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Tourism Malaysia

CRAZY RICH ASIANS: 5 SET LOCATIONS YOU CAN VISIT IN MALAYSIA

Crazy Rich Asians is the current big hit in movie theatres right now. If you don’t already know, it is a rom-com movie about a guy, Nick Young, who brings home his Asian-American girlfriend to be introduced to his family in Singapore. Only then does the girlfriend, Rachel, realise that her boyfriend is a “crazy rich Asian” and has to keep up with all the glitz and glamour, contend with weird relatives and gossip among envious socialites while trying to win over the heart of his domineering mother.

The movie, adapted from Kevin Kwan’s book by the same title, is directed by Jon M. Chu, and has an all-Asian cast, including Malaysian darlings Henry Golding as Nick Young and Michelle Yeoh as his mother, Eleanor Young.

We’re super proud of the fame and glory shining on Golding and Yeoh, but we’re equally excited that Malaysia was prominently featured in many of the movie scenes. That’s right, most of the movie was shot right here in Malaysia, and if you want to live it up like a crazy rich Asian, here’s where to go!

Carcosa Seri Negara

In the movie, Carcosa Seri Negara is the ancestral estate of Eleanor Young at Tyersall Park, but in reality, the twin buildings have an iconic role in Malaysia’s journey to independence. Historically, it was home to Malaya’s first British resident, Frank Swettenham, and later was made into a luxury hotel where Queen Elizabeth II once stayed, and socialites gathered for their popular afternoon high teas.

The Kuala Lumpur mansion, located on a hill near the Perdana Botanical Gardens, is currently being transformed into the Asian Heritage Museum. The museum will see a staggering collection of artefacts from China, the Malay Archipelago, and the larger region, including salvaged treasure from sunken ships, drums, keris and swords, etc.

It currently has an on-going exhibition called “Jalan Merdeka” which is open free to the public, chronicling Malaysia’s road to independence.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

In the movie, there is a courtyard mahjong scene between Eleanor and Rachel. This was filmed at the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang, affectionately called the Blue Mansion.

This building was once owned by a notable Chinese merchant who lavished his wealth on its construction. He envisioned his home to have exacting feng shui elements and it soon became a showcase for his wealth through imported finishings such as Scottish cast iron columns, English art-nouveau stained glass windows, and Stoke-on-Trent floor tiles.

Abandoned for years thereafter, the building was then restored and earned the prestigious UNESCO Heritage 2000 Award and the ASEANTA Conservation Award 2004.

Today, the mansion has become a living museum cum boutique hotel located within the George Town UNESCO Heritage site. Many cultural and heritage attractions, as well as some of the best Malaysian street food, are located within the area. Penang is only an hour away by flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Langkawi Island

Apparently, shots of Colin Khoo’s bachelor party in the movie were filmed on Langkawi Island, referred to as “Rawa Island” in the movie. Langkawi is actually a cluster of 99 glorious islands with beautiful emerald waters, stretches of white sandy beaches and geological formations that are said to be more than half a billion years old.

It has been endorsed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the first in Southeast Asia, thanks to the island’s stunning landscapes, karsts, caves, sea arches, stacks, and other geological formations.

This beautiful island is a natural paradise that will charm all those looking for an idyllic island holiday, surrounded by thick rainforests, the sun and the sea!

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

If you’re planning a bachelorette party ala Araminta Lee in Crazy Rich Asians, there’s no need to dream anymore. The scene was filmed at the super luxurious Four Seasons Resort Langkawi and you could easily have yours there as well!

Parties aside, the classy resort also caters to those looking for peace and quiet amid natural landscapes and mile-long white sandy beaches. Tucked away within the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, the resort is a cluster of Malay-style pavilions and villas that offer quiet, romantic havens for guests.

A Geo Spa pampers adults with wellness treatments based on local traditions, while children are made to feel special with the Kids For All Seasons programme. With Langkawi’s rich natural environment conveniently at its doorstep, be prepared to explore the outdoors with a resident naturalist, or on your own at the Geopark Discovery Centre where Langkawi’s diverse ecosystems and natural attributes are showcased. Or, simply pull up a deck chair and lounge lazily on the 1.5 km stretch of white, sandy beach.

With daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur on a variety of local airlines, paradise is only one hour’s flight away!

Astor Bar, St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

Not many recognize The Astor Bar at St Regis Kuala Lumpur in the movie due to its transformation into a jewellery boutique, but apparently, it made the scene where we are first introduced to Astrid Teo aka The Goddess.

The bar, with its old-world charm and modern elegance of rich leather, black-and-gold marble and brass accents, is located within the recently-opened St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.

Those wanting to re-live the Crazy Rich Asian moment may visit the bar and enjoy an extensive offering of champagne, spirits and fine vintage wines while smoking on choice cigars and sampling their signature dishes such as the royal king crab served the highly-prized Oscietra caviar and truffle cream…all this under a breathtaking domed ceiling clad in handmade Italian gold tiles.

And, for a limited time only, Astor Bar has concocted a special cocktail, “The Astrid,” to celebrate its appearance in the film. The drink, a mixture of Jose Cuervo silver tequila, pomegranate juice, lemon bitters and elderflower foam, taken in the gilded setting of The Astor, is the perfect way to fantasise about being a crazy rich Asian!

Categories
Travel to Melaka

Must-Visit Melaka Night Clubs for a Perfect Night Out

Melaka is famous for its fun-filled and exciting nightlife, which is due to the famous pubs and clubs, having the best music and dance performances along with nocturnal activities. Also, the served delicious cuisines and drinks are not at all heavy on the pockets. Despite being a small town, Melaka has to offer a great nightlife to locals and tourists. You shall find Melaka night clubs with some intricate interior, ranging from dusty and vintage pubs to colorful clubs. Visiting one of these night clubs in Melaka is also one of the recommended things to do in Melaka for tourists.

Top of the Town Melaka Night Clubs

There are a number of Melaka clubbing spots, among which the most hottest ones, having awesome environment, refreshing food and drinks and great live music, have been listed down:

Mixx Club

Mixx Club
Photo Credit Mixx Cafe FB

Mixx Club is famous among the nocturnal crowds and is a renowned Melaka clubbing spot. Since its initiation in December 2011, it is entertaining people and has built a strong credibility in the hip. This club is easily located on Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall on the second floor, having the best DJ’s from across Asia and imported visuals. You shall be fascinated with its neon lights, giving a painting effect on walls, and its industrial warehouse interior. The drinks served here a bit expensive, but rest if you are out here to party all night, then it is the best place to be.

Hard Rock Café

Hard Rock Cafe
Photo Credit Hard Rock Cafe Foursquare

Found on the street of Jonker Walk, Hard Rock Café is one of the most visited night clubs. You shall enjoy outstanding live music here. Apart from the great live music experience, you shall be overwhelmed to see its scrumptious Tex-Mex menu. Visitors enjoy here sandwiches, smoked barbeque chicken and beef ribs, Percik burger, Legendary burger, seafood char kuey teow and pedas fish. Also, you can go for some delicious desserts and drinks. Hence, you shall have the best nightlife here, during your stay in Melaka. Read more about Hard Rock Cafe Melaka.

Address: 23 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200, Melaka, Melaka, 75200, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-292 5188

Reggae on the River

Reggae on the River
Photo Credit Reggae on the River Foursquare

For an amazing night, don’t forget to visit Reggae on the river. As the name implies, it is located just next to the river. Enjoy reggae music, drinks and delicacies by the side of river with your friends, family or loved ones. This place is among best Melaka night clubs, offering drinks at very reasonable prices. The music played here includes classic to modern genre and will give you a feeling that you are in Jamaica. The slow flowing water of the river adds a great value to your experience here.

Address: Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca Town, Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-218 7532

Alto Sky Lounge

Alto Sky Lounge
Photo Credit Alto Sky Lounge Foursquare

Alto Sky Lounge is present on the Hatten Hotel Melaka, providing breathtaking view of the entire town from the top. If you are with your family and cannot attend the roaring Melaka night clubs, worry no more, as this stunning lounge will definitely fulfill your desire to spend a great night. You shall enjoy here a wide variety of experts’ designed cocktails, tantalizing meals and the finest wines, which shall be accompanied by mesmerizing live music.

