Malacca Temples Photo Shots 29–30 May 2014

During our trip to Malacca, we did visit two of the oldest temples in the country.

One is Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and another one is Sam Po Kong Temple.

We do not take much of the photos as it was so hot in the afternoon during when we visit for both temples.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is located near the Jonker Street, and it is surrounded by the old houses, and actually just next to the Kling Mosque too.

Built in 1645 and taking pride in being an oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, this temple is a unique confluence of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

The restoration is done with a lot of craftsmanship. On entering the temple grounds, one drifts into an unexplainable calm.

As the smoke from incense and sandalwood lull your being, you are brought back to your senses by the tingle in your smarting eyes. The wall panel, ceiling décor, inimitable shrines urns, temple utensils and artifacts – drugs your senses.

The view from the entrance arch is panoramic. You swing your eyes from complete left to right to take in the temple in full. The single storey structure is not an overpowering sight, but is a humbling one.

There are joss sticks, joss papers on sale for one to make offerings in prayer. The history behind this modest temple is real, back to the original Chinese settlement in Melaka in the 1500s, and it is well maintained at considerable expense.

Sam Po Kong Temple which is located at the foot hill of the Bukit Cina.

There is a well-known ancient well that is located right at the side of this temple, the local called it Perigi Raja but it is more known as Hang Li Po Well.

100 meters to the right of the temple is the Second World War memorial. This is a historical site for Malaysian Chinese.

It is a temple of multi functions; especially goddess, Tua Pek Gong is a local Taoism goddess controlling the local land and in charges of wealth.

Ma Zhu is the lady god managing the sea water to ensure safety of people with job related to sea life. Another picture that is being worshipped is the Kapitan of local Chinese during the Dutch era of Melaka history.

This Temple is located in the middle of Chinatown in Melaka. You can observe the Chinese population and their rituals here. It is a good place to understand and to learn about Chinese habits and traditions.

Malacca Maritime Museum 29 May 2014

I was totally forgot this our visit to Malacca Maritime Museum as we just took a few photos only on our naughty kids!

Standing in front of the museum, you will first be surprised by the magnificent structure of the museum and later, redefine the common way you perceive a museum as nothing more than a normal building.

This is what made the children so excited about the museum! The structure of the ship is actually a replica built according to the former Portuguese ship named “Flor De La Mar”.

Centuries ago, the ship which carried a vast amount of Melaka treasures was on the way back to Portugal. However, accident happened and caused the ship to sink off the coast of Melaka. The construction of the museum according to this former Portuguese ship started in year 1990 and was opened to the public in 1994 after being officiated by Malaysia former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir.

Once we stepped into the museum, I felt a sense of different compared to other museums as it is lighted with dim light and spiral staircase.

Walking down the stairs can see models that visualize the situation of how traders from Arab, India and China conducted business with each other in order to gain profit in Melaka port, which was known as Venice of the East at that time.

Porcelain, silk, textile and spices were among some of the famous merchandises being brought into Melaka by the traders.

Walking down further, you will get to see framed paintings and picture that illustrate how Melaka played its role as emporium for traders from all around the world.

From those paintings, you can see how the Straits of Melaka is a strategic location for traders from both the east and the west to stop and conduct business while waiting for the monsoon season to change.

Apart from showing the significant history of Melaka Maritime, Maritime Museum also showcases the different eras that Melaka has gone through, from the Melaka Sultanate era, to Portuguese era, Dutch era to British era. With different flags, statues and illustrations representing each era, you will realize that history is no longer a series of boring lessons.

For ship fanatics, you will be thrilled by a collection of different ship models that are being showcased in the museum. From the collection, you can get to know more about the type of ships and and their functions.

In the adjacent area, you can also read about the history of how Melaka became an Islamic state and the legend of famous warrior such as Hang Tuah during the Melaka Sultanate era.

There is another interesting part on the upper level of Maritime Museum. Coming out from the dim museum, you can climb the stair that bring you up to the upper level of the ship. This is where you can see diorama of a captain cabin. Although you are not allowed to walk into the cabin to have an actual look, you can still read about the roles of a captain at the door step.

In ancient time, the Portuguese captain was the most powerful person in the ship where every subordinate will have to obey his instructions.

Those who were found committing crime will be sentenced by the captain immediately. He will also be the one who took full responsibility in fulfilling the mission of the king and ship owner.

By visiting Maritime Museum, you will be able to understand Melaka more vividly. Apart from the educational and beneficial information you can get from the museum, this place is also one where you will find the art of architecture blended in together with the history of Melaka.

Coral Wonderland Malacca 30 May 2014

After our Duck Tour ride, we went to the Coral Wonderland. The entrance tickets given discounted rate, thus we decided to visit the place as our ‘Duck’ stopped just not far from the Dataran Pahlawan.

