the next trip.

According to the tour guide, the DUKW, popularly called the DUCK, is a amphibious truck developed by the United States during World War 2 for transporting goods and troops over land and water and for use approaching and crossing breaches in amphibious attacks.

The DUKW was used in landings in the Pacific, in North America, and on D-Day on the beaches of Normandy. At Normandy alone, DUKW carried 18 million tons of supplies ashore in the 90 days after the landing that the enemy held all available ports.

DUKW were also used as rescue vehicles. Winds up 60 knots (110km/h), rain, and heavy surf prevented conventional craft from rescuing the seven stranded coast guardsmen, but the DUKW had no trouble. DUKWs have proved their seaworthiness by crossing the English Channel and many other exploits at sea.

Although its designation as a DUKW may seem to be a military pun,in fact in the terminology developed for military vehicles in World War 2, the D indicates a vehicle designed in 1942, the U meant "utility (amphibious)", the K indicated all-wheel drive and the W indicated two powered rear axles.

Today, the DUKW are no later in use due to the steel hull which is susceptible to rust and its engine system which are lacking in power. We are now using the more technology advance LARCS which hull are stronger and reinforced with aluminium state of the art hydraulic engine systems which can go on speeds and power that is predecessors technologically dream of.

"Melaka Duck tours" have the most technologically advanced fleet of Ducks in the world, besides there are another similar Duck Tour which is operates in Singapore.

 

 

Our journey started from Menara Taming Sari point. Menara Taming Sari which was opened on 18th April 2008 has become another unique & most popular attraction for Malacca.

Then we passed through Dataran Pahlawan which is one of Malaysia's largest shopping mall surrounded by historical sites such as A'Famosa and St. Paul's Hill.

Further down Melaka Raya shoplot areas. A town in the heart of Melaka. This area is known as Melaka's commercial business district & entertainment center.

From there, we crossed the bridge and go in to Pulau Melaka. This waterfront development project involves reclamation of two islands. Pulau Melaka will be transformed "Melaka Arab City". All those areas above, we were on the road. But, after reaching Pulau Melaka Jetty area, which the Masjid Selat Melaka also called “floating mosque” is a mosque on the man made island of Pulau Melaka which near to Melaka town.

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DUCK started to transform itself into a ship, we went into the Straits of Malacca. Pulau Besar, the largest of 8 islands off the coast of Malacca. Approximately 133 hectares, it is said to resemble the shape of a pregnant woman can be noticeble from far. We had a round at the sea nearby, due to the weather it started to rain, the driver turn the DUCK on to the land again.

Once we were on the land, we can see the Melaka River - A river that cuts across Malacca town, on its way to the Straits of Malacca. Was once an important trade during heyday of Malacca sultanate.

Mahkota Parade which is again another high-end shopping complex in Melaka featuring anchors Parkson, Giant supermarket and over 197 exciting specialty stores and Mahkota Medical Centre, the reputed hospital in Malaysia, which best healthcare facilities catering to patients from south east Asia).

And, the Flor De La Mar which is in short The Maritime Museum, located at Quayside Road near the Melaka River estuary. The replica is 34 meters high, 36 meters long and 8 meters wide.

I can say, it really worth while for the ticket which we bought for the trip. The kids love it too!

Calanthe Art Cafe @ Jalan Hang Kasturi 30 May 2014

Calanthe Art Cafe. Located in a narrow alley just off the well-known Jonker Street, the cafe is like a quiet oasis, even though the decor doesn’t quite say the same thing – it is vibrantly furnished, with eclectic and creative touches such as rattan furniture hanging from the ceiling, hand-painted walls, and little trinkets on shelves throughout the property.

It might not sport the famous modern minimalist look every cafe is going for nowadays, but we can’t help but love this feast for wandering eyes.

We walked pass this cafe and thought it had a pretty interesting concept, featuring the different coffees from the different states in Malaysia. Truth to be told, I'm surprised about the different coffee brewed in the different states, making each one subtly different and unique in its own way.

Calanthe might be one good-looking cafe, but its wide array of coffee selections is what makes it famous. With the tagline ‘The First and Only One’, Calanthe is unique, serving specialty coffee drinks from all the 13 states of the country, so if you’re an adventurous coffee aficionado, this is definitely something you want to try.