Address: Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-286 9696

Ringo’s Classic Cafe

Photo Credit Ringo’s Classic Cafe Foursquare

Having loads of the best drinks to offer, Ringo’s Classic Cafe is found on the Melaka Jonker Street. It is a dusty, yet highly jam packed Melaka nightclub. Though it is not that good interior wise, but still it is one of the highly preferred gathering spot of music lovers in town. You shall get to see a number of historical memorabilia and other stuff, which will include posters of old beer, clock hangings on the wall, old musical instruments and pre-Malaysia maps. It is a nice place to spend your night with exquisite drinks and food, along with some great music.

Address: 11, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-354 2223

So, you shall never get bored in the small town of Melaka, as apart from various other things to do in Melaka, you shall be having great fun at night as well. The nightlife of Melaka is though famous in the entire Malaysia.

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Travel to Melaka

Best 5 must-visit Shopping Malls and Streets in Malacca

Malacca is a small state in the southern region of Malaysia which holds one of the most exquisite and culturally rich atmospheres. The state is rich in historical heritage and architectural building and ancient landmarks which are main tourist attractions in Melaka. Malaysia is a beautiful Asian country but Malacca is the state that adds even more beauty the country.

Every tourist want to take something back home as gifts and souvenirs for their loved ones, not to mention delicate regional crafted products for their homes. When, it comes to shopping in Malacca then there are many shopping malls streets you can visit where local vendors would be selling handmade traditional stuff. Shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur are famous in Malaysia, but Melaka Shopping Malls also offer variety of shopping options to the shoppers.

Melaka Best Shopping Malls Streets

There are a lot of things a tourist can do in Melaka. One of them is certainly shopping. Here is a list of best Melaka shopping mall and street.

Hatten Square Suites Shoppes

Hatten Square Suites Shoppes is a nice vintage styled but trendy Melaka shopping mall that has a lot of international brands in it which sell products at a cheaper rate than the international market. This mall is a four floored building that has just about everything and every souvenir that you would want to take back home for your family and friends.

So, if you’re looking for a shopping complex which is not very huge but provides all the basic facilities to the shoppers and feature shops outlets that offers local products, Hatten Square lumion Suits Shoppes is the place to go. There is a also a popular heritage street in Melaka by the name Hattan Street. The street is also known as millionaire street as it has been home of richest.

Address: G-006, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-281 7688
Read more about Hatten Square Suits Shoppes

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka MegaMall

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall is certainly the biggest shopping mall where you can get modern as well as antique products at affordable price and are reliable. The mega mall is structured in a modern fashion to accommodate the taste of foreign people and has a wide range of shops which includes, Perfume Avenue where those who have an addiction of sweet smelling potions can buy their heart content.

Dataran Pahlawan mega mall has a lot of tourist landmarks nearby as well, so while one is visiting a local attraction there is no harm in looking around or checking stuff out to take home for beloveds. There are many tourists who seek the true essence of a country in the antique products and for those the good news is that the entire basement level of the mega mall is dedicated to handmade and locally crafted souvenirs and other gift items.

This Melaka shopping mall attracts plenty of tourist as it is located in the city center. You can not miss Dataran Pahlawan mall once in Malacca.

Address: BW05, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-283 2828
Read more about Dataran Pahlawan Melaka MegaMall

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall Malacca

Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall is another Melaka shopping mall which is best for shopping in Malacca; if you are planning on buying discounted products and hole the energy to bargain with the vendors as well. The shopping mall is one of a kind and one of the oldest that was opened in 1994, and accommodates dos2usb more than 200 stores in it. These stores belong to both international brands and popular local brands.

