Categories
Wonderful Malaysia

Porta de Santiago (A’ Famosa Fort)

There is one place in Melaka that you should not miss when you set foot into the historical state. The said place is the Porta de Santiago, which might not ring a bell even among the locals but mention the A’Famosa Fort and you would elicit an ‘ah!’. The A’Famosa is one of the oldest surviving pieces of European architectural remains in all of Asia.

porta-de-santiago-1

A’Famosa means ‘the famous’ in Portuguese. The fort was built by the Portuguese when they arrived in Melaka in the year 1511 under the leadership of Alfonso de Alburquerque. Alfonso ordered the construction of this fort to strengthen his hold of the newly acquired land. The sturdy structure helped the Portuguese secure their reign in Melaka for a long 130 years before the arrival of the Dutch in 1641.

porta-de-santiago-2

The Dutch managed to wrestle over the A’Famosa Fort before eventually taking over the helm of Melaka for the next 184 years. The Dutch still utilized the fort and even made major renovations to it to improve its functionality. Most of what you see today are remnants of the Dutch improvements. If you are observant enough, you’d notice a small inscription ‘ANNO 1670’ on the fort’s arch as well as the coat-of-arms of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), all marks evident of the Dutch power’s presence in Melaka.

porta-de-santiago-4

The A’Famosa survived another colonization after the Dutch, this time under the reign of the British, who decided to demolish the fort due to the difficulty in maintaining the fort. Fortunately, part of the fort was saved by destruction by the late Sir Stamford Raffles, the then British governor, enabling us to appreciate a monument significant in Melaka’s and Malaysia’s history. The structure seen today is merely a small gate house of the fort but it is nevertheless grand in its own way, standing proudly atop the St. Paul’s Hill close to the striking red Stadhuys building.

porta-de-santiago-3

The traffic, both human and cars, around St. Paul’s Hill is testament to the popularity of A’Famosa. The name has become synonymous with Melaka, so much that a theme park has been given the same name. Therefore, if you are seeking directions to the A’Famosa fort, be sure to specify that it is the fort that you are looking for. Coming into the Melaka town, you will soon come to the ever popular Stadhuys. Find somewhere to park, which can be a long distance away due to traffic, and make your way up St. Paul’s Hill to access the A’Famosa.

porta-de-santiago-5

Share
More related articles

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

MELAKA INTERNATIONAL RIVER FESTIVAL 2014

This blogspot is being created to compliment our main Tourism Melaka website at www.tourism-melaka.com.

We hope to write our comments and views on the development of the tourism sector in Melaka so that old cultural jewels can be retained and new ones generated to attract more visitors to our Melakan shores.

For us to continue our journey, we like to invite visitors to pen their comments and views so that we can create a sustainable and vibrant tourism sector in Melaka.

Enjoy.

TW Kang

Categories
Wonderful Malaysia

Rawa Island; Malaysia’s hidden jewel

Just off the shore of Mersing in the state of Johor Bahru, you can find yourself on a 30-minute boat ride to Malaysia’s hidden jewel, Alang’s Rawa. This island, along with the whitest sand you’ll have ever stepped foot on, has the clearest blue water and the most inner-peace and calm vibe when the word ‘island’ pops into mind. You’ll be able to find good rates on bus rides from Kuala Lumpur including the ferry rides to the island.

1898702_495199200586019_233650706_o

Although it might be a bit of an impatient struggle to have to book three months in advance, because that’s how long you have to wait for the good things in life, it is definitely worth every single cent, so start saving up money and put aside a piggy bank now! Rawa might not be your usual backpacker’s traveling spot, but do not be fooled as it is a magnet for expats; usually fresh off the boat from Singapore and still in their Friday work-clothes!

488272_10152676405005543_1773676876_n

With the whitest sands as soft as snow surrounding the private chalets and newly built resort on Alang’s Rawa with an uncannily similar resemblance to the architecture of Santorini in Greece, it’s unnecessary to wear shoes, as it’s the biggest pleasure you can possible imagine, taking walks around the small yet breathtaking island. Adding to the white, powdery sand; is the sea, clear as can be and a warm delight to take a dip in at any given time during the day. One of the main attractions of Rawa is snorkeling, and some great snorkeling packages can be found online as you search for bookings for this island.

1799984_492766030829336_1527947085_o

1614574_492765924162680_367069701_o

1781123_492765954162677_500677015_o

Another main attraction on Alang’s Rawa is the food, and everything made there is fresh. Included in the bookings are buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all fresh food and juices made by the incredibly kind and fun staff. Apart from indulging in the food, you get to enjoy alcohol served at the bar just a few steps away from the ocean and listen to music as you take in the beauty of the sun, sand and sea.

