Welcome to Malacca, World Heritage City

Be prepared to walk, a lot, when you visit Malacca. Of course, you can take an easier way out, either by cycling or taking a trishaw ride.

Church of St. Francis Xavier

Malacca tree

I walked a lot when I was in Malacca, and it helped that one of the hotels we put up at, Quayside Hotel, is located in the most popular heritage belt in the city. It was just a short distance to Stadthuys and Jonker Street, thereafter I could easily hop back to my room for a reprieve from the hot afternoon sun.

Dutch bricks in Malacca

Malacca Tourist Information Centre

In today’s post, I would like to share with you things that caught my eye while on a tour of old Malacca heritage.

Christ Church Melaka

Proclamation of Independence Memorial

This heritage trail is from Stadthuys to A’Famosa Fort. A section of the road that leads to the Fort is closed to cars, anyway. I noticed that there are many museums and galleries along this route, and if I were to visit them one by one, it will certainly take me at least a couple of days.

A'Famosa

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Since being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7th July, 2008, Malacca City has been propelled onto the world tourism map. No doubt, there are lots to see and do, and also eat, in Malacca City, and in fact, during my recent visit, I was impressed by the number of museums and galleries that are open to the public. Naturally, I only managed to visit a handful of them.

Being a tourist city, don’t be surprised that almost everything has to be paid for. Some museums, though, only charge an admission fee of RM2 or RM3 per adult and RM1 per child. But travelling as a family, the cost can add up.

So, with the help of a local tourist guide, Shaukani Abbas, I have come up with this list of top ten things to do in Malacca City for free, that will help you save some money, so that you can spend more on popular Malacca food, like fried oyster, pork satay, chicken rice balls, otak-otak and cendol. Yummz!

Here’s the list in random order:

No. 10. Jonker Street

Jonker Street

I have been to Jonker Street quite a few times, but only during the day. Although there is always plenty to see and do, I understand that the real action here begins on the evenings of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

TURN TO PAGE 2…..No. 9

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The following is the latest timetable for Yoyo express bus that plies from Ipoh to KLIA and LCCT. Although Yoyo’s main office in Ipoh is in Bercham, the bus company also has a pick-up point in Ipoh town, along Jalan Leong Sin Nam, just two doors away from Foh San Restaurant.

Yoyo coach

Yoyo and Star Shuttle are two main players of this route.

Ipoh town -> Yoyo Bercham -> KLIA -> LCCT

1) 12.30am – 1am – 4.30am – 4.45am
2) 2.30am – 3am – 6.30am – 6.45am
3) 4am – 4.30am – 8am – 8.15am
4) 7.30am – 8am – 11.30am – 11.45am
5) 8.30am – 9am – 12.30pm – 12.45pm
6) 9.30am – 10am – 1.30pm – 1.45pm
7) 11am – 11.30am – 3pm – 3.15pm
8) 1.30pm – 2pm – 5.30pm – 5.45pm
9) 5pm – 5.30pm – 9pm – 9.15pm
10) 7.30pm – 8pm – 11.30pm – 11.45pm
11) 11pm – 11.30pm – 3am – 3.15am

LCCT -> KLIA -> Yoyo Bercham (with a brief stopover at Yoyo’s office in Ipoh town before heading to Bercham)

1) 8.40am – 9am – 12.30pm
2) 11.50am – 12.10pm – 3.40pm
3) 1.40pm – 2pm – 5.30pm
4) 2.55pm – 3.15pm – 6.45pm
5) 4.10pm – 4.30pm – 8pm
6) 5.40pm – 6pm – 9.30pm
7) 6.40pm – 7pm – 10.30pm
8) 8.10pm – 8.30pm – 12am
9) 9.40pm – 10pm – 1.30am
10) 11.10pm – 11.30pm – 3am
11) 2.10am – 2.30am – 6am

Yoyo main office:
Add: 330, Jalan Bercham, Taman Medan Bercham, 31400 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: 05-5457669

Branch office:
Add: 65, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: 05-2457669

KLIA / LCCT contact number: 016-5207669

Web: www.yoyo.my
Email: info@yoyo.org.my

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1 Comments

• At July 15, 2013, Traveller wrote:

  Very convenient for Ipohites to catch their flights.

  Inform Yoyo staff of your flight departure time, and they will let you know when to board their bus.

  The return trip is equally convenient.

