/**/ May 2017 - Travel + Decor + DIY

Staycation: Vessel Hostel, La Union Philippines

After almost a month traveling hiatus (been in the house most of the time after a month of exploring Malaysia), as Philippine summer still wants its presence to be felt, I was really itching to go to the beach - well at least somewhere near Metro Manila.  Good thing, a few of my friends back in college decided to go to La Union just to spend the weekend away from the city – and of course, hit the waters.

[caption id="attachment_5169" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation The beach at Urbiztondo La Union[/caption]

La Union is one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. Because of its distance from Manila, it has become the "Go To" beach for those looking for a cool place to unwind or just to hang out away from the busy Manila. Many surfers and beach lovers fell in love with this place and ended up embracing the island life 24/7. Because of this, Urbiztondo Beach is now a hipster heaven with artisan cafes, restaurants and themed accommodations became its main attractions after its waves. Think of it as a mini Bali (Canggu side).

I’ve been planning to visit La Union ever since my friends Nikki and Buji opened their sleek new hostel at the heart of Urbiztondo. The last time I was in La Union was during their wedding and that time, the hostel was still under construction.

Knowing my friend Nikki, she is a crazy traveler (she inspired me to travel to Iceland) - we always think that we can be the best travel buddies who have never traveled together (yet)- I am sure she got a lot of points and inspirations from all her adventures placed in designing the hostel. Buji on the other hand, is known for his clean design aesthetics with a tropical vibe architectural works.

Made from repurposed cargo containers, it is standing tall just across the street from the Urbiztondo Beach. When asked why a big chunk of the hostel is cantilevered, Nikki quickly answered, that is our only option -- as the hostel is on top of the owners’ residence. Though restricted with this option, it made the whole building stand out among the other accommodations around the area.

Who would have thought that this hostel is made from shipping containers right?

[caption id="attachment_5174" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Vessel Hostel's exterior (Yheap, that cantilevered thing there, that is a dorm room)[/caption]
DESIGN

On a first look, Vessel Hostel gives a vibe of Scandinavia, San Francisco and Hawaii in one shell. It is also obvious how this hostel got inspired from the mid-century modern interiors (check out the TV lounge photo below). The whole interior is a mix of palochina wood and iron works, just clean lines with "astig" architectural details.

[caption id="attachment_5178" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Vintage bikes vibe!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5186" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Be transported to the mid century modern era (in Hawaii??). I can see Lilo and Stitch owning one of this.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5187" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation One of the common lounges overlooking the street of Urbiztondo[/caption]

What I love most in the hostel’s architectural details are the use of jalousie for its windows. I always believe that jalousie is the best window type ever (hahaha), aside from being economical, it gives a full (directional-control) ventilation in a room. JALOUSIE is LIFE!!!!

[caption id="attachment_5185" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation JALOUSIE!!![/caption]
ROOMS

Currently, there are 22 beds in the Vessel Hostel. All bedrooms are dorm types so if you are looking for something more private, maybe you shouldn’t be looking for a hostel (right :P).

I have slept in so many hostels around the world and I must say, this is one of the cleanest dorm rooms I have ever been. There is even a free towel for each bed!

My bed looked so fresh and perfectly fixed. The first thing I noticed was the smell of the sheets, it was a mix of vanilla, lavender and bubble gum ( that was how it played in my nose). The scent of vanilla was all over our room – even at the reception area.

[caption id="attachment_5166" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation 6 bed dorm room[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5179" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation your own TOWEL!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5180" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Male shower area[/caption]

Although, technically you are sharing the whole room with other people, your bed still has a sense of privacy. Each bed in the Vessel Hostel is equipped with drapes which you can close if you don’t want other people see you sleeping with your mouth open (or if you are in your introvert mode). Aside from that, there is also a table integrated in every bed which you can use to put your laptop or even as a shelf for your bags. There are also storage spaces provided for every guests (which you can put a padlock — I am not sure if you can request to borrow a padlock or you have to bring your own, I always bring one whenever I travel as a habit - you should too).

Because it is really a beach hostel, a place to hang wet clothes was one of the major factor that the designers considered, there are enough clothes line (made from bamboo) at the balcony of the hostel.

I still remember my roommate in my hostel in Florence Italy, he used his shoelaces to hang-dry his undies hahaha. So funny. For sure you will not have this problem in the Vessel Hostel.
ROOF DECK

[caption id="attachment_5181" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Breakfast counter at the roof deck[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5168" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation There are 2 long tables for guests to use[/caption]

The main common area at Vessel Hostel is their roof deck. Me and my friend Nikki call it as the “Black Hole”. Why? Because the moment you climbed up the deck and sit, you’ll forget about the time. A perfect place to “muni-muni”, to think about what you have done with your life wahahaha.

