Malacca 6 Feb – 7 Feb 09

Short driving trip to Malacca

A very last minute decision to drive up to Malacca saw us departing our home at 2030 hrs on Friday 6^th Feb. As we were not prepared for the trip, we had to stop by a petrol station to top up the fuel tank so as not to violate the ¾ tank rule that Singapore implements for all Singapore cars going into Malaysia.

We were pleasantly surprised to see no queues at all on both sides of the Tuas checkpoint and we were all ready to move off to our destination at 2115 hrs after clearing immigration at both ends.

As we had wanted to top up our Malaysia prepaid SIM card, we decided to exit at Yong Peng as we were 100% sure that the service was available at the Yong Peng Rest & Relaxation area. However, when we turned out at Yong Peng, we could not locate the R&R. Either we had turned off at the wrong exit or missed the signs as it was pitch dark. Whatever the case, we just could not find the ever popular place with tour buses. That being the case, we decided to turn back and get back onto the North South highway again to proceed to our destination.

However we only saw the sign to Johor Bahru and since that was the opposite direction to our destination, we just followed the road we were on. That road stretched for a good distance and by the time we finally found our way back on to the North South highway, we discovered that we had back tracked approximately 12 km. This, plus the fact that we were caught in a very slow moving traffic for about 20 minutes due to some roadworks going on at the side of the road, caused a delay in the time that we finally arrived at Malacca. It was only after midnight that we reached our destination.

Once we turned out at the Ayer Keroh/Melaka exit, it was a pretty straight drive all the way to town. From there, we relied on our GPS to get to Mahkota Plaza. As we had not booked any accommodation for the night, we thought of trying out one of the small guest houses that we had seen the last time we were in Malacca where you could get a room for just RM50. However, the reception was closed at that time of the night. So we drove around the area and finally saw Seri Costa Hotel at Jalan PM8, Plaza Mahkota. A room night costs RM185 nett for a standard room with two breakfasts and free parking. Although the cars are parked along the roadside where parking costs RM0.60 per hour from 8am – 6pm, the hotel will provide you with the parking coupons and even station their security guard to watch over the area. As it was already late, we decided to stay here for one night.

Seri Costa Hotel

Only very basic amenities were provided like soap, shampoo, shower cap and bath towels. There was a mounted hairdryer as well. Do not expect any frills of toothbrush, stationery or refrigerator. The room itself was of a good size though. The problem was in the morning, if you are a light sleeper, you would be able to hear the sounds of doors banging. This is therefore definitely not the place for you.

Seri Costa bathroom

The public car park space to park your car

The sitting area at the lift lobby, another cozy area

Breakfast was served at the cozy coffee house on the ground floor. It had a lovely cozy ambience. There were a few dishes including fried rice, fried noodles, sausages, baked beans, half boiled eggs and pancakes besides bread and porridge. Overall, we would rate the hotel value for money if you are looking for just the basic accommodation without the frills and not mind the noise.

The cozy coffee house

After breakfast, we took a walk in the vicinity. A number of interesting places could be reached by foot, all within 1 km radius of the hotel. These included some parts of historical Malacca:-

• Royal Malaysian Navy Museum
• Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre
• Dutch Square
• Menara Taming Sari
• Dataran Pahlawan Megamall
• Jonker Street
• St Francis Xavier Church
• etc...

We visited Holiday Inn where the room rate quoted was RM285 for city view and RM355 for sea view. Holiday Inn is in fact the newest hotel in Malacca having just opened in Oct 2007. Their proximity to the sea makes it a lovely place to stay at. It looked so tranquil from the outside.

Chinese New Year decoration at Holiday Inn Melaka

Just next to Holiday Inn was Mahkota Hotel where a standard 1 bedroom apartment was going for RM168++ off peak rate and RM188++ during peak season which applies for check in on Friday, Saturday and school holiday season in Singapore and Malaysia.

