Categories
Travel to Melaka

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORICAL CITY OF MELAKA

Today, 15th. April 2018 is Melaka 10th. Anniversary as historical city.

Declared as a historical city by UNESCO in 2008, Melaka tourists arrivals have increased to more than 16.7 million.

Due to the increased in tourists arrival, traffic jams are prevalent during the weekends.

Luckily, the Historical Melaka City Council has plans to improve the traffic. Flyovers are being constructed and traffic dispersal system are being implemented.

Happy birthday Melaka and we look forward to various improvement of the city in the future.

Categories
Travel to Melaka

Halia Inc Coffee Bar & European Restaurant in Melaka

Located in a hundred year old Customs Warehouse by the Melaka River, Halia Inc Coffee Bar is located with all of its tranquility. It gives a break from hot sunny day and crowded streets of Melaka. Its antique theme with tranquil atmosphere compliments the status of Melaka being a world heritage city declared by UNESCO in 2008. It is one of those restaurants that serve good breakfast in Melaka as well.

Halia Inc Coffee Bar Restaurant

Halia Inc is a restaurant and coffee bar, strategically located in central Melaka and adjacent to Quayside Hotel on Jalan Merdaka, Bandar Hill. It serves delectable local and western food in Melaka that attracts both locals and tourists for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The coffee bar has a wide range of coffee and other beverages. Halia is the Malay word for ‘ginger’ which fits the restaurants nature as ginger is one of the most commonly used ingredients in their food.

Ambience

Just alike the Quayside Hotel, Halia Inc has also acquired an industrial design setting. The owners have done a great job to maintain the historical façade of the building. The place is aesthetically designed with the symmetrical combination of orange bricks, wooden boards, recycled timber, polished cements with the random wallpaper strips have made up the flooring and walls. Sumptuous metal dividers are placed to separate the colossal space cleverly to allow light and a feel of openness.

The enormous space of the café is divided into the dining area, coffee lounge, window bar, communal table, and outdoor patio. Green plants potted in glass bottles and silver buckets give this space a nice look.

Cuisine

Be it their breakfast, desserts, main course for lunch and dinner, or the coffees, TWG teas, fresh juices and mocktails, everything that Halia Inc Coffee Bar serves is scrumptious and lip-smacking. Their French Toasts, soaked in milk and eggs with caramelized bananas, crushed peanuts, and the secret sauce, are must have for breakfast in Melaka. Smothered with rich and creamy tangy lemon curd, the Ricotta Hot Cakes have the taste to die for.

If you want to have something local for breakfast, then go for their Hearty Nasi Goreng Set. Served in a tiffin tin with three layers, it has Nyonya kuih-muih, fried rice with prawns and a runny egg, a dessert and local fruits. It is simple, tasty, and very Malay.

Their lunch is light and savory. Those who are seeking for a light lunch in Melaka, must try their crispy fish and chips and crispy chicken chops. Have their Laksa Nyonya or Nasi lemak Pandan for a local lunch meal. The restaurant has also taken care of your wish to finish off your meal with delectable desserts. Their cakes, pastries, and other sweets have secret recipes which make you crave more and come again. Their beverages like a lemon tea, Lychee Love, and Assam Boi are refreshing. As it is a coffee bar as well, so it is impossible to not have one cup of their Raw Coffee, Latte, or Flat White.

The restaurant has the seating for up to 150pax. The seating arrangements have options of city or river view, outdoor or indoor. You may have your private functions at the venue as well; they will cater all your preferences professionally.

So, next time you want to visit a serene place that serves appetizing food, try Halia Inc. Their food, service, and the ambience makes them one amongst the top must try cafe in Melaka.

If you have visited Halia Inc Coffee Bar, and would like to share your experience, please do so by adding comments below.

Address: Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-284 1011
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday (7AM to 11PM), Friday to Saturday (7AM to 12PM), Sunday (7AM to 10PM), Closed on Monday
Visit their FB Page

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Golfing in Malaysia

Malaysia, two-time winner of World Golf Awards for Asia’s Best Golf Destination, has become a favourite getaway among golfers lately. With the appealing combination of great weather, delicious food, exotic culture, natural attractions, value-for-money shopping and modern fairways, it’s easy to see why more golfers are not just lugging their golf bags onto airplanes, but their families as well, for the trip.

But with almost 160 top golf courses in the country to choose from for international play – many of which are award-winning – how does one choose?

