Two weekends ago, I went to Malacca (a UNESCO World Heritage site) for a two days and one night trip with Dad and his friends.
We woke up super early that morning to meet up with his friends then, we board a chartered coach heading for the customs.
Malacca is a few hours drive away from Singapore and thankfully, I managed to catch some sleep. We stopped for breakfast at Gelang Patah before continuing our way towards our first destination - the Hang Tuah well.
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We woke up super early that morning to meet up with his friends then, we board a chartered coach heading for the customs.
Malacca is a few hours drive away from Singapore and thankfully, I managed to catch some sleep. We stopped for breakfast at Gelang Patah before continuing our way towards our first destination - the Hang Tuah well.
Hang Tuah Well
I could still remember Hang Tuah from my Kok Koun Chin history textbook. He is a legendary Melakan warrior who lived during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah in the 15th century.
I thought it is a little silly to come all the way here just to visit a well but according to folklore (Google, actually), the well was dug by Hang Tuah himself and it would bring luck to anyone who drank its water.
The well, located at Kampung Duyung - the town of Hang Tuah's birthplace - is now declared a heritage site under the National Heritage Act 2005.
Perigi Hang Tuah
Kampung Duyong
75460, Malacca
Leaving Kampung Duyung, we came to our first local produce store - YOYO. I am the least interested in such shopping so I just took the opportunity to release my bladder and hang around while the parents hunt for 3-in-1 white coffee and Hiong Piah.
Jonker Walk
What is a trip to Malacca without going to Jonker Walk?
It is better to come on a Friday and Saturday night when the roads are closed to traffic and the street comes to life with the night market.
It is better to come on a Friday and Saturday night when the roads are closed to traffic and the street comes to life with the night market.
We are there in the morning because we are going to have the famous chicken rice balls that is located here.
The bonus of going with a group of uncles is that someone has already called in advance to reserve a table so we do not have to queue and could just walk in straight away.
Of course, this is subjected to killer stares from the people in the queue.
Hoe Kee (和记鸡饭团)
There are three renowned chicken rice ball shops here at Malacca and each had their own supporters forming long queues outside the shop premises everyday. The three competitors are Hoe Kee (和记鸡饭团), Chung Wah (中华茶室) and Famosa (古城鸡饭粒).
The one that we went to is Hoe Kee (和记鸡饭团).
Hoe Kee (和记)
Hoe Kee was established in 1962 and has been in business for over 52 years. That is over half a century old!
Our meal comes with two plates of 10 chicken rice balls, two plates of loose rice, one whole chicken, a plate of chicken gizzards and two plates of cabbage.
The two plates of 10 chicken rice balls
After years of hankering for a taste of chicken rice balls, I finally had my curiosity satiated. Regrettably, I find the rice ball mushy, not that fragrant and cold. Perhaps the rice ball would taste better if served hot although it might be difficult for the staff to hand-shape.
The pak cham gai (poached chicken)
As for the chicken, it's not bad but nothing too spectacular. It is quite similar to what one can find in Singapore's Hainanese chicken rice stalls.
Hoe Kee Chicken Rice (和记鸡饭团)
4,6,8, Jalan Hang Jebat
75200 Melaka
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 10:30 - 17:00
Sat - Sun: 10:30 - 18:00
Telephone: 06-283 4751
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 10:30 - 17:00
Sat - Sun: 10:30 - 18:00
Telephone: 06-283 4751
Some say that Chung Wah is better than Hoe Kee. I have not eaten at Chung Wah before so I do not know but look at their queue.
Chung Wah is across the road from San Shu Gong (三叔公), just a few steps away from Hoe Kee.
Admiral Cheng Ho was said to be a Muslim and
had visited Malacca during one of his 7 expeditions
had visited Malacca during one of his 7 expeditions
Christ Church
During my last visit a couple of years ago, there was a man with a python around the Queen Victoria's fountain but I did not see him this time. Anyone knows where he went?
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It is not hard to notice these gaudy tricycles decorated with Hello Kitty dolls that are parked in front of Christ Church. Just wait till night fall to see them in their full glory! You will be dazzled!
