I
board the bus at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
in Kuala Lumpur (KL) at 11.25am, for an 11.30am departure on Thursday 7 July
2022. Talk about prompt!
I wave to one of the
serious looking officials as we depart KL, a little late at 11.34am. Melaka
here I come!
1 hour 50 minutes after
leaving KL we arrive at Melaka Sentral bus station. I follow the signs to the
taxis. On asking where I was going I was told it would be MYR 20. I try to negotiate
but get nowhere. I can’t be bothered arguing and given I don’t have access to
the internet I can’t order a Grab, so I just get in.
Crazy to me how a 10
minute taxi ride can cost more than a 1 hour 50 minute bus ride!!! Hey ho. I
did at least get help with my suitcase and a recommendation for a place for
dinner.
Check-in is super
easy! The signs all say 3pm is check-in so I was totally expecting them to say
I couldn’t check in yet. Not the case!
I laugh out loud when
I see the sign at the lift.
As soon as I leave
the hotel again I’m struck with the intense heat! Definitely hotter than what
KL was. I’ll need to stick to the shade as much as possible. Right now I need
something to eat.
I wander the streets for about an hour before making my way back to the hotel for some cool air. It’s too hot to be outside in the sun and especially without a hat on.
The heat of the sun is still there when I venture out again. I’m feeling tired - definitely won’t be a late night for me!
I decide to stop for a drink along the water, on the shady side! It’s peaceful sitting here listening to the sounds to Melaka and watching people walk / boat by.
It’s getting hotter and hotter as each minute goes by. I’m sitting in the shade and there is a very very tiny breeze but it’s not doing much at all.
I enjoy Spanish tapas for dinner - yes I know not Malaysian but they were super good! And the a/c was lovely.
I’ve been trying to think where Melaka reminds me off - Hoi An (Vietnam) and a little bit of Havana (Cuba).
The streets are basically deserted when I walk back to the hotel. A nice change from earlier when there were so many people around.
I already love the bright red colours of the buildings and can feel I’m going to love just wandering the streets.
I wander the streets for about an hour before making my way back to the hotel for some cool air. It’s too hot to be outside in the sun and especially without a hat on.
The heat of the sun is still there when I venture out again. I’m feeling tired - definitely won’t be a late night for me!
I decide to stop for a drink along the water, on the shady side! It’s peaceful sitting here listening to the sounds to Melaka and watching people walk / boat by.
It’s getting hotter and hotter as each minute goes by. I’m sitting in the shade and there is a very very tiny breeze but it’s not doing much at all.
I enjoy Spanish tapas for dinner - yes I know not Malaysian but they were super good! And the a/c was lovely.
I’ve been trying to think where Melaka reminds me off - Hoi An (Vietnam) and a little bit of Havana (Cuba).
The streets are basically deserted when I walk back to the hotel. A nice change from earlier when there were so many people around.
Friday 8 July I wake
at 6.30am, no thank you! Far too early. I doze for a bit before enjoying a cup
of peppermint tea (thank you Qantas lounge). The cups are soooo tiny I
make two.
The lady at reception very kindly helps me book my bus ticket for Sunday. This saves me a trip to the bus station. I had tried to do it last night but had no luck. The Wi-Fi is definitely stronger down here.
The place I wanted to go for breakfast doesn’t open to 10am and coffee is needed now. I choose a place on the river (that I had also seen in KL). I decide on a window seat - great for people / boat watching and an added bonus is the breeze. Thankfully not as hot as yesterday, but I’m thinking that will all change once the clouds go.
When I step outside the number of people around has definitely increased. I wander the streets of Old Town. Some shops are open, others remain closed. I’m loving all the bright colours of the shops / houses.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is Malaysia’s oldest temple (wow!). It was constructed in 1673 and remains a central place of worship for the local communities.
It’s basically a hop, step and a jump to Masjid Kampung Kling (Kampung Kling Mosque). The mosque was completed in 1748 and remains central to Malay daily life. As it’s a Friday I expected it to be closed to visitors and especially non-Muslim’s but alas no, it’s open to 3pm when it then closes for prayers.
