Melaka (Malaysia) Day 1: Hatten Hotel Melaka + Alto Sky Lounge + Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

 We reached Hatten Hotel Melaka at 5.10pm after our shopping.

Hatten Hotel Melaka is a 22 storey high 5 star hotel with 704 rooms. Located in Malacca's city centre, it is within close proximity to the UNESCO Historical and Heritage sites.

Hatten Hotel Melaka

Jln Merdeka, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Hatten Hotel was filled with Christmas decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Initially when I walked passed, I was wondering what is this room used for. It turned out to be luggage storage room where guests’ baggage was kept. We collected our bags from there before collecting our room card.

The bathroom was of a decent size, not the spacious kind but adequate for our needs.

We took a 20 minute rest in the room to freshen up, replenish water supply and give our feet a rest after the exploration.

We went up to Alto Sky Lounge at 22nd floor of  the hotel, a sky bar on the rooftop with a breathtaking cityscape.

It was 5.45pm and we were the first guest at that time to enjoy the stunning sunset view of Melaka’s coastal township. The ambiance of sky lounge was inviting, making it the perfect spot to unwind with refreshing drinks to ease our thirst.

I spotted Hotel Equatorial Melaka, the light yellow buildings where I stayed previously. The location was also within close proximity to many places of interest, another choice of hotel that you can consider.

The sky lounge offered an unobstructed panoramic view of Melaka, allowing us to soak in the beauty from a high vantage point. Combined with its strategic location, the hotel proved to be a wise choice for our stay.

I spotted the places we visited earlier. The big square below was Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, a huge two level shopping mall. Further ahead of the mall, nestled within the greenery was Bukit Melaka.

The skyline of Melaka offered a blend of the heritage charm and modern architecture. I spotted the Taming Sari Tower once again. While it was on my list of places to visit, we already enjoyed the bird’s-eye view from the sky lounge, so we decided to skip the tower for tomorrow.

At the far left was the coastal area where the sky and sea blended into a horizon. A weekend is enough to explore Melaka's attractions. The city offers many restaurants, bars and cafes that provided good spots for relaxation and indulgence.

I had Calamansi Chill Juice at RM16 (or S$5.33) after tax. The citrusy drink was a thirst quencher, leaving a refreshing sour aftertaste. I slowly sipping the drink while soaking in the surrounding architectural beauty.

Melaka (Malaysia) Day 1: Malacca River + GravyBaby Melaka + Jonker Street

Scoot recently launched flights to Melaka (formerly known as Malacca) starting in October 2024, I used this opportunity to revisit this city. Although I had been to Melaka before, my previous trip was just a short one day trip, leaving some places unexplored. This time, I want to cover them and also to revisit old places.

I reached Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 8.53am for my 10.15am flight. Clearing custom was fast and only took less than 10 minutes.

We spotted I Love Taimei and stopped by there for a quick 15 minute breakfast, sharing a pack of Mini Hashbrown (S$4.80).

After completing the bag check, we proceeded to a waiting area one level below, as we needed to take a bus to the remote bay and board the plane via the stairs. However, the plane was delayed for an hour due to technical issue and Scoot had to arrange for another plane. We finally boarded the plane at 10.45am.

We landed at Malacca International Airport at 11.50am, the flight duration was about 35 minutes. We were surprised to see that ours was the only airplane at the airport. Clearing customs was a breeze, taking just 15 minutes since there were no other passengers apart from our flight.

 The airport was very small, with just one shop in the arrival area selling drinks and snacks. I made a mental note to ensure I had a proper meal before heading to the airport on my last day.

We took a Grab from the airport to our hotel at RM57.86 (or S$19.29). The journey took around 40 minutes due to jam along traffic light and small lanes. We reached Hatten Hotel Melaka at 1pm.

Our room was still not ready yet when we reached, so we left our baggage at the concierge and went for toilet break. By the time we were ready to head out for lunch, it was already 1.25pm. Feeling hungry, we decided to take a grab to Jonker Street as many food options were there. The grab fare was RM26 (or S$8.67) for 9 minutes ride.