Mehram Hotel in Kemaman, Terengganu

Mehram Hotel derived its name from the combination of the names of the parents of the owner, Murliadi Mehammad. The hotel, which was opened for business on Jan 10, 2013, has a total of 38 rooms on two floors.

hotel lobby

computer corner

There are three types of rooms; Presidential Suite, Family and Superior. Although basic, this hotel is very clean as it is still new. All rooms have windows.

decorations

leading to the rooms

One of the rooms is the Presidential Suite, going at RM300+ a night. It accommodates five but additional bedding can be requested with a small charge.

Superior Room

writing desk

Family room, which has two Queen beds, is going at RM190+ a night while Superior Room, with a Queen bed and a Single bed, is selling at RM145+ a night.

washroom

Presidential Suite

Breakfast is not inclusive as there is no Food and Beverage department in the hotel but there are plans to set up a Hai Peng Kopitiam outlet on the ground floor of this building sometime in September.

spacious

kitchenette

Room amenities include Astro cable television and WiFi connectivity. Iron is available along the corridors. Guests will need to make requests for other items, and the staff are more than willing to accommodate.

computer

washroom

The husband and wife team, Murliadi Mehammad and Nur’eza Zakaria (reminds me of Quayside Hotel), may be new in the hotel industry but they are fast learners.

Mehram Hotel
Add: Lot 19218, Aras 1 & 2, Wisma MEHRAM (adjacent to Bank Islam Kemaman), Jalan Kubang Kurus, 24000 Chukai, Kemaman, Terengganu Darul Iman.
Tel: 09-8598324

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Kedai Kopi Hai Peng

Kedai Kopi Hai Peng (Hai Peng Kopitiam) started life back in 1940. This coffee shop reminds me of Ipoh’s Nam Chau, the original Old Town Kopitiam.

welcome sign

The founder has since passed the business to his son. Although they have no intention to set up a franchise business, they are going to open a second outlet soon, on the ground floor of Mehram Hotel, which is just a stone’s throw away from this original shop.

a painting of the founder

Hai Peng is not only popular among locals, it also serves as a pit stop for road travellers on the way to Kuala Terengganu or other towns in the East Coast.

full house

The food served here is typical of what one can find in a Hainanese coffee shop, including homemade tuna sandwiches, roti kaya, French toast and half boiled eggs.

toasted bread

However, the speciality here is the coffee. Though not white, the popularity of its traditional coffee is comparable to Ipoh’s white coffee. The coffee here is sold in the form of powder and sachets as well, marketed under the brand name of Sukiyang Coffee.

tea time

Just like Ipoh’s Nam Chow or even Sin Yoon Loong, if you are in Chukai, Kemaman, Kedai Kopi Hai Peng is a compulsory place to grab your shot of local coffee.

Hai Peng Kopitiam menu

Kedai Kopi Hai Peng (Hai Peng Kopitiam Sdn. Bhd.)
Add: K-3753, Jalan Sulaimani, 24000 Kemaman, Terengganu.
Tel/Fax: 09-8597810
Email: haipeng40s@yahoo.com

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Warung Otak-Otak Che Wan

The first time I had the otak-otak and sata at this Che Wan Stall in Chukai, Kemaman was when I participated in the Malaysia Tourism Hunt last year, and we had a food challenge here.

wrapping otak-otak

grilling them

I am not an expert in otak-otak or sata. Well, according to my friends, the otak-otak here may be smaller, but a lot more delicious than those sold in Johor or Melaka. The two states are also well-known for these snacks.

skewering sata

putting sata over burning charcoal

Besides otak-otak and sata, we also managed to try other popular items on the menu like pulut panggang, pais, keropok lekor and a dessert with a very strong taste of coconut milk that goes by the strange name of ‘lompat tikam’. Direct translation in English is ‘jump stab’.

otak-otak ready to be served

yummy otak-otak

While I know not how to describe their tastes, let me just show you photos of them. Visiting Terengganu? These are the local must-eat food.

preparing keropok lekor

Warung Otak-Otak Che Wan
Add: Chukai, Kemaman, Terengganu.
Tel: 013-9873557

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2 Comments

• At July 24, 2013, eddie wrote:

  dekat kg. geliga ke nie

• At July 24, 2013, Emily wrote:

  Dekat saje.

I have been to quite a few river cruises in search of fireflies before. While in Terengganu recently, it was also one of the activities we indulged in. Cruising through Sungai Chukai (Chukai River) / Sungai Yak Yah (Yak Yah River), I would say that I was more impressed by the fireflies colonies of Perak’s Kuala Sepetang. “Yak Yah” is an aboriginal word.