Unlike most common beaches and islands around South East Asia, no roads can be found in Rawa, at nature’s best. This is definitely the place to get in touch with the adventurous person in you. There is a small hidden path to walk up the mountains, if you dare to take the hike you will be able to have the satisfaction in watching the orange rays fill the landscape as the sun goes down. Peacocks, amongst many other exotic bird species can be seen in Alang’s Rawa, but nothing compares to the island beagle, Daisy, one of the cutest dogs who was born-and-bred on the island itself!

10173606_503229923116280_1618404685143486488_n

Other activities to do on the island would be to partake in beach sports such as volleyball, football, Frisbee, etc. Furthermore, if you are a tourist and have the need to see more of Malaysia’s beaches, nearby islands of Sibu and Tioman are only half an hour boat’s ride away.

It is easy to see why people swarm back to Rawa like bees for honey, either be it a romantic getaway, a business retreat, a party or just simply exploring, Alang’s Rawa is definitely an island you would want to have written down on your bucket list! Alang’s Rawa can be both categorized as a family ambience, a romantic getaway or a group-organized party, suitable for anyone of all ages to go and just enjoy the island itself. I hope this article has been useful and convincing to you readers, any questions and inquiries for specific details can be easily found online. Enjoy Pulau Rawa!

526399_10152676404385543_1043799525_n

Map of Pulau Rawa

About the author

Amanda Chini was born in Kuala Lumpur, lived in Mexico for 12 years, is culturally diverse and a third-cultured kid who’s been to Greece, Spain, England, Ireland, LA, NY, San Antonio, Colorado, Mexico, Aruba, Tenerife, Singapore and plans to travel to many more! Amanda is fluent in both English and Spanish, and her interests include photography, reading, writing and good food.

Share

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Johor Bahru GPS friendly travel and food guide (part 1)

If you are traveling to Johor Bahru for a short vacation by car, you may refer to this simple traveling guide as where to find a hotels, foods, shopping and attractions with GPS coordinates. (if you don’t have a GPS device, just key in the coordinates into Google map in the smart phone, it’ll navigate you to the destination)

There were many friends of mine visited JB from other state of Malaysia and also from Simgapore during school holiday and long weekend. Most of the time, they would like to try out different hotel and especially foods around Johor Bahru area, my simple guide is to share the popular area in JB where you can stay, shopping and eat.



I divided into few areas, like JB Town, Century Garden (include Pelangi, Sri Tebrau and Sentosa), Skudai area (include Nusa Bestari and Bukit Indah), Nusajaya (include Gelang Patah), Johor Jaya (include Molek, Desa Tebrau, Gaya, Mount Austin and Setia Indah), Permas Jaya and Kulaijaya.

Johor Bahru Town
Which is close to CIQ, Causeway to Singapore, and also Johor Bahru Sentral where all the ground transportation located.

Travel distance to CIQ – approx. 2-4km.
Travel distance to Senai Airport – approx. 30km.
Travel distance to Nusajaya, Legoland and others –  approx. 25km


Recommended Hotels :-
*  Puteri Pan Pacific (4*) (N1.46099 E103.76171)
*  Hotel Aman Sari (N1.46421 E103.76201)
*  Tropical Inn (N1.46545 E103.76068)
*  Double Tree Hotel (4*) (under construction) (N1.46560 E103.75980)
*  Thistle Hotel (5*) which is less than 5km from town. (N1.46169 E103.74320)
*  Grand Blue Wave Hotel (N1.46082 E103.76898)
*  Suria City Hotel (N1.46056 E103.76857)
*  Sentral JB Hotel (N1.46165 E103.76913)
*  Zon Regency Hotel (in duty free zone) (N1.47088 E103.78299)
*  Straits View Hotel (just refurnished recently) (N1.46056 E103.73742)
*  M-Suite Hotel (N1.46479 E103.73046)

Shopping Complex nearby :-
*  City Square (N1.46183 E103.76353)
*  KOMTAR (which is under upgrading now) (N1.46352 E103.76263)
*  The ZON Duty Free Mall (N1.47075 E103.78314)


Attractions :-
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (historical street)
*  Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum (N1.45590 E103.76323)
*  Royal Abu Bakar Museum (N1.45504 E103.75656)
*  Art Gallery Johor (less than 5km out of town area) (N1.46667 E103.74765)
Johor Old Chinese Temple  (N1.46069 E103.76304)
Danga Bay (N1.47680 E103.72388)




Recommended Foods (based on local’s favorite) :-
Breakfast
Hwa Mui Kopitiam (which is the first Hainanese kopitiam in JB) (N1.45732 E103.76432)
*  Qin Garden (N1.45700 E103.76434)
*  Yong Mui Beef Noodle (N1.46086 E103.76722)
*  Ah Heng Char Koey Teow – 7am – 3pm (N1.46863 E103.78055)
Lunch
*  Mei Hua Bak Kut Teh (N1.46084 E103.76754)
*  Johor Bahru famous Stulang mee rebus (N1.46309 E103.77426)
The Roost Juice Bar (N1.45707 E103.76401)
*  Waterwork Laksa (N1.47157 E103.73658)
Tea break
*  Goreng Pisang Mawar (N1.46176 E103.74192)
Dinner
*  The Teow Chew popular fish noodles (night) (N1.46378 E103.77188) 
Yong Yong Ikan Bakar (night) (N1.46090 E103.73847) 
Lazio Italian Restaurant and Bar



Century Garden (include Pelangi, Sri Tebrau and Sentosa)
One of the popular and crowded area in JB which contain of 4 residential area – Pelangi, Sri Tebrau, Sentosa and Century, it has lots of good foods within.

