Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Melaka Travelogue (Part 2, Day 1)

Part 2: River Cruise & Mahkota Parade
Day 1: Monday, 20th May 2013

   Holla Melaka River Cruise! Beautiful view, awesome ride. =)  I went river cruising with my course mates and lecturers after the briefing in the Limkokwing campus. It was really worth it!

   Melaka River Cruise is one of Melaka's top tourism attractions. It is a great way to see Melaka's colourful historical buildings, breathtaking views and interesting landmarks! It is better to go during sunset like how we did so we had a clear view of some of the buildings at first but when it got dark, we saw beautiful neon lights from so many buildings and it reflected on the water. The operating hours is from 9am to 11.30pm and it is open everyday. The Melaka River used to be in a bad condition but the authorities realized its tourism potential and cleaned the river. It used to be an important trade route as well during the Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century. So, why not take the opportunity to go on a short yet wonderful cruise with your love ones while you're in Malacca? =)


This was my experience and I'm sure after reading this blog, you would want to go on this cruise as well!




We arrived here! This is where we got our tickets. 
   This jetty is called Taman Rempah Jetty at Jalan Laksamana, Melaka. It is located beside the Hang Jebat bridge. You can also begin your cruise at another jetty called the Muara Jetty located near the Maritime Museum next to the Quayside Heritage Centre. You can take a taxi to Taman Rempah Jetty from Malacca Town which will cost you about RM20 rather than requesting to be dropped at the Muara Jetty because it is not a normal stop. If you're driving your own vehicle, it is better to head to the Taman Rempah Jetty in Kota Laksamana as there is a big car park available which is not so crowded and it is free of charge too! I also think it would be better to start your cruise from Taman Rempah Jetty as you slowly get to see more and more interesting sights of Malacca.


For MyKad holders, it is RM10 for adults and RM5 for children below 12 years.
Reasonable price!
However, foreigners have to pay a little more. RM15 for adult and RM5 for kids.


We're going in! =)
(This is actually my second time going on this cruise as I am a Malaccan but I'm still very excited because I'm going with my friends!)


The boat we got on. It can fit to about 40 seaters.


The sun is setting!


Here we goooooooo!


Traditional Malay 'kampung' houses in a traditional village called Kampung Morten.
Long time ago, the Malays used to live in these kind of houses. The architecture is unique and it was a part of their culture.


Historical bridge ahead...


More lighted traditional houses in the traditional village!
It is the Malay culture


It was getting dark already. =)


We passed by the Pirate Park. It is a funfair!


We were going under the bridge!


We passed under so many historical bridges! As we went, we also passed by many beautiful painted riverfront buildings. The buildings were painted with colourful murals creating messages about the different types of history and culture in Melaka. A brilliant way to allow people to get to know more about Melaka. Brilliant art as well! =)








The back view of Hard Rock Cafe. It is located in the famous Jonker Street, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca. Malacca is well-known for its food and Hard Rock Cafe offers really good food which attracts a lot of customers! It is a little expensive though.


Casa del Rio! It is located in 88, Jalan Kota Laksamana, 75200 Malacca. The architectural design shows acknowledgement of gratitude to the Portuguese heritage of Melaka and also the unique Melaka Sultanate. You might want to stay in this hotel when you plan to visit Melaka! (as i mentioned in my first blog)


Neon lights reflecting in the water.


The view of the red buildings, church and clock tower built by the Dutch. It is a historical structure built in year 1650.


More buildings with neon lights!


Sorry if this isn't a clear picture. That is the Church of St Francis Xavier which was built by a French priest in the year 1849.


Looks romantic isn't it? =)


   The river cruise took about approximately 45 minutes. A tour documentary tape was played on the boat while we were on our way to the Muara Jetty but when we started heading back to Taman Rempah Jetty, there were really cool modern music being played on the boat. awesome right?! =D  It was fun to see the sights and sceneries of Melaka and it felt good explaining about what I knew to my friends. I knew it was a good cruise for them as well. For futher details, you can contact the Melaka River Cruise company during office hours at +606 281 4322/23. You can also contact Taman Rempah Jetty at +606 286 1530 or Muara Jetty at +606 286 1531.

Location of the Taman Rempah Jetty (A) and Muara Jetty (B).


Map of the Melaka River Cruise.



   Later after that, we got on the bus and headed to Mahkota Parade shopping mall situated in Jalan Merdeka. It is located beside Dataran Pahlawan Megamall Melaka and opposite of Hatten Hotel Melaka. If you take a taxi to Mahkota Parade from somewhere around Malacca Town, it'll cost you about RM15-RM20 or you can also take the Panorama Bus and the ticket will costs you RM1-RM1.50. There are lots of things to do in Mahkota Parade, such as archery, laser-tag, bowling, game arcade, karaoke, watching movies and shopping of course! Not forgetting that Mahkota Parade has lots of food choices as well like McDonald's, Sushi King, Kenny Rogers, Pizza Hut and many more! So, come over to Mahkota Parade for an awesome shopping & entertainment time!

   I lead my friends around the mall for my job was to be their 'tour guide'. I showed them around the mall and eventually we got hungry. So, we finally decided to have dinner at Nando's. Nando's is located on the ground floor beside Breek's Cafe and camera shop.

Nando's in Mahkota Parade

   I wanted to take a picture of my food but I was super hungry so I ate before i could take a shot! Sorry....... =)  The quarter chicken here is RM17.90 and you can choose any flavours you want. It also comes with two extra side dishes which you can choose from. I think it's reasonable but however, they also charge you for government tax and service charge. The food is good though. =)  Try Nando's for a really filling western meal!

Simple map of Mahkota Parade.


A bigger map to locate Mahkota Parade even better!



   So, I got back after the long tiring trip but it was so worth it! Make sure you get on the Melaka River Cruise. Its enjoyable and relaxing. Also, make your way to Mahkota Parade if you're a shopaholic and you just want to have fun! It is only 5-10 minutes away from Taman Rempah Jetty. ;)

   Please await for my next adventure in Melaka Travelogue Part 1, Day 2!



GOODNIGHT BLOGGERS! <3





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