Sungai Yak Yah firefly watching

However, our boatman Che Ghani Che Mohd. Nor, who is also the operator of the business here, said that what we experienced was only 50% of the peak season, as the evening was still quite bright. The best time of the day for firefly-watching is between 7.30pm and 9pm. Firefly-watching season is from May to July. Due to the reason that there is hardly any pollution, the firefly population here has been maintained over the years.

operator-cum-boatman Che Ghani Che Mohd. Nor (in blue), giving a brief background story on the firefly sanctuary here

Che Ghani, who began operating the business here in 2001, proudly shared the fact that of the 14 fireflies sanctuaries in Malaysia, this one located along Yak Yah River has the highest clusters of fireflies in the country. While most areas have, the most, fifteen clusters of fireflies, this one recorded 28. This could be attributed to the three types of trees found here, including Pokok Berembang.

heading out in search of fireflies

For two consecutive years in 2005 and 2006, this firefly sanctuary won second place in a tourism competition for Best Tourism Attraction Award in Malaysia. Four species of fireflies can be found in this area, whereby the majority is pteroptyx tener. Similar to butterflies, fireflies also have a lifespan of about ten days only.

two boats tied together

Although the length of the fireflies sanctuary is 10km along this river, visitors will only be taken on a boat ride for a total of 30 to 45 minutes. That’s only a distance of less than a kilometre. Those interested in firefly-watching along Sungai Yak Yah should contact Che Ghani directly at 019-9174012. He owns two boats that can accommodate some twenty passengers at a go. Fare for an adult is RM25 while it is RM15 for a child.

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3 Comments

• At July 25, 2013, Firefighter wrote:

  Can anyone out there explain why fireflies have a fluorescent light at their abdomen and tail?

  Are the lights attracting their mates during mating season?

• At July 25, 2013, eddie wrote:

  selalu jugak lalu dekt siniotw nak pergi kerteh...tapi xpernah singgah...awk pernah pergi zoo tu x

• At July 25, 2013, Emily wrote:

  Hah... Eddie, saya langsung tak tau berdekatan ada zoo! Ala, terlepas. :P

dinner time

This Malay seafood restaurant is a popular dinner spot for those who are on the way for turtle-watching. After all, the turtle landing stretch, Teluk Mak Nik (Monica Bay), is just a short drive away.

fish in thick sauce

chicken soup for the soul

Naturally, this was where we had our late dinner as well, before proceeding to our turtle-watching activity recently.

fried vegetables

fried egg

Check out my photos to have a look at our mouth-watering, finger-licking good dinner.

pickle

cucur

Unfortunately, I don’t have the address with me, but I believe the locals will be more than happy to show you the way.

Restoran Baiduri 2, Monica Bay, Chukai, Kemaman, Terengganu

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1 Comments

• At July 26, 2013, Foodie Lover wrote:

  The dishes look too delicious and irresistible. Must try this restaurant when in Terengganu!

Turtle watching and the release of turtle hatchlings are two activities that a visitor to Terengganu must do. One may go to the East Coast state numerous times and yet have no opportunity to participate in these activities as they are seasonal. Turtle nesting season is from March through October.

our guide, Pak Su, shows popular turtle nesting areas along the beach

During my visit recently, my friends and I walked three kilometres just to watch mother turtles lay eggs and help collect the eggs to be placed in the hatchery. Teluk Mak Nik (Monica Bay) is a popular spot for both activities as there is a turtle hatchery here.

tyre tracks on the beach are a good indication that a turtle has come on land

Turtles here, mostly of the greenback species, would come on shore in the dark of the night, look for a comfortable spot, usually under a tree, dig a hole, and try to lay eggs.

a nesting turtle

Observers have to be extremely quiet and be in the dark as well, as turtles who are distracted will return to the sea without laying eggs. They can hold their eggs for a couple of days.

Each time, there could be almost a hundred eggs or more. The turtle, about 30 to 40 years old, that we spotted just laid 103 eggs. After the tiring process, while resting, a volunteer took the opportunity to help the turtle remove barnacles, a type of parasite with worms, from her hard shell.

a resting turtle with freshly removed barnacles on her back for our viewing pleasure

Once the eggs have been laid, the turtle will use her back flippers to cover the hole that contains her eggs, and thereafter dig a new hole with her front flippers. The new hole in front is a camouflage. Once done, she will return to the sea, via the same route that she has come from. These turtles will return to lay another batch of eggs in ten to twelve days’ time.