Here’s our top five picks of great golfing holidays for everyone in the family.

 

LANGKAWI

A holiday in Langkawi Island conjures images of a tropical sun, white, sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees and the beautiful blue Andaman sea stretched out as far as the eye can see. If beach-side lazing is not your thing, then glide down the island’s mangrove rivers to see the gorgeous limestone landscapes of this UNESCO geopark or trek deep into its mountainous jungles to experience nature at its best. (naturallylangkawi.my)

Best golfing: The award-winning Els Club Teluk Datai, nestled between the Andaman sea and the lush mountains of Langkawi island, features an amazing 18-hole challenge designed by South African legend Ernie Els.

 

GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

This UNESCO Heritage City is brimming with so much life and activity, no visitor will have time to get bored. From a walking tour of its street art to admiring the architectural beauty of its colonial past to sampling local food along with the locals, there’s simply so much to do. Families will especially love its variety of historic and contemporary museums, the ride up to the top of Penang Hill, a city ride on the three-wheeled trishaw and a leisurely stroll in its many gardens. (mypenang.gov.my)

Best golfing: Stay on the island for a round of golf at Penang Golf Club where you will tee off from as high as a hundred metres above the greens and fairways, or cross the iconic Penang Bridge to the mainland’s Bukit Jawi Golf Resort to experience a thrilling game by the lake.

 

KUALA LUMPUR

Voted as one of the world’s best shopping destinations and magnificent cities to visit, Kuala Lumpur is a must-stop on any itinerary to Malaysia. It’s a shopping paradise alright with designer goods going for less due to the currency exchange rate. The best IT gadgets, shoes, fashion and knick knacks are also here to bargain over at the many shopping malls, pop-up bazaars and night markets. (visitkl.gov.my)

Tip: Purchase a Hop On Hop Off pass for the entire family to explore over 50 major sights and attractions in the city so you don’t miss iconic stops such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Lake Gardens, Independence Square and Bintang Walk. (myhoponhopoff.com)

Best golfing: Tournament Players Club (formerly known as KL Golf Country Club), designed by Australian architect Ted Parslow, is the site of numerous high-profile tournaments, serving up a challenge to golfers with its length, water hazards and sculptured bunkering.

 

KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

Adventure awaits in this Borneo paradise and visitors can take their pick from gentle explorations of the sea world – snorkeling and guided scuba walks at the easily accessible island marine park – to an exhilarating climb up Mount Kinabalu either by trekking through its jungle to the peak or clinging on to its granite surface on the via ferrata walk. (sabahtourism.com).

Best golfing: Play at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Borneo Golf Resort and you’ll have to battle with the ocean winds and the beauty of this seaside location to focus on your game. Alternatively, take your game to the wetlands and tee off at Dalit Bay Golf Country Club, bordered by the Tambalang and Mengkabong rivers.

 

KUCHING, SARAWAK

The word “Kuching” is Malaysian for cat, but it is the orangutan that has attracted many to this Borneo state, specifically to the rehabilitation centres of this beloved great ape. Other natural attractions easily accessible from Kuching city – Bako National Park, the wetlands of Sibu Laut and Salak rivers and the Bau limestone caves – will keep the family firmly occupied. (sarawaktourism.com)

Best golfing: Enjoy a round of golf in the shadows of the Santubong Mountain where Arnold Palmer has designed a fantastic course around rocky outcrops, ponds, mangrove forests and the South China Sea.

 

For more information on Malaysia’s golf courses, visit playmalaysiagolf.com or malaysia.travel.

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Ecotourism in Langkawi 

Langkawi may hide behind its popular beach resorts, tax-free haven and party scene but there’s miles of stunning, unspoiled jungle and rainforest to explore, making it one of the most accessible ecotourism destinations in the world. In 2007, UNESCO listed Langkawi as a geopark, guaranteeing the conservation of many uninhabited parts. Ever since, this archipelago has thrived on ecotourism with thousands of visitors wowed by its natural beauty.

Wildlife diversity
Langkawi is the perfect destination to spot the most diverse creatures. The Mangrove Swamp Tour is one of the most popular activities on the island and a must for all nature lovers. Mangrove forests are home to a whole ecosystem of rich flora and fauna. The most common species of monkey on Langkawi is the macaque. Be careful, though! Beneath their adorable appearance they can be quite aggressive; hissing, spitting and trying to steal your food. Comparatively, dusky leaf monkeys are shy and more difficult to spot. You can recognise them for their white circles around their eyes and the colour of their newborn (yellow). The mangroves are also common place for squirrels, sea otters and many reptiles including snakes, crocodiles and mudskippers.

