Escapy - 2016 - What's In Malacca - Digital Issue

Escapy
Escape Into A World Of Travel And Adventure
Malacca
Historical City
Morten Village
A Malay Village With A
British Name
The Shore
Sky Tower, 3D Interactive
Park, Oceanarium, And Toy
Museum.
River Cruise
The Sights & Sounds Of
The Malacca River
Rooms
The Settlement Hotel
Foodies
Kari Kambing Power
z
Flavors Restaurant
Swiss Garden Hotel Kuala
Lumpur
Citarasa
Homestay
Carnival
Malacca
2016
Lots More Inside
1

Dear friends,
Welcome to another issue of Escapy, your free travel digital
magazine and “Pockezine”; your magazine that is designed
to be read on mobile devices.
It is now December 2016 and with the blink of an eye a year has gone by. A
good life is one lived with many good and enjoyable moments. I hope you had
lots of enjoyable moments this year. I certainly had, and my goal for next year
is to enjoy even more good moments of which to me means to travel more and
see more of our blue marble.
In this issue we look at some of the things Malacca has to offer focusing more
on the latest attractions and lesser on the historical sites. The latest attractions
offer up more fun activities some of which do go about the historical sites and
showcases how much Malacca has changed over the years. The Malacca River
cruise for example offers views of Malacca new and old. We certainly will
write more on the historical sites in later issues.
Well my friends, I wish you Merry Christmas to all celebrating Christmas and
a very happy new year to all. Be blessed with plenty of vacations and have safe
travels. Should you have any feedback do email us at info@theasianpublisher.
com.
Thank you for reading Escapy and have many, many wonderful adventures.
Cheers,
Phil Foo
Editor In Chief

3
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Contact: 016 202 2635
Email: ann@stone-mashe.com

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Merry Christmas
And
Happy New Year
From
Escapy Magazine
And The Asian Publisher

7
Contents Click To Go Directly To Article
Malacca River
Cruise
The Shore Sky
Tower, Malacca
The Shore
Oceanarium
Page: 8
The Shore 3D
Interactive Park
Page: 30
The Shore Toy
Museum
Page: 40
Morten Village
Page: 52
The Settlement
Hotel, Malacca
Page: 86
Flavors Restaurant
Swiss Garden
Kuala Lumpur
Page: 124
Xiaomi Yi 4K Action
Camera
Page: 62
Suan Nyonya
Restaurant
Page: 110
Citarasa Homestay
2016 Malacca
Carnival
Page: 134
Leatherman JUICE
S2
Page: 72
Kari Kambing
Power (Power
Mutton Curry)
Page: 118
Campingaz Twister
Plus PZ
Page: 144
Solar Lanterns
Page: 146
Page: 148
Page: 150
To return to this page from the articles, click on this tab
Contents Pagelocated at end page of all articles.

Travel Guide
Philemon Foo
Malacca
River
Cruise
And Things To
Do Along The
River
Fact:
The city of
Malacca is
recognized by
UNESCO World
Heritage as a
historical city.

The Melaka River flows through the historical city of
Malacca (Melaka), a city recognized by UNESCO World
Heritage as a historical city. It is from here that the birth
of Malacca took place. Malacca was founded by a Sumatran
Prince called Parameswara at this very river,
when one of his dogs got pushed into the river by a
mouse-deer in self defence.
9

Impressed by that incident Parameswara named the
place Malacca taking the name from the tree he was
resting under when the incident unfolded. He took it
as a sign of good omen after seeing a weak mouse
deer over powering the strong, in this case, his dog.

Parameswara built Malacca into a trading port and It
became a major trade route in the 15th century, being
a trading post for merchants from Java, China,
India, and Arab. Wars also took place on this very
river. It certainly is a river that holds a lot of history.
11

Lovely Views
Apart from its rich history the Melaka River certainly
has lovely views to offer. Going on the Melaka River
Cruise, we cruised past buildings new and old; with
most of the old buildings refurbished and given a new
lease of life. Buildings painted with beautiful murals
depicting the traditions and cultures of the people of
Malacca line parts of the river bank.
> A mural depicting warriors in days of old.

13
This however, was not what
Melaka River used to look
like. The river used to be littered
with rubbish. The buildings
were an eyesore to many
who bothered to look. But the
state government decided to
turn the river into an attraction
and within a few years
took this dying river and its
surroundings, and turned
them into the beauty it is today.
> A mangrove crab on a branch
at the Malacca River.

Life Has Returned
Walking along the banks I spotted wildlife, a good
sign that this once dying river has recovered and is
now healthier. Fishes played around the surface of
the water near the banks of the river, with some chasing
after prey. There is a mangrove area where mangroves
crabs gather to sunbath (I think). It is nice to
see nature flourishing here.
> Mangrove crabs lining up on log.

15
Historical Places
There are lots of historical sites around such as the
Ruin’s Of St Lawrence’s Chapel which was built
in the 1700s by the Portuguese. Here to stands a
bridge called Kampung Java (Jave Village) Bridge
that has been nicknamed Ghost Bridge. During
World War 2 a lot of locals mainly Chinese businessmen
were beheaded and hung there by the
Japanese Military Police, the Kempeitei.
> The “Ghost Bridge” up ahead.

Cafes And Restaurants
Along the banks of the Melaka River are cafes and
restaurants that offer guests a relaxing place to chill
out and have a meal right by the river. These old
buildings retained their historical look and charm adding
more value to the experience of dining there. Of
course there are cafes that occupy new buildings as
well (some building were beyond repair) giving the
place an “old meets new” look.
> A relaxing place to relax, and have a drink by the river.

Hard Rock Cafe by the Malacca River.
17

Activities By The River
The Melaka River Cruise is a must see. Since the
Melaka river flows through the city of Malacca, the
cruise offers views of the city one will not get to see
by car. Imagine Venice, many of the places are only
accessible by boat. As one cruises the river one also
learns about the many places that the cruise passes
as information of these places are shared via a
speaker.
> One of the ferries that cruise the Malacca River.

19
Ticket Prices
Weekdays (Mon - Thur):
RM15.90 (Adults above age 12)
RM7.50 (Children ages 2 -12)
Weekends (Fri - Sun) and holidays:
RM21.20 (Adults) | RM7.50 (Child)
Senior citizens, disabled persons (adults): RM7.50
Disabled persons (Child): RM5.30
Free entrance for children below 2.
MYKAD Holders
Weekdays (Mon - Thur):
RM10.60 (Adults above age 12)
RM5.30 (Children ages 2 - 12)
Weekends (Fri - Sun) and holidays:
RM15.90 (Adults) | RM5.30 (Child)
Email: booking@melakarivercruise.my
Tel: +606-286 1533

A hotel by the Malacca River at sunset.

21
Pirate Park
Certainly not everyone’s cup
of tea, the Melaka River Pirate
Park is a mini theme park
that sits by the Melaka River.
This pirate themed theme
park has a ferris wheel, a
swinging ship (called the Pirate
Ship), a walk through
haunted house, a rodeo bull
ride called the mad bull, bungee
trampoline, etc.
> A ferries wheel at the Pirate
Park shot during our sunset
cruise.

Ticket Prices
This theme park uses a “pay per ride” system and
below are their prices:
Rodeo Bull: RM5.30
Ferris Wheel: RM5.30
Bungee Trampoline: RM5.30
Pirate Ship: RM5.30
Rock Climbing: RM5.30
Haunted House: RM10.60

23
Morten Village
(Kampung Morten)
Morten Village is a living museum on the banks of
the Melaka River. Here are traditional Malay houses
built of wood, many built during the days of its
founding and are still standing. In fact generations
of families still live here in these traditional houses.
One house not to be missed is Villa Sentosa the
home of founder of Morten Village. Do read the article
on Morten Village for further info.

The Shore Shopping Gallery
While shopping may not be the main thing to do on a
holiday here, The Shore Shopping Gallery has more
than shopping to offer. There are fun things to do inside
such as a 3D Interactive Park that is loads of
fun, an educational oceanarium, a toy museum, and
a viewing platform right at the roof of this building.
*Read about them in this issue.

Kissing a giraffe? Maybe not...
25

The Ruins Of St Lawrence’s Chapel by the Malacca River.
Do checkout
our friend’s
(Antoine &
Violette) travel
video logs.

There are lots more to see
and do by the Melaka River.
Photogs will certainly
have a busy time shooting,
lovers could hold
hands and walk along the
banks or stop by for a cup
of tea at one of the cafes,
and if nothing else; just sit
back and relax along this
history rich river.
27

Reminds one of Venice.

How cool is this...
Organisers:
Contents Page
29

Travel Guide
Philemon Foo
The Shore
Sky Tower
Malacca
Views From Up
Above
Fact:
As of now, Dec
2016, The Shore
Sky Tower is the
highest viewing
deck in Malacca.

31
Malacca is a historical city with buildings built
by the locals, Portuguese, and Dutch dating back
many many years but it has since been lined with
modern buildings and one of them is The Shore
and right on top of it is The Shore Sky Tower.
> A city with modern and old buildings. Shot from the
Sky Tower viewing area.

The Shore Sky Tower measures some 163 metres
from the street making it the tallest observation deck
in Malacca. One can take in a 360 degrees breath
taking view of Malacca’s cityscape here with many
famous landmarks in sight, of up to 50 kilometres on
a good day.

33
Brave
For those who dare
tempt fate and those
who have no fear especially
of heights,
there is a glass box
that protrudes off one
of the sides of the tower
where one can go
stand in and take in a
dizzying view of the
area 163 metres below.
Unfortunately you are not allowed to take your own
photos with your own camera while tempting fate in
this glass box. You have got no choice but to allow
an official photographer to take your photo for you
and purchase it at the counter upon exiting.

Dining Up High
Should you feel the urge to enjoy a meal up in the
skies, the Sky Deli is on the 42nd floor which does
offer a lovely view of the city. It is in fact the highest
restaurant in Malacca. Here they serve local cuisines
such as Baba Nyonya cuisine, local fares like nasi lemak
(fragrant rice), and western dishes.

35
It certainly is a nice place to sit back, relax, and
chillout with friends while having a bite and enjoying
a cuppa. Should you decide to dine here, I certainly
advise coming in the evenings with a camera
and shoot the sunset while you dine. Of course you
can shoot the sunset from the top too of which is
better but incurs an entrance fee.
> Nasi lemak set. Nothing to shout about but the tea is
good.

Address - Sky Tower
Tower 1, 42 & 43F, The Shore Shopping Gallery,
193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran
Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka Tengah, Malaysia
Tel: +606-288 3833
Fax: +606 288 3533
Open daily from 10.30 am to 10pm.
Fees: Adult - RM25.00
Children - RM18.00

37
> A roof top glass pond on the roof of the Sky Tower.
Address - Sky Deli:
Level 42, Tower 1, The Shore Melaka, 193 Pinggiran
@ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran Bunga
Raya, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia.
Operating hours:
Sundays to Thursday: 11.30am - 10.15pm
Fridays & Saturday: 11.30am - 11.15pm
Tel: +606-288 3833

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Contents Page
39

Travel Guide
Philemon Foo
The Shore
Oceanarium
Educational
And Fun
Interesting:
Have you heard
of disco clams?
Check them out
in the next few
pages.

41
If you like reptiles, fishes, and watching things in
3D and you happen to be visiting the historical city
of Malacca, The Shore Oceanarium is one place
you could consider visiting. The Shore Oceanarium
showcases reptiles like lizards and snakes, fishes
both saltwater and freshwater species, and many
other marine life.
> A close up shot of a sea urchin.

Touching Fishes
One thing you can do here is to touch and feel the
fishes the likes of starfish, stingrays, and sharks.
Worry not as they are not of the ferocious types.
Needless to say, it is not advisable to investigate
the teeth of these sharks with one’s fingers. Here
one also get to touch one of the living fossils, the
horseshoe crab.
> Touching a live stingray.

43
Educational Exhibits
One of the things I like about The Shore Oceanarium
is that they educate visitors about the many species
of reptiles, fishes, etc. and their ecosystems.
A good example is the section called River Story
that exhibits many different fish species native to
rivers in India, Australia, streams in China, lakes
in Malawi, and of course rivers as well as lakes in
Malaysia.

Blood parrot fishes in a “magic“ aquarium.

45
Other Exhibits
Other exhibits include shells, shellfish, turtles, lizards,
snakes, spiders, etc. There are also 3D movies,
short video feeds, and information posters to
keep everyone entertained. Apart from these there
are props put up allowing for photo opportunities.
> A lion fish shot in black and white.

A king crab can weigh up to 10kg.
Hail The King

A sea urchin on a rock. These
urchins have sharp spikes.
47

A cool looking prawn.

49
Disco Clams
Checkout these disco clams.
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj9XQHN55Wo

More Information
Address:
2F-01, The Shore Shopping Gallery,193, Pinggiran
@ Sungai Melaka,Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya,
75100 Melaka, Malaysia.
Operation Hours: 10.30am to 9pm daily (last entry
8pm)
Tel: +606-2829966
Fax:+606-2831003
Email: Info: oceanariummelaka@gmail.com
Event: #ICYDKMelaka
Organized by: Gaya Travel and Ministry Of Tourism
And Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia

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Contents Page
51

Travel Guide
Philemon Foo
The Shore
3D Interactive
Park
Fun And Fun
Fact:
Our eyes can be
easily tricked.

53
3D painting and other sorts of eye tricking photography
have recently been mushrooming and one
of them is The Shore 3D Interactive Park located in
The Shore Shopping Gallery, Malacca. I have been
to a few of them and this one here is awesome. So
what has this RM3 million fun place got to offer?
> The entrance to the 3D Interactive Park.

3D Wall Art
As with most 3D painted trick photography thingies,
The Shore 3D Interactive Park has got quite a few
3D paintings that will make friends who look at your
photos go wow! or eeew! such as this adorable “giraffe
through window painting”, and a “whoops I have
slipped and am now falling down a waterfall” paintings.
I personally love these things.

There are also booths with places to sit on or cut
out holes in them for one to put their head through
and appear to be doing something out of the ordinary
(to most people) such as riding a flying horse,
or simply floating about in space.
55

AR Booths
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_CTHmZWpRA
There are also painted booths with cameras installed
that create augmented reality videos hence
creating some fun videos. One can appear to be
swimming with piranhas, going back to the time of
the dinosaurs, visiting elephants in Africa, or simply
just messing about with a huge Malayan tiger.
> The Augmented Reality booth where I “photographed” a
tiger.

57
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6--zz-X5Y_k
One interesting thing available here is the Ghost
House. The experience can be scary for some
especially when one takes in the environment or
stand in front of an innocent looking door only to
be shocked and frightened by the ghost that appears
suddenly. This is a pretty nice place to visit
and have some fun especially with friends.

Interactive Elements
More cool photos and experiences here at the “Interactive
Elements” section. There is a “dancing floor” or
rather a floor that lights up as you dance. One photo I
took is that of a friend that made many go wow! This
photo is one where he held himself up with just one
hand (picture above).

There are a lot of other fun things there many
of which follow attractions from overseas such
as “Gravity Hill” where things go against gravity,
and “Ames Room.” There is also a hologram
theatre, green screen studio that adds
special effects the like of those done in Hollywood
movies (but not to that extent), Upside
Down House, etc. The Shore 3D Interactive
Park is certainly a fun place to visit.
59

More Information
Address:
2FS-01 to 2FS-46, 2nd Floor, The Shore Shopping
Gallery,193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka,Jalan Persisiran
Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia.
Operation Hours:
10.30am to 9pm daily (last entry 8pm)
Event: #ICYDKMelaka
Organized by: Gaya Travel and Ministry Of Tourism
And Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia

Support Our Local
Authors
Check Them Out At A Bookshop Near You
Contents Page
61

Travel Guide
Philemon Foo
The Shore
Toy Museum
Fun For Adults
And Kids
Fact:
There is a toy
for every age.

63
Most adults would deny that they do not play
with toys anymore nor do they have any interest in
toys but I personally believe that deep down inside
these same adults do want to pick up a toy and play
with it. I do not mean toys for grownups.
> Love to stay and chat but I have to get to work.

For those who admit that they do indeed have some
interest in toys The Shore Toy Museum is one place to
visit. One would certainly feel that one has just gone
back in time as some of the toys there are from an
older era bringing back fond memories.

Children will no doubt be jumping for joy. Well, it is a toy
museum after all. The RM 3 million collection of about
four thousand toys from trains to life size figurines the
likes of Mario (Mario Brothers), and super heroes the
likes of Batman, etc. will certain keep both adults and
children occupied.
65

Photo Opportunities
With life size figurines placed all around, a little creativity
would make for some interesting photos. I personally
love the life size Bat Mobile, the Star Wars
alley, Ironman, and the Transformers. There is even
an Ironman section; a replica of the one in the movie.
>This is what happens when you don’t eat your proteins.

67
One Big Kid
All these toys belong to just one person, Chew
Chert Fong, who has travelled to many countries
buying toys that he now exhibits in his Toy Museum.
He grew up playing with them (not life size)
and watched them on television. This became one
of his passions and he thus started collecting them.

A room guarded by storm troopers.

Getting my photo taken by a life size Kylo Ren.
69

More Information
Address:
The Shore Shopping Gallery,193, Pinggiran @ Sungai
Melaka,Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, 75100
Melaka, Malaysia.
Entrance Fee: Adults RM30 | Children RM 20
Operation Hours: 10.30am to 9pm daily
Event: #ICYDKMelaka
Organized by: Gaya Travel and Ministry Of Tourism
And Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia

Support Our Local
Authors
Check Them Out At A Bookshop Near You
Contents Page
71

Travel Guide
Philemon Foo
Morten Village
Morten Village is like a living museum being an old
traditional Malay village with houses dating as far back
as to when the village came to be, circa 1920s (1922).
The founder of Morten Village is Dato’ Othman Mohd
Noh, but how did an English name become the name of
a Malay Village?

73
Back Into History
Before there was Morten Village, there was a village
called Java Village. The then government (British) wanted
part of their land for development and part of the
village were told to leave. Without money and with nowhere
to go they turned to Dato’ Othman Mohd Noh
who was then the Village Head (Java Village).

Dato’ Othman went in search of financial help and
help came in the form of then British Land Commissioner
Frederick Joseph Morten. FJ Morten helped
setup a special government loan of 10,000 dollars
in 1920 with Dato’ Othman being the sole guarantor
hence the name, Morten.
With the money in hand Dato’ Othman together with
friends, split the land into 100 lots and allocated them
to people who needed to move in with priority given to
those from Java Village. One other good thing that FJ
Morten did was to sign an agreement that all land in
Morten Village can only be transferred to families and
the next of kin of those living in there (Morten Village).

75
Villa Sentosa
One of the must visit places here is Villa Sentosa the
home that Haji Hashim Abdul Ghani built. Haji Hashim
Abdul Ghani Helped Dato’Othman build Morten Village.
Villa Sentosa is now cared for by one of his grandsons
Haji Ibrahim Haji Hashim (77 years old at time of visit -
2016) and his family. Haji Ibrahim happily shares stories
of how Morten Village came to be, a history lesson not
to be missed.
> A portrait of Haji Hashim Abdul Ghani (circa 7 Nov 1898).

In his home are antiques from the time of his father
and maybe even older. Things like old cassette players,
record players, typewriters, cameras, furniture,
iron, etc. are on display here. Haji Ibrahim and his
family still lives here hence why it is called a living
museum.
>An old typewriter sits on an old coffee table.

77
Many people have visited Villa Sentosa including
ministers, Prime Ministers, celebrities, etc. who
have come to meet the son and family of Dato’ Othman.
Other than that, Villa Sentosa is also a sort
after place to hold wedding ceremonies.
> Haji Ibrahim sharing a bit of history.

More antiques to see and appreciate...

Villa Sentosa, the living museum...
79

Miniature House
Builder
Miniature houses have a certain charm and one of
the residents here in Morten Village builds these little
charming houses. He is Mr Baser Ali who has been
building miniature houses as a hobby and selling his
works of art for some 20 years now.
>Mr Baser Ali and his houses.

81
What’s amazing is his attention to details. Mr Baser
painstakingly shaves down wood and designs
them into parts of the houses that he is building.
It is not easy carving wood for, let’s just say a window
frame. Now imagine having to do this on the
same window frame but with one difference. The
said window frame is a very small one.
> Notice the attention to detail of these miniature houses.

A lot of effort put into making these windows and walls.

83
His workshop is a must visit when in Morten Village.
Only by seeing his creation will one be able
to appreciate his work. Each house sells for about
RM2,800 to RM3,000.
Address:
122, Lorong Tun Mamat 1, Kampung Morten,
Melaka.
> A traditional Malay house painstakingly built.

Homestays
For those who want to experience living in a traditional
Malay house, Morten Village offers quite a few
homestays to choose from.

Summary
> Amazing skills (miniature house and dining).
Morten Village is an interesting place to visit with
lots of information to offer. One just needs to visit
to appreciate this place. Apart from the mentioned
attractions there are trikes (electric tricycles) to rent
and there is a daily Morten Village Cultural and Heritage
Guided Walk tour that one can follow.
Call: +606 333 3333 ext 3700
Days Available: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Time: 3.30pm to 4pm.
Meeting Place: Villa Sentosa
Contents Page
85

Rooms
Philemon Foo
The
Settlement
Hotel
A Marriage Of
Old And New
Interesting:
The hotel is also
a showcase of
antiques and art
pieces.

87
Being an avid traveller, I lay my head down at
night at many a hotel, and thus why hotels are very
important to me. After all, they are my “recharging
points” for the next day’s adventure; thus why I
have become critical of them. Cleanliness, service,
comfort, and friendliness of staffs are some of the
things that largely influence my experience at a hotel.
> Here I lay my head down to sleep...

A Little Diamond
Granted that no hotel is perfect, one of the hotels that
rank highly to me personally in the historical city of
Malacca is The Settlement Hotel. This boutique hotel
seemed to have had a less than illustrious beginning
but has since made it through the “fire” turning into a
little diamond.
> Friends and fellow travellers hanging out at this long
and large table cut out from a humongous log.

89
The Settlement Hotel Melaka offered some of the
friendliest service from the friendly front office staffs
to the waiters and waitresses that are always smiling,
and one that I have to mention is the very polite
and friendly chef that prepared my omelette and
personally brought it to me on the table. He did the
same for my friends and other diners too.
> Starters at the small ballroom.

It has been said that everything begins at the top
and this saying has certainly been proven here. I
had the good fortune of meeting Laura Tan, the General
Manager, and during our chat I saw the reason
why I have been enjoying my experience here. She
is a no nonsense leader who is helpful and polite,
paying close attention to service and guests. This
certainly is leadership by example.
> I love this simple and tasty egg starter.

A Mixture
The Settlement Hotel, Malacca, used to be a government
building back in the 60s but has since been
restored into what it is today, a delightful boutique
hotel that personifies a mixture of a modern hotel
with olden days architecture including century old
tiles from a Palembang mosque in Sumatra, Indonesia.
91

A bed fit for a sultan.
Antiques from various
countries (part
of the owner’s collection)
are placed
around the hotel. To
the owner these antiques
should be exhibited
and shared
instead of being
kept locked up in
a personal gallery.
Antiques such as a
350 years old Sultan’s
Bed sits at the
front porch for all to
see an appreciate.

93
A Mixture
Antique furnitures.

A water feature form Europe.

A Mixture
Antique furnitures.
> A totem pole on the roof.
95

Comfy Bedrooms
The mixture of old and new continues into the bedrooms
with antique looking furniture such as the
writing table, side table, etc. and a modern and very
comfortable bed, modern bathroom amenities, etc.
The bedrooms are well furnished without being too
heavily decorated. It even has a lovely English tea
set should one want to enjoy tea the English way.

97
The beds are very comfortable featherbeds with
feather duvets, and down pillows. Being very particular
with beds , pillows, and everything that I go to
sleep with I must say that I slept really well and the
comfort levels are amongst the top of hotel beds.
Another very important point is that they are clean.
> A nice personal touch.

The bathroom. Shut the blinds for privacy.

The bathroom comes with a bathtub that keeps the
water warm for a much longer period as compared
to the usual bathtubs used at most hotels. This is
superb especially for distressing and relaxing in a
tub of bubbles floating on water that remains warm
long after one has had one’s soul recharged.
99

Luxury Villas
The luxury villas are a must see. They look like traditional
village houses. Inside is a king size comfortable
antique looking bed, antique looking wardrobe,
table, chairs, etc. Even the bathroom comes with
tiles that brings one back to a “once upon a time”
period.

Luxury inside; the classic charm continues...
101

Traditional Spa Village
The Settlement Hotel has a Traditional Spa Village
offering traditional massages, body wraps and
scrubs, facial therapies, nail care services, etc. to
help one relax and rejuvenate. After a relaxing treatment
one can go relax by the pool or if the temptation
is too strong; to jump in and wade about.

103
Art Gallery
Antiques are not the only things that make The Settlement
Hotel, Melaka, special. There is also an art
gallery in the hotel, the Yeak Ping Lian Gallery. Yeak
Ping Lian was born on 18th November 1993 and
has a condition called the savant syndrome (autistic).
Although suffering with savant syndrome he is
blessed with a remarkable ability to create art.

One of his masterpieces called the “Ubudiah
Mosque I” was sold for RM100,000.00 to an anonymus
bidder at the Grand Auction of the RDA Charity
Ball in Malaysia back in 20th November 2004. Although
he now resides in Sydney, Australia, his work
is exhibited daily at the Yeak Ping Lian Gallery, The
Settlement Hotel, Melaka.
> A masterpiece depicting Kuala Lumpur city.

Sunflower; painted at age 11.
105

Rood Top
The roof top of The Settlement Hotel is an open air
dining area with views of the surrounding area. It is
also a good place to shoot the sunset. At night it becomes
a relaxing place to sit back with friends and
relax.

107
Convenient
The Settlement Hotel is located near the famous
Portuguese Settlement where there is a Portuguese
Settlement Heritage Museum, seafood outlets,
pubs, etc. Just outside the hotel are food outlets
that offers local food.
> Shot taken from the roof.

Karaoke on the roof.

Convenient
Address:
The Settlement Hotel Melaka , No. 63, Jalan Ujong
Pasir, World UNESCO Heritage City Melaka, 75050
Malacca, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 6 292 1133 (General Line)
Fax: +60 6 292 4700
email: enquiry@thesettlementhotel.com
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 2.187534
Longitude: 102.268407
Website: https://thesettlementhotel.com/home
Contents Page
109

Foodies
Escapy
Suan Nyonya Restaurant
One of the things that travellers look for while travelling
is food. Not just any food but good local delights.
That said, Malacca is home to Nyonya and Peranakan
food thanks to the Nyonya and Peranakan cultures that
have long been part of Malacca. Suan Nyonya Restaurant
serves them both.

111
Good Location
One of the must visit areas in Malacca city is the Dataran
Pahlawan (Warrior’s Square). This square is surrounded
by many attractions including historical buildings, shopping
areas, and food outlets. Restaurant Nyonya Suan
is located opposite a shopping mall called Merdeka Plaza.
> Nyonya type decor.

My Favourite
We ordered 7 dishes. Amongst them, my favourite dish
is the calamari and prawns cooked in chilli paste or simply
called locally as “sambal sotong udang.” This dish
is a dish for chilly lovers. The sauce is sweet and spicy,
mixed with sweet natural juices from the squid and
prawns.

113
Chicken Dish
Another meaty dish that I like is the Rendang Chicken.
This is a spicy dish with chilli and various other herbs. I
have often heard of flavours bursting in one’s mouth; this
dish is quite an explosion. The fusion of herbs and chilli
brings together flavours that complement each other.

Fish Dish
The fish dish is another superb dish. Although this dish
certainly will not get points for its decor, it get full points
for taste. This dish is called ikan lemak nenas or pineapple
fragrant fish. The fish used here is seabass or barramundi
and it is cooked with chilli, coconut milk, various
herbs and spices giving it a rich flavourful taste.

115
Greens
Personally I am not a fan of vegetables but the spicy
water spinach dish called kangkung belacan (a type of
paste) is one that I enjoyed during our meal; however,
it was the chilli okra dish that really did it for me. Okra
on its own is rather bland but the sweet and sour chilli
turned it into an addictive dish.

Other Dishes
The other dishes being a fried egg dish, and a tofu dish
was good too but nothing to shout about. We ended our
dinner with “Chendol Gula Melaka,” a desert of green
jelly strips served with coconut milk and Malaccan brown
sugar; a delight for the sweet toothed foodie.

Certainly Worth A Visit
> Mr. Vincent Tan, owner of Restaurant Suan Nyonya.
Should you be in Malacca and want to eat something local
and authentic, head on to Restaurant Nyonya Suan.
Address:
Jalan Merdeka, Taman Costa Mahkota, 75000 Melaka,
Malaysia
Phone: +60 11-1300 2988
Contents Page
117

Foodies
Escapy
Warung Kari Kambing
Power & Asam Pedas
Claypot
(Power Mutton Curry & Clay Pot
Sweet, Sour, And Spicy Dishes Stall)
A long and descriptive name for a stall indeed. The
Warung Kari Kambing & Asam Pedas Claypot is famous
for its mutton curry and a dish called “asam pedas,” a
sweet, sour, and spicy tamarind sauce dish; cooked with
fish.

119
Early Eaters
Foodies far and near flock to the stall as early as 6am
to power up for the day and they stock up energy with
the intake of mutton curry and rice. It may be hard to
fathom eating such a heavy meal for breakfast but stall
owner, Yusri Nadin has been cooking his spicy specialty
for early eaters for many many years.

Two goats are prepared daily which is indeed too little
since the demand is high and his pot of mutton curry
goes empty by 9am, but he refuses to cook more. He
has long decided to focus on getting his famous curry
cooked right although in small quantities, instead of sacrificing
quality for larger quantities. “Starving the market”
has been a good strategy for some businesses too.

121
Other Dishes
Although the stall is famous for its mutton curry and
has been dishing out mutton curry for about 20 years
now, there are other dishes too that will make one drool.
The “asam pedas”clay pot dishes are not to be missed.
These dishes are filled with flavours that keeps the appetite
growing even when one feels full.

Worth The Effort
Should you decide to visit the historical city of Malacca,
go a little further to an area called Asahan of which is
about an hour’s drive away; and order yourself a mutton
curry dish plus the “asam pedas” claypot dish. It certainly
is worth the trip but remember to be there early. The
other option is to book your orders in advanced. Contact
details ahead.

Location
Address:
Km 42, Jalan Tambak Merlang 1, Kg. Simpang Bekoh,
77100 Asahan, Melaka, Malaysia.
Contact: +6012-777 5006 or +6013-682 2800
Business hours: 6am – 3pm (Mondays to Fridays)
Contents Page
123

Foodies
Philemon Foo
Flavors
Restaurant
@Swiss Garden
Hotel Kuala
Lumpur
Note:
Should you over
eat and regret
later, we will not
be held responsible.

125
Christmas has always been a time of laughter,
cheer, presents, and overeating. The staple has always
been turkey baked with spices stuffed up its
behind. Oh, I am drooling now just thinking of this
(certainly not the behind part of that sentence). The
perils of a travel writer to who loves to eat.
> So delicious i am drooling on my laptop writing this.

Another thing that gets me drooling are the sweet desserts.
Delightfully lovely sweet yummy desserts. How
can one turn away from lovely meringue, chocolate log
cakes, fruit cakes, macaroons, etc. Even with sugar levels
hovering amongst the clouds I do not have the will
power to say no to lovely desserts.

127
Drooling At Flavors Restaurant
While the stuffed turkey was yummy and the lamb was
tender and nice, my focus was on the colourful delightful
desserts screaming “eat me, eat me” at the buffet
counter. I thoroughly enjoyed my main course devouring
the turkey, lamb, superb seafood, and my favourite;
smoked salmon, etc. keeping a keen eye on the sweet
sweet delights.

High On Desserts
With the main courses out of the way I had no choice
but to save the screaming tarts, chocolate balls, fruit
cakes, log cakes, meringue, etc. from a boring wait at
the dessert counter. They were very delicious especially
the meringue flambe that is sweet with a slightly smoked
aroma, tarts, yul log cakes, fruit cakes, etc. oh... I just
cannot stop.

Delicious meringue flambe.
129

Not to be outdone are the pudding with “chocolate bread
man” that gives an otherwise boring looking pudding
some attraction, attracting sweet toothed drooling dessert
lovers the likes of me. The pudding is not extremely
sweet but made just nice. I have to admit that I took
more than what I would normally take and would have
gone back for more should there be any left.

Lovely, delicious tarts...
131

Don’t Hold Back
> Smoked salmon; tasty and creamy... delicious.
Head on over to the Flavors Restaurant this yuletide
month and eat to your heart’s content. Lovely delicious
desserts are waiting to be savoured. Better still, head
over for the Christmas eve and / or New Year’s eve, and
New Years day buffet high-tea dinner buffet and eat, eat,
eat.

Information
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet:
RM98.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child
Christmas Day Hi-Tea
RM88.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet:
RM98.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child
New Year’s Day Hi-Tea Buffet:
RM88.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child
Address:
Jalan Pudu, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2785 1111
Website: www.swissgarden.com
Contents Page
133

Events
Escapy
Citarasa Homestay 2016
Malacca Carnival
On the 5th of November 2016 the historical city of
Malacca launched the Citarasa Homestay 2016 Malacca
Carnival. The Carnival was launched by Datuk Mas
Ermieyati Samsudin, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and
Culture Malaysia.

The event organisers invited stalls selling food, snacks,
Homestay operators, etc. creating a fun, busy environment
with the crowd hopping from stall to stall buying
refreshments, filling hungry tummies, and sniffing out
good holiday deals.
135

The happiest stall proprietor at the carnival.

To entertain the crowd, traditional dances danced to
traditional music played by local traditional musicians.
There were quizzes too where participants who got the
answers right won prizes.
137

A traditional percussionist at the carnival.

One of the dancers at the carnival dressed in a Chinese
costume.
139

A traditional dancer feeling the groove.

A traditional dancer dressed in Sabah (East Malaysia)
traditional costume.
141

Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin launching the event.

Overall it was a good event but what’s better is that
the state government is taking the initiative to promote
Homestays within the state of which is good for the local
economy.
> Decorated trishaws at the carnival site.
Contents Page
143

Goodies
The Asian Angler
Campingaz Twister Plus PZ
A compact, single burner stove ideal for easy transportation
and storing during outdoor pursuits. Featuring piezo
ignition for instant ignition wherever you are. The Twister
Plus PZ runs off Campingaz CV valve cartridges which can
be quickly and easily connected or detached – even when
they are not empty.
Featuring wide pan supports to increase stability and a heat
screen to protect the control knob during use, the Twister
Plus PZ is also fitted with Campingaz Easy Clic technology
for effortless, one click connection every time.
Website: http://coleman.com.my/
Contact: http://coleman.com.my/contact-us/
May not be available in some markets

Contents Page
145
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4QB0KeOFc&list=PLJrukP6zNEXYgqY_WeKUEMkNYWZMd19RB
Goodies
The Asian Angler
Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera
3.35 ounces of world leading imaging technology. YI 4K’s
all-in-one and impact resistance design fits in your pocket
and is ready for anything! With new colors and a high quality
finish, it is not only a camera for shooting amazing photos/
videos, but also the fashion accessory you’ve been waiting
for.
Built with the new generation Ambarella A9SE75 chip, Sony
IMX377 image sensor, and 7 layers of all glass lenses. Records
4K/30fps at 60mbps, 4x the quality of 1080p. YI 4K
Action Camera reaches new heights.
Site: http://www.yitechnology.com/actioncamera/index/id/5/status/1.html
May not be available in some markets

Contents Page
147
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Goodies
The Asian Angler
Leatherman JUICE S2
A slimmed down version of our versatile Juice multi-tools,
the S2 is extra light and compact. Carry it on a lanyard to
attach it to your vest for fast, easy access.
The Juice S2 has full-size spring-action scissors to make
one-handed cutting easier. The anonized aluminum body
is lightweight and its coating resists wear and corrosion so
it’ll last for many fishing trips to come. Extra sharp knife,
screw drivers, bottle opener, etc. completes its streamlined
design.
https://www.leatherman.com/ForRealLife.html
May not be available in some markets

Contents Page
149
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Goodies
The Asian Angler
Solar Lanterns
This waterproof solar lantern takes the sun jar (solar bottle)
concept to a much higher level. This stunning model is
extremely bright putting out roughly four times the amount
of light a sun jar could. This awesome lighting ability is
thanks to the three super bright LED’s and diffused silicone
material which disperses this light beautifully. The solar lantern
has dual light output power settings, high and low. It
also features a flashing function which could be useful for
signalling in an emergency situation.
When on high power mode it will provide light for up to 5
hours. When it’s on low power mode it will provide light for
up to 10 hours.
This solar lantern is waterproof, you can store keys and
mobile phones in it while camping or boating. It has IP66
waterproof rating.
http://www.solarlanterns.co.za/
May not be available in some markets

Contents Page
151
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