What to Do and Eat in Melaka

My trip to beautiful Melaka in Dec 2021 has made me proud that this city belongs to Malaysia. Melaka has many places that are full of character, history, culture and heritage. What makes it a world-class attraction is that the city's features are all tastefully enhanced and responsibily preserved, reflecting the uniqueness of Malaysia. While international borders are still keeping foreign tourists at bay, it is the best time for Malaysians to enjoy local tourism. 

Many corners of Melaka are indeed charming and make admirable backdrops in Ig posts! Food in Melaka is also worth travelling for. This time, I explored alternatives to Capitol satay celup, Chung Wah chicken rice ball and Siham longkang at Bunga Raya street and they did not disappoint. Although they are not as iconic as the mentioned eateries, they have queues in their own right.

In the vicinity of Jonker Street

A Famosa

You can find these near Jonker too

The beautiful red Chirst Church

Klebang Sand Dunes 

For a moment, I thought I was in the Australian outback. The air, the sand and plants were not the usual ones. It was hard to convince myself that I was still in Malaysia. This accidental attraction was initially piles of sand intended for construction. Having a little more vegetation and courser sand than the desert I have been in Abu Dhabi, this place succeeds in transporting you out of Malaysia without you having to move an inch out of country. The fun that the sand brings is like no other. Slide and slip a little when you run up and down the hills of sand. And of course, take stunning photographs backdropped by the majestic sky and endless stretches of sand. From the "Pasir cantik" sign, walk for 20-30 minutes to reach the dunes. That could translate to roughly 1.5 km.

Love the dessert experience when walking 1.5-2km towards the sand dunes. The wind was gusty and nothing like normal seabreeze. The land was fast and never ending. At a point, I had jitters because the place feels so foreign to me and I have completely forgotten that I was in Malaysia.

Tembikai Jam Besar 

Just opposite the famous red Christ Church Melaka, there will be a stall by the river with piles of small watermelons. Order one. There is no match to the cool and sweetness of the watermelon. RM8 for small, RM10 for big. I had it everyday when I was there and still craving for it when I am back in KL.

Enjoy a melon while waving to the passengers in the cruise at the river

Melaka River and Trishaws

I have to say that Melaka Tourism is doing a good job in enhancing Melaka's beauty especially the illumination along the river. Along the river are charming cafes and bars where you can sit and imbibe a drink and the environment. At night too, the trishaws enchant with their LED decorations. Young men are seen proudly taking up the pedalling trade.

Melaka River in the day

Along the alleys near Melaka River

Melaka River by night feels like the Yarra River in Melbourne

It's always comforting to have an evening stroll by the river

Very lively and colourful parade of trishaws

Have a drink by the bank of the river while absorbing all the vibes

Satay Celup at Ban Lee Siang 

Be torn between Ban Lee Siangs with red and blue awning as the family feud runs rife amongst its customers. Both BLS restaurants serve delicious satay celup under the same name but they are different businesses. The one with the blue awning is a disunion of the youngest brother and his wife from the original family business of 30 years. Gossip apart, they are one of the recommended satay celups other than Capitol. The queue tells. RM30 for fresh pot of sauce (usually they recycle the sauce errkkk!!)

Ban Lee Siang in blue awning is by the younger brother and Ban Lee Siang in red awning is by the rest of the family. Both blue and red awnings have their own queue

Fresh pot of sauce is now available due to Covid. Before this, the boiling pot is not changed even when the customer of the table changes. Fresh pot is RM30 while the 'recycled' pot is free

Portugese Village

Give yourself a swathe of warmth during Christmas at the Portugese Village. The decorations lift up the atmosphere and the residence are not shy to display family togetherness. Go for a round or two for some inspiration for your home deco too!

So pretty right?

How nice if everyone in KL also has this spirit of decorating home

The seafood square in Portugese Village is said to be affordable and fresh. Have to try this in my next trip

Kheng Juan Hin 

I didn't think much of Kheng Juan Hin coffee shop as I was just searching for a place for breakfast after visiting the Klebang Sand Dunes. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious their basic coffee, toast and eggs were! You will find patrons of all races coming for their breakfast. I found out they had kopi butter when I was about to leave the coffeeshop, leaving one strong reason to return.

Perfectly timed half boiled eggs here are so popular that 

Toasted with charcoal the old fashion way

Medan Ikan Bakar Muara Sungai Duyung 

This seafood centre made it into my bookmark list. Fresh, affordable and delicious! For 2 pple, 500g of sotong, 600g of si ham and a small pari was satisfying. Choose from cooking methods like fried sambal, steam, tomyam, salted egg. Cooking service will be charged per gram.

 

Siham rebus

Sotong goreng tepung

Pari bakar

Sun May Hiong Satay House 

Enjoys bits of pork, liver, intestines and chicken at RM1 per stick at Sun May Hiong. At first taste, the peanut sauce is a little too sweet for my liking but the sweetness made sense and when I found out that it is made of pineapple. I enjoyed the fructose even more. Knowing your food makes a difference indeed.

The sauce is made of pineapple

Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant 

Speaking of chicken rice ball, nearly everybody will think of the one at Jonker Walk. For a change, try Huang Chang Chicken Rice. Remember to take more chili. I learnt that behind the long queue.

Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant also has a queue

If you look at Google review, there will be some who approves and some who don't
Well, there is a queue for a reason. To me, the portion is a little small, the chicken and rice is aromatic and I enjoy soaking the rice in its chillie sauce.

Remember to take more chilli sauce