For the ladies Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall is the place worth checking out since it has a wide range of shoe outlet stores and handbags that are made both locally and shipped in from the international market. This Malacca shopping mall is where you can buy cheaper wear than from the overseas outlets of the same international brand. Inside the mall are IT stores and beauty parlors located as well that offer you refreshing facials when you are tired from all the shopping.

Address: G8, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
Phone: +6006 2826151
Read more about Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall

Jonker Street

Jonker Street Melaka (Malacca)

Jonker Street, which is also very famous worldwide, is a walk worth it. It has centuries old galleries and museums not to mention a collection of local items which include the food products as well that you can buy or flavor your cuisine with it. Jonker Street includes practically all the things you want to buy for friends and family back home, from local crafts to international shipped ones and food items including famous Malaysian spices that can be taken back home and spice things up in your food next time.

If you like handmade ladies jewels then Jonker Street is the place where you will find unique and beautiful handmade jewels to take back home or give it as a gift to someone beloved.

Melaka Batik House

Melaka Batik House

Melaka Batik House, located near the international trade center is one of the few shopping malls in Melaka where you will find a great range and vibrant batik from all over Malaysia. The shopping area has many other attractions located nearby that are walking distance away and so makes it one of the places that you must check out while in Malacca.

Address: Pt 15251, Melaka International Trade Centre, 75450, Ayer Keroh, Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-232 3900
Read more about Melaka Batik House

Melaka provides both street shopping mall experiences and it is a fun shopping in Melaka. Do let us know about your shopping experience in Malacca.

Categories
Travel to Melaka

Melaka Hotels – Finding the Best Hotel in Melaka

Best Hotel in Melaka - Majestic Hotel


Melaka or Malacca is a city with great historical significance and located near the Straits of Malacca. The city is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The state of Melaka has 3 districts such as Alor Gajah, Jasin and Central Malacca. Malacca city is the capital of the state. The tourists can find several historical places, buildings, museums, and monuments in Melaka. The tourists can enjoy several other attractions such as cultural parks and theme parks.

Best Hotel in Melaka

To enjoy various tourist destinations in Melaka, you can find several hotels in Melaka that offer different types of accommodation depending on the budget and requirements of the visitors. Below are some of the best and recommended hotel to stay in Melaka:

Hotel Equatorial

Hotel Equatorial in Melaka is one of the best hotels in Melaka. The tourists can reach St. Paul’s Hill and A’Famosa Fort by walking from this hotel. Mahkota Parade shopping complex, Jonker’s Street and antique shopping area are also within the walking distance from Hotel Equatorial. In this hotel, there are 496 well-furnished suites and rooms with all the amenities such as Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym, massage service, etc. The visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, golfing, table tennis, and tennis as the hotel provide all these facilities.


Address: Bandar Hilir, 75000, Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 282 8333

Hatten Hotel Melaka

Hatten Hotel Malacca is one of the best hotel in Melaka with more than 700 rooms and suites for the guests. The hotel is situated in close proximity with the popular tourist destinations in Malacca such as A’Famosa, Menara Taming Sari, Dataran Pahlawan shopping mall, etc. The restaurant at this hotel provides all-day-dining facility. Some of the facilities provided by this hotel are gymnasium, spa, swimming pool, ballroom, and meeting rooms.

Address: Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 286 9696

Casa Del Rio

Casa del Rio is a luxurious hotel located near Melaka River with 66 rooms in Mediterranean style. Each room has private balcony overlooking the river or courtyard. Some of the amenities provided by the hotel are organized cruises, rooftop pool, gymnasium, spa, and Wi-Fi facility.

Address: Jalan Laksamana 88, Taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 289 6888

Jonker Boutique Hotel

The Jonker Boutique Hotel is a one of the best hotels in Melaka, which is located near the topmost tourist destinations. The hotel is surrounded by coffee shops, Peranakan houses, bars, eateries, and antique shops. This boutique hotel has only 16 rooms, all of them are spacious with teak floorings. Private car park is the main attraction of this hotel. The facilities offered by the hotel are air-conditioned rooms, safe deposit locker, hairdryer in every room, tea/coffee maker, valet service, and many more.

