Sunday 31 March 2013

The Hots for Malacca

My last trip to Malacca was 20 years ago and I have little memories of the trip except that we had driven there on a whim and almost couldn't find a room to sleep in that night. Malacca was a popular destination then and I swear even more so now.

When the opportunity came up to visit Malacca over the Easter weekend, I surprised myself by accepting without any hesitation. CH's nieces had booked the room and secured bus tickets; I was just so happy to tag along without having to drive or do any legwork.

We boarded the bus at City Plaza on Saturday morning. Clearance at Tuas checkpoint was such a breeze and the journey along the highway towards Malacca was pleasant. Traffic only started building up when we were entering Malacca city. That is when the heat starts to hit you.

Could this be the same Malacca we visited in the mid-90s? I recalled we had driven along a long and narrow road flanked by lush vegetation on both sides. Malacca was more rustic then... but enough of the old days.

We alighted at Melaka Central bus station and took a cab to our hotel near Jonker Street. Courtyard @ Heeren is a charming boutique hotel with well thought out design and interesting touches. I particularly love the courtyards and open spaces within the building.
 
  
The location is also perfect for wandering around the old Peranakan Chinatown area which is part of UNESCO heritage city of Malacca. The buildings are eye candy.




Have I warned you about the heat yet? The blazing sun, narrow streets, concrete buildings and the lack of trees contribute to the intense heat. Even the breeze is warm. You feel sticky after ten minutes of walking yet everyone seemed to be out and about in search of good food and snacks.You just have to find your own way to beat the heat.
Carry a brolly.

Wear a hat.

Wear shades and eat copious amount of chendol (shaved ice dessert).

Order milkshake.
And eat more chendol!









8 comments:

My Sinfonia said...

haha...carry a brolly...a fuchsia pink one at that!

Petunia Lee said...

Ooooooh me going to that hotel!! And me also gonna eat a lotta cendol. Miam!

Blur Ting said...

Yin Mei - Yes, I couldn't help but quickly take a photo. Matches the wall!

Blur Ting said...

Pet - You will like the hotel. If you like chendol, you must also try the durian chendol at 'san shu kong'.

Open Kitchen Concept said...

oh pls also try the chendol at Jonker 88 and the tandoori chicken at Pak Putra.. and tell me if these 2 alone are worth a trip to Malacca.. :)

http://www.openkitchenconcept.blogspot.sg/search/label/travel%20-%20Malaysia

The World According To Me said...

Looks like fun in the sun! Can you send some of your sunshine to the UK please?

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