Even with the summer heat, the morning breeze at the roof deck is just refreshing. Imagine, eating pandesal (salt bread) with orange marmalade and coffee while over looking the La Union waves, perfect! – YES THEY SERVE BREAKFAST HERE (for free).

[caption id="attachment_5170" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Catching up with my friend Nikki (one of the owners of the hostel)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5183" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Ahhh this view!!! I told you, black hole!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5167" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Who's up for breakfast?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5184" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation I am in love with those kitchen tiles!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5171" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Hot pandesal in the morning! Yes please![/caption]

In the evening, this is also a place where guests can hang out after partying/drinking. They don’t have any bar serving drinks here, but you can bring your own and use the common fridge to chill your San Mig (light?).

[caption id="attachment_5172" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation The whole crew enjoying a late night cap! EBE DANCEL in the house!!![/caption]
SERVICE

Even if they are still in their soft opening, I didn’t feel that it was the case. Everything I needed was taken care of. Well, being a hostel, everything was very upfront. Nothing needed to be fancy, just a clean and comfortable place to stay, and in my opinion, it was very well delivered. The staff were friendly and well informed, the owners (not being biased) were very approachable and felt like they are just one of us, enjoying the moment, the waves and the sun.

[caption id="attachment_5175" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Hostel parking space :)[/caption]

Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation




Will I go back? Definitely! In fact I already booked a bed on the 2nd week of June. Everything about this hostel is perfect. It even offered services that a hostel shouldn’t even provide and for that I am giving it a 5-star approval. (also, internet is super fast !!!).

[caption id="attachment_5164" align="alignnone" width="800"]Vessel Hostel La Union Philippines travel blogger dubai staycation Follow us at @thetravelingjournalproject[/caption]
CONTACT DETAILS

Email (for reservations): VesselHostel@gmail.com


Facebook Page: Vessel Hostel 


Instagram Page: @VesselHostel


 

 

 

 

Staycation: Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia

My second visit in Melaka had a little bit of chill pill in it. We let go of all all planned activities in the city and told ourselves to just relax and let the weekend just unfold itself and surprise us.

Read also: Malaysia Travelogue: 9 Reasons to Visit Melaka

We were invited to stay at the Settlement Hotel in Melaka. The location of the hotel is (relatively) far from the city center. As someone who just came from Malaka a few days before, this idea didn’t bother me. All I was looking forward to are the amazing food that we will be trying and also a comfortable bed to sleep at—and maybe visiting the weekend market at Jonker Street as I was not able to go there last time.

The Settlement Hotel is situated in a very quiet neighborhood. There are no high-rise building around the area, that is why the 4-storey white painted boutique hotel can easily be seen from the road.

[caption id="attachment_5125" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger Enjoying a cup of coffee in front of the hotel (on a swing of course)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5141" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya The hotel's lobby/mezzanine[/caption]

This boutique hotel was built from a 1960’s 4-storey government training building that took 2 years to restore.

You will be welcomed by a 350 year old Sultan bed from Palembang, Sumatra. My friend Kat (@katpegimana) said that Melaka was founded by a Palembang prince, so I guess you’ll do the math (hmmmm).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSfNJ3igp7G/?taken-by=kennethsurat

I love boutique hotels, I always prefer it from big hotel chains. There is a certain homey-aspect in the Settlement Hotel, which you will expect in a boutique hotel. Maybe because the main lounge itself feels like your own living area? Or the roof deck is easily accessible to those who just want to chill and enjoy the view (or sing Karaoke?!).
ACCOMMODATION

The hotel offers 3 different room types. The Settlement Suites, Junior Suites and Deluxe Rooms. I stayed in a deluxe room which is perfect for anyone traveling solo (also can fit 2- you can choose twin sharing or single bed). The hotel's promise of providing excellent hospitality and services was very evident when I entered my room, and found a teddy bear waiting inside. A simple gift from the management (aaaw).

[caption id="attachment_5138" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya TEDDY!!!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5139" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya I love the look of my shower. It is small personal shower with everything you need.[/caption]

One thing I love in my room is that, I have my own iron and ironing board, some hotels ignore this NEED!

We also got a chance to tour Settlement Hotel’s Malay Style Villas. There are 4 villas in the property, 1 junior and 3 luxury villa. These villas are built by traditional craftsmen that exhibits the rich and local Malay heritage. There is even an option to use a bucket-wash in the shower (yes, same as a 'tabo' and 'timba' in the Philippines). You can also request for a Mandi Bunga bath if you fancy to try a traditional floral bath ritual.

[caption id="attachment_5142" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Inside one of the luxury villas[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5131" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya mandi bunga What is Mandi Bunga?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5130" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya mandi bunga Preparing myself to endure the experience hahahah....[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5129" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Just some of the flowers they used during my Mandi Bunga session.[/caption]
DINING EXPERIENCE (FOOOOOOOD!!!)

The hotel offers different avenues for dine in. The moment we arrived, we were served with an afternoon Teh Tarik with Malaysian sweets (that we’ll just call Nyonya cakes).

[caption id="attachment_5144" align="alignnone" width="800"] Malaysian sweets (I forgot what they call them but they are delish...missing them badly haha)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5143" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Teh Tarik anyone?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5134" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya After our little tour around town, we were given a refreshing cuppa... this hospitality it off the chart[/caption]

Speaking of Nyonya, we had a very scrumptious buffet with a mix of barbecue and Baba-Nyonya dishes at the Long Table Bar where we had our first dinner. It was a wise decision for us to just stay in the hotel and enjoy this hearty meal. Baba-Nyonya Laksa was my favorite (I guess craving for laksa the day before our trip helped with this assessment).

Breakfast are also being served at the Long Table Bar. A buffet style breakfast with a mix of continental and Malaysian cuisines ( NASI LEMAK!!!!!)

[caption id="attachment_5137" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Our barbecue mix[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5136" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Baba Nyonya Laksa!!![/caption]

For lunch we had it at the mezzanine dining area where we had a full western inspired meal. We had mushroom soup, chicken thigh on mashed potato, asparagus glass with samosa and strawberry caramel. Super yum! This lunch meal alone is worth the stay!

[caption id="attachment_5133" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Chicken Thigh on Mashed Potato[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5128" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Afternoon snack. It was served at the pool area. Just perfect.[/caption]
RECREATION AND RELAXATION

The hotel has it own spa cottage where you can try their signature massage packages. I was not able to try it so I can’t do any recommendations on this. What I can say is, the spa looks good. Also just in front of the spa you can find the hotel pool. It is far from being a lap pool as it is fairly small, however, it is good enough to make you feel refreshed from the warm Melakan afternoon.

[caption id="attachment_5127" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Just enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5140" align="alignnone" width="749"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Care for a spin???[/caption]

To explore the neighborhood, you can grab a bike (from the hotel of course) and cycle your way around the area. Just a few minutes away, you can explore the Portuguese Settlement, hence where the name of the hotel came from.

You can also go up to the rooftop garden where you can invite your friends for a karaoke, play board games or just simply enjoy the bird’s eye view of the whole neighborhood.

[caption id="attachment_5135" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Big screen karaoke at the rooftop[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5146" align="alignnone" width="800"] Our crew exploring the Red Square[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5126" align="alignnone" width="800"]Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya Spending the evening at the Jonker Street for the Weekend Night Market[/caption]

Though it is far from the city center, there is a free shuttle service that will drop and fetch you wherever you want in the city. In fact, while staying in the hotel, we were able to visit some of the city’s main attractions. Jonker Street, River Cruise and Menara Taming Sari to name a few.

Read also: Malaysia Travelogue: 9 Reasons to Visit Melaka




I really had a wonderful time during our weekend staycation at the Settlement Hotel. It was the right amount of escape needed from the busy week. Will I suggest this place? If you want a very relaxed place to stay in Melaka and you don’t need to be in the city center the whole time, or you have been to Melaka several times and you are visiting on a very chill pace, DEFINITELY this is the place for you.

Settlement Hotel Melaka Malaysia travel blog dubai blogger jonker Portuguese malacca boba nyonya
CONTACT DETAILS 

Address: No. 63 Jalan Ujong Pasir, Melaka City, 75050 Malacca
Contact Number: +60 6 2921133
Email: enquiry@thesettlementhotel.com
Website: www.thesettlementhotel.com


dubai travel blogger

Malaysia Travelogue: 9 Reasons to Visit Melaka

On my 2nd time to fly to Malaysia, I found myself exploring the UNESCO city called Melaka. I was invited to be part of the bloggers who will participate on a media trip in conjunction with the Asian Urban Youth Assembly (AUYA).

[caption id="attachment_5092" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Opening ceremony of the AUYA[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSF0XcfgaWo/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Read more about AUYA on my friend Rosette’s article here

Unlike the other international delegates of AUYA, our program was to explore the city of Melaka and experience what it can offer its growing number of tourists.