I’m the only one in here which makes it even more peaceful.
When I step outside I notice the clouds are starting to disappear, making way for the sun. I’ll need to return to my hotel soon to put on sunscreen.
I locate the place I had wanted to come for breakfast, while it’s chilled I’m glad I didn’t hold on for breakfast. My spot this morning was so much better!! Iced latte is ordered.
The sun is starting to really belt down, time to find somewhere to stop for a cold drink and lunch. I head back to the old town and to a cafe I walked by last night.
Thankfully there is a table in a great people watching location.
As I enter Christ Church the first thing that hits me is the heat - there are no fans! Made worse by the fact I’m wearing a mask. The second thing is how plain it is, compared to the bright red outside. Not what I was expecting.
The sweat under my mask is too much.....time to go in search of a/c. Thankfully my hotel is right next door.
I have a couple of hours in my room cooling off and doing some planning for the rest of my trip.
When I venture outside again it’s still H O T!! I had noticed earlier that Stadthuy’s is closed, hopefully tomorrow it will be open.
I walk up the stairs behind Stadthuy’s towards (and up) St Paul’s Hill.
The views down to Melaka and the sea are great!
I wander around and into St Paul’s Church ruins.
At Paul’s Church is a historic church building that was originally built in 1521 (by a Portuguese captain), making it the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
I manage to walk a few blocks before the heat gets to me. Time to escape!
As I’m not overly hungry I decide to head back to the same place where I had breakfast this morning. Hmmm probably not the best idea given I want to come here for breakfast tomorrow. Will need to do some research later for tomorrows breakfast.
As soon as I’m shown to a table I ask if I can be moved to window table if/when one comes available. I start to look at the HUGE menu and within minutes I’m being told there is a spare table. Excellent!! It’s the same one from this morning 😊
I head back to the hotel via the start of the night market. There are people everywhere. It’s still super hot and humid. I’m looking forward to a cold shower.
Saturday 9 July I’m woken up at 6am by the room next to me. Thankfully I manage to go back to sleep.
I decide to have a short walk around the block before going to breakfast. It’s another scorching hot day. As I get close I notice a line up. There definitely has been an influx of visitors overnight!!! Thankfully there is a breeze standing here in the shade.
I end up getting a window seat again 😊 and immediately order a coffee. Things seem quite slow this morning so I’m kicking myself for not ordering food at the same time. I stop the waiter when he next passes to order. He tells me there will be a wait as they are busy and short staffed. All good, I have a nice seat with a breeze.
After a quick stop at the hotel to apply sunscreen I head off to The Stadhuy’s.
Thankfully it’s opened today. Time to put my mask on 😞
The Stadhuy’s (means The Town Hall) was built in the 1650s by the Dutch. It first functioned as the Dutch administrative centre, then as the Governor’s residence until the early 18th century. When the British took over they used the building as their administrative centre. Interestingly the original building was white, and was painted red in the 1820s.
While there are fans
going it’s beyond hot in here! I’m a bit naughty and remove my mask when there
aren’t others around. It’s just too much wearing a mask in this heat!!!
When I walk into the Governor’s Museum the first thing I notice is the cold air conditioning - heaven, I might be here for a while!!!
I decide to sit on the marble stairs for a few minutes to enjoy the cold air before I venture outside again. Being in tourist in this heat is hard work…..but I’m not complaining too much.
I wander along the riverfront in the opposite direction I’ve been before. There is next to no one around.
Heading back to the old town I wander towards the cafe I had lunch at yesterday thinking I’ll go there unless I find somewhere else first.
I’m casually looking at a menu when the lady working there comes out and chats to me. She is so friendly that I’m sold! Just hope there is something here that takes my fancy. Right now I need a cold drink.
Lunch was good but I prefer what I had yesterday - much stronger and tastier flavours. Perhaps I’ll go there for dinner tonight.
I have a couple of hours at the hotel - mainly doing research for the next part of my trip. All takes time, especially when I’m moving around every 2-3 days.
Late afternoon I head out, it’s still 900 trillion degrees hot!