Two of the reasons that human intervention is required to collect the eggs are because of poaching and to protect the turtle population to ensure that the majority of the eggs laid would hatch.

turtle hatchery

The turtle hatchery, which is located just by the beach at Teluk Mak Nik, has a successful programme to hatch the eggs that volunteers have collected from the beach with a rate of more than 80%.

turtle nests

Each nest contains the eggs of one turtle, unless the turtle has laid a large number, then the eggs are split into two or even three nests. The record number of eggs laid by one mother turtle on this beach was 164 but the average is 70 to 140.

hatchlings

Eggs are hatched under cooler conditions as the authorities are trying to obtain more male turtles. They estimated that there are currently way more female turtles than males, so they are trying to balance the ecosystem.

hatchlings are taken to the beach to be released

The process of hatching requires some 45 to 60 days, and the hatchlings are released into the sea as soon as they are hatched. The hatchery here holds a record of more than four thousand baby turtles released simultaneously at one time.

Even so, research has shown that the average survival rate of turtles is very low. Out of a thousand baby turtles released, only about one or two will survive in the ocean wilderness.

on the beach some five metres from the shoreline

Even the release of turtles has its own procedure. They have to be released at least five metres from the shoreline. Firstly, it provides a good exercise for the hatchlings, and secondly it would allow them to recognise the beach. Experts believe that turtles have an in-built Global Positioning System (GPS), and by going through this process, they will return to the same beach even after many years in the future.

on the way to the sea, slowly but surely

The protection and conservation of turtles are huge causes in Terengganu. The turtle is also one of the symbols of the state. It’s no wonder that turtle-shaped souvenirs are hugely popular here too.

If you are interested to participate in turtle activities, you may contact local guide, Pak Su at 013-9064828.

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1 Comments

• At July 27, 2013, eco activist wrote:

  A commendable effort to conserve and protect turtles but stricter poaching law enforcement should be in place.

Also known as Istana Kenangan, Istana Lembah and Istana Tepas, this building was originally built as a mausoleum for HRH Sultan Iskandar Shah (Marhum Kadasallah), while awaiting the completion of Istana Iskandariah. The building has now been converted into the Perak Royal Museum (Muzium Diraja Perak) that exhibits the history of the Perak monarchy and houses the heritage of the Perak State.

Perak Royal Museum

Visitors to this Perak Royal Museum in Kuala Kangsar have the opportunity to view personal collections of the Sultans of Perak. Photograph collections of members of the royal families are also exhibited in this museum.

Perak Royal Museum

Constructed in 1926, this building is unique in the sense that it was built without using nails. An aerial view of the building shows the shape of a sword in its scabbard. The handle of the sword is where the Sultan’s bed chamber is located.

Perak Royal Museum

The scabbard is the Balai Rong Seri of the palace. Although small in size, it possesses a beautiful Sultan Throne (Singgahsana). The facade of the walls is made of diamond-shaped plaits, while the structure of the roof is said to inherit the combined styles of the five ridges and the ridge row of bananas. Its original roof was made of wooden planks.

This Perak Royal Museum is open daily from 9.30am – 5pm, with a break for prayers on Fridays from 12.15pm to 2.45pm. At the time of my visit and writing this post, this museum was closed for renovation.

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Lenggong Archaeological Gallery

I have visited Lenggong Valley, its archaeological Gallery and the major archaeological sites at least three times in the past year, since Lenggong Valley was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

diorama of daily life in prehistoric Teluk Kelawar Cave

pebble tools found at Teluk Kelawar Cave

But for anyone who is interested in archaeology, and particularly in the Perak Man and Perak Woman, there’s a lot of information and minute details to be acquired at the Lenggong Archaeological Gallery, that one has to spend a lot more time, and make even more trips to the town.

human skeleton found in Gua Cha Ulu, Kelantan dated 8000 years ago

upper floor of the gallery

I have written about the archaeological sites in a previous post, Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, but this one focuses on the Archaeological Gallery only. Besides the many artifacts, it also has a chronology of the nomination process of obtaining the inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the nomination dossier.

nomination process of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

nomination dossier

Visiting hours:
Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm
Fri: 9am – 12pm & 3pm – 5pm

Archaeological Gallery of the Lenggong Valley
Add: Department of National Heritage, 33400 Kota Tampan, Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia.
Tel: +605-7679700
Fax: +605-7679703

email: lenggong@heritage.gov.my

certificate of inscription

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1 Comments

• At November 12, 2013, Perakian wrote:

  The Orang Asli of Lanoh and the Negrito tribes are descendants of the Perak Man, whose skeleton will soon be returned to Lenggong.