Klebang Original Coconut Shake
After lunch, we came here for some ice blended coconut shake which is quite refreshing for the weather. The shop also sell a variety of Malay kuih and fried stuff.
Coconut Shake RM2.20
Klebang Original Coconut Shake
Lot 130, Solok Kampung Bahagia
Klebang Besar
75250 Melaka
Telephone: 013-3994061
After having the coconut shake, we came to a shop selling honey. The person in charge shared with us how honey is harvested and also some basic knowledge about bees.The shop even had a glass wall hidden behind a curtain that is filled with bees!
Be forewarned that the men's toilet at here only have urinals but NO toilet bowls.
At last, it is time for us to check into our hotel to wash up and have a short rest. We are putting up at Hatten Hotel for the night.
The pretty new hotel is located just beside Hatten Square, Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan but due to time constraints, I did not have time to window shop at all.
That is my add-on bed on the right. There is another two beds inside for my parents. What I love about this hotel is that there are two TVs (but sharing one remote). One TV is in front of the two beds inside while the other is opposite this grey couch (on the wall above my bed).
The toilet is clean and spacious but it can get a little cold. I got the flu just for taking a dump naked.
I love this shower head that I didn't feel like getting out from under the hot water because the air in the toilet is too cold.
Basic amenities checked. An electric kettle is a must for us.
After resting for a while, it's time to head out for our Peranakan dinner.
That Bear got me excited!
Dinner was here at Restoran Ole Sayang (亲切餐馆).
It is quite a daunting task trying to take food photos when eating with unfamiliar people. Here I am pointing my camera at the dish and someone's chopsticks is already picking at the food. It is a competition for speed for me to press the shutter before this annoying uncle's chopsticks appear in my frames.
Nonya Chap Chye
I think this is tofu
This Chinchalok omelette is super nice!
Rendang Chicken or something
For the life of me, I cannot remember what this is...
Assam fish
The meal is ok though I did not eat a lot as I am quite freak out to share food with strangers as everyone is dipping their own utensils into the food.
Communal spoon and fork is provided for most of the dishes but why can't people learn to use them?
When I return from the washroom, the Cendol was already served into smaller bowls. The annoying uncle has gone out for a smoke so I got to eat his share.
The gula melaka and coconut milk is very addictive!
The restaurant has quite a homely feel
The address
Another reason why I did not eat a lot was because we gave up going to Jonker Walk for this - Satay Celup!
When we arrived, the queue is about three shops length and waiting time is estimated to be about an hour. To my horror, Dad's friends decided not to wait barely two minutes into the queue.
The crowd inside Capitol Satay Celup
Still in disbelief, we made our way back to the Dutch Square.
"Okay, maybe we can stick to the original plan and go to Jonker Walk since we are nearby?" I thought but noooo, they all wanted to return to the hotel!
DON'T WANT TO VISIT ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, DON'T WANT TO VISIT A'FAMOSA, DON'T WANT TO EAT SATAY CELUP, DON'T WANT TO VISIT JONKER WALK...
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The trishaws come to life at night with the lights and music
After getting back to the hotel lobby, the parents decided to go for a massage at Dataran Pahlawan however, the massage parlor only have a slot for one more person so Mum gets to do it.
I already had something in mind so Dad and I went to explore the mall for...
I already had something in mind so Dad and I went to explore the mall for...
...this!
The Great Root Bear, Rooty!
I ordered Combo 11 with curly fries and upgrade the drink to Root Beer Float to share with Dad. I am so relieved that the counter crew can speak English. I don't understand why the counter crew (teenager) at Mary Browns City Square (JB) cannot understand a word I say?
I am more than willing to oblige when Mum rejected the Coney Dog and asks me to have it. Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows was showing on TV that night but I fell asleep watching it halfway because I was too tired.
Quite a spread but the food are mostly cold (even in food warmers) especially the fried stuff except for the pau which is in a steamer.
When I am holidaying in Malaysia, I love to eat soft boiled eggs. I find Malaysia eggs are larger with bigger and more orangey yolks!
I have four eggs in that bowl above and it is so shiok to feel the eggs sliding down my throat. I don't usually eat that much eggs in one setting. Just letting it go while on holiday.
