A Melaka Getaway

Melaka's salmon pink/red buildings (CNB 2013)

The recent public holidays of Deepavali (02/11/13) and Maal Hijrah (05/11/13) afforded some getaway time, so B and I made a road trip down to the historic city of Melaka, just a two-hour drive away from KL/Shah Alam. For nearly four days there, it was sheer indulgence in history and culture (read: food, art, architecture, and more ... food).

Getting off the North-South highway at Ayer Keroh was the start of a long and slow drive into Melaka City. Our first stop was at the Bayview Hotel in Jalan Bendahara, where we had a room on the unlucky 13th floor! This 25 year old hotel needs refurbishing and they seem to be getting on with it, starting with their air conditioning system. I think they should look at their lifts as well, because we had a minor scare in one. But I will spare you the details.

Anyway that did not stop us from stuffing ourselves with seafood during dinner at a restaurant nearby. It was Sri Lankan crabs and pomfret fish followed by street-side durian for dessert!

B and street-side durian dessert - delish! (CNB 2013)

The next morning we walked next door to the oldest functioning Catholic Church (built in 1710), the St Peter's, for a look-see. It being Sunday, there was a service being held then. So we left after a few snapshots of the church's facade. After checking out, we joined the traffic jam into the happening historic heart of Melaka city centre. For two nights we will 'zonk out' at the Hangout@Jonker (hotel) on Lorong Hang Jebat.

St Peter's Church (CNB 2013)

The iconic clogs of Jonker Street (CNB 2013)

From here, in muted sunshine and afternoon rains, we did all our 'absorption' of the history and culture of Melaka around us - its past, architecture, art and crafts, foods, people and current attractions. We covered the main streets of Jalan Hang Jebat (aka Jonker Street), Jalan Tokong and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock. Of course we did the Melaka River cruise and rode on the 'eyesore' Taming Sari Tower for great all round views of this Unesco World Heritage site (since 07/07/08). Revisiting the iconic A'Famosa (appropriately 'The Famous' in Portuguese), Stadthuys and St Paul's Hill seems a must-do whenever in Melaka. (I will write more detailed postings later).

The Porta de Santiago of the A'Famosa fortress (CNB 2013)

After we checked out from Hangout, we had to really hang out at the Mediterranean-inspired 'home by the river', the Casa Del Rio, because it was pouring again. The heavy rains and the relative cold make for ravenous appetites, so despite having had lunch earlier, what better fare than 'sinful' gourmet pizzas named according to the 'seven sins'. Of course we chose 'Gluttony' (what else?) washed down with mocktails of Ginger Tom and Funky Monkey. Then the rains subsided, and we left for home, sweet home.

Hangout@Jonker breakfast; when in Melaka,
wear kebaya, eat roti kaya.  (BB 2013)

Gluttony at the River Cafe, Casa del Rio Melaka (CNB 2013)

2-5 November 2013