1. entering Kg. Aman Damai

Visitors to Kampung Aman Damai in Royal Belum (Upper Belum) will surely get thrown back in time.

2.

3.

My visit to Kampung Aman Damai, which I liken to Robinson Crusoe’s island, was an eye-opening experience.

4.

5. a small shop where traditional herbs are sold

Seeing the conditions of the village, a city girl like me wonders how one can live there at all. Well, a short stay is fine, but not for long periods of time!

6. community hall

7.

The indigenous people living in Royal Belum is called the Jahai. They are scattered in three villages, but the one that is commercialised is this one called Kampung Aman Damai.

8.

9.

I understand that a local company has been given the task by the state government to upgrade the status of this village. Thus, the company has been coming up with various ways to attract donations and monetary contributions from tourists.

10.

11.

Visitors have to pay a minimum of RM1 per person to enter the village, and participation in any tribal game or activity will incur a nominal fee. There is a small stall here where traditional herbs are sold.

12.

13. pets

If you plan to drop by Kampung Aman Damai, I suggest you bring along chocolates and candies for the children! They will love you for it!

14. Kg. Aman Damai

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1 Comments

• At November 14, 2013, Kelvin Tan wrote:

  I have not seen such a kampung for quite a long time.

Casuarina @ Meru

Casuarina @ Meru is Ipoh’s latest hotel, a boutique business-class hotel. Located in the new township of Bandar Meru Raya, it is just a stone’s throw away from Terminal Amanjaya and Mydin Hypermarket.

reception

lobby

With the opening of Casuarina @ Meru in mid-November, Ipoh now boasts its first convention centre, Meru Raya Convention Centre (MRCC). With a seating capacity of 2,500, let’s hope this pillarless MRCC can spur tourist arrivals to Ipoh, and benefit the other hotels in the city.

Standard Room

Studio Suite Twin

Casuarina @ Meru, which is owned by Perak State Government’s company, Perak Corp. Bhd., is a 12-storey building with 150 rooms and suites. Guests have a choice of five room categories: Standard, Premier, Studio Suite, Family Suite and Designer.

Studio Suite King

Family Suite

The hotel spots a modern contemporary design, a refreshing concept with the aim to make guests feel right at home, even if they may be thousands of miles away.

Family Suite

washroom

There are plans to open up gym membership to non-guests, as this is a fully-equipped gym with professional trainer. Further information is not available at this moment.

gym

Room type / Rack Rate / Promo Rate
Standard – RM350 / RM168
Premier – RM450 / RM228
Studio Suite – RM550 / RM288
Family Suite – RM750 / RM388
Designer Suite – RM950 / RM488

*All rates include breakfast for 2 (or 4) persons.
*Extra bed is RM60nett per room/night (inclusive of breakfast).
*Promotional rates are valid from now until 29th Jan, 2014.
*Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Casuarina @ Meru
Add: Bulatan Meru Raya, Bandar Meru Raya, 30020 Ipoh, Perak.
GPS Coordinates: N 04 40.064′ E 101 04.686′

Tel: +605-5299999
Fax: +605-5299998
Email: info@casuarinahotels.com.my
Website: www.casuarinahotels.com.my

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2 Comments

• At November 22, 2013, Kelvin Tan wrote:

  One day, when I go back to my hometown, I should give this place a visit. Looks fantastic with spacious rooms.

• At November 22, 2013, Emily wrote:

  Kelvin,

  Bandar Meru Raya is THE new up-and-coming township. We should be seeing massive development here over the next 5 years.

anticipating what lies beyond

Since Symphony Suites Hotel opened for business in May (?), and my blog post was published HERE, some of you were curious how the penthouse looked like. It wasn’t ready initially, but it was opened for viewing (and booking) on the occasion of the hotel’s official opening at the end of October.

living room

a shot from the other side

Well, in today’s post, I am bringing to you somewhat exclusive photos of Symphony Suites Penthouse, which has a master bedroom with King bed, and a second bedroom with twin beds. It also has a large living room, dining area and powder room, which is most convenient. After all, if one takes up a penthouse, he’d be expecting guests. Do you know that penthouses are great venues to hold intimate social parties?