We alighted a short distance from Jonker Street and greeted by the scenic Malacca River. An array of restaurants, bars, and boutiques lined the street for us to explore.

After 5 minutes of exploring the food option, we settled at GravyBaby Melaka, a popular restaurant bar that serves an international menu. It was also the first restaurant that we passed by during the walk.

We were so lucky to be given a table along the edges, overlooking a stunning view of the river. The surroundings captured the laid-back charm of the city. As river cruise boats passed by, the water splashed gently against the edges, creating waves through the narrower width of the river.

The restaurant boosted a festive vibe with Christmas decorations. If you came in the evening, there will be live music performances. While the edge tables were meant for two seater, larger group will be seated inside which was also quite cozy with a partial view of the scenic river.

I had Egyptian Orange Juice at RM13 (or S$4.33) and Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry at RM39  (or S$13) before service charge and tax. The orange juice was refreshingly especially after a morning with minimal hydration. While the food was decent and not particularly outstanding, the river view stole the show, making it worth a visit.

Across the river, I spotted an ice cream shop that we can visit later if we did not see any other interesting dessert shops along the way. 

GravyBaby Melaka

2, Lorong Hang Jebat, Melaka City, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: 8am to 12am from Mon to Thu, 8am to 1am on Fri to Sun

It was 2.40pm by the time we finished our an hour long lunch. We were ready to explore the highlight of the area, Jonker Street. The bustling street known for its rich heritage, was lined with many local shops selling identical items. I was only here for the night bazaar previously and did not explore the shops in the day.

I stopped by at Lulala and got two pack of snacks at RM9.80 (or S$3.27).

The things sold here were on a expensive side as it is a popular tourist destination. The streets were filled with Singaporeans who like to come here for a weekend retreat. I heard that the street was very quiet on weekdays.

After completing the stretch, we made our way back to the starting point to explore another picturesque part of the city. It took us about an hour to finish the vibrant street lined with 17th-century shophouses to and fro.

We crossed the river to discover more of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the primary attraction of Melaka. These historical landmarks showcased the city's rich heritage, preserving its history under Dutch and Portuguese colonial rule. 

Here at Dutch Square, also known as Red Square due to the surrounding buildings were painted red. We stood at one of the red buildings to seek shelter from the scorching sun.

Christ Church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia built in the 18th century. I missed this historical site during my last visit, so I made it a point to explore it this time to appreciate the prominent and distinct red architectural design.

It was nearly 4pm when we stopped at Scoops & Smiles for a rest, the dessert shop we saw across the river during lunch.

I had a scoop of Biscoff Gelato topped with Corn Flakes at RM8.90 (or S$2.97). The gelato was creamy and smooth, but melted fast, making it a satisfying treat on such a hot day.

Now we were at the opposite side of GravyBaby, seated under the shade of an umbrella. We just chilled for 20 minutes while having the gelato, relaxing and soaking in the picturesque scenery. 

After the break, we embarked on a 6 minute climb up to St. Paul's Hill (or Bukit Melaka) via the sloped pavement and stairs. Among today's activities, this was a revisit for me, yet the place was still captivating. Taming Sari Tower stood prominently from the hilltop.

The ruins of the Church of St Paul looked the same as I remembered. Built in 1521, it has a rich history tracing back the eras of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization, adding a touch of culture to our visit.

We came down to the foot of the hill and arrived at A Famosa, the only remaining structure of the Portuguese fortress and a historical landmark in Melaka. All these attractions are well positioned and easily accessible to explore by foot. Every few minutes walk will lead us to another site.

We walked over to Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall for a quick 20 minute shopping before going back to hotel since it was along the way. The mall is large, offering a wide variety of retail options, from international brands to local boutiques.

I stopped by at Mix Store and got some snacks at at RM19.90 (or S$6.63) for my family. By the time I was done with my purchase, it was already 5pm. We decided to head back to the hotel and check into our room.

Malacca (Melaka) x Johor Bahru Day 2: Legoland Malaysia

Day 2 began.

I went to bed at 12am last night and woke up at 7am to prepare ourselves for the day. I tucked myself under the thick white blanket and have a cosy sleep.