Instead of going to my local cafe for a drink I decide to do a river cruise. While buying the tickets I get chatting to a family from Sydney. We sit together on the boat which is nice. I point out a couple of places to visit while in Melaka.
It’s nice to see Melaka from a different point of view. Even though the sun is still full beam the light breeze cools it down ever so slightly.
I had forgotten to pack my sudoku book so head back to the hotel to collect that and refill my water bottle (thank you Lifestraw).
When I arrive at Ram Cafe the owner is serving the Australian family - she greets me like an old friend! There are no seats free but she assures me she’ll find me one. Within minutes I’m sitting down. This is one of the plus’s of being a “local”. She even brings me a Tiger without asking. So lovely!
The table next to me get a plate of wedges….they smell so good! Time for me to leave in search of dinner.
You guessed it, I return to Geography Cafe (where I had lunch yesterday). They have put chains up around the outside to stop people taking short cuts through the restaurant. Very wise as I saw many people doing this yesterday.
Beer and food ordered. I now sit back and watch everyone in the market.
A cold shower after a day in the heat and humidity is amazing!
I’m woken early on Sunday 10 July by someone’s alarm…..how I hear it longer than they do and I’m not in the same room is anyone’s guess!!!
I take my time getting up before packing up. Thankfully it was nice and easy as I’d hardly taken anything out.
Walking along the river with the beaming sun on my back (at 8.40am) I’m pleased I’m going to be traveling today. Far too hot to be out and about sightseeing! The only people around are those doing exercise (we all say hello as we pass each other) and the odd tourist out enjoying the place before the hordes arrive!
As I walk into Gravy Baby I’m greeted like an old friend and told my table has been reserved for me 😊 flat white? Yes please!
Aah the breeze, heavenly! I’m going to miss this view.
I am definitely not the only one wandering around the streets! There is a lot more people around now than there was an hour ago. I stumble across a local flea market.
Another coffee is needed. The place I had wanted to go too was closed, the back-up place had a long line to get in. No thanks. So instead I head to the river to a place I had walked past this morning. They are busy but have space.
I take the river walk back to the hotel. Check-out is very easy. They have housekeeping check my room (to see if I’ve left the hair dryer and TV remote) before they can return my deposit.
Given it’s a public holiday my grab taxi is more expensive than usual. My driver is super friendly and chatty!
On arrival at the bus station I head straight to the ticket counter. Thankfully the lines are nowhere near what they were in KL! It costs MYR 0.70 cents to print out my ticket….after all the hassle to book online I don’t think I’ll be doing this again.
The bus arrives at 12.20pm, again very prompt! I put my suitcase on then climb aboard.
We depart 4 minutes late, KLIA here I come.
My time in Melaka has come to an end. It’s been a lovely 3 days exploring this city.
(We pull into KLIA 1 hour 45 minutes after leaving Melaka).
The lady at reception very kindly helps me book my bus ticket for Sunday. This saves me a trip to the bus station. I had tried to do it last night but had no luck. The Wi-Fi is definitely stronger down here.
The place I wanted to go for breakfast doesn’t open to 10am and coffee is needed now. I choose a place on the river (that I had also seen in KL). I decide on a window seat - great for people / boat watching and an added bonus is the breeze. Thankfully not as hot as yesterday, but I’m thinking that will all change once the clouds go.
When I step outside the number of people around has definitely increased. I wander the streets of Old Town. Some shops are open, others remain closed. I’m loving all the bright colours of the shops / houses.
As I enter Cheng Hoon
Teng Temple I’m removing my hat and adding my mask. How people are wearing their
mask constantly in this heat is beyond me.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is Malaysia’s oldest temple (wow!). It was constructed in 1673 and remains a central place of worship for the local communities.
It’s basically a hop, step and a jump to Masjid Kampung Kling (Kampung Kling Mosque). The mosque was completed in 1748 and remains central to Malay daily life. As it’s a Friday I expected it to be closed to visitors and especially non-Muslim’s but alas no, it’s open to 3pm when it then closes for prayers.
I’m the only one in here which makes it even more peaceful.
