Melaka - A trip down memory lane

This CNY, my family and I planned a trip down to Melaka. Not that we have not been there before, but we have not done so with the entire family. So, this time I managed to gather the entire family to go on this short escapade with me.


Seeing that I love to stay at hostels or B&B over hotels anytime, i chose to stay at this guest house called The Riverview Guest House.

Pic above: a shot of my sis, Sue Shan hanging out at the balcony

It is located at Lot 94 & 96, Jalan Kampung Pantai, adjacent to Lorong Hang Jebat and runs parallel to the famous Jonker street.

I guess staying in these budget or no-frill accommodations is something I've picked up when I was backpacking in Italy and Spain. It is great as very often, they come cheap (RM 25/per person/night), have more characters (this guest house has been listed as a UNESCO site) and you also get to mingle with the other guests for chats.

The guest house is also centrally located as all the interesting attractions are just a stone-throw away. The owners are very friendly, though they were surprise to see us and shared with us that they don't find many Malaysians staying at their guest house as they mostly receive international visitors, mainly backpackers. Beds are comfy with the occasional bed bugs, common toilets are clean, nice owners and a wonderful view of the river for relaxation.

Pic above: Picture perfect view of the Melaka river

Places of interests in Melaka are St. Paul's Church, The Famosa fort, and about 5 different museums. I did a refresher course in history after checking out the Melaka Sultanate Museum (RM 2 per person). Man, I realised that all my history lessons has been given back to my History teacher. Lets see whether I can recall what I have learnt during my visit to the Museum:

1. After witnessing a white mousedeer kicking a hunting dog off the river bank, Parameswara (who fled from Temasek after killing Temagi) decided to establish his administration here in Melaka. It is named after the tree where he sought shelter.
2. Bendahara is equivalent to the present day Prime Minister
3. Laksamana is equivalent to the present day Admiral
4. Temenggung is equivalent to the present day Chief Police Officer

Pic above: i am the envoy from the Ming Dynasty, having an audience with the Sultan ....hahhah

Everything else appeared fuzzy after that....well, I am never that good in history anyway.

This is the time of the year where everybody comes to Melaka, as the traffic was horrendous, especially along Jonker Street. Luckily, we stayed nearby and walked most of the time.

Pic above: Jonker Street @ night

Eating is never a problem in Melaka. Famous local cuisine usually include the famous Satay Celup (Capitol), Chicken rice balls (along Jonker Street), Cendol and Baba Laksa (Jonker88) and Asam Pedas fish.

Pic above: Laksa Baba, Asam Laksa & Cendol @ Jonker 88

Baba & Nyonya restaurants are also scattered around town. Must try foods are Ayam Ponteh and Ayam Keluak. Famous pubs include Geographer and Discovery.

But if you can, make your way to Batu Berendam as you can find some pretty good eats. These are the places where the locals go for their daily fixes of chicken rice balls (RM 3 per serving) and coconut pudding (RM 8 per coconut, serves 3). The coconut pudding is highly recommended. Hmmmm....i will try to see whether I can make this at home.

Pic above: Coconut pudding at Dragon Deluxe Restaurant, Bt Berendam

In the evening, a few rounds of card games followed before we called it a night.

Early the next day, when the rest of my family members went out for breakfast, I took the opportunity to lounge at the balcony of the guest house while sipping my cup of tea, overlooking the river (hence the name of the guest house). Ah, what bliss........

Will I come back to Melaka for a visit in the future?.....most defintely.....but not during CNY!