Besides that, the cafe also offers one-of-a-kind blends such as green tea coffee (green tea and coffee with whipped cream on top), which I had ordered one and try! The green tea fragrance really mixed well together with the aroma of fine blended coffee beans!

‘Jealousy,’ a rich espresso blend with a dollop of mint paddy syrup; and ice-blended drinks such as ‘Cendol Ice Blenz’ (palm sugar and coconut milk topped with red beans and cendol) and ‘Pink Lady’, a concoction of vanilla, ice, whipped cream and strawberry sauce. Prices are more than attractive!

Alongside coffee, other delicious drinks such as milk shakes, smoothies, teas, and soda mixes are also on the menu, all creatively-curated for the non-coffee drinker.

A variety of alcohol-based drinks are also available; They highly recommend us their royale Bailey cocktail, a mixture of a single shot of espresso, Bailey and chocolate sauce, topped with a scoop of ice cream. But, Children just ordered the mango smoothies for themselves, as we would not allow them to take coffee.

As for their food items, Calanthe specialises in local food, and does so expertly, as it was listed in top 50 best laksa outlets in Malaysia by the Malaysian Tourism Body.

Laksa is a Nyonya spicy noodle soup, and the cafe’s version is loaded with ingredients such as tofu puffs, fried beancurd skin, eggs strips and fishcake slices, all in flavourful coconut gravy infused with lemongrass, turmeric and spices.

Another notable dish is golden rice, aka the cafe’s own version of nasi lemak. While the popular dish can easily be bought anywhere in the city, Calanthe’s comes with its special chicken rendang, together with usual nasi lemak condiments such as fried peanuts and anchovies.

We do not really in fond of the food while we were there, we just thinking of having drinks or coffee or tea, to take a rest before we continue to hunt for other treasures in the Jonker Street.

Homemade desserts are also in the action, and if you’re looking for something sweet to finish off your epic meal, take a bite into their highly raved-about brownie with ice cream. Its caramel slice also deserves a mention; this famous cafe treat is delicious with a cuppa, and is made using an authentic recipe passed down from generation to generation since 1960s.

Calanthe also sells its own merchandise, in the form of T-shirts, coffee cups with matching saucer and its 13 states coffee beans.

It is definitely a place you must drop by when you are around Jalan Hang Kasturi…

 

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Hard Rock Cafe Malacca 29 May 2014

Hard Rock Cafe Malacca is located at Lorong Hang Jebat, and it is just next to the bridge along the Melaka River. The location is superb as once you enter the Jonker Street areas, you will definitely notice its presence.

Experience all the unique curiosities of Jonker Street Market and cruise the length of the majestic Melaka River. Bask in Melaka’s rich history at the Sultanate Palace and explore the ruins of the Portuguese stronghold, A Famosa Fort, dating back to the 16th century.

Treat your taste buds to one of Hard Rock Cafe Legendary® Burgers and feast your senses on the instruments and iconic wardrobes of some of music’s greatest artists.

Besides that, the menu is uploaded with the best ingredients in authentic creations of Starters; Their homemade dressings to choose from Salads; The freshest ingredients Entrees; their signature Smokehouse Specialties; Smokehouse Sandwiches with pulled pork or chicken, served with seasoned fries and citrus coleslaw; Delicious desserts, shakes and coffees; of coarse All Time Asian Favourites.

We ordered Burgers, Nachos, Steaks and children would love some pastas and pizza as their favourite always ^^. Every dish comes in quite a big portion which we can share our food among each others.

Featuring fashions that dominated your favourite tours and guitars that headlined the world’s greatest venues, there is plenty to see and experience while you enjoy the food Hard Rock Cafe is famous for. At The Rock Shop® here at Hard Rock Cafe Melaka, we can take home a piece of the music with some of the exclusive merchandise available only here.

We really enjoyed the food and the friendliness and the hospitality from the the staffs whom served us at here!

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Malacca Zoo & Night Safari 29 May 2014

The Melaka Zoo is Malacca’s official zoo located in Ayer Keroh. Established since 1963, the zoo has over 1,200 live specimens of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Visited by almost half a million people each year, the Malacca zoo will be an insightful discovery of the richness of Malaysia’s wildlife. Visitors can view Malaysian tigers, wild oxen, rare primates and other wonderful creatures.