Coral Wonderland Malacca is the Malaysia’s first coral park, hosting over 1,000 species of marine fish and corals. Opened in 2011, the coral park is home to Asia’s longest touch pool, and the country’s longest coral aquarium, giving a chance for in-depth look on loved marine life. It is situated at level 4 of the conveniently-located Dataran Pahlawan shopping mall.

Filled with interesting and colourful marine creatures such as clown fish and seahorses, Coral Wonderland is divided into nine separate sections with each focusing on a species or a theme, with corresponding activities for both adults and kids to enjoy. The shark pool, for example, lets the visitors get up close with one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures so that one can personally observe its interesting features, such as its blacktip fins and puckered mouths.

Coral Wonderland is also the longest interactive touch pool in Asia. In it, visitors can freely touch marine life such as star fishes, sea cucumbers, bamboo sharks and sea urchins with help and explanation from its informative tour assistants.

The coral reef garden that comes right after the touch pool is a mesmerising sight – beautiful corals move their tentacles at their own pace and motion, and are housed in several aquariums for easier observation.  This opportunity is perfect for those who would like a chance of closer inspection of these colourful underwater creatures without submerging themselves for a glimpse.

Other sections in Coral Wonderland include a snake corner, an arthropod zone, a clownfish kingdom and a seahorse corner, and each is loaded with information.

To further encourage learning, visitors are given a quiz paper when they arrive and upon answering the questions correctly according to the information provided in each section, they receive certification. At the end, visitors with a complete set of certification stamps will be awarded with a free gift.

Taking a step further to conserve precious marine life, Coral Wonderland has also taken part in the Malaysian Department of Fisheries’ ongoing effort in breeding hawkbill sea turtles.

The collaboration sees the coral park hosting several turtles under their roofs in a specialised pool, and educating the public regarding the critically endangered species for further awareness.

A very informative short visit we had here. No regret coming here!

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Layang Layang Guest House 28 – 29 May 2014

This time around in Melacca, we stayed at Layang Layang Guest House. It was highly recommended by Daddy as I did call up for a stay and booked for 28th and 29th of May.

We were at A’ Famosa Theme Park for the whole morning and children were enjoying the Water Theme Park. Besides this Water Theme Park, there are Safari Wonderland and the Old West.

But, we had decided not to go for it, after seeing the Old West is a bit wear off and the Safari World, as if we were staying to play all the Theme Parks, it would be very late for us already, to drive down to Melacca town.

Thus, Mummy called up Layang Layang Guest House as we would like to check in earlier.  Fortunately they still have rooms available for us.

Layang Layang Guest House is an old building, whereby the owner of the building striving their very best to preserve the building and the guest house was awarded this recognition by the world heritage organization.

And, their warmth and hospitality that extend to every guest who chooses to stay with them have let the travellers around the world in giving their good credits for the guest house.

Once we entered the guest house, we were welcomed by the receptionist. And, it is a spacious waiting area, where there are some board games, guitar, chess board, card games, for the guests to use.

What attracted me was the wall paintings – a layang-layang (kites) on the clear blue sky. On our way to our room, there are bicycles which can be on rental for the guests if they want to.

The handcrafted wooden furniture, the wall paintings, and the decorations are really pieces of arts.

Not mentioning the fish pond, and the courtyard garden in the centre of the guesthouse. There is an un-use well there too. The children were so excited when they reached here and see all these lovely interior decorated guest house.

In the public areas of the guesthouse, complimentary wireless internet is provided.

There are a total of 8 shared bathrooms with hot shower. Although the guest house offer only shared bathrooms, they are spacious, neat and clean with unique laboratory design and equipped with quality toilet amenities.

Personally, we did not feel or experience any inconvenience on this count. The washing basins areas is so nicely done up, with the unique stone basins installed on top of the bare finish concrete top.

The kitchen area is well-appointed and the guests can enjoy free coffee, tea, alkaline water, and/or biscuits at anyone convenience. A large fridge is also convenient for us to keep own bottles or other stuff that needs temperature control. But, we do not use the fridge.

We do enjoy our stay here as it is really comfortable, relaxing, clean and the most affordably priced accommodation in a hospitable environment with friendly staff, as well as its proximity to Jonker Street, Kampung Keling Mosque, Stadthuys (Red Square), St. Paul’s Church, and many other attractions offered by Malacca.

We definitely will come back next time if we able to book it. As the Layang Layang Guest House is very difficult to book as it is very popular among the travellers.

We love this place! 

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Malacca Street Arts 28 – 31 May 2014

During our 4 days at Melacca, we did come across with various sorts of ‘arts’ along our walking tour in the midst of the Jonker Street areas. I do not manage to take every single one of it, it is just a lot, and it might be not just a few days tour if one really want to look at the arts and the traditional elements in every single streets of Melacca. It might be months!!! If you really want to study carefully.

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Next time, if really got time then will snap the photos more…

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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