Escapy - 2016 - What's In Malacca - Digital Issue
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<strong>Escapy</strong><br />
Escape <strong>In</strong>to A World Of Travel And Adventure<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong><br />
Historical City<br />
Morten Village<br />
A Malay Village With A<br />
British Name<br />
The Shore<br />
Sky Tower, 3D <strong>In</strong>teractive<br />
Park, Oceanarium, And Toy<br />
Museum.<br />
River Cruise<br />
The Sights & Sounds Of<br />
The <strong>Malacca</strong> River<br />
Rooms<br />
The Settlement Hotel<br />
Foodies<br />
Kari Kambing Power<br />
z<br />
Flavors Restaurant<br />
Swiss Garden Hotel Kuala<br />
Lumpur<br />
Citarasa<br />
Homestay<br />
Carnival<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong><br />
<strong>2016</strong><br />
Lots More <strong>In</strong>side<br />
1
Dear friends,<br />
Welcome to another issue of <strong>Escapy</strong>, your free travel digital<br />
magazine and “Pockezine”; your magazine that is designed<br />
to be read on mobile devices.<br />
It is now December <strong>2016</strong> and with the blink of an eye a year has gone by. A<br />
good life is one lived with many good and enjoyable moments. I hope you had<br />
lots of enjoyable moments this year. I certainly had, and my goal for next year<br />
is to enjoy even more good moments of which to me means to travel more and<br />
see more of our blue marble.<br />
<strong>In</strong> this issue we look at some of the things <strong>Malacca</strong> has to offer focusing more<br />
on the latest attractions and lesser on the historical sites. The latest attractions<br />
offer up more fun activities some of which do go about the historical sites and<br />
showcases how much <strong>Malacca</strong> has changed over the years. The <strong>Malacca</strong> River<br />
cruise for example offers views of <strong>Malacca</strong> new and old. We certainly will<br />
write more on the historical sites in later issues.<br />
Well my friends, I wish you Merry Christmas to all celebrating Christmas and<br />
a very happy new year to all. Be blessed with plenty of vacations and have safe<br />
travels. Should you have any feedback do email us at info@theasianpublisher.<br />
com.<br />
Thank you for reading <strong>Escapy</strong> and have many, many wonderful adventures.<br />
Cheers,<br />
Phil Foo<br />
Editor <strong>In</strong> Chief
3<br />
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5<br />
Merry Christmas<br />
And<br />
Happy New Year<br />
From<br />
<strong>Escapy</strong> Magazine<br />
And The Asian Publisher
7<br />
Contents Click To Go Directly To Article<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> River<br />
Cruise<br />
The Shore Sky<br />
Tower, <strong>Malacca</strong><br />
The Shore<br />
Oceanarium<br />
Page: 8<br />
The Shore 3D<br />
<strong>In</strong>teractive Park<br />
Page: 30<br />
The Shore Toy<br />
Museum<br />
Page: 40<br />
Morten Village<br />
Page: 52<br />
The Settlement<br />
Hotel, <strong>Malacca</strong><br />
Page: 86<br />
Flavors Restaurant<br />
Swiss Garden<br />
Kuala Lumpur<br />
Page: 124<br />
Xiaomi Yi 4K Action<br />
Camera<br />
Page: 62<br />
Suan Nyonya<br />
Restaurant<br />
Page: 110<br />
Citarasa Homestay<br />
<strong>2016</strong> <strong>Malacca</strong><br />
Carnival<br />
Page: 134<br />
Leatherman JUICE<br />
S2<br />
Page: 72<br />
Kari Kambing<br />
Power (Power<br />
Mutton Curry)<br />
Page: 118<br />
Campingaz Twister<br />
Plus PZ<br />
Page: 144<br />
Solar Lanterns<br />
Page: 146<br />
Page: 148<br />
Page: 150<br />
To return to this page from the articles, click on this tab<br />
Contents Pagelocated at end page of all articles.
Travel Guide<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong><br />
River<br />
Cruise<br />
And Things To<br />
Do Along The<br />
River<br />
Fact:<br />
The city of<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> is<br />
recognized by<br />
UNESCO World<br />
Heritage as a<br />
historical city.
The Melaka River flows through the historical city of<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> (Melaka), a city recognized by UNESCO World<br />
Heritage as a historical city. It is from here that the birth<br />
of <strong>Malacca</strong> took place. <strong>Malacca</strong> was founded by a Sumatran<br />
Prince called Parameswara at this very river,<br />
when one of his dogs got pushed into the river by a<br />
mouse-deer in self defence.<br />
9
Impressed by that incident Parameswara named the<br />
place <strong>Malacca</strong> taking the name from the tree he was<br />
resting under when the incident unfolded. He took it<br />
as a sign of good omen after seeing a weak mouse<br />
deer over powering the strong, in this case, his dog.
Parameswara built <strong>Malacca</strong> into a trading port and It<br />
became a major trade route in the 15th century, being<br />
a trading post for merchants from Java, China,<br />
<strong>In</strong>dia, and Arab. Wars also took place on this very<br />
river. It certainly is a river that holds a lot of history.<br />
11
Lovely Views<br />
Apart from its rich history the Melaka River certainly<br />
has lovely views to offer. Going on the Melaka River<br />
Cruise, we cruised past buildings new and old; with<br />
most of the old buildings refurbished and given a new<br />
lease of life. Buildings painted with beautiful murals<br />
depicting the traditions and cultures of the people of<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> line parts of the river bank.<br />
> A mural depicting warriors in days of old.
13<br />
This however, was not what<br />
Melaka River used to look<br />
like. The river used to be littered<br />
with rubbish. The buildings<br />
were an eyesore to many<br />
who bothered to look. But the<br />
state government decided to<br />
turn the river into an attraction<br />
and within a few years<br />
took this dying river and its<br />
surroundings, and turned<br />
them into the beauty it is today.<br />
> A mangrove crab on a branch<br />
at the <strong>Malacca</strong> River.
Life Has Returned<br />
Walking along the banks I spotted wildlife, a good<br />
sign that this once dying river has recovered and is<br />
now healthier. Fishes played around the surface of<br />
the water near the banks of the river, with some chasing<br />
after prey. There is a mangrove area where mangroves<br />
crabs gather to sunbath (I think). It is nice to<br />
see nature flourishing here.<br />
> Mangrove crabs lining up on log.
15<br />
Historical Places<br />
There are lots of historical sites around such as the<br />
Ruin’s Of St Lawrence’s Chapel which was built<br />
in the 1700s by the Portuguese. Here to stands a<br />
bridge called Kampung Java (Jave Village) Bridge<br />
that has been nicknamed Ghost Bridge. During<br />
World War 2 a lot of locals mainly Chinese businessmen<br />
were beheaded and hung there by the<br />
Japanese Military Police, the Kempeitei.<br />
> The “Ghost Bridge” up ahead.
Cafes And Restaurants<br />
Along the banks of the Melaka River are cafes and<br />
restaurants that offer guests a relaxing place to chill<br />
out and have a meal right by the river. These old<br />
buildings retained their historical look and charm adding<br />
more value to the experience of dining there. Of<br />
course there are cafes that occupy new buildings as<br />
well (some building were beyond repair) giving the<br />
place an “old meets new” look.<br />
> A relaxing place to relax, and have a drink by the river.
Hard Rock Cafe by the <strong>Malacca</strong> River.<br />
17
Activities By The River<br />
The Melaka River Cruise is a must see. Since the<br />
Melaka river flows through the city of <strong>Malacca</strong>, the<br />
cruise offers views of the city one will not get to see<br />
by car. Imagine Venice, many of the places are only<br />
accessible by boat. As one cruises the river one also<br />
learns about the many places that the cruise passes<br />
as information of these places are shared via a<br />
speaker.<br />
> One of the ferries that cruise the <strong>Malacca</strong> River.
19<br />
Ticket Prices<br />
Weekdays (Mon - Thur):<br />
RM15.90 (Adults above age 12)<br />
RM7.50 (Children ages 2 -12)<br />
Weekends (Fri - Sun) and holidays:<br />
RM21.20 (Adults) | RM7.50 (Child)<br />
Senior citizens, disabled persons (adults): RM7.50<br />
Disabled persons (Child): RM5.30<br />
Free entrance for children below 2.<br />
MYKAD Holders<br />
Weekdays (Mon - Thur):<br />
RM10.60 (Adults above age 12)<br />
RM5.30 (Children ages 2 - 12)<br />
Weekends (Fri - Sun) and holidays:<br />
RM15.90 (Adults) | RM5.30 (Child)<br />
Email: booking@melakarivercruise.my<br />
Tel: +606-286 1533
A hotel by the <strong>Malacca</strong> River at sunset.
21<br />
Pirate Park<br />
Certainly not everyone’s cup<br />
of tea, the Melaka River Pirate<br />
Park is a mini theme park<br />
that sits by the Melaka River.<br />
This pirate themed theme<br />
park has a ferris wheel, a<br />
swinging ship (called the Pirate<br />
Ship), a walk through<br />
haunted house, a rodeo bull<br />
ride called the mad bull, bungee<br />
trampoline, etc.<br />
> A ferries wheel at the Pirate<br />
Park shot during our sunset<br />
cruise.
Ticket Prices<br />
This theme park uses a “pay per ride” system and<br />
below are their prices:<br />
Rodeo Bull: RM5.30<br />
Ferris Wheel: RM5.30<br />
Bungee Trampoline: RM5.30<br />
Pirate Ship: RM5.30<br />
Rock Climbing: RM5.30<br />
Haunted House: RM10.60
23<br />
Morten Village<br />
(Kampung Morten)<br />
Morten Village is a living museum on the banks of<br />
the Melaka River. Here are traditional Malay houses<br />
built of wood, many built during the days of its<br />
founding and are still standing. <strong>In</strong> fact generations<br />
of families still live here in these traditional houses.<br />
One house not to be missed is Villa Sentosa the<br />
home of founder of Morten Village. Do read the article<br />
on Morten Village for further info.
The Shore Shopping Gallery<br />
While shopping may not be the main thing to do on a<br />
holiday here, The Shore Shopping Gallery has more<br />
than shopping to offer. There are fun things to do inside<br />
such as a 3D <strong>In</strong>teractive Park that is loads of<br />
fun, an educational oceanarium, a toy museum, and<br />
a viewing platform right at the roof of this building.<br />
*Read about them in this issue.
Kissing a giraffe? Maybe not...<br />
25
The Ruins Of St Lawrence’s Chapel by the <strong>Malacca</strong> River.<br />
Do checkout<br />
our friend’s<br />
(Antoine &<br />
Violette) travel<br />
video logs.<br />
There are lots more to see<br />
and do by the Melaka River.<br />
Photogs will certainly<br />
have a busy time shooting,<br />
lovers could hold<br />
hands and walk along the<br />
banks or stop by for a cup<br />
of tea at one of the cafes,<br />
and if nothing else; just sit<br />
back and relax along this<br />
history rich river.<br />
27
Reminds one of Venice.
How cool is this...<br />
Organisers:<br />
Contents Page<br />
29
Travel Guide<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
The Shore<br />
Sky Tower<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong><br />
Views From Up<br />
Above<br />
Fact:<br />
As of now, Dec<br />
<strong>2016</strong>, The Shore<br />
Sky Tower is the<br />
highest viewing<br />
deck in <strong>Malacca</strong>.
31<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> is a historical city with buildings built<br />
by the locals, Portuguese, and Dutch dating back<br />
many many years but it has since been lined with<br />
modern buildings and one of them is The Shore<br />
and right on top of it is The Shore Sky Tower.<br />
> A city with modern and old buildings. Shot from the<br />
Sky Tower viewing area.
The Shore Sky Tower measures some 163 metres<br />
from the street making it the tallest observation deck<br />
in <strong>Malacca</strong>. One can take in a 360 degrees breath<br />
taking view of <strong>Malacca</strong>’s cityscape here with many<br />
famous landmarks in sight, of up to 50 kilometres on<br />
a good day.
33<br />
Brave<br />
For those who dare<br />
tempt fate and those<br />
who have no fear especially<br />
of heights,<br />
there is a glass box<br />
that protrudes off one<br />
of the sides of the tower<br />
where one can go<br />
stand in and take in a<br />
dizzying view of the<br />
area 163 metres below.<br />
Unfortunately you are not allowed to take your own<br />
photos with your own camera while tempting fate in<br />
this glass box. You have got no choice but to allow<br />
an official photographer to take your photo for you<br />
and purchase it at the counter upon exiting.
Dining Up High<br />
Should you feel the urge to enjoy a meal up in the<br />
skies, the Sky Deli is on the 42nd floor which does<br />
offer a lovely view of the city. It is in fact the highest<br />
restaurant in <strong>Malacca</strong>. Here they serve local cuisines<br />
such as Baba Nyonya cuisine, local fares like nasi lemak<br />
(fragrant rice), and western dishes.
35<br />
It certainly is a nice place to sit back, relax, and<br />
chillout with friends while having a bite and enjoying<br />
a cuppa. Should you decide to dine here, I certainly<br />
advise coming in the evenings with a camera<br />
and shoot the sunset while you dine. Of course you<br />
can shoot the sunset from the top too of which is<br />
better but incurs an entrance fee.<br />
> Nasi lemak set. Nothing to shout about but the tea is<br />
good.
Address - Sky Tower<br />
Tower 1, 42 & 43F, The Shore Shopping Gallery,<br />
193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran<br />
Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka Tengah, Malaysia<br />
Tel: +606-288 3833<br />
Fax: +606 288 3533<br />
Open daily from 10.30 am to 10pm.<br />
Fees: Adult - RM25.00<br />
Children - RM18.00
37<br />
> A roof top glass pond on the roof of the Sky Tower.<br />
Address - Sky Deli:<br />
Level 42, Tower 1, The Shore Melaka, 193 Pinggiran<br />
@ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran Bunga<br />
Raya, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia.<br />
Operating hours:<br />
Sundays to Thursday: 11.30am - 10.15pm<br />
Fridays & Saturday: 11.30am - 11.15pm<br />
Tel: +606-288 3833
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Contents Page<br />
39
Travel Guide<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
The Shore<br />
Oceanarium<br />
Educational<br />
And Fun<br />
<strong>In</strong>teresting:<br />
Have you heard<br />
of disco clams?<br />
Check them out<br />
in the next few<br />
pages.
41<br />
If you like reptiles, fishes, and watching things in<br />
3D and you happen to be visiting the historical city<br />
of <strong>Malacca</strong>, The Shore Oceanarium is one place<br />
you could consider visiting. The Shore Oceanarium<br />
showcases reptiles like lizards and snakes, fishes<br />
both saltwater and freshwater species, and many<br />
other marine life.<br />
> A close up shot of a sea urchin.
Touching Fishes<br />
One thing you can do here is to touch and feel the<br />
fishes the likes of starfish, stingrays, and sharks.<br />
Worry not as they are not of the ferocious types.<br />
Needless to say, it is not advisable to investigate<br />
the teeth of these sharks with one’s fingers. Here<br />
one also get to touch one of the living fossils, the<br />
horseshoe crab.<br />
> Touching a live stingray.
43<br />
Educational Exhibits<br />
One of the things I like about The Shore Oceanarium<br />
is that they educate visitors about the many species<br />
of reptiles, fishes, etc. and their ecosystems.<br />
A good example is the section called River Story<br />
that exhibits many different fish species native to<br />
rivers in <strong>In</strong>dia, Australia, streams in China, lakes<br />
in Malawi, and of course rivers as well as lakes in<br />
Malaysia.
Blood parrot fishes in a “magic“ aquarium.
45<br />
Other Exhibits<br />
Other exhibits include shells, shellfish, turtles, lizards,<br />
snakes, spiders, etc. There are also 3D movies,<br />
short video feeds, and information posters to<br />
keep everyone entertained. Apart from these there<br />
are props put up allowing for photo opportunities.<br />
> A lion fish shot in black and white.
A king crab can weigh up to 10kg.<br />
Hail The King
A sea urchin on a rock. These<br />
urchins have sharp spikes.<br />
47
A cool looking prawn.
49<br />
Disco Clams<br />
Checkout these disco clams.<br />
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj9XQHN55Wo
More <strong>In</strong>formation<br />
Address:<br />
2F-01, The Shore Shopping Gallery,193, Pinggiran<br />
@ Sungai Melaka,Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya,<br />
75100 Melaka, Malaysia.<br />
Operation Hours: 10.30am to 9pm daily (last entry<br />
8pm)<br />
Tel: +606-2829966<br />
Fax:+606-2831003<br />
Email: <strong>In</strong>fo: oceanariummelaka@gmail.com<br />
Event: #ICYDKMelaka<br />
Organized by: Gaya Travel and Ministry Of Tourism<br />
And Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia
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Contents Page<br />
51
Travel Guide<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
The Shore<br />
3D <strong>In</strong>teractive<br />
Park<br />
Fun And Fun<br />
Fact:<br />
Our eyes can be<br />
easily tricked.
53<br />
3D painting and other sorts of eye tricking photography<br />
have recently been mushrooming and one<br />
of them is The Shore 3D <strong>In</strong>teractive Park located in<br />
The Shore Shopping Gallery, <strong>Malacca</strong>. I have been<br />
to a few of them and this one here is awesome. So<br />
what has this RM3 million fun place got to offer?<br />
> The entrance to the 3D <strong>In</strong>teractive Park.
3D Wall Art<br />
As with most 3D painted trick photography thingies,<br />
The Shore 3D <strong>In</strong>teractive Park has got quite a few<br />
3D paintings that will make friends who look at your<br />
photos go wow! or eeew! such as this adorable “giraffe<br />
through window painting”, and a “whoops I have<br />
slipped and am now falling down a waterfall” paintings.<br />
I personally love these things.
There are also booths with places to sit on or cut<br />
out holes in them for one to put their head through<br />
and appear to be doing something out of the ordinary<br />
(to most people) such as riding a flying horse,<br />
or simply floating about in space.<br />
55
AR Booths<br />
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_CTHmZWpRA<br />
There are also painted booths with cameras installed<br />
that create augmented reality videos hence<br />
creating some fun videos. One can appear to be<br />
swimming with piranhas, going back to the time of<br />
the dinosaurs, visiting elephants in Africa, or simply<br />
just messing about with a huge Malayan tiger.<br />
> The Augmented Reality booth where I “photographed” a<br />
tiger.
57<br />
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6--zz-X5Y_k<br />
One interesting thing available here is the Ghost<br />
House. The experience can be scary for some<br />
especially when one takes in the environment or<br />
stand in front of an innocent looking door only to<br />
be shocked and frightened by the ghost that appears<br />
suddenly. This is a pretty nice place to visit<br />
and have some fun especially with friends.
<strong>In</strong>teractive Elements<br />
More cool photos and experiences here at the “<strong>In</strong>teractive<br />
Elements” section. There is a “dancing floor” or<br />
rather a floor that lights up as you dance. One photo I<br />
took is that of a friend that made many go wow! This<br />
photo is one where he held himself up with just one<br />
hand (picture above).
There are a lot of other fun things there many<br />
of which follow attractions from overseas such<br />
as “Gravity Hill” where things go against gravity,<br />
and “Ames Room.” There is also a hologram<br />
theatre, green screen studio that adds<br />
special effects the like of those done in Hollywood<br />
movies (but not to that extent), Upside<br />
Down House, etc. The Shore 3D <strong>In</strong>teractive<br />
Park is certainly a fun place to visit.<br />
59
More <strong>In</strong>formation<br />
Address:<br />
2FS-01 to 2FS-46, 2nd Floor, The Shore Shopping<br />
Gallery,193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka,Jalan Persisiran<br />
Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia.<br />
Operation Hours:<br />
10.30am to 9pm daily (last entry 8pm)<br />
Event: #ICYDKMelaka<br />
Organized by: Gaya Travel and Ministry Of Tourism<br />
And Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia
Support Our Local<br />
Authors<br />
Check Them Out At A Bookshop Near You<br />
Contents Page<br />
61
Travel Guide<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
The Shore<br />
Toy Museum<br />
Fun For Adults<br />
And Kids<br />
Fact:<br />
There is a toy<br />
for every age.
63<br />
Most adults would deny that they do not play<br />
with toys anymore nor do they have any interest in<br />
toys but I personally believe that deep down inside<br />
these same adults do want to pick up a toy and play<br />
with it. I do not mean toys for grownups.<br />
> Love to stay and chat but I have to get to work.
For those who admit that they do indeed have some<br />
interest in toys The Shore Toy Museum is one place to<br />
visit. One would certainly feel that one has just gone<br />
back in time as some of the toys there are from an<br />
older era bringing back fond memories.
Children will no doubt be jumping for joy. Well, it is a toy<br />
museum after all. The RM 3 million collection of about<br />
four thousand toys from trains to life size figurines the<br />
likes of Mario (Mario Brothers), and super heroes the<br />
likes of Batman, etc. will certain keep both adults and<br />
children occupied.<br />
65
Photo Opportunities<br />
With life size figurines placed all around, a little creativity<br />
would make for some interesting photos. I personally<br />
love the life size Bat Mobile, the Star Wars<br />
alley, Ironman, and the Transformers. There is even<br />
an Ironman section; a replica of the one in the movie.<br />
>This is what happens when you don’t eat your proteins.
67<br />
One Big Kid<br />
All these toys belong to just one person, Chew<br />
Chert Fong, who has travelled to many countries<br />
buying toys that he now exhibits in his Toy Museum.<br />
He grew up playing with them (not life size)<br />
and watched them on television. This became one<br />
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.<br />
69
More <strong>In</strong>formation<br />
Address:<br />
The Shore Shopping Gallery,193, Pinggiran @ Sungai<br />
Melaka,Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya, 75100<br />
Melaka, Malaysia.<br />
Entrance Fee: Adults RM30 | Children RM 20<br />
Operation Hours: 10.30am to 9pm daily<br />
Event: #ICYDKMelaka<br />
Organized by: Gaya Travel and Ministry Of Tourism<br />
And Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia
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Contents Page<br />
71
Travel Guide<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
Morten Village<br />
Morten Village is like a living museum being an old<br />
traditional Malay village with houses dating as far back<br />
as to when the village came to be, circa 1920s (1922).<br />
The founder of Morten Village is Dato’ Othman Mohd<br />
Noh, but how did an English name become the name of<br />
a Malay Village?
73<br />
Back <strong>In</strong>to History<br />
Before there was Morten Village, there was a village<br />
called Java Village. The then government (British) wanted<br />
part of their land for development and part of the<br />
village were told to leave. Without money and with nowhere<br />
to go they turned to Dato’ Othman Mohd Noh<br />
who was then the Village Head (Java Village).
Dato’ Othman went in search of financial help and<br />
help came in the form of then British Land Commissioner<br />
Frederick Joseph Morten. FJ Morten helped<br />
setup a special government loan of 10,000 dollars<br />
in 1920 with Dato’ Othman being the sole guarantor<br />
hence the name, Morten.<br />
With the money in hand Dato’ Othman together with<br />
friends, split the land into 100 lots and allocated them<br />
to people who needed to move in with priority given to<br />
those from Java Village. One other good thing that FJ<br />
Morten did was to sign an agreement that all land in<br />
Morten Village can only be transferred to families and<br />
the next of kin of those living in there (Morten Village).
75<br />
Villa Sentosa<br />
One of the must visit places here is Villa Sentosa the<br />
home that Haji Hashim Abdul Ghani built. Haji Hashim<br />
Abdul Ghani Helped Dato’Othman build Morten Village.<br />
Villa Sentosa is now cared for by one of his grandsons<br />
Haji Ibrahim Haji Hashim (77 years old at time of visit -<br />
<strong>2016</strong>) and his family. Haji Ibrahim happily shares stories<br />
of how Morten Village came to be, a history lesson not<br />
to be missed.<br />
> A portrait of Haji Hashim Abdul Ghani (circa 7 Nov 1898).
<strong>In</strong> his home are antiques from the time of his father<br />
and maybe even older. Things like old cassette players,<br />
record players, typewriters, cameras, furniture,<br />
iron, etc. are on display here. Haji Ibrahim and his<br />
family still lives here hence why it is called a living<br />
museum.<br />
>An old typewriter sits on an old coffee table.
77<br />
Many people have visited Villa Sentosa including<br />
ministers, Prime Ministers, celebrities, etc. who<br />
have come to meet the son and family of Dato’ Othman.<br />
Other than that, Villa Sentosa is also a sort<br />
after place to hold wedding ceremonies.<br />
> Haji Ibrahim sharing a bit of history.
More antiques to see and appreciate...
Villa Sentosa, the living museum...<br />
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Miniature House<br />
Builder<br />
Miniature houses have a certain charm and one of<br />
the residents here in Morten Village builds these little<br />
charming houses. He is Mr Baser Ali who has been<br />
building miniature houses as a hobby and selling his<br />
works of art for some 20 years now.<br />
>Mr Baser Ali and his houses.
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What’s amazing is his attention to details. Mr Baser<br />
painstakingly shaves down wood and designs<br />
them into parts of the houses that he is building.<br />
It is not easy carving wood for, let’s just say a window<br />
frame. Now imagine having to do this on the<br />
same window frame but with one difference. The<br />
said window frame is a very small one.<br />
> Notice the attention to detail of these miniature houses.
A lot of effort put into making these windows and walls.
83<br />
His workshop is a must visit when in Morten Village.<br />
Only by seeing his creation will one be able<br />
to appreciate his work. Each house sells for about<br />
RM2,800 to RM3,000.<br />
Address:<br />
122, Lorong Tun Mamat 1, Kampung Morten,<br />
Melaka.<br />
> A traditional Malay house painstakingly built.
Homestays<br />
For those who want to experience living in a traditional<br />
Malay house, Morten Village offers quite a few<br />
homestays to choose from.
Summary<br />
> Amazing skills (miniature house and dining).<br />
Morten Village is an interesting place to visit with<br />
lots of information to offer. One just needs to visit<br />
to appreciate this place. Apart from the mentioned<br />
attractions there are trikes (electric tricycles) to rent<br />
and there is a daily Morten Village Cultural and Heritage<br />
Guided Walk tour that one can follow.<br />
Call: +606 333 3333 ext 3700<br />
Days Available: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays<br />
Time: 3.30pm to 4pm.<br />
Meeting Place: Villa Sentosa<br />
Contents Page<br />
85
Rooms<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
The<br />
Settlement<br />
Hotel<br />
A Marriage Of<br />
Old And New<br />
<strong>In</strong>teresting:<br />
The hotel is also<br />
a showcase of<br />
antiques and art<br />
pieces.
87<br />
Being an avid traveller, I lay my head down at<br />
night at many a hotel, and thus why hotels are very<br />
important to me. After all, they are my “recharging<br />
points” for the next day’s adventure; thus why I<br />
have become critical of them. Cleanliness, service,<br />
comfort, and friendliness of staffs are some of the<br />
things that largely influence my experience at a hotel.<br />
> Here I lay my head down to sleep...
A Little Diamond<br />
Granted that no hotel is perfect, one of the hotels that<br />
rank highly to me personally in the historical city of<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> is The Settlement Hotel. This boutique hotel<br />
seemed to have had a less than illustrious beginning<br />
but has since made it through the “fire” turning into a<br />
little diamond.<br />
> Friends and fellow travellers hanging out at this long<br />
and large table cut out from a humongous log.
89<br />
The Settlement Hotel Melaka offered some of the<br />
friendliest service from the friendly front office staffs<br />
to the waiters and waitresses that are always smiling,<br />
and one that I have to mention is the very polite<br />
and friendly chef that prepared my omelette and<br />
personally brought it to me on the table. He did the<br />
same for my friends and other diners too.<br />
> Starters at the small ballroom.
It has been said that everything begins at the top<br />
and this saying has certainly been proven here. I<br />
had the good fortune of meeting Laura Tan, the General<br />
Manager, and during our chat I saw the reason<br />
why I have been enjoying my experience here. She<br />
is a no nonsense leader who is helpful and polite,<br />
paying close attention to service and guests. This<br />
certainly is leadership by example.<br />
> I love this simple and tasty egg starter.
A Mixture<br />
The Settlement Hotel, <strong>Malacca</strong>, used to be a government<br />
building back in the 60s but has since been<br />
restored into what it is today, a delightful boutique<br />
hotel that personifies a mixture of a modern hotel<br />
with olden days architecture including century old<br />
tiles from a Palembang mosque in Sumatra, <strong>In</strong>donesia.<br />
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A bed fit for a sultan.<br />
Antiques from various<br />
countries (part<br />
of the owner’s collection)<br />
are placed<br />
around the hotel. To<br />
the owner these antiques<br />
should be exhibited<br />
and shared<br />
instead of being<br />
kept locked up in<br />
a personal gallery.<br />
Antiques such as a<br />
350 years old Sultan’s<br />
Bed sits at the<br />
front porch for all to<br />
see an appreciate.
93<br />
A Mixture<br />
Antique furnitures.
A water feature form Europe.
A Mixture<br />
Antique furnitures.<br />
> A totem pole on the roof.<br />
95
Comfy Bedrooms<br />
The mixture of old and new continues into the bedrooms<br />
with antique looking furniture such as the<br />
writing table, side table, etc. and a modern and very<br />
comfortable bed, modern bathroom amenities, etc.<br />
The bedrooms are well furnished without being too<br />
heavily decorated. It even has a lovely English tea<br />
set should one want to enjoy tea the English way.
97<br />
The beds are very comfortable featherbeds with<br />
feather duvets, and down pillows. Being very particular<br />
with beds , pillows, and everything that I go to<br />
sleep with I must say that I slept really well and the<br />
comfort levels are amongst the top of hotel beds.<br />
Another very important point is that they are clean.<br />
> A nice personal touch.
The bathroom. Shut the blinds for privacy.
The bathroom comes with a bathtub that keeps the<br />
water warm for a much longer period as compared<br />
to the usual bathtubs used at most hotels. This is<br />
superb especially for distressing and relaxing in a<br />
tub of bubbles floating on water that remains warm<br />
long after one has had one’s soul recharged.<br />
99
Luxury Villas<br />
The luxury villas are a must see. They look like traditional<br />
village houses. <strong>In</strong>side is a king size comfortable<br />
antique looking bed, antique looking wardrobe,<br />
table, chairs, etc. Even the bathroom comes with<br />
tiles that brings one back to a “once upon a time”<br />
period.
Luxury inside; the classic charm continues...<br />
101
Traditional Spa Village<br />
The Settlement Hotel has a Traditional Spa Village<br />
offering traditional massages, body wraps and<br />
scrubs, facial therapies, nail care services, etc. to<br />
help one relax and rejuvenate. After a relaxing treatment<br />
one can go relax by the pool or if the temptation<br />
is too strong; to jump in and wade about.
103<br />
Art Gallery<br />
Antiques are not the only things that make The Settlement<br />
Hotel, Melaka, special. There is also an art<br />
gallery in the hotel, the Yeak Ping Lian Gallery. Yeak<br />
Ping Lian was born on 18th November 1993 and<br />
has a condition called the savant syndrome (autistic).<br />
Although suffering with savant syndrome he is<br />
blessed with a remarkable ability to create art.
One of his masterpieces called the “Ubudiah<br />
Mosque I” was sold for RM100,000.00 to an anonymus<br />
bidder at the Grand Auction of the RDA Charity<br />
Ball in Malaysia back in 20th November 2004. Although<br />
he now resides in Sydney, Australia, his work<br />
is exhibited daily at the Yeak Ping Lian Gallery, The<br />
Settlement Hotel, Melaka.<br />
> A masterpiece depicting Kuala Lumpur city.
Sunflower; painted at age 11.<br />
105
Rood Top<br />
The roof top of The Settlement Hotel is an open air<br />
dining area with views of the surrounding area. It is<br />
also a good place to shoot the sunset. At night it becomes<br />
a relaxing place to sit back with friends and<br />
relax.
107<br />
Convenient<br />
The Settlement Hotel is located near the famous<br />
Portuguese Settlement where there is a Portuguese<br />
Settlement Heritage Museum, seafood outlets,<br />
pubs, etc. Just outside the hotel are food outlets<br />
that offers local food.<br />
> Shot taken from the roof.
Karaoke on the roof.
Convenient<br />
Address:<br />
The Settlement Hotel Melaka , No. 63, Jalan Ujong<br />
Pasir, World UNESCO Heritage City Melaka, 75050<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong>, Malaysia.<br />
Tel: +60 6 292 1133 (General Line)<br />
Fax: +60 6 292 4700<br />
email: enquiry@thesettlementhotel.com<br />
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 2.187534<br />
Longitude: 102.268407<br />
Website: https://thesettlementhotel.com/home<br />
Contents Page<br />
109
Foodies<br />
<strong>Escapy</strong><br />
Suan Nyonya Restaurant<br />
One of the things that travellers look for while travelling<br />
is food. Not just any food but good local delights.<br />
That said, <strong>Malacca</strong> is home to Nyonya and Peranakan<br />
food thanks to the Nyonya and Peranakan cultures that<br />
have long been part of <strong>Malacca</strong>. Suan Nyonya Restaurant<br />
serves them both.
111<br />
Good Location<br />
One of the must visit areas in <strong>Malacca</strong> city is the Dataran<br />
Pahlawan (Warrior’s Square). This square is surrounded<br />
by many attractions including historical buildings, shopping<br />
areas, and food outlets. Restaurant Nyonya Suan<br />
is located opposite a shopping mall called Merdeka Plaza.<br />
> Nyonya type decor.
My Favourite<br />
We ordered 7 dishes. Amongst them, my favourite dish<br />
is the calamari and prawns cooked in chilli paste or simply<br />
called locally as “sambal sotong udang.” This dish<br />
is a dish for chilly lovers. The sauce is sweet and spicy,<br />
mixed with sweet natural juices from the squid and<br />
prawns.
113<br />
Chicken Dish<br />
Another meaty dish that I like is the Rendang Chicken.<br />
This is a spicy dish with chilli and various other herbs. I<br />
have often heard of flavours bursting in one’s mouth; this<br />
dish is quite an explosion. The fusion of herbs and chilli<br />
brings together flavours that complement each other.
Fish Dish<br />
The fish dish is another superb dish. Although this dish<br />
certainly will not get points for its decor, it get full points<br />
for taste. This dish is called ikan lemak nenas or pineapple<br />
fragrant fish. The fish used here is seabass or barramundi<br />
and it is cooked with chilli, coconut milk, various<br />
herbs and spices giving it a rich flavourful taste.
115<br />
Greens<br />
Personally I am not a fan of vegetables but the spicy<br />
water spinach dish called kangkung belacan (a type of<br />
paste) is one that I enjoyed during our meal; however,<br />
it was the chilli okra dish that really did it for me. Okra<br />
on its own is rather bland but the sweet and sour chilli<br />
turned it into an addictive dish.
Other Dishes<br />
The other dishes being a fried egg dish, and a tofu dish<br />
was good too but nothing to shout about. We ended our<br />
dinner with “Chendol Gula Melaka,” a desert of green<br />
jelly strips served with coconut milk and <strong>Malacca</strong>n brown<br />
sugar; a delight for the sweet toothed foodie.
Certainly Worth A Visit<br />
> Mr. Vincent Tan, owner of Restaurant Suan Nyonya.<br />
Should you be in <strong>Malacca</strong> and want to eat something local<br />
and authentic, head on to Restaurant Nyonya Suan.<br />
Address:<br />
Jalan Merdeka, Taman Costa Mahkota, 75000 Melaka,<br />
Malaysia<br />
Phone: +60 11-1300 2988<br />
Contents Page<br />
117
Foodies<br />
<strong>Escapy</strong><br />
Warung Kari Kambing<br />
Power & Asam Pedas<br />
Claypot<br />
(Power Mutton Curry & Clay Pot<br />
Sweet, Sour, And Spicy Dishes Stall)<br />
A long and descriptive name for a stall indeed. The<br />
Warung Kari Kambing & Asam Pedas Claypot is famous<br />
for its mutton curry and a dish called “asam pedas,” a<br />
sweet, sour, and spicy tamarind sauce dish; cooked with<br />
fish.
119<br />
Early Eaters<br />
Foodies far and near flock to the stall as early as 6am<br />
to power up for the day and they stock up energy with<br />
the intake of mutton curry and rice. It may be hard to<br />
fathom eating such a heavy meal for breakfast but stall<br />
owner, Yusri Nadin has been cooking his spicy specialty<br />
for early eaters for many many years.
Two goats are prepared daily which is indeed too little<br />
since the demand is high and his pot of mutton curry<br />
goes empty by 9am, but he refuses to cook more. He<br />
has long decided to focus on getting his famous curry<br />
cooked right although in small quantities, instead of sacrificing<br />
quality for larger quantities. “Starving the market”<br />
has been a good strategy for some businesses too.
121<br />
Other Dishes<br />
Although the stall is famous for its mutton curry and<br />
has been dishing out mutton curry for about 20 years<br />
now, there are other dishes too that will make one drool.<br />
The “asam pedas”clay pot dishes are not to be missed.<br />
These dishes are filled with flavours that keeps the appetite<br />
growing even when one feels full.
Worth The Effort<br />
Should you decide to visit the historical city of <strong>Malacca</strong>,<br />
go a little further to an area called Asahan of which is<br />
about an hour’s drive away; and order yourself a mutton<br />
curry dish plus the “asam pedas” claypot dish. It certainly<br />
is worth the trip but remember to be there early. The<br />
other option is to book your orders in advanced. Contact<br />
details ahead.
Location<br />
Address:<br />
Km 42, Jalan Tambak Merlang 1, Kg. Simpang Bekoh,<br />
77100 Asahan, Melaka, Malaysia.<br />
Contact: +6012-777 5006 or +6013-682 2800<br />
Business hours: 6am – 3pm (Mondays to Fridays)<br />
Contents Page<br />
123
Foodies<br />
Philemon Foo<br />
Flavors<br />
Restaurant<br />
@Swiss Garden<br />
Hotel Kuala<br />
Lumpur<br />
Note:<br />
Should you over<br />
eat and regret<br />
later, we will not<br />
be held responsible.
125<br />
Christmas has always been a time of laughter,<br />
cheer, presents, and overeating. The staple has always<br />
been turkey baked with spices stuffed up its<br />
behind. Oh, I am drooling now just thinking of this<br />
(certainly not the behind part of that sentence). The<br />
perils of a travel writer to who loves to eat.<br />
> So delicious i am drooling on my laptop writing this.
Another thing that gets me drooling are the sweet desserts.<br />
Delightfully lovely sweet yummy desserts. How<br />
can one turn away from lovely meringue, chocolate log<br />
cakes, fruit cakes, macaroons, etc. Even with sugar levels<br />
hovering amongst the clouds I do not have the will<br />
power to say no to lovely desserts.
127<br />
Drooling At Flavors Restaurant<br />
While the stuffed turkey was yummy and the lamb was<br />
tender and nice, my focus was on the colourful delightful<br />
desserts screaming “eat me, eat me” at the buffet<br />
counter. I thoroughly enjoyed my main course devouring<br />
the turkey, lamb, superb seafood, and my favourite;<br />
smoked salmon, etc. keeping a keen eye on the sweet<br />
sweet delights.
High On Desserts<br />
With the main courses out of the way I had no choice<br />
but to save the screaming tarts, chocolate balls, fruit<br />
cakes, log cakes, meringue, etc. from a boring wait at<br />
the dessert counter. They were very delicious especially<br />
the meringue flambe that is sweet with a slightly smoked<br />
aroma, tarts, yul log cakes, fruit cakes, etc. oh... I just<br />
cannot stop.
Delicious meringue flambe.<br />
129
Not to be outdone are the pudding with “chocolate bread<br />
man” that gives an otherwise boring looking pudding<br />
some attraction, attracting sweet toothed drooling dessert<br />
lovers the likes of me. The pudding is not extremely<br />
sweet but made just nice. I have to admit that I took<br />
more than what I would normally take and would have<br />
gone back for more should there be any left.
Lovely, delicious tarts...<br />
131
Don’t Hold Back<br />
> Smoked salmon; tasty and creamy... delicious.<br />
Head on over to the Flavors Restaurant this yuletide<br />
month and eat to your heart’s content. Lovely delicious<br />
desserts are waiting to be savoured. Better still, head<br />
over for the Christmas eve and / or New Year’s eve, and<br />
New Years day buffet high-tea dinner buffet and eat, eat,<br />
eat.
<strong>In</strong>formation<br />
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet:<br />
RM98.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child<br />
Christmas Day Hi-Tea<br />
RM88.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child<br />
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet:<br />
RM98.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child<br />
New Year’s Day Hi-Tea Buffet:<br />
RM88.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child<br />
Address:<br />
Jalan Pudu, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur,<br />
Malaysia<br />
Phone: +60 3-2785 1111<br />
Website: www.swissgarden.com<br />
Contents Page<br />
133
Events<br />
<strong>Escapy</strong><br />
Citarasa Homestay <strong>2016</strong><br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> Carnival<br />
On the 5th of November <strong>2016</strong> the historical city of<br />
<strong>Malacca</strong> launched the Citarasa Homestay <strong>2016</strong> <strong>Malacca</strong><br />
Carnival. The Carnival was launched by Datuk Mas<br />
Ermieyati Samsudin, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and<br />
Culture Malaysia.
The event organisers invited stalls selling food, snacks,<br />
Homestay operators, etc. creating a fun, busy environment<br />
with the crowd hopping from stall to stall buying<br />
refreshments, filling hungry tummies, and sniffing out<br />
good holiday deals.<br />
135
The happiest stall proprietor at the carnival.
To entertain the crowd, traditional dances danced to<br />
traditional music played by local traditional musicians.<br />
There were quizzes too where participants who got the<br />
answers right won prizes.<br />
137
A traditional percussionist at the carnival.
One of the dancers at the carnival dressed in a Chinese<br />
costume.<br />
139
A traditional dancer feeling the groove.
A traditional dancer dressed in Sabah (East Malaysia)<br />
traditional costume.<br />
141
Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin launching the event.
Overall it was a good event but what’s better is that<br />
the state government is taking the initiative to promote<br />
Homestays within the state of which is good for the local<br />
economy.<br />
> Decorated trishaws at the carnival site.<br />
Contents Page<br />
143
Goodies<br />
The Asian Angler<br />
Campingaz Twister Plus PZ<br />
A compact, single burner stove ideal for easy transportation<br />
and storing during outdoor pursuits. Featuring piezo<br />
ignition for instant ignition wherever you are. The Twister<br />
Plus PZ runs off Campingaz CV valve cartridges which can<br />
be quickly and easily connected or detached – even when<br />
they are not empty.<br />
Featuring wide pan supports to increase stability and a heat<br />
screen to protect the control knob during use, the Twister<br />
Plus PZ is also fitted with Campingaz Easy Clic technology<br />
for effortless, one click connection every time.<br />
Website: http://coleman.com.my/<br />
Contact: http://coleman.com.my/contact-us/<br />
May not be available in some markets
Contents Page<br />
145<br />
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TurgP0Wlryc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4QB0KeOFc&list=PLJrukP6zNEXYgqY_WeKUEMkNYWZMd19RB<br />
Goodies<br />
The Asian Angler<br />
Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera<br />
3.35 ounces of world leading imaging technology. YI 4K’s<br />
all-in-one and impact resistance design fits in your pocket<br />
and is ready for anything! With new colors and a high quality<br />
finish, it is not only a camera for shooting amazing photos/<br />
videos, but also the fashion accessory you’ve been waiting<br />
for.<br />
Built with the new generation Ambarella A9SE75 chip, Sony<br />
IMX377 image sensor, and 7 layers of all glass lenses. Records<br />
4K/30fps at 60mbps, 4x the quality of 1080p. YI 4K<br />
Action Camera reaches new heights.<br />
Site: http://www.yitechnology.com/actioncamera/index/id/5/status/1.html<br />
May not be available in some markets
Contents Page<br />
147<br />
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4QB0KeOFc&list=PLJrukP6z
Goodies<br />
The Asian Angler<br />
Leatherman JUICE S2<br />
A slimmed down version of our versatile Juice multi-tools,<br />
the S2 is extra light and compact. Carry it on a lanyard to<br />
attach it to your vest for fast, easy access.<br />
The Juice S2 has full-size spring-action scissors to make<br />
one-handed cutting easier. The anonized aluminum body<br />
is lightweight and its coating resists wear and corrosion so<br />
it’ll last for many fishing trips to come. Extra sharp knife,<br />
screw drivers, bottle opener, etc. completes its streamlined<br />
design.<br />
https://www.leatherman.com/ForRealLife.html<br />
May not be available in some markets
Contents Page<br />
149<br />
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31Wy75Y9Ts4
Goodies<br />
The Asian Angler<br />
Solar Lanterns<br />
This waterproof solar lantern takes the sun jar (solar bottle)<br />
concept to a much higher level. This stunning model is<br />
extremely bright putting out roughly four times the amount<br />
of light a sun jar could. This awesome lighting ability is<br />
thanks to the three super bright LED’s and diffused silicone<br />
material which disperses this light beautifully. The solar lantern<br />
has dual light output power settings, high and low. It<br />
also features a flashing function which could be useful for<br />
signalling in an emergency situation.<br />
When on high power mode it will provide light for up to 5<br />
hours. When it’s on low power mode it will provide light for<br />
up to 10 hours.<br />
This solar lantern is waterproof, you can store keys and<br />
mobile phones in it while camping or boating. It has IP66<br />
waterproof rating.<br />
http://www.solarlanterns.co.za/<br />
May not be available in some markets
Contents Page<br />
151<br />
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32RPYDTqjFU
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