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During our visit there, we quite like the environment of the zoo itself. We felt cosy due to it was shaded with the trees and greens all over the zoo. Just that, we feel a bit odd as the animals there looked tired or inactive. Some of the habitats or cage areas were empty and did not maintain well. Some of the fencing also wear off too. The basic infrastructures too such as benches, lamp posts, and the pavements walkways also had a lot of dried leaves which seems like nobody sweep. Bushes were not cut as well. The house keeping really in bad shape.

Before we came, I did read on the newspapers and online news that, the Malacca Zoo was under tremendous critics as wildlife conservationists from various non-governmental organisations have spoken out that it were poorly managed and run down zoo. The animals are lesser and lesser on display and leading to them if the animals had been killed, or relocated or stolen.

It is true when we saw the animals were not at their good conditions or unhappy mood… Due to this reason, I did not take photos on the animals at all, except for the zoo entrance photo with the children… Hopefully, it would get better.

Malacca Butterfly & Reptiles Sanctuary 29 May 2014

On the second day we woke up early having our breakfast, we went to Melacca Butterfly & Reptiles Sanctuary which is located at Ayer Keroh.

It is not only does the flying of the butterfly brings in thousands of tourist to the Sanctuary, amazingly, the magical  friendship between the butterflies and reptiles in the Sanctuary has also attracted the Lizards, the Amphibians, the Crocodilians, the Mammals, the Birds and last but not least, the Koi in the Koi Garden.

 

Butterfly Aviary

Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary is home to more than 20 different species of butterflies, including the Black and White Helen (Papilio nephelus), Malayan Birdwing (Troides), and the Malaysian National Butterfly, the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing – the butterfly that was named after Sir James Brooke, the Raja(King) of Sarawak. Imagine we were surrounded by hundreds of colourful butterflies where flowers burst with colours and life.

Watching these butterflies dance in the morning sun with water trickling over the garden stones will remind you just how simple and beautiful life can be.

 

Reptiles Walk

The Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary are simply the snake lovers. We believe that one will not take long to fall in love with these magnificent creatures. Come along with us and take a closer look on their scales, appreciate their incredible mobility, watch-out for their defensive postures and so on.

These reptiles are indeed full of mystery and completely adorable. Be it boas, pythons, vipers or cobras, we have them all under one roof. Here, our giant Burmese python awaits you! Where SIZE DOES MATTER, amazed by our 20 foot reticulated python of which many associate the species as fearsome man-eaters.

 Koi Garden

There is one place in the Sanctuary where the sound of falling water is ever present, it will be the Koi River Valley. This is the place where everyone has space for a simple and wonderful carps’ experience.

In a land engulfed with a variety of tropical plants holds the ponds and streams free from geometric to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. There, hundreds of colourful carps live in its clear azure water.

Simply laze by the pond and throw yourself into any of the activities of these beautiful fishes allows you to refresh your spirit and totally unwind in this jungle stimulated environment.

 

Souvenir Centre

We ended our visit by visiting the souvenir centre. There are various and plenty of the souvenirs such as beautiful paua shell is carved into a magical shinning butterfly brooch, Baba Nyonya’s traditional costume (the Kebayas), a simple animal pencil topper, wildlife glass, stuffed animals, butterfly and beetle key chains, etc.

It was really having fun here! We do not expect this sanctuary would be almost like the Penang Butterfly Garden which we had visited 4 years ago.

It is really great trip!

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A’ Famosa Water Theme Park 28 May 2014

We drove to Melaka not really early as well. This is the first time our whole family went to A’ Famosa Water Theme Park at Alor Gajah. A’ Famosa is more than the Water Theme Park, it has the Safari Wonderland and the Old West too.

Safari Wonderland like its name too, is a park with chanting animals. The Old West is only started from 6pm onwards, and feature a lot of old western rustic buildings, antiques, cowboys and cowgirls, red Indians, country songs and stunt shows.

Both Daddy and Mummy feels we just go for the Water Theme Park is sufficient already, as we do not have much time to go for the Safari Wonderland at one single day.

The Old West we are not so keen of going in as well, as we are not planning to stay at the A’ Famosa Resort Hotel, or their Condotel, no point we waited for 6pm for the program. So, we just go for the Water Theme Park only.

We reached there almost 10am and we parked our car at a cosy parking spot. Then, we were queuing to buy the entrance ticket.

Due to school holidays, there were huge crowds and we can see school students tour group too. We went in, looked for the lockers place, change our clothes into swimming attire. Then we going to have some fun there!

For kids, there is Arabian Village. Taste the different! Enjoy the endless fun and laughter with your children at this Arabian-style water playground.

Kids will love the adventures that are just their size in this children’s water play area. The Kids’ Adventure Pool with their mini slides, water sprays and a water playground are always the kids’ favourites.

Slow down your step, walking on the white sand with barefoot, lay down yourself on sand bath chair will be the greatest relax & release feeling from all the hassle at the Sandy Beach.

Dressed up your beachwear and enjoy surfing away from the beach. Every time the sirens wail, a wave heads toward the shore, the shrieks of excitement from the Wave Pool will be heard.

For something less strenuous, take a dip in one of the world’s longest Lazy River. Relax on a tube ride as the journey takes around the water theme park easily.

There is two enclosed slides that catapult riders into pitch black spirals of darkness. You don’t know which way you’re turning next, and you don’t see a thing until you hit the final splashdown at the Inner Tube Slides!

Imagine the fun you and your family members will have while sliding down the loops and twists on a giant tube at Family Raft Ride.

This was fun but for Annabelle is too frightened to her. She refused to go down with us. I have to pick her up after 3 of us went down the slide.

Hold on to your heart as you race down this monster, the two towering High Speed Slides is the landmark of A’ Famosa Water World.

These seven-storey slides provide a heart-stopping, yet breathtaking high velocity joyride as you can hurtle down and reach the ground in just a few seconds!

Are you brave enough to try this Body Slide? Open and enclosed configurations or a combination of both create a true fun experience. The Body Slide complex offers a variety of twists turns and drops suitable for guests of all ages.

Splash “Aqua Challenge” brings the concept of extreme sports with different obstacles that is build to challenge ones physical and mental strength. The first of its kind in Malaysia, you have to climb, jump, run, and swing to clear all the obstacles and head to success.

Our entrance fees were come with 1 free lunch. Thus, after playing water we went and hunt for our food. We claimed our free lunch at the Side Walk Café.

It is a one-stop convenience café at A’ Famosa Water World. Its lush surroundings of water features and greens provide calm, yet a soothing ambience. Side Walk Café is a perfect eatery outlet to revive after a thrilling day at the splashing water world.

Other than that, there are Bistro - If you think to taste our simple & Hawker style food such as Mamak , Nyonya , Fried, or Indian Food, Bistro will be your Selection.

Pavilion - Rushing time to continue your water slide or only little time to stop and rest, this is the place where you can get ‘convenient food’ like chicken burgers, nugget and hotdogs.

Kiosk – which serve some great snacks to go, Water World Kiosk will keep you going with their servings of nugget, popcorn, waffles, sweet corn in a cup and various cold and hot beverages.

Lastly Local Food Court - Hungry and the thirsty after playing all water games, local delights like chicken rice, sizzling for a quick bite will be one of your choice selections.

We were there almost 3 hours, then we get changed and out for their Sports and Recreation session, whereby both children Issac and Annabelle were playing the Archery game.

There were much more, such as Target Shooting, Horse Carriage, Paddle Boat, Cycling, Pony Ride, etc. Mixture of extreme sports and leisure sports.

This time around, we can spent more time to play more at the Water Theme Park, but most of the water slides Annabelle was so scared and do not want to play, if not we can spend much time there.

Later in the afternoon, we left to Melaka to check in to our Layang Layang Guest House near the Jonker Street area.

 

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Sibling Loves @ The Loaf Empire Gallery 25 May 2014

It is another Sunday, Daddy bring the children go to Empire Gallery Shopping Centre. We had our tea at The Loaf. It is a bakery and cafe. While waiting for Daddy ordered the bread or pastries for us, we just find a seating place and wait for our tea break.

Both Issac and Annabelle were so cheeky, keep on doing the funny faces when I want to take their photos. o(^.^)o.

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