Checking on the weather.

It was raining in the early morning but the rain has subsided now.

All done with the preparation and packing up my barang barang. I was all alone in the hotel room as my cousin went over to her mum's room to pack her stuffs.

After we were done, we headed down to the Peranakan restaurant at level 1 for our breakfast. We booked the hotel room package that came with free breakfast..

The restaurant has prepared many variety of food but I'm not a person who eat heavy breakfast, so I didn't took much.

Instead of the fried rice, noodles and porridge, I preferred to go for waffles and roti canai.

It would have tasted better if there is curry to go with roti canai.

Together with a sunny side up egg and soya milk.

We helped ourselves with more food. Breakfast is an important meal to start the day. Moreover, we have a long road journey to go before our lunch.

While heading up to our hotel room from the restaurant, I passed back this cafe in the hotel and decided to purchase some gifts inside for my friends (chocolate lipstick) and bro (macaron).

Time was running up. We rushed back to the hotel room to pick up our belongings and headed to the lobby where the mini bus was already there waiting for us. We were heading to Legoland. So excited for it.

From our hotel to Legoland was about 3 hours ride. We were riding non-stop except stopping at Yong Peng for a quick 5 minutes toilet break. Throughout our journey, it was raining on and off. But luckily the rain stopped when we reached JB.

Finally here we were at Legoland Malaysia for a magical retreat, it is Malaysia's 1st international theme park and first of its kind in Asia. Legoland Malaysia Resort is specifically designed for families with children aged 2-12. 

Kheng Loon has always want to organise a Legoland trip and we made it.

Going to theme park never fails to lift up my moods.

It brought joy and childhood memories of us playing lego.

A huge face that stood out from the wall right beside Mindstorms, a place that provides creative workshop bringing robot to life.

Due to the sudden downpour, we quickly looked for place to settle down for lunch.

We have fish fillet, nugget and drumstick combo.

Proceed to Miniland next.

Miniland is amazing. 

It showcased the miniature famous landmarks from 17 Asian countries using more than 30 million LEGO bricks to create.

Arriving at Singapore for the first stop.

The familiar scene of The Fullerton Hotel and The Merlion Park.

Uncle and Aunt paktor-ing at Singapore Flyer stop.

Reaching China.

Here at The Forbidden City - the emperor’s palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The familiar palace that I always see from the shows.

Visiting India.

A must visit place when you go India is The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah jahan in memory of wife. 

Thailand next.

This is a Buddhist Temple on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok - Wat Arun. Its name means “Temple of Dawn”. 

Boarding LEGOLAND Express at Lego City, viewing the sights of the park while the train moved. The ride a bit boring though, it was moving at a slow speed with nothing much to see. 

We reached our destination, thank you LEGOLAND Express. 

Searching for the next ride.

Having a fantastic time so far.

Coming to theme park always make me feel young at heart.

We stepped into Lost Kingdom at Land of Adventure.

My family were ready to play an adventure hero in the laser-blasting hunt for lost treasure.

Passed by Beetle Bounce and wanted to give it a try.

Took our position, ready for the ride.

Here we go.

Give us a taste of the bounce of our lives, we were transported 15 feet above the ground and dropping us down all of a sudden. Wow, see the small boy 2 seats away from me?

He just dropped his slipper.

Legoland is really a family friendly theme park, most of the rides are kids friendly. Suitable for family to bring their young kids along.

The next batch of challengers.

Our OOTD.

Lucky I brought my cardigan out with me and didn't left it in the locker. I used it to shelter me from the rain.

We have been contemplating on whether to take the Dino Island ride because you will get all wet on the way down. We decided to give it a miss as we don't want to drench all wet when going to the custom later on.

As I get older, I find my courage level dropped. I'm not that daring in trying out all these exciting rides anymore without a push. Can I go back to being young again?

We also went for 4D Movie.

You can expect to feel the wind and water during the movie.

We took the Observation Tower which meanders upwards in a slow circular motion for us to have a panoramic view of the entire LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and the surrounding areas.

Spotