E s c a py 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
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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
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From Escapy Magazine And The Asian Publisher 5
Contents
Click To Go Directly To Article
Malacca River Cruise
The Shore Sky Tower, Malacca
The Shore Oceanarium
Page: 8
Page: 30
Page: 40
The Shore 3D Interactive Park
The Shore Toy Museum
Morten Village
Page: 52
Page: 62
Page: 72
The Settlement Hotel, Malacca
Suan Nyonya Restaurant
Page: 86
Page: 110
Kari Kambing Power (Power Mutton Curry) Page: 118
Flavors Restaurant Swiss Garden Kuala Lumpur Page: 124 Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera
Citarasa Homestay 2016 Malacca Carnival Page: 134 Leatherman JUICE S2
Page: 146
Page: 148
Campingaz Twister Plus PZ Page: 144 Solar Lanterns
Page: 150
To return to this page from the articles, click on this tab
Contents Pagelocated at end page of all articles. 7
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.
T
he 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.
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.
13
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.
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. 15
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.
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
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> A hotel by the Malacca River at sunset.
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.
21
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
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. 23
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.
> Kis
ybe n a M ? e ff a sing a gir
ot...
25
> The Ruins Of St Lawrence’s Chapel by the Malacca River.
Do checkout our friend’s (Antoine & Violette) travel video logs. <<Click Here
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
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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.
M
alacca 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. 31
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 Malaccaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cityscape here with many famous landmarks in sight, of up to 50 kilometres on a good day.
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.
33
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.
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. 35
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
> 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 37
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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.
I
f 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. 41
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 oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingers. Here one also get to touch one of the living fossils, the horseshoe crab. > Touching a live stingray.
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. 43
> Blood parrot fishes in a “magic“ aquarium.
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. 45
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.
Disco Clams
Checkout these disco clams. PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj9XQHN55Wo
49
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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51
Travel Guide Philemon Foo
The Shore 3D Interactive
Park
Fun And Fun Fact:
Our eyes can be easily tricked.
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.
53
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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;photographedâ&#x20AC;? a tiger.
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. 57
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.
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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
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61
Travel Guide Philemon Foo
The Shore
Toy Museum Fun For Adults And Kids Fact:
There is a toy for every age.
M
ost 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.
63
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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat your proteins.
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. 67
>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
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71
Travel Guide Philemon Foo
Morten Village
M
orten 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 Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Othman Mohd Noh, but how did an English name become the name of a Malay Village?
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 Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Othman Mohd Noh who was then the Village Head (Java Village).
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Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Othman being the sole guarantor hence the name, Morten. With the money in hand Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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).
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 Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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). 75
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.
Many people have visited Villa Sentosa including ministers, Prime Ministers, celebrities, etc. who have come to meet the son and family of Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Othman. Other than that, Villa Sentosa is also a sort after place to hold wedding ceremonies. > Haji Ibrahim sharing a bit of history. 77
More antiques to see and appreciate...
Villa Sentosa, the living museum...
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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.
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. 81
> A lot of effort put into making these windows and walls.
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. 83
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
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Rooms Philemon Foo
The
Settlement
Hotel
A Marriage Of Old And New Interesting:
The hotel is also a showcase of antiques and art pieces.
B
eing 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... 87
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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;fireâ&#x20AC;? turning into a little diamond. > Friends and fellow travellers hanging out at this long and large table cut out from a humongous log.
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. 89
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
Antiques from various countries (part of the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Sultanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bed sits at the front porch for all to see an appreciate.
A bed fit for a sultan.
A Mixture
Antique furnitures.
93
> 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.
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. 97
> 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 oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soul recharged.
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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;once upon a timeâ&#x20AC;? 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.
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.
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One of his masterpieces called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ubudiah Mosque Iâ&#x20AC;? 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.
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.
107
> 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
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Foodies Escapy
Suan Nyonya Restaurant
O
ne 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.
Good Location
One of the must visit areas in Malacca city is the Dataran Pahlawan (Warriorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;sambal sotong udang.â&#x20AC;? This dish is a dish for chilly lovers. The sauce is sweet and spicy, mixed with sweet natural juices from the squid and prawns.
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 oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth; this dish is quite an explosion. The fusion of herbs and chilli brings together flavours that complement each other.
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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.
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.
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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chendol Gula Melaka,â&#x20AC;? 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
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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.
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.
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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. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Starving the marketâ&#x20AC;? has been a good strategy for some businesses too.
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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;asam pedasâ&#x20AC;?clay pot dishes are not to be missed. These dishes are filled with flavours that keeps the appetite growing even when one feels full. 121
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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm (Mondays to Fridays)
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Foodies Philemon Foo
Flavors
Restaurant @Swiss Garden
Hotel Kuala Lumpur Note:
Should you over eat and regret later, we will not be held responsible.
C
hristmas 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. 125
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.
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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;eat me, eat meâ&#x20AC;? 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.
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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.
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Not to be outdone are the pudding with â&#x20AC;&#x153;chocolate bread manâ&#x20AC;? 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...
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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 Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Dinner Buffet: RM98.00 nett per adult | RM45.00 nett per child New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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
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Events Escapy
Citarasa Homestay 2016 Malacca Carnival
O
n 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.
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> 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.
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> A traditional percussionist at the carnival.
> One of the dancers at the carnival dressed in a Chinese costume.
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> A traditional dancer feeling the groove.
> A traditional dancer dressed in Sabah (East Malaysia) traditional costume.
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> Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin launching the event.
Overall it was a good event but whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
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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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TurgP0Wlryc
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Goodies
The Asian Angler
Xiaomi Yi 4K Action Camera
3
.35 ounces of world leading imaging technology. YI 4Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4QB0KeOFc&list=PLJrukP6zNEXYgqY_WeKUEMkNYWZMd19RB
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu4QB0KeOFc&list=PLJrukP6z
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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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31Wy75Y9Ts4
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Goodies
The Asian Angler
Solar Lanterns
T
his 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 LEDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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
PDF Readers: Click Link To Watch Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32RPYDTqjFU
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