When I step outside I notice the clouds are starting to disappear, making way for the sun. I’ll need to return to my hotel soon to put on sunscreen.
I locate the place I had wanted to come for breakfast, while it’s chilled I’m glad I didn’t hold on for breakfast. My spot this morning was so much better!! Iced latte is ordered.
Water bottle filled
up and feeling refreshed I head outside to the heat and my wandering continues.
This time I walk off the beaten (tourist) track. I’m only 2-3 streets from the
old town but feel like I’m in a completely different city.
The sun is starting to really belt down, time to find somewhere to stop for a cold drink and lunch. I head back to the old town and to a cafe I walked by last night.
Thankfully there is a table in a great people watching location.
As I enter Christ Church the first thing that hits me is the heat - there are no fans! Made worse by the fact I’m wearing a mask. The second thing is how plain it is, compared to the bright red outside. Not what I was expecting.
The sweat under my mask is too much.....time to go in search of a/c. Thankfully my hotel is right next door.
I have a couple of hours in my room cooling off and doing some planning for the rest of my trip.
When I venture outside again it’s still H O T!! I had noticed earlier that Stadthuy’s is closed, hopefully tomorrow it will be open.
I walk up the stairs behind Stadthuy’s towards (and up) St Paul’s Hill.
The views down to Melaka and the sea are great!
I wander around and into St Paul’s Church ruins.
At Paul’s Church is a historic church building that was originally built in 1521 (by a Portuguese captain), making it the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Like most tourist spots around the world there are stalls along with a man carrying a parrot offering photos for MYR 5. Not for me thanks.
I walk down the hill to Porta de Santiago.
Porta de Santiago was built in 1511 as a Portuguese fortress. It was destroyed in 1806 by the British (they had taken over in 1641) to prevent it falling into Napoleon’s hands.
There are rickshaws for Africa! And all decked out. I’m asked a few times if I want one - no thanks, my feet work perfectly fine and I was planning on burning off some calories before a nice cold beer!!
I return to the river side bar I was at last night. This time choosing a table under a fan. Cold beer ordered. Time to sit back and watch the world go by.
I walk down the hill to Porta de Santiago.
Porta de Santiago was built in 1511 as a Portuguese fortress. It was destroyed in 1806 by the British (they had taken over in 1641) to prevent it falling into Napoleon’s hands.
There are rickshaws for Africa! And all decked out. I’m asked a few times if I want one - no thanks, my feet work perfectly fine and I was planning on burning off some calories before a nice cold beer!!
I return to the river side bar I was at last night. This time choosing a table under a fan. Cold beer ordered. Time to sit back and watch the world go by.
I head back to Jonker
Walk where I find the Jonker Walk Night Market in full steam.
I manage to walk a few blocks before the heat gets to me. Time to escape!
As I’m not overly hungry I decide to head back to the same place where I had breakfast this morning. Hmmm probably not the best idea given I want to come here for breakfast tomorrow. Will need to do some research later for tomorrows breakfast.
As soon as I’m shown to a table I ask if I can be moved to window table if/when one comes available. I start to look at the HUGE menu and within minutes I’m being told there is a spare table. Excellent!! It’s the same one from this morning 😊
I head back to the hotel via the start of the night market. There are people everywhere. It’s still super hot and humid. I’m looking forward to a cold shower.
Saturday 9 July I’m woken up at 6am by the room next to me. Thankfully I manage to go back to sleep.
I decide to have a short walk around the block before going to breakfast. It’s another scorching hot day. As I get close I notice a line up. There definitely has been an influx of visitors overnight!!! Thankfully there is a breeze standing here in the shade.
I end up getting a window seat again 😊 and immediately order a coffee. Things seem quite slow this morning so I’m kicking myself for not ordering food at the same time. I stop the waiter when he next passes to order. He tells me there will be a wait as they are busy and short staffed. All good, I have a nice seat with a breeze.
After a quick stop at the hotel to apply sunscreen I head off to The Stadhuy’s.