Around 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur ( and 3 hours as well  from Singapore), this heritage town, was once one of the famous ports in Southeast Asia. With its strategic location between China and India, it is one of the most ideal trading ports in the region.

Dubbed as Malaysia's "Historic Capital" City, this UNESCO Heritage Site is a melting pot of several influences from Malay, Dutch, Indian, Chinese and the British which traces back from its rich trading and colonial history.

I got a chance to tour around the city and noted some of the things you should visit while exploring the state.




Experience Melaka’s Traditional Village, Kampung Balik Bukit

[caption id="attachment_5098" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Trying to blend in with the locals at the kampung.[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSFJUSqgGVp/?taken-by=kennethsurat

This was our first stop in our trip (even before checking–in in our hotel). A perfect break from our drive from Kuala Lumpur.

We got to try out and dress up in a traditional Malaysian clothes. Baju Melayu for men and Baju Kurung for ladies.

During our visit, we also got a chance to go to the paddy fields by motorbikes/Vespas. The most interesting part during our bike ride was driving along the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Haji Idris bin Haron. How cool was that?

[caption id="attachment_5096" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Catch the duck game. I bet is it so much!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5097" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog The buffalos are used for pulling carriage as a means of transportation during the old times.[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSIAWfJg8XO/?taken-by=kennethsurat

At the kampung (village), we watched the locals  play some traditional sports, duck chasing, tug-of-war and buffalo riding to name a few ( which you can also participate).

After all the afternoon activities, we went back to the homestay, not by motorbikes, but on a carriage being pulled by a buffalo.

It was a indeed a fun activity to start our trip in Melaka.

[caption id="attachment_5106" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Our ride going back to the homestay. A kampung version of Cinderella[/caption]
Food tripping and shopping at Jonker Street

Jonker Street is one of the famous attractions in Melaka. You can visit it any time of the day and marvel at the Chinese houses turned into food/retail establishments. I love how you'll feel transported in an old Chinese village.

[caption id="attachment_5077" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Old shops aroundthe Jonker Street[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5075" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog The weekend market[/caption]

The best days to visit Jonker are during the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays). During these days, the whole street will be closed to vehicles and turn into a full weekend night market.

[caption id="attachment_5076" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog The best cendol I've ever tasted. Try it at the Jonker 88.[/caption]

When visiting Jonker, don’t forget to try out some street food. I had the best cendol I’ve tasted here.
Explore the Night Market

[caption id="attachment_5095" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Soursop (Dutch Durian) at the night market[/caption]

Different from the (more) famous Jonker Street Weekend Night Market, right at the center of town ( a few walks from our hotel – Hatten Hotel), you can find Malaka’s night market.

[caption id="attachment_5094" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Some street food being sold along the alley[/caption]

It is open from Friday to Sunday, so if you are only available on a Sunday night, as Jonker Street will be closed, this is the next location for you to find cheap food stalls and retail shops selling from souvenir key chains to shoes.
Walk around the Red Square

[caption id="attachment_5099" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog The Red Square[/caption]

The Red Square, also known as the Dutch Square. It is famous for its RED painted buildings placed side by side together.  The main square is the location of the Stradhuys, Christ Church and The Queen Victorias Fountain showing traces of the Dutch and British occupancies.

[caption id="attachment_5084" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Building painted red (and until now, the people don't know the reasons for this)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5083" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog View of the Red Square from Jonker.[/caption]

It serves as the main attraction in Melaka where you will see most of the tour buses do their stopovers.
Taste the savory Melakan food 

Melaka is famous for its savory (and spicy) cuisines. One of the things that I kept of hearing on our way to Melaka was the Baba Nyonya cuisine. A fusion dish that came from the Chinese immigrants and the native Malaysians of Melaka during the 15th and 16th Century.

[caption id="attachment_5082" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Ikan Gerang Asam (Tamarind Fish)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5081" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Ayam Pongteh (Nyonya Chicken Stew)[/caption]

We were invited to try a full Baba Nyonya set at the Equatorial Hotel, where we were served with 10-course meal perfectly served to us like a traditional Baba Nyonya dinner, one dish at a time placed on a lazy susan.

