Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

Rumah Melaka

The front view of Rumah Melaka

When travelling along the Bukit Katil road towards Tehel, it is hard not to miss Rumah Melaka on your left. Constructed entirely from wood in the style of a typical traditional Malay house complete with ornately tiled stairs on a vast 10 acre plot of land, the building certainly succeeds in grabbing your attention. As reported by the guard on duty at the front gate, most visitors would instantly whip out their cameras and snap a few shots. Well, its photogenic quality is undeniable and some quarters have even suggested that it is a good venue for filming period dramas and movies.

What gives Rumah Melaka its draw-dropping quality is the material and style of construction. In this day and age of concrete, glass and aluminium finished structures, it is very difficult to find a house or a building built entirely from wood. The cost of constructing a wooden building is also prohibitive as the price of this rare commodity has risen tremendously in recent years. Therefore, it is easier and cheaper to use other materials. However, as most of us can attest, a house built from wood evokes a sense of old world charm, of serenity and of peace with the environment. Wood is an organic material, so even when it is cut to size and treated, it continues to “live” and “breathe” and perhaps those qualities are the ones which contribute to its attraction.

Rumah Melaka is built on a 10 acre plot of land located in Bukit Katil. 5 acres of the original plot was allocated to the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) which financed the construction of the building and currently manages it. The remaining 5 acres are managed by the Melaka State Government and several projects are currently pending. One of these projects is the construction of Taman 1Malaysia, located on the left of Rumah Melaka. Taman 1Malaysia consists of a huge hall the size of 10 badminton courts and comes complete with landscaped gardens, fountains and family recreation areas. It is slated to be completed in May 2011 and will be a perfect venue to host functions such as weddings, sports tournaments such as silat, badminton, taekwondo and basically function as a multi-purpose hall. For those holding their wedding party, bridal make-up rooms are also available within the hall. Your family, friends and relatives will also be able to stroll around the gardens, water fountains and snap pictures of the happy occasion. While lingering, they will be free to enter the grounds of Rumah Melaka for more pictures and to check out the furniture showroom and cafeteria located within.

So what is inside Rumah Melaka? The building is generally divided into 3 main sections. The first on the left houses a furniture and interior design showroom. If you are expecting a run of the mill type of showroom showcasing only traditional teak furniture, you will be in for a surprise. Besides wooden furniture (which happens to be solid wood and not those made from flimsy chipboard of plywood), furniture from other materials such as cast iron and with glass or upholstery finishing are also displayed in a tasteful style. Managed by FITEC, a subsidiary company under MARA, it is a chance for Bumiputra furniture companies to showcase their products and services. FITEC also offers interior design consultancy and kitchen cabinet design and construction.

The center section is occupied by MTIB and houses the main exhibition area displaying samples of Malaysian timber, information on the timber industry in Malaysia and useful contacts and networks. There are also 2 spacious halls for seminars, conventions, courses and workshops. These halls are also available for rent. For further inquiries, you can contact MTIB at 03-92822235 or Perbadanan Hang Tuah Jaya at 06-232 3308 (Mr. Hafizam). There are also 4 kiosks selling wood based products such as souvenirs, handicraft, soft furnishings, etc.

The final section of Rumah Melaka is an open space which consists of the office administration block, cafeteria, surau and toilets. This is also where garden furniture is exhibited. The cafeteria, Seri Kesidang, is worth checking out as we heard it is passionate in the promotion of traditional Malay cuisine and has made all types of “kerabu” their house speciality. “Kerabu” is a Malay salad usually served as an appetizer and there are many types to choose from, all redolent with fresh herbs, spices and local fruit and vegetables.

A view of the cafeteria section

Rumah Melaka was recently in the limelight after its official launch on the 18th March 2011 by The Rt. Hon. Datuk Seri Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam, Chief Minister of Melaka where the Guest of Honor was The Hon. Dato’ Hamzah Zainudin, Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, representing the Minister. In its press kit, MTIB states that the objectives of Rumah Melaka are as follows:-

  • To increase sales and income for Bumiputra and Small to Medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) involved in the furniture and wood based industry in line with Thrust 7 of the National Timber Industry Policy (NATIP) (Bumiputra Participation)
  • To promote awareness and understanding of the development, importance and contribution of the timber industry to the socio-economic fabric of Malaysia to specifiers, architects, engineers, builders, interior decorators, students, the general public and tourists
  • To generate demand and stimulate the use of wood and wood based products in the local market in line with Thrust 4 of the National Timber Industry Policy (NATIP) (Promotions and Marketing)
  • To promote the local furniture industry and the use of timber in construction
  • To provide exposure, awareness and knowledge on the different types of timber and their uses
  • To promote the history and provide information on the development of the timber industry in Malaysia

Congratulations to Rumah Melaka on their official opening and may the Malasyian Timber Industry Board achieve all its objectives in time to come!

Contributed by

Linda Phua Sue Lin

Chief Executive Officer, Perbadanan Hang Tuah Jaya

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

From a `kampung` boy to a towner

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Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

SEALION PARK TO BE READY AT PULAU MELAKA

Tourism Melaka is doing our first survey on the tourism products and services in Melaka.

Please take some time to participate in this survey. You can be rewarded with a Day tour from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka by Tourism Melaka.

Click here to participate in our first Tourism Melaka survey.

VIEW MELAKA AT A GLANCE (2004)

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

MELAKA FIRM ENTERS SOLAR ENERGY WITH JAPANESE FIRM

KUALA LUMPUR: Industrial packaging manufacturer Scientex Bhd is moving into the solar energy sector via a 50:50 joint venture with Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello Inc (MCTI).

The new joint venture company will manufacture and distribute encapsulating sheets for solar cells. The company’s facility will be located at the Bukit Rambai Industrial Estate in Malacca. The first phase of production, targeted to begin in August 2012, will be 10,000 tonnes a year.

MCTI currently has a 20% share of the world market, producing some 40,000 tonnes a year. It is targeting to achieve 30% market share by 2013, once the Malacca plant is set up.

“Our target now is to be the future market leader in the solar ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) industry,” Scientex managing director P.J. Lim said.

MCTI will provide the technical expertise and raw materials for EVA for the encapsulating sheets, while Scientex will provide the site for the manufacturing plant, labour, marketing and customer synergies.

The encapsulating sheets will cater to the South-East Asian markets, particularly Malaysia and Singapore. It will also be exported to Europe.

Tokyo-based MCTI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals Inc, one of the world’s top three producers of EVA encapsulating materials for solar films.

The JV company will have a paid-up capital of RM45mil. Scientex will finance its investment of RM22.5mil in the company with internal funds.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Fraser`s Hill

Formerly a British hill station, Fraser’s Hill is shrouded with tranquillity and tinged with irresistible colonial charm.  Just a hop and skip away from Kuala Lumpur, or 100km to be exact, it is a surreal place to head to when you need to get away from a hectic week at work.  Its vast natural landscape, cosy English cottages and crisp mountain air, will most assuredly remind you of the joys of unhurried living.

The last 8 km from the Gap to the top of Fraser’s hill is a narrow winding road that only allows one-way traffic from 7.00am to 7.00pm.  Take note of the following Gate times:

Duration: Overnight (2D/1N)

 

Driving Guide

8.00am

JELAI HIGHLAND RESORT CAR PARK
Fraser’s Hill is a fantastic birding location and word has it that this car park is an ideal place for a spot of bird watching.  Daybreak’s the best time to glimpse exotic and rarely-seen birds such as Chestnut-capped Laughing Thrush, White-throated Fantail and Fire-tufted Barbet.  Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Address: Jalan Ampang, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622600
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free

9.30am

ARZED RESTAURANT
Tuck into a hearty breakfast at this very reasonably priced restaurant in the town centre.  The local dishes served here taste good and serving portions are generous.
Address: No. 7, Puncak Inn, Fraser’s Hill
Tel:  +609-3622299
Operating Hours: 7.30am to 10pm
Cost: From RM4.50 to RM6.50

Optional:

KHENG YUEN LEE RESTAURANT
The curry laksa served here is one of this town’s best-kept secrets.  Served only on weekends, it runs out pretty fast so be there as early as you can.
Address: Near the Upper Gate (road leading towards the Gap), Fraser’s Hill
Tel:  +609-3622299
Operating Hours: 9am to 7pm
Cost: From RM4.50 to RM6.50


10.30am

FRASER’S HILL GOLF COURSE
If you fancy a quick round of invigorating golf, the best place to do so is none other than the oldest 9-hole golf course in Malaysia.  This is an opportunity to indulge in your favourite sport amidst cool fresh air and lush greenery.  
Address: Jalan Ampang, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622129
Operating Hours: 8am to 7pm
Cost: RM40.00 for the whole day


12.30pm

HILL VIEW RESTAURANT BAR (NON-HALAL)
Chinese food lovers will not be disappointed with Hill View Restaurant as the cuisine is tasty and the prices are reasonable.  
Address: Jalan Genting, Fraser’s Hill (at Puncak Inn)
Tel: +609- 3622231
Operating Hours: 9.30am to 9pm
Cost: From RM6


2.00pm

BISHOP’S TRAIL
Explore the secluded and surreal 1.5km Bishop’s Trail which is a delight for nature lovers and bird watchers.  Keep an eye out for the leeches and slippery trails when it rains though!
Address: off Ledegham Road, Fraser’s Hill
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free

Optional Activity:

CHILING FALLS
Don’t miss out on getting yourself soaked at one of the most beautiful and magnificent waterfalls of Selangor. You can reach them after trekking along the river and crossing it five times.  
Address: 21 kilometers from Kuala Kubu Bharu on the road to the Gap
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free

5.00pm

TEA AT YE OLDE SMOKEHOUSE
Experience more of the alluring British charm by treating yourself to an honest-to-goodness Devonshire tea at Ye Olde Smokehouse.  Their mouth-watering scones, butter, clotted cream and jam are certainly to die for.
Address: Jalan Jeriau, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622226
Operating Hours: 3pm – 6pm
Cost: From RM18


6.00pm

JERIAU FALLS
This mini natural waterfall is 15 minutes from the town centre.  It takes a further 20 minutes stroll along a scenic walkway to reach it.  Although not as magnificent as the Chiling Falls, all that walking is great to work up an appetite for dinner.
Address: Jalan Jeriau, Fraser’s Hill
Operating Hours: Daytime
Cost: Free


8.00pm

SHAHZAN INN
Have a sumptuous dinner at Shahzan Inn’s Merak Coffee House where the food tastes great and the portions are generous.  Take your pick from the ala carte menu offering a variety of Continental and local dishes.
Address: Jalan Lady Guillemard, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622300
Operating Hours: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Cost: From RM17

Places to Stay

PUNCAK INN
This budget-styled inn may be one of the cheapest accommodations in Fraser’s Hill but it doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.  Newly refurbished, each room comes equipped with hot shower, comfortable beds and a TV.
Address: Jalan Genting, Fraser’s Hill (Near the Clock Tower)
Tel: +609-3622201
Rates: From RM100.00

FRASER’S HILL SILVERPARK RESORT
You have a choice of studio, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments that command an amazing mountain view or a picturesque view of the town.  Each room is luxuriously furnished and comes with its own private balcony.   
Address: Jalan Lady Maxwell, 49000 Fraser’s Hill, Pahang
Tel: +609-3622888
Rates: From RM178

THE PINES RESORT
Nestled amongst a lovely pine tree forest and breathtaking mountain views, these 96-room first-class fully-serviced apartments come with large private balconies and a host of other amenities for your comfort.
Address: Jalan Pecah Batu, Fraser’s Hill, Pahang
Tel: +609-3622122
Rates: From RM220

YE OLDE SMOKEHOUSE HOTEL
When in Fraser’s Hill, do as the British do.  Stay at this Tudor-style house for a bout of colonial luxury.  Avoid the ground floor rooms as noises of guests walking around may disturb your peace.
Address: Jalan Jeriau, Fraser’s Hill
Tel: +609-3622226
Rates: From RM308