11 Jan 2016

Malaysia | Melaka Road Trip

Finally, a road trip with Mydas again. The last time I did a road trip was back in 2010. Melaka was really a random plan out which was decided because I really miss my dear friend Yana. I’ve managed to persuade Kairo to tag along for this trip because hell no I’m going to drive alone. Our accommodation was booked 2 days before the trip via Groupon Malaysia. It was cheap! We managed to get a room for only RM79.00/night – Angsana Melaka Hotel. 

We departed early on Saturday, around 0830H and arrived Melaka around 1100H. Thanks to Waze (the greatest navigating app designed) it took us only 2 hours via the PLUS highway.

All set and good to go.
Melaka dubbed "The Historic State", is a state in Malaysia and located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Straits of Malacca. Tips: Public transportation in Melaka is not very convenient. Hiring a car/road trip or a cab will be the best option to get around.

Things we did in Melaka for a 2 days 1-night trip (9th – 10th Jan 2016):

A’ Famosa or Port de Santiago – This was our first pit stop. It was a really sunny day and the outfit-used was really a bad choice. Tips: If you are driving please make sure you have a parking coupon displayed. Fine is RM30.00!! The best would be to purchase the one-day parking coupon and it’s only RM5.00 / day.

Parking coupons are a must in Melaka. These has a one-day validity which is only RM5.00 / day.
A'Famosa Fort - the main attraction in Melaka.
Behind A'Famosa Fort.
St. Paul’s Church – Pass through the fort, walk up the stairs and the church is located on the hill. The place had a medieval vibe and the view from the church is stunning. Tips: Don’t forget to take a landscape view from the church. There is a great view of the Menara Taming Sari and the whole of Melaka from the church.
Climbing the stairs up to St. Paul's Church
Inside the church. The medieval vibes of the church. 
A selfie in front of the church. 
The great view of Melaka from the church.
Lunch at JOM COFFEE – This very unique indie restaurant is located in Dataran Pahlawan Megamall. There are lots of food selection ranging from oriental, western to local Melaka favourites – Asam Laksa to choose from. It is a bit pricey but the food served are good and it comes in big portions too.

Dining at JOM COFFEE. 
Check-in at Angsana Melaka Hotel – A very comfortable budget hotel located in the city centre. Everything is a walking distance. We managed to get the room we had requested for (room at the highest floor). During check-out I left my earphones in the room, after communicating with them, they’ve sent the earphone via courier back to KUL. For this, I am giving them 5 stars for both superb customer service and endless hospitality.


The cosy little receptionist at Angsana Melaka Hotel.
The twin deluxe room offer from Groupon Malaysia
Melaka Sand Dunes at Klebang Beach – The area is actually the reclaimed area of Melaka. The “dunes” are formed from the sand dug from the bottom of the sea. The place really gives you the "Middle East in the dessert" effect. A really great place for pictures. The best time to visit is at dawn. Tips: If you are driving, please be careful as you might get your tires stuck in the sand. Not advisable to travel at night.

Yana in the house!
The "sand dune" at Pantai Klebang. 
A panoramic view of the place.
Dinner at K TALK CAFÉ – This very cute little café is located at No. 31, Jalan Melaka Raya 21, Taman Melaka Raya Melaka 75000. The café’s location is quite deserted but they really serve good food here. I redeemed my vouchers from Groupon Malaysia for their Western Meal and Drink for two. I’ve Yana dining in together and we really enjoyed the food and each other company very much.

Food and a good place = HAPPINESS!
Jonker Street Night Market – A trip to Melaka will not be complete without visiting this place. The night market only opens on Friday and Saturday. You can savour Melaka street food along the way and this is the best place to end your night with a bloated stomach.
In front of Jonker Walk - ready to fill up those stomachs. 
The place is very crowded over the weekends. 
Christ Church, Stadthuys and Queen Victoria’s Fountain – We started our second/last day at these places. The Stadthuys is believed to be one of the oldest Dutch building in the east. Tips: It is best to visit this church in the morning.

In front of the Christ Church Melaka. 
Walking around the area. 
The panoramic view of the Dutch buildings. 
Morning walk along Melaka River – A very nice thing to do to start your day. Great view along the river and the best part is when the sun rises and radiates the place.
The view along Melaka River. 
Breakfast buffet at Halia Inc. Restaurant & Coffee House – It was only RM23.30 net per pax. Food choice was limited but the view from the restaurant was stunning.

Breakfast buffer at Halia Inc.
The Maritime Museum – After breakfast, we walked down to the Maritime Museum for a quick selfie. We did not enter the museum as time was not permitting. Tips: The Museum is open daily from 0900H – 1730H.
I present you to the Maritime Museum.
Our last shot in Melaka City before heading off to a shopping heaven. 
Freeport A’Famosa Outlet – A brand new premium outlet in Melaka. It took us almost an hour drive from the town centre to get to this place. Tips: This place is crowded over the weekends. Please come during weekdays. It's a new place so expect limited choices.

A very nice place. All the buildings are inspired by the Dutch. 
AND of course, you need to buy! What is the point coming to Premium Outlet without purchasing? 
We headed back to Kuala Lumpur at around 1500H and reached home an hour later. This trip was indeed a great one. Very random, very last minute but worth it! Although everything was done over the clock the most important thing it was not over the budget. 

Below are the spending for this 2 days 1 night Melaka Road Trip.

Details
Amount
Fuel
MYR42.00
Toll (Kuala Lumpur to Melaka via PLUS)
MYR16.50
Parking coupon (2 days)
MYR10.00
Lunch at JOM COFFEE
MYR55.55
Angsana Hotel Melaka (GROUPON) (1 night)
MYR79.00
Historical Fee
MYR2.00
Dinner at K Café (GROUPON)
MYR60.00
Jonker Street Night Market
MYR28.00
Breakfast Buffet at Halia Inc.
MYR46.65
Cappuccino
MYR13.80
Toll (Melaka to Kuala Lumpur)
MYR13.60
TOTAL
MYR367.05
TOTAL/PAX
MYR183.53/USD41.48