One thing I don't get about this way of serving, most of the time, the rice will be served at the end when you finished all your viands...so you'll end up eating only rice... tsk tsk tsk.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSKoZmnAxvH/?taken-by=kennethsurat

[caption id="attachment_5088" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Asam Pedas Pari[/caption]

Another famous dish in Melaka (which my Malaysian friends said, a must try in the State), is the Asam Pedas.  It is literally translated as sour-spicy. We tried the Asam Pedas Pari (stingray) at the Warung Kari Kambing Power and Asam Pedas Claypot at Tambak Merlang. This dish is full of flavor and highly recommended! Plus you need to eat it with your hands if you want a full experience.
Visit the Hang Tuah Centre

To do something cultural, we visited the Hang Tuah Centre/Museum. Known as a venue for weddings, cultural performances and other cultural functions, this place will help you immerse in some of the Malay traditions in Melaka.

In one of the rooms, you can try out traditional games (which are fairly similar to what we have in the Philippines).

[caption id="attachment_5079" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Malaysian traditional games. Congkak, Capteh, Batu Seremban, Zero Point. Photo c/o @rosetteadel[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5080" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Zero Point: Malaysian version of the Filipino Chinese Garter. Photo c/o @rosetteadel[/caption]

Read more about here

While some of my friends tried out the games, I was busy preparing for a grand wedding! My wedding to be exact! Haahaha! I was volunteered to be a groom at the traditional Melakan wedding demonstration.

[caption id="attachment_5089" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Our wedding ceremony with my pretend wife @zuzupoland. Photo c/o @philmuscle[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5090" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Just pretending that I know what I am doing. Photo c/o @philmuscle[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5091" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Dance performances during our wedding ceremony[/caption]

Made from red velvet with golden ornaments, the wedding dress (both for the groom and the bride) was very lavish and heavy (also very warm). One by one, our friends who acted as our guests joined us in the celebration and blessed us with a sort of ceremonial water. We also had a reception dinner/snack and dance performances were prepared to entertain us and our guests (it really felt like a real wedding haha).

Take note: In order to experience the wedding ceremony demonstration, you'll have to book in advance, as they need preparations for it (I told you we had food right?).
Travel around on a River Cruise

[caption id="attachment_5107" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog The canal along Jonker and the Red Square[/caption]

Known as the Venice of the East, your trip in Melaka will not be complete without trying their River Cruise. I was told that the river was restored as part of the city’s rehabilitation to promote it as a world class tourist destination in Malaysia.

The cruise will tour you around the city’s canal, which connects most parts of the city. It doesn’t really function as a hop-on hop-off kind of cruise as it will go on a full circle in a span of 40 minutes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSMBxrrgpHe/?taken-by=kennethsurat
View the city from the Menara Taming Sari

[caption id="attachment_5078" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog See the view from up there.[/caption]

Another attraction that will help you see the whole city is the Menara Taming Sari. A viewing tower where you have a view of the whole city from 80m high and rotating 360 degrees.

[caption id="attachment_5105" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog The view from 80 meters high.[/caption]

If you are afraid of heights, this might not be for you. We rode with a group of young students and the kids were all screaming all the way up. However, the view is breathtaking so I guess the screams were worth it.

Ride the Beca


Our first night around town, my attention was caught by the colorful (and bright) tuk tuks called Beca. They are surely the king of Melaka’s road. In the evening they are like fireflies on steroids while on daylight, you will see clearly how they look like, a rickshaw with a big stuffed Hello Kitty as a bumper and a Frozen printed fabric for a cape…and oh, each one has their own boom box.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSJXokggn-l/?taken-by=kennethsurat

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSa41MoAL7y/?taken-by=kennethsurat
Learn about metamorphosis at the Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary

[caption id="attachment_5085" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog Our whole media group visiting the Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary[/caption]

Last but not the least, we visited the Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary. An 11 acre site that serves as a sanctuary and breeding ground for hundreds of butterflies and a number of lizards, crocodiles and snakes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSKt9o4AVt8/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Here you will be guided through the whole life cycle of a butterfly (we were all saddened to hear that a butterfly lifespan is just 10 days --- note: don’t get attached to a butterfly). After being educated about butterflies, we found ourselves walking around the 11 acre compound while we checked out snakes, lizards and other reptiles in the sanctuary.

[caption id="attachment_5086" align="alignnone" width="800"]melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog One of the crocodiles in the sanctuary[/caption]




There might be an absence of white sand beaches and turquoise waters in Melaka but the state offers a different kind of laid back R&R for all its visitors. An immersion to the rich Malaysian Culture; from history, food and even experiencing the kampung life. Definitely, if given a chance, I don't mind coming back in this city over and over again.

melaka, nyonya, malaysia, malacca, travel blog




This trip was in collaboration with Tourism Melaka and Gaya Travel Magazine, in conjunction with the Asia Urban Youth Assembly (AUYA).

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