pantry and dining area

this is where snacks are prepared

The balcony is a good place to hang out in the evenings as it gives a nice view of Ipoh’s famous limestone hills. The penthouse is on the non-smoking 9th floor of this 10-storey hotel.

balcony with a commanding view of magnificent limestone hills

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Wadihana Islamic Steakhouse, Johor Bahru

After having tried out Wadihana Islamic Kitchen in Bangi last year, we did not pass up the opportunity to visit their new restaurant in Johor Bahru while we were touring Malaysia’s southern city, Johor Bahru.

roasted chicken with mushroom sauce

grilled lamb shoulder with mint brown sauce

Named Wadihana Islamic Steakhouse, and opened in November, 2013, this is one of the six outlets of the restaurant chain. The company also runs an Islamic Steakhouse restaurant in Bangi, just behind their Islamic Kitchen restaurant, which I blogged about before HERE.

pan fried fish fillet with orange mustard sauce

baby kailan with garlic oyster sauce

In Johor Bahru’s Wadihana Islamic Steakhouse, we had a delicious buffet dinner, almost similar to the lunch that we had in Bangi. Obviously, we did not give their thin crust wood-fired pizzas a miss, which is Wadihana’s speciality. There are many toppings to select from.

wood-fired pizza

corn on the cob

Wadihana Islamic Steakhouse
Add: 2, Jalan Padi Emas 2/5, Bandar Baru Uda Business Centre, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Tel: +6011-2102 6616 (En. Syazrin)
Email: info@wadihana.org
Web: www.wadihana.org

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Renaissance Johor Bahru

Opened just this year in April, Renaissance Johor Bahru, one of the newest hotels in town, is owned by Marriott International, Inc.

lobby

Interestingly, this 5-star luxury hotel was refurbished from a building that was abandoned for some 13 years! But I have to say, its location between the city centre and Pasir Gudang is definitely strategic!

Café BLD

There are a total of 17 floors offering 325 beautifully-appointed rooms and 20 suites. The Presidential Suite, which sells at more than RM5000+ a night, is located on the topmost floor, with a straits view, overlooking Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore.

swimming pools

The factors that determine a hotel’s star rating aren’t just the facilities but also the services provided. Guests are encouraged to explore the building by themselves, although ‘navigators’ are always on hand to assist.

cabana

The Renaissance Hotel promotes a lifestyle brand that has to be experienced, cliché as it may sound.

room with pool terrace

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Ngah Ibrahim's Fort (Matang Museum)

Ngah Ibrahim’s Fort (Kota Ngah Ibrahim) is located along Jalan Taiping – Kuala Sepetang, near Matang in Perak. It is also known as Matang Historical Complex or simply, Matang Museum.

the entrance to the house

Ngah Ibrahim, the son of Che Long Jaafar, was a powerful and wealthy tin miner in Perak. Initially, this fort with a house in the centre, which was built in the 1870s, was his private residence, but was later used as a court for the trial of the murder of the first British Resident in Perak, J.W.W. Birch, in Pasir Salak on Nov 1, 1875.

exhibit

In the early 1900s, after the court was relocated to a new building in Taiping, this house was turned into the first Teacher’s Training College by the name of Matang College.

coffee shop in the old days

When the college was moved to Tanjung Malim ten years later, this building was used as Matang Primary School until the late 1970s.

traditional farming implement

During the Japanese occupation of Malaya, the Imperial Army made this fort their headquarters and war strategic operations centre.

Japanese Gallery

This fort is under the Museum and Antiquities Department since 1987, as a state historical site.

photography documentation on the restoration of the house

Ngah Ibrahim’s Fort (Matang Historical Complex)
Kota Ngah Ibrahim (Muzium Matang)

Add: Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Kota Ngah Ibrahim, 34750 Matang, Perak.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 48.749′ E100° 40.589′

Tel: +605-8477970 / +605-8472497
Fax: +605-8477757

Visiting hours:
Mon – Sun: 9am – 5pm
Fri: 9am – 12.15pm & 2.45pm – 5pm
*closed on first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha

ruins of the fort

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1. Wan, the model

Although I have been to Taiping Lake Gardens numerous times, I have not actually taken a series of photographs of it until recently. I even had my friend, Wan, as my model. Haha!

2.

Taiping Lake Gardens is the first public garden established in 1880. Originally a mining ground, this 160-acre site was donated by Chung Thye Phin as a recreation park.

3.

Recognised as the first public garden in the country, Taiping Lake Gardens boasts ten well-maintained and scenic man-made lakes and ponds.

4.

Shaded by rows of golden rain trees (pokok angsana) , many photography buffs converge at here, especially during weekends.

5.

During my trip here recently, I spotted more than ten couples here for outdoor wedding photography shoot!

6.

A latest attraction here at Taiping Lake Gardens is family-centric water activities.

7.

Taiping Lake Gardens
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 50.915′ E100° 44.943′

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lunch

On excursions to Northern Perak over the past few months with some friends, we have had the opportunity to try catfish curry (kari ikan sembilang) from various Malay eateries.

claypot curry catfish

This dish is particularly popular at some towns, and upon recommendation, we stopped by for meals.

fried tumeric catfish

I have to say that I have been disappointed more than a couple of times, when the food was not up to expectations.

chilli crabs

However, Mak Alang’s catfish curry AND spicy crabs were better than I dared to expect. Well, with a stall just next to a river, I had my initial reservations.

vegetables

Selera Azrorasa is in a Malay village that is not accessible by public transport or heavy vehicles. Anyway, look for Ngah Ibrahim’s Fort, turn into its junction so that the fort would be on your right. Just continue driving along the road, which will lead you to Kampung Matang Gelugor. Selera Azrorasa is just after the bridge, on your right.

Malay-style salad

Selera Azrorasa
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 46.345′ E100° 40.812′

Tel: +6013-5332253 / +6013-5184479 / +605-8412004

Business hours: 12 noon – 10pm (closed on Mondays)

Selera Azrorasa

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Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin – Deputy Director General (Planning) Tourism Malaysia officiates the launch of VMY2014 Countdown Carnival, looked on by (L-R) Nuar Md. Diah (Managing Director Gaya Travel Magazine), Haryanty Abu Bakar (Deputy Director Tourism Malaysia Penang) and Visit Malaysia Year 2014 official mascot, the proboscis monkey

The two-day northern region countdown carnival for Visit Malaysia Year 2014 at Queensbay Mall in Penang was a colourful event with stage performances by top local artistes such as Dangdut King, Datuk M. Daud Kilau, One Nation Emcees and Reno.

Datuk M. Daud Kilau

Reno

In support of the carnival, a Kuala Lumpur Hop-On Hop-Off double decker city tour bus with 50 flash mob dancers was flagged off from Putrajaya, in a convoy of vehicles to Queensbay Mall in Penang, along the way stopping at Tapah rest area along the North-South Highway, KTM Railway Station in Ipoh and Padang Kota Lama (Fort Cornwallis) upon reaching Penang, to create awareness and drum up support for the countdown carnival as well as Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

One Nation Emcees

earlier, at a press conference on board the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus

VMY 2014 mascot, the proboscis monkey (monyet Belanda) made his appearance at every stop, to the delight of the locals and to the horror of children!

officials from Tourism Malaysia in a group photo with event partners and sponsors

an entourage of media representatives on their way from Putrajaya to Penang on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus

Obviously, the Hop-On Hop-Off city tour bus made an impact on everyone who spotted it along the journey, because there is no such city sightseeing packages offered outside of KL City.

onwards to Penang Island via Penang Bridge

the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus parked at Padang Kota Lama in Penang

The Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Countdown Carnival for the northern region was a run-up to the grand launch celebration in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 4, 2014.

flash mob at Padang Kota Lama

in Ipoh, counting down to Visit Malaysia Year 2014

This event was brought to us by Tourism Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism & Culture Malaysia, with the support of Queensbay Mall, Eastin Hotel Penang, Firefly, Gaya Travel Magazine, KL Hop-On Hop-Off and Yours Magazine.

Annahita Bakavoli poses with the official Visit Malaysia Year 2014 mascot, the proboscis monkey

flash mob performance at KTM railway station Ipoh

Event: Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Countdown Carnival (Northern Region)
Venue: Queensbay Mall, Penang
Date: 28th & 29th Dec, 2013
Time: full day

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2 Comments

• At January 1, 2014, amirnawawi wrote:

  Hye Emily....

  Selamat berkenalan. Seronok kan dapat join trip nih..

  Such a memorable trip ever..hohoho

• At January 2, 2014, Olive B wrote:

  hi Emily, nice post