Address: Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 282 5151

The Baba House

The Baba House is a budget hotel situated nearby Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and several other tourist attractions like Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum. This hotel offers different facilities like Spa, Wi-Fi connection, coffee/tea maker, telephone connection, and meeting rooms.

Address: 125-127 Jalan Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Malacca-City, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 281 2168

The Majestic Malacca

The Majestic Malacca is among the best hotels in Melaka. The hotel was the mansion of a Chinese merchant and some of the original decorations are still maintained in the hotel. The hotel has three restaurants, conference rooms, swimming pools, library, and a gymnasium. The Majestic Malacca hotel has 54 rooms and suites that are luxuriously decorated.

Address: 188 Jalan Bunga Raya 75100 Melaka, 75100, Malacca, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (3) 2783 1000

The Gingerflower Boutique Hotel

This hotel is located in a Peranakan townhouse with 13 luxurious rooms featuring Italian bathrooms, Wi-Fi connections, rain showers, valet service, 24-hour reception, telephone connection, and satellite TV. The different types of rooms available in this hotel are superior double room, deluxe double room, executive double room, and luxury double room.

Address: Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 288 1331

Hotel Puri Melaka

Hotel Puri Melaka is one of the best hotels in Melaka, which situated only 20 minutes drive from North-South Highway and 5 minutes away from central bus station. The hotel is in a Peranakan house that is restored beautifully. Enjoy the hotel facilities such as conference room, laundry service, babysitting facility, Wi-Fi, safety box, room service, television, and coffee/tea making facility.

Address: 118 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka, 75200 Malacca Johor and South, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 281 7388

Mahkota Hotel Melaka

Mahkota Hotel Melaka is situated in the heart of Melaka, the city’s main entertainment and shopping area. The tourists can reach to various historical sites by walking from the hotel. The hotel consists of 480 rooms and apartments that are well-furnished. The hotel offers all the modern facilities to the guests. Mahkota Hotel Melaka offers facilities such as tennis court, bar, conference room, amenities for disabled people, babysitting, room service, fitness center, restaurant, etc.

Address: Jalan Syed Abdul Aziz, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (6) 281 2828

These are some of the best hotel in Melaka, which are popular among tourists as well. If you want to suggest a Melaka hotel then please do so by adding comments below.

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

2 NEW HOTELS FOR MELAKA

2 new hotels to boost Malacca tourism

Ali showing the artist’s impressions of the  Hilton Hotel and  All Seasons Hotel. — Picture by Mohd Jamah Nasri
MALACCA: The state’s tourism sector will receive a shot in the arm with the construction of two new hotels — Hilton Hotel and All Seasons Hotel.

The developer of both the hotels, Hatten Group CEO Datuk Eric Tan, said a 1,100-unit apartment block and a commercial centre would also be built.

“The tallest building in Malacca will be built under this project.

“With 43 storeys, the building will change the landscape of Melaka Raya and the Malacca coastline.

“The project will be developed next to the Harbour Club in Melaka Raya and will involve an investment of RM300 million,” he said.

Tan said the Hilton Hotel, a five-star establishment, would have 250 rooms while the All Seasons Hotel, a two-star hotel, would have 350 rooms.

“The two hotels and the service apartments will provide Malacca with an additional 1,700 rooms,” Tan said, in a briefing session with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam at the Hatten Square.

Tan said the groundbreaking ceremony for the hotels would be performed in December.

He said the project would be completed in five years and would provide job opportunities to about 3,000 people.

Meanwhile, Tan also announced that the 700-room Hatten Hotel would open its doors in September next year.

The chief minister said the state’s tourism sector was picking up.

Ali said some eight million tourists were expected to visit the historical city this year, up from 7.5 million last year.

“We need more hotel rooms in the state. With the opening of Hilton and All Seasons we will be able to ensure that visitors have a better choice of accommodation,” he said.

Ali said work to widen Jalan Merdeka, opposite Dataran Pahlawan, from the two lanes to five lanes, would be complete in two months.

“Once completed, the 2km stretch from Menara Taming Sari up to Hatten Square would be known as Pahlawan City,” he said.