Travel distance to CIQ – approx. 8km.
Travel distance to Senai Airport – approx. 28km.
Travel distance to Nusajaya, Legoland and others –  approx. 24km


Recommended Hotels :-
*  Crystal Crown Hotel 3* (N1.48674 E103.76593)
Grand Paragon Hotel 4* (N1.48112 E103.76166)
*  KSL Resort 5* (N1.48590 E103.76291)
*  Mutiara Hotel 4* (N1.48800 E103.75759)
*  Holiday Villa (under construction) (N1.48706 E103.76190)
*  11 Century Hotel (N1.48652 E103.76147)
*  Grand Sentosa Hotel (N1.49268 E103.76883)
*  Hallmark Regency Hotel (N1.48090 E103.76209)
*  New York Hotel (N1.47879 E103.76104)
*  Hotel Selesa (N1.47777 E103.76297)

Shopping Complex nearby :-
*  Holiday Plaza (N1.48828 E103.75969)
*  Pelangi Plaza (N1.48053 E103.76504)
*  Leisure Mall (N1.48384 E103.77396)
*  KSL Mall (N1.48551 E103.76291)
*  Sentosa Plaza (N1.49281 E103.76855)
*  Danga City Mall (N1.47427 E103.75525)
 
Attraction :-
*  None

Recommended Foods (based on local’s favorite) :-
Breakfast
*  Poh Kee mee pok – ??Teow Chew Koey Teow  (N1.48076 E103.75686)
    7.30am – 2.30pm, rest on alternate Thursday.
*  Hainanese pork congee ????? – Multi Mart Kopitiam 7am-2pm. (N1.48506 E103.76010)
*  Ah Hwa Koey Teow ???? 7.30am – 4.30pm (N1.48562 E103.76102)
*  Ho Seng Kee Wantan mee ?????? 8am – 4pm. (N1.48670 E103.76058)
*  Koey Teow Kia (???) at Ka Hoe Kopitiam (N1.48079 E103.76673)
    6.30am – 12.30pm, rest on alternate Wednesday.
Lunch
*  Nyonya Curry Fish head and curry pork ribs at Mui Sheng stall. 11am – 3pm (N1.49092 E103.76233)
Menu Please Bistro 11am – 10pm, rest on Monday. (N1.48083 E103.76612)
Soon Chiang Bak Kut Teh  ?????
Ah Soon Bak Kut Teh 8am – 3pm, rest on Monday.
Ah Seng Steam Fish 8am – 3pm, rest on Monday.
*  Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh ?????, Jln Sutera (N1.49410 E103.78239)
*  Yew Swee Laksa ???? 8am – 4pm, rest on Sunday (N1.48294 E103.76486)
Tea break
Dong Hong Traditional Chinese kuih ???? (N1.48701 E103.76803)
    5pm – 10pm Business on Sat, Sun, Mon and Tue. Many different type of traditional Chinese snacks which called ‘kuih’.
Dinner
Century Curry Fish Head ???????? at Cedar Point Hawker Center (N1.48126 E103.76296)
    5pm – 11pm, rest  on Monday.
New Storey Seafood Restaurant (N1.47833 E103.77514)
Tsuki Japanese restaurant (N1.48207 E103.77496)
Kim Chi Korean BBQ Restaurant (N1.48170 E103.77479)
The City Cafe (N1.49719 E103.76284)
*  Kong Inn Seafood Restaurant ?????? (N1.49348 E103.77278)
Penang Hokkien prawn noodles hawker ?????? (N1.49305 E103.77090)

There are still many more delicious foods within the area that I cannot list all of them, this is just a simple guide for you if you want to travel to Johor Bahru by car.

I will continue on the next post for other area. Stay tune!

(I will update this blog post from time to time, please feel free to visit back. Thanks.)


Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

ARE THESE COINS THE MALACCA TREASURES AT PULAU NANGKA

This blogspot is being created to compliment our main Tourism Melaka website at www.tourism-melaka.com.

We hope to write our comments and views on the development of the tourism sector in Melaka so that old cultural jewels can be retained and new ones generated to attract more visitors to our Melakan shores.

For us to continue our journey, we like to invite visitors to pen their comments and views so that we can create a sustainable and vibrant tourism sector in Melaka.

Enjoy.

TW Kang