Next stop was Mahkota Parade, Malacca’s premier shoping and entertainment location, featuring an exciting mix of well-known retailers alongside specialty shops that deal in jewellery, local treats and apparel. Currently till 31 Aug 2009, Mahkota Parade is offering the Tourist Privilege Card. All you have to do is sign up at the Guest Services Desk on the Ground Level to apply for the card and you can enjoy great discounts at over 40 retail and food and beverage outlets. Just show your passport or hotel key and you get your card right away.

Ice cream cakes galore at Baskin Robbins in Mahkota Parade

Shop selling cute little items for the home

Stage with Chinese New Year decoration

Mahkota Parade Chinese New Year decoration

On the way back to the Seri Costa hotel, we passed by the Newton Culture Food Village which has lots of stalls selling a variety of dishes. This is open from 12pm – 12mn. Looks like a good place to try if you are looking for local dishes.

The Newton Culture Food Village

Next, we passed Menara Taming Sari which is the only Gyro Tower in Malaysia. From a height of 80 m and a view of 5 km, you will witness a breathtaking view of interesting sight and historical sights of Malacca. Among them are Banda Hilir, Dataran Pahlawan, Malacca Straits, TUDM complex, Stadhuys, Saint Paul’s Peak, Independence memorial, Malacca Island and the state mosque. It operates from 10am – 10pm. Tickets cost RM20 per adult and RM10 for children under 12 years of age.

Menara Taming Sari

Menara Taming Sari office

Near the Menara Taming Sari is the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum.The Royal Malaysian Navy Museum was previously located at the Royal Malaysian Naval Base at Lumut in Perak. It was relocated in Malaca in Oct 1995 to take advantage of the large numbers of tourists, both foreign and local who throng to Malacca.

Royal Malaysian Navy Museum

Still at the Royal Malysian Navy Museum

Just in front of the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum is the Maritime Museum complex. Located at Jalan Merdeka, the Maritime Museum was constructed after the Portuguese ship, Flor De lamar. It is housed in a life-size replica of a 16^th century Portuguese man-of-war anchored in the river. Measuring 34 m thigh, 36 m long and 8 m wide, the ‘loot’ inside includes models of famous ships, maps, cargo and their passengers that once sailed into Malaccan waters and left their mark on its shores.

Maritime Museum

Seri Costa has its own Costa Spa which provides services like massage, body scrub, foot reflexology, manicure, pedicure and facial.

Check out time at Seri Costa was 1pm.

After checking out, we went to the next lane where Nadeje Patisserie is located. This time we clarified that the mille crepes that we had the last time does not have any cheese except for the cheese flavoured crepe. We had wanted to purchase a whole 1 kg berry mille crepe but they only had the whole mille crepe in original version. For any other flavours, you need to order two days in advance. So we settled for the original. 1 kg costs RM65 and 1.5 kg costs RM85. We also took the ice box at RM8 and it comes packed together with dry ice to allow the cake to last longer. If you bring back the styrofoam box, they will refund your RM8. As usual, we enjoyed the cake, this time with our family members whom we shared it with.

Whole Original Mille Crepe cut into 10 slices per our request

Our last stop was Jaya Jusco where with the J card, you can get 5% off certain supermarket items and 15% off department items within the next two weeks.

As we were rushing back to Singapore to attend a healing service, we bought a packet lunch from Jaya Jusco and headed straight home in what was a smooth journey all the way.

Sydney 22 Jan – 28 Jan 09 **Days 1 & 2

Family vacation in Sydney to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Total of 19 family members who travelled together for this great holiday in Australia. We did not book the all inclusive vacation package but opted for a free and easy holiday as we felt that a package would be too tiring for the elderly in our group. Attached will be pictures of Sydney Australia.

Day 1

Supposed to leave Singapore on 22nd Jan, Thursday, at 2040hrs on SQ221. However flight on the A380, yes, the latest plane, was delayed and we finally left an hour later. It was quite turbulent at the beginning and space was pretty crammed in the economy section. The upper deck seemed more quiet and cozy. Touched down in Sydney airport at 0825 hrs, approximately 7 ½ hours later. Sydney is three hours ahead of Singapore.

Spiral steps to upper deck of A380

The upper deck ...........

Day 2

There was a long queue to go through immigration. And then another queue to go through the Australian customs. As Australia is an island, they are very strict about what you bring into the country. Any medicine, plants, animals, etc that you bring in, you need to declare. Their slogan:- Declare, or beware! If you are not sure what you are carrying is permissible to be brought into Australia or not, just declare it and you will be advised accordingly. Understand that certain Chinese medications are also not allowed into Australia. By the time we got through all the formalities, it was almost 1000 hrs.

Walking towards the coach

All luggages in the coach?

There was a coach to take us to Star City Hotel, our accommodation for the week. We were warmly greeted by one of the guest relations officer who went through with our group leader on the various formalities as well familiarized us with the facilities of the whole building. As it was still early, there was only one room ready for our group at that point of time. The rooms were nice and spacious and even had a couch where you could recline on.

Star City is the place where adults gather to play as well. Here in the complex, you will find New South Wale’s only casino with a multitude of gaming rooms and betting tables. The complex also houses eight bars, seven restaurants, two theatres, a nightclub and the five-star Star City Hotel as well as serviced apartments.

Here are pictures of Sydney Australia.

Star City complex ....

Star City swimming pool

One of Star City's limousines ....

Views from Star City - spot the Sydney Tower

Spot the Harbour Bridge

...Another view from the room

Had Chinese lunch at the Chinese noodle restaurant in Star City. Prices for noodles and rice ranged from AUD11 – 18 (AUD1 = SGD1). The portions were huge. If you are not a BIG eater, suggest you share with someone and then order another portion if necessary.

Chinese New Year decoration in Star City driveway

Afternoon was free and easy. We took the light rail from the Star City station which was at the lower ground of the building to Paddy’s Market which is where Chinatown is as well. Return journey costs AUD5.70 per adult. There are concession rates for kids below 16 and senior citizens.




Sitting in the light rail...






Visited Paddy’s Market at Haymarket which is just like a flea market. Lots of bargain items if you are looking for something not too expensive and if you are not brand conscious. Savvy shoppers have been flocking to this Chinatown institution for decades to pick up weekly provisions and join the crowd, browsing hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh food to fashion and souvenirs. This is located at the corner of Hay and Thomas Streets, Haymarket and is open from Thursdays through Sundays. 9am – 5pm.

Paddy's Market


Above Paddy’s Market is Market City. Here you can find the Thai Kee IGA Supermarket on Level 1 and factory outlet stores with discounts of up to seventy per cent on Level 2. Esprit, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Giordano, Cotton On Kids and many others can be found there. There is urban and street fashion and the added bonus of a Chinese food court on the top level.



Market City...

Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets have been a Sydney landmark, since th eir inception in the 1830s. Locals and tourists in search of a unique shopping experience, a bargain and some fun still flock to these markets.

Crossed over to Chinatown and saw many restaurants including Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese in the area. You will not go hungry for sure as you will be able to find an eclectic mix of mouth watering cuisine here, together with groovy Asian boutiques and food stores. There were a number of bakeries around the area as well. Fortunately for us, the weather was not burning hot today.

Chinatown

As we were not able to book a Chinese restaurant for our traditional reunion dinner on Sunday, Chinese New Year eve, we decided to have it at Lotus Pond Restaurant in Star City that very evening itself. We ordered the set dinner. Food was not too bad. The Peking Duck was done slightly differently and the duck meat was very tender. It seems that the duck here is one of its more popular dishes.

Lotus Pond Restaurant in S tar City

Took a walk from Star City to Darling Harbour after dinner. By now, the weather was nice and windy and not hot, making it a lovely stroll by the piers and wharfs. Saw the warship and the Maritime Museum. Walked around Darling Harbour and we were fortunate enough to see some street busking fire eater. That made for an entertaining evening.