Tambayan ni Fernan (Fernan's Hideout): July 2009

All the symptoms points to it, I was suffering yet again from Acute Displacement Deficiency syndrome. And so on a whim I decided I’m going to Melaka - me and my loyal partner. A mere 147km south of KL and 2 hours by bus, it is the perfect destination for a quick escapade.

I rolled my bike at 6:30am. It was still dark when I arrived at Puduraya Bus terminal. My ticket says I need to wait at platform 11.

The bus left 15 minutes late to my disappointment. I wanted to get there as early as possible but there’s nothing I can do with it. Tried to catch up some sleep. When the bus stopped I quickly checked my bike stowed on the bus compartment. It was still in one piece.

I towed my bike to get some breakfast at McDonald’s.

Unfolded my bike and I’m all set to go.

The adventure started right outside the bus station. Malaysia’s longest footbridge will be my first challenge.

The old Melaka city is located some 5km south of the terminal. Armed with a screen shot from Google maps, I started my trip to the historic city. In 5 minutes I was lost already.

Stopped in a mini boat pier to snap some pictures.

Some kayaker passing through. I later found out that there was a kayak marathon on-going =)

Knowing the general direction, I just pedaled on until I reached the Dutch square.

There I saw the Queen Victoria’s fountain, the old Christ Church built in 1753, Stadhuys, the old governor’s house turned into museum and the clock tower in the middle of the plaza.

Something relates Dutch and windmill?

A closer look at the Christ Church which is still being used until today.

I can only imagine how it was like during the 1700’s and 1800’s

Then the old governor’s house turned into museum. Too bad I couldn’t find a place to leave my bike. Didn’t have a bike lock. Maybe ill just check it out next time.

Then I saw this grandly decorated “trishaws”

2 trishaws

3..

err. Don’t bother counting.. they’re everywhere.

Signage says its 40RM per hour..

Moving on.. This attraction used to be in KL. Now its part of the tourist attractions in Melaka.

Nope that’s not the Eye on Malaysia. It’s a water wheel that was restored by the government.

This picture summarizes the rest of my day there - hot weather, beautiful places and tons of tourists.

This used to be part of a fort that was discovered by accident. Now they have restored the place.

Back in the olden days, forts are the main defense of a city. Can you imagine how long it takes to build this 3 meter thick walls.

And their primary long range weapons…

Next stop was this majestic galleon. Built after a sunken Portugese boat Flora Del Mar(sounds like telenovela?) It houses the Maritime Museum.

This time the counter lady was polite enough to allow me to leave my bike near the counter. Entrance fee was 3RM. Inside you can see stuffs they were able to salvage from the sunken ship.

It was turned into a museum where you can see and learn how it was like during the old days, when trading goods was the only method of commerce.

Inside I marveled how spacious it was.

They have all sorts of things.. even real guns and cannon balls.

On the way out this figure caught my attention.

Now I know where they copied Captain Jack Sparrow’s appearance. hehehe

On the other side of the ship was another museum designed with a boat crashing through the walls.

Took my bike and then crossed the street. I saw this colorful bus servicing the tourists. One word came to my mind.. aircon…

The tourists from the bus were all going to this towering structure... for 20RM, you can ride the Melaka Revolving tower.

Up up

And away.. 80meters high,

This was the view from the top.. Melaka which is by no means a sleepy town.. it’s bustling with activities.

This is the view of the straits of melaka… there you can also see the Eye on Malaysia

And the seemingly tiny Maritime Museum

After the revolving tower I just strolled on the park nearby.. there is this antique train

And an old plane

The A Famosa and St Paul’s church on top of the hill is supposed to be the highlight of my trip.. But I was just contented snapping pictures from below.

I am now having this love-hate relationship with my bike..

Next stop.. the Melaka River cruise

This 45 minute cruise will get you around melaka. A tour guide is also aboard to explain different things.. including how Sean Connery filmed some scenes for the movie Entrapment back in 98.

It cost 10RM… I tried talking to the manager if I can take my bike aboard.. tidak boleh! hehe they were very nice though to look after my bike near the counter..

Then off we go

By this time I was already exhausted.. but there is still one more place to go…(actually a lot more) but my one day itinerary will have to come to an end..

If you go to Melaka, you should not miss Jalan Hang Jebat..

More popularly known as Jonker street…

This is the place to buy your souvenirs and try out nyonya foods..

Some of th oldest chinese temples are also located nearby..

I was not in the mood for a food trip so I just treated my self for a very refreshing cendol.. after having one serving I was craving for more but I have to go. (made a mental note to order Chowking’s halo-halo special when I go back home)..