Dusk Leaf Monkey

Dusky Leaf Monkey

Beauty in the air
Langkawi is home to over 240 bird species. The most impressive and easiest to find are the eagles. Did you know Langkawi actually means reddish-brown eagle in the local language? The main place for feeding eagles is the Kilim River, north-east of the island. You can admire these creatures from the comfort of a boat tour along the river or while island hopping. Langkawi is also home to more than 500 types of butterfly. Take a Butterfly Discovery Tour and see how many you can spot? Local guides will also talk about the flying five: flying snakes, squirrels, lemurs, foxes and even monkeys. See and believe for yourself.

Langkawi Eagle

Native Langkawi Eagle

Geological treasure
Langkawi is not only rich in fauna but also geological diverse. Gunung Mat Cincang is probably Langkawi’s best-known mountain, aside from its neighbour Gunung Raya. At 850m high, it is the second highest mountain in Langkawi and is the oldest rock formation in Southeast Asia. If you have experience, you can hike to the peak with a refreshing stop at the Seven Wells Waterfall. If not, it’s advisable to take a guided tour to climb the mountain or maybe catch the famous Langkawi Cable Car. The views are stunning!
Langkawi’s limestone formations are also a popular visit on the island. The limestone hills are home to well-known caves like Gua Kelawar and Gua Cerita — home to ancient legends and mysterious inscriptions in Jawi language.

Langkawi Cable Car Gondola

Langkawi Cable Car

Surrounded by water
For a half-day or day tour, hop on a speed boat and cruise around Langkawi’s amazing islands and beaches. The second biggest island on the archipelago is Dayang Bunting, literally meaning pregnant maiden. The island has a fresh water lake surrounded by mystery and superstition. The legend says Prince Mat Teja fell in love with the celestial Princess Mambang Sari, who liked to bathe here. They got married and had a son, who sadly died. They left their son in the water to rest in peace. Since then, there is a strong belief among locals that barren women will be able to conceive after taking a dip in the lake.

Pulau Payar Marine Park is the best diving destination on the west coast of Malaysia. This uninhabited area consisting of four little islands is 30km from the coast of Langkawi. To get there you have to book a return boat journey. There is no accommodation on the island. Apart from the diverse marine life, Pulau Payar is a good place for wreck diving due to numerous capsized fishing boats which have created artificial reefs here.

Dayang Bunting Lake

Dayung Bunting Lake

For more information about the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark head to https://www.langkawigeopark.com.my/en/. Also visit http://naturallylangkawi.my/ for events, news and deals.

 

 

Categories
Travel to Melaka

Best 10 Malacca Tourist Attractions you should NOT miss

Malacca Tourist Attractions - Jonker Walk


There are plenty of Malacca tourist attractions to visit on your trip and the fact that Melaka is a UNESCO heritage site, every street and corner became an attraction for the visitors. People that have visited Malacca would tell you why it is one of the best places to visit in South East Asia. Whether you want to go for fun, foodie venture, historical tour or natural beauty, Malacca is one of the best tourist destination in Malaysia.

Best 10 Malacca Tourist Attractions

We have compiled list of the best 10 Malacca tourist attractions, which should not be miss. For the activities you can do in Melaka, please checkout top things to do in Melaka.

1. Melaka Wonderland Theme Park

For fun lovers, Melaka Wonderland Theme Park is among the best Malacca tourist attractions. You would find one of the best theme park of Asia in here. It is located in the area of Ayer Keroh. You would not feel any less entertained than any of other theme parks. The clean blue water in the ponds and pools will wash away your worries and you would never regret putting Melaka Wonderland on the top of your list. Slide, twirl, jump and get thrilled in Melaka and be a cheery child again!


Read more about Melaka Wonderland Theme Park

2. The Stadthuys

When back from Malaysia, you will surely like to tell your buddies that you actually visited a seventeenth century building; The Stadthuys in Melaka. It is one of the Malacca tourist attractions for history lovers while not the only one. It is said that it is the oldest structure of Dutch architecture that survived in Melaka. The colonial time structure lives in the shape of gigantic walls, wide windows and heavy doors. The reddish brown, wooden-iron structure is the place to visit if you want to see oldest Malacca buildings.

Among all Malacca tourist attractions, this one should not be missed. The picture of The Stadthuys can be seen in plenty of postcards in Melaka as well.

Read more about Stadthuys Melaka

3. A Famosa Fort

Can’t tell if your picture with A Famosa Fort where a cannon on your right will be most liked or the one with the cannon on your left. But a trip the famous, A Famosa Fort is going to be fun and your buddies will love to comment on your pictures at A Famosa Fort. Reason? The fort got history, sight, location and architecture. It is sixteenth century building that survived only enough to tell you where the fort stood. A Famosa Fort reminds of the Portuguese rule in the country. The only thing the fort misses till today is; A picture with you. A Famosa Fort is also among the recommended heritage places to visit in Melaka.

4. Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

Probably among the first Chinese to enter Malacca, and introduced a culture that will mix with Malay’s to give birth to a unique and celebrated culture of Chinese-Malays or the Baba Nyonya. The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is one of the finest depiction of culture of the Chinese Malay people. You would love to see the art, architecture, furniture, style and bridal rooms of the culture that are still saved in the museum.

Read more about Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

5. Melaka Zoo

I love the way my Chinese friend calls it an animal garden. The Malacca Zoo offers same species of animals you would not find anywhere else in the world. There are no two headed dogs or four headed snakes. What makes Melaka Zoo Ayer Keroh specialty is to offer an environment where animal moves freely and yet providing safe environment to the visitors as well. Seriously, I don’t like talking to animals with them behind the bars. Animals are no prisoners! You would love the stalls in the zoo too and will certainly appreciate a guided tour.

A unique feature of the Zoo is the Night Safari, which is also known as Melaka Zoo Night Safari. If you’re looking for some nighttime fun then a visit to the night safari is must. There are plenty of Malacca tourist attractions and Melaka Zoo is always favorite among families.

Read more about Melaka Zoo

6. Bukit Cina

The China Hill in Melaka, also known as Bukit Cina is home to a number of graves of Chinese ancestors in Malaysia. At first sight, you won’t believe that it is a graveyard. The reason is that the graves are spread at an area and the graves are not simply pile of rocks. They hold memorials of the ancestors. There are around 12,500 graves. People jog here since the scenery is good and the area is green and fresh.

Read more about Bukit Cina

7. Malacca Butterfly Reptile Sanctuary

Malacca Butterfly Reptile Sanctuary is a serious endeavor. You will find here the cutest parrots, the most colorful big size butterflies and the haunting thick snakes. The sanctuary also called Taman Rama Rama, offers you view of the best crocodiles in the town! A Must visit if you doubt it and again a must visit Malacca tourist attractions if you believe it.

Read more about Malacca Butterfly Reptile Sanctuary

8. Jonker Walk

If you have been to Malacca before then you probably took a walk in the famous Jonker Street once or twice. You also bought something from the street or ate from one of the local restaurants. The street is so popular among the tourists that the local authorities have made an attraction by the name of Jonker Walk. If you are visiting Malacca then you should experience Jonker Walk in the famous Jonker Street.

The street became live mostly past sunset and that’s the best time to visit this local attraction. There are plenty of stalls on both side of the street selling various stuff. You will find a lot of souvenirs as well and the local food.

Read more about Jonker Walk Melaka

9. Menara Taming Sari

One hundred and ten (110) meters tall tower, the Menara Taming Sari Melaka is a great Malacca tourist attractions for those that love to see how the city looks at a glance. The Tower offers a 360 degree view allowing you to see different places, their locations and distances. Operational since 2008, the tower is visited by most of tourists at night because the city turns into a very mystical place at night as seen from above. If you’re not afraid of heights, this Malacca tourist attraction should be in your to-do list.

Read more about Menara Taming Sari

10. Maritime Museum Melaka

You would find another Melaka attraction a little ahead of the Stadthuys. It is the Maritime Museum that offers you model of ship that does not belong to this century. You have probably seen such ships in movies but here you will come to know that this model is Portuguese and the ship is replica of ship that sank in the coast of Malacca. This model is 34 meters high and 8 meters wide. The Museum preserves the history of Malacca, particularly its maritime history.

Read more about Maritime Museum Melaka

Please let us know what do you think of best 10 Malacca tourist attractions list. Share your experience by adding comments below. If you’re traveling across Malaysia and want to know tourist attractions in other destinations, below are some of the recommended guides:

Photo Credit: Phalinn Ooi