Thankfully it’s opened today. Time to put my mask on 😞
The Stadhuy’s (means The Town Hall) was built in the 1650s by the Dutch. It first functioned as the Dutch administrative centre, then as the Governor’s residence until the early 18th century. When the British took over they used the building as their administrative centre. Interestingly the original building was white, and was painted red in the 1820s.
When I walk into the Governor’s Museum the first thing I notice is the cold air conditioning - heaven, I might be here for a while!!!
I decide to sit on the marble stairs for a few minutes to enjoy the cold air before I venture outside again. Being in tourist in this heat is hard work…..but I’m not complaining too much.
I wander along the riverfront in the opposite direction I’ve been before. There is next to no one around.
Heading back to the old town I wander towards the cafe I had lunch at yesterday thinking I’ll go there unless I find somewhere else first.
I’m casually looking at a menu when the lady working there comes out and chats to me. She is so friendly that I’m sold! Just hope there is something here that takes my fancy. Right now I need a cold drink.
Lunch was good but I prefer what I had yesterday - much stronger and tastier flavours. Perhaps I’ll go there for dinner tonight.
I have a couple of hours at the hotel - mainly doing research for the next part of my trip. All takes time, especially when I’m moving around every 2-3 days.
Late afternoon I head out, it’s still 900 trillion degrees hot!
Instead of going to my local cafe for a drink I decide to do a river cruise. While buying the tickets I get chatting to a family from Sydney. We sit together on the boat which is nice. I point out a couple of places to visit while in Melaka.
It’s nice to see Melaka from a different point of view. Even though the sun is still full beam the light breeze cools it down ever so slightly.
I had forgotten to pack my sudoku book so head back to the hotel to collect that and refill my water bottle (thank you Lifestraw).
When I arrive at Ram Cafe the owner is serving the Australian family - she greets me like an old friend! There are no seats free but she assures me she’ll find me one. Within minutes I’m sitting down. This is one of the plus’s of being a “local”. She even brings me a Tiger without asking. So lovely!
The table next to me get a plate of wedges….they smell so good! Time for me to leave in search of dinner.
You guessed it, I return to Geography Cafe (where I had lunch yesterday). They have put chains up around the outside to stop people taking short cuts through the restaurant. Very wise as I saw many people doing this yesterday.
Beer and food ordered. I now sit back and watch everyone in the market.
A cold shower after a day in the heat and humidity is amazing!
I’m woken early on Sunday 10 July by someone’s alarm…..how I hear it longer than they do and I’m not in the same room is anyone’s guess!!!
I take my time getting up before packing up. Thankfully it was nice and easy as I’d hardly taken anything out.
Walking along the river with the beaming sun on my back (at 8.40am) I’m pleased I’m going to be traveling today. Far too hot to be out and about sightseeing! The only people around are those doing exercise (we all say hello as we pass each other) and the odd tourist out enjoying the place before the hordes arrive!
As I walk into Gravy Baby I’m greeted like an old friend and told my table has been reserved for me 😊 flat white? Yes please!
Aah the breeze, heavenly! I’m going to miss this view.
I am definitely not the only one wandering around the streets! There is a lot more people around now than there was an hour ago. I stumble across a local flea market.
Another coffee is needed. The place I had wanted to go too was closed, the back-up place had a long line to get in. No thanks. So instead I head to the river to a place I had walked past this morning. They are busy but have space.
I take the river walk back to the hotel. Check-out is very easy. They have housekeeping check my room (to see if I’ve left the hair dryer and TV remote) before they can return my deposit.
Given it’s a public holiday my grab taxi is more expensive than usual. My driver is super friendly and chatty!
On arrival at the bus station I head straight to the ticket counter. Thankfully the lines are nowhere near what they were in KL! It costs MYR 0.70 cents to print out my ticket….after all the hassle to book online I don’t think I’ll be doing this again.
The bus arrives at 12.20pm, again very prompt! I put my suitcase on then climb aboard.
We depart 4 minutes late, KLIA here I come.
My time in Melaka has come to an end. It’s been a lovely 3 days exploring this city.
(We pull into KLIA 1 hour 45 minutes after leaving Melaka).
No comments:
Post a Comment