We, consist of Wai Hoong, Yee Lim, Kin Ho and I, departed from Ipoh around 10.15am after our breakfast and reached Melaka town at 1.30pm. Along the way, we saw numerous shopping complexes such as MyDin, Aeon, Dataran Pahlawan and of course the famous Mahkota Parade.
One good thing about our hotel is that it is located just beside the vibrant Jonker Street which is a huge tourist attraction. Just opposite our hotel is the Eng Choon Association.
After that, we went hunting for a nice chicken rice ball shop to satisfy our hunger. We were quite disappointed because it was a glaring hot Thursday afternoon and the renowned Chung Wah Restaurant and Hoe Kee Restaurant were closed.
After deep consideration, we headed to Famosa Chicken Rice Ball shop. Sadly the rice balls were not as tasty as expected and the chicken was not as good as the one we have in Ipoh.
The only nice food in that restaurant is the Fish Otak-Otak which I think it deserves a thumb up. We spent RM41 for that lunch.
We went back to our hotel before coming out again at 7.00pm. Since most of the shops along the street were closed by that time, we went to a nearby hawker center for our dinner.
The fried oyster that was sold there was awesome. I love it~
The 45-minute ride brought us along the river cruise and throughout the journey, we saw many hand-painted buildings and old-English style cafeterias.
We went to visit Muzium Samudera after the cruise but it was close at night so we decided to come back the next day. Since Mahkota Parade is just a walking distance, we went and explore it! I came across Kenny Rogers in the mall~
Before bed time, we went to a nearby mamak store which serves North India and Pakistan cuisine. We ordered Tandoori Chicken and try out the Egg & Cheese Naan. What a delicious night~ =)
Our second day started new with the breakfast served in the hotel with the choice of Western Style or Local Style.
We came across an old, gated western style building at the same row with our hotel. I believe it belongs to one of the rich there.
After that, we went to Jonker Bird House which is included in our 3 days 2 nights coupon.
According to our tour guide in the bird house, the owner used up around RM 5 millions to renovate and refurbish the bird house after he found out that swiflets had migrated into the house. It is definitely a money-making business by just selling the bird nest alone!
We went to the renowned Red House where the Christ Church of Melaka is situated after that.
Taking any photos inside the Church is prohibited but I tried using my phone to snap photos there, in the end I got scolded badly by the church keeper in front of a swarm of people. =(
Trishaws are popular among the tourists. The standard price is RM40 per hour and they are not allow to negotiate or set their own price.
Along the way, we visited the Dutch Fort and the Water Mill too.
Further up along the street, there are a few museums located just beside the river bank. One of it is Muzium Samudera which we did not enter last night. The museum was built the same design as the ship, Flor De La Mar.
Histories of Melaka as well as local heroes were displayed there.
Not forgetting various models of ships used by the Portuguese, British and the locals before independence.
Not surprising though, there was a queue in front of the restaurant. The 3 of us decided to visit San Shu Gong shop opposite the restaurant while leaving Kin Ho to perform the holy task - queue up. xD
San Shu Gong is known for its local products such as dodol, biscuits, nyonya cakes and many more.
One of it is the Durian Cendol. I did not try it because I dislike durian all along but Yee Lim tasted it. He said the durian essense is too strong and it actually cover up the cendol taste. RM5.80 for one, anyone interested?
Since it was a steaming hot day, we decided to try out the sparkling juices that were sold along the street with just RM10 for 3 bottles. We went to Dataran Pahlawan situated beside Mahkota Parade after that to escape the heat out there.
We came across a 6D Motion Theater in the mall and decided to give it a try. RM13 for a mere 8-minute 3D clip with water being sprinkled constantly and some gush of wind shooting at us repeatedly. Not worth the pay!
When we left the mall before 6.00pm, we saw St. Francis Institution! It was founded in 1880 which is 32 years older than St. Michael's.
We headed to a shop named Capitol Satay to try out the renowned Satay Celup. It was a very shocking long queue but Wai Hoong insisted to try it out. After approximately 45 minutes of lining up, finally it was our turn.
It was just some normal ingredients-in-a-stick. What made it special is the Satay sauce. They have their own recipe for the sauce and it is incredibly awesome!!! With only 90 cent per stick, we have spent RM66 just for the meal. It is a must-try when you come to Melaka one day but try to avoid coming on weekends as the queue will be unimaginable. I had a friend who queue for 3 hours!
We were lucky as Jonker Street night market only operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. So we went there after resting at our hotel. The street is crowded with locals as well as tourists who opt for a drink in the bars.
It is the same as our local pasar malam, with more lively and they even have a stage set up for the old folks to show their 'talent' in singing.
I was lucky as I had the chance to meet Madam Hoe. She is definitely a person I will salute.
Without her limbs, she is able to perform Chinese calligraphy with just a brush. How many of us actually able to do that with our perfect limbs?
Third day started with a buffet style breakfast at our hotel.
After that, we went to San Shu Gong again as Wai Hoong wanted to try the Durian Cendol. We bought some kaya cakes called Amoy with just RM7.50 for 6 pieces.
After some time spent on the street, we started our journey back to Ipoh and ended our delicious 3 days 2 nights trip in the historical city.
HELLO IVAN TAN KOKO