I have four eggs in that bowl above and it is so shiok to feel the eggs sliding down my throat. I don't usually eat that much eggs in one setting. Just letting it go while on holiday.
Teochew Porridge
Having stayed in Hatten Hotel for a night, I am quite pleased with the room except for the fact that my room does not come with any views. The window faces another room's windows so we had to draw the curtains at all times.
The above is the Straits of Malacca (hope I'm not wrong) and that shot is taken from the shut window at the corridor.
A rare selfie moment at the lobby waiting for check out
A lot of time is wasted going to local produce shops (土产店) like YOYO and SGT Food for the two days which could be better spent on going to more touristy places.
Spotted this two couple cups at SGT Food
On the second day, after visiting SGT Food, we were headed for a temple at Jonker Walk. There is nothing much to see at Jonker Walk in the morning as most of the stores are still not opened.
I'm still sore that we did not get to visit Jonker Walk the previous night!
Walked past this store selling mini figurines but there was no time to even stop to take a look. We need not have to rush, rush, rush if there is not so much local produce shops to visit.
I regret not buying...
Finally reached the temple but the moment I step foot inside, I started to make a beeline for the toilet.
Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore! Let it go, let it go, turn my back and slam the door!
And my face turn green when I stared at the toilet bowl which looked like it's half a century old.
Somehow, I realized that the shopsI went to in Malacca only have urinals and not toilet bowls.
WHY? What if we need to poop?
Malacca is a historical site but surely we do not need to go the primitive way when we have the big one coming?
Refreshing Winter Melon Tea with Chestnut from the vendor outside the temple
You have the option of "bitter" or "sweet" and "hot" or "cold"
The temple
Why is Jonker Walk so infatuated with Hello Kitty?
Grow! Grow! Grow!
If you have watched TOTORO, you would know what this scene is all about.
I am stoked to see a Mamee Museum I wished to take a closer look but we were again rushing off to the next location that I did not even have time to take a better shot.
We were rushing to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum guided tour at 9am. I enjoy visiting museums but I cannot get over the fact that photography is not allowed inside.
I abhor places with the stupid "NO Photography" rule and that includes the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion at Penang.
Be forewarned that the men's toilet at the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum only have urinals but NO toilet bowls.
Baba & Nyonya House Museum
Nos. 48 & 50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Telephone: +606-283 1273
Nope, didn't send me to the moon at all
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Leaving Jonker Walk, we started to head out for Baba Charlie.
Baba Charlie started out selling their Peranakan kueh door to door (or so I googled). Apparently, their kueh became so popular that they now operate their business from home. They even supply their kueh to hotels and cafes.
Baba Charlie started out selling their Peranakan kueh door to door (or so I googled). Apparently, their kueh became so popular that they now operate their business from home. They even supply their kueh to hotels and cafes.
I would have loved to buy some kueh but on the day of our visit, there were so many people jostling in the house that I didn't feel like buying anything anymore. I was initially aiming for the Durian Apom but seeing the horrendous line of people queuing to pay, I backed off.
Kueh Dadar
Be forewarned that the men's toilet here at Baba Charlie only have urinals but NO toilet bowls.
Baba Charlie Nyonya Cakes
72, Jalan Tengkera Pantai
2C
75200 Melaka
Telephone: +60 19-666 2907
Sadly, it was time to head back home. It was still early but those people wanted to avoid the jam at the causeway.
However, there is always time for lunch.
Restaurant L.T.P Sdn. Bhd.
251, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang
75100 Melaka
Telephone: +60 6-282 2737
As I return to the coach after lunch, I saw a few people taking photos of this notice. I wonder why until I read it...
By the time we reach the customs at about 5pm, the jam in the car lane is already building up. Fortunately, the bus lane is smooth and we cleared the custom pretty fast.
Overall, I do enjoy the short weekend getaway but is just a little upset that we failed to visit the night market at Jonker Walk and having Satay Celup. If only there was more time for us to explore instead of having to keep rushing here, there, everywhere.
Overall, I do enjoy the short weekend getaway but is just a little upset that we failed to visit the night market at Jonker Walk and having Satay Celup. If only there was more time for us to explore instead of having to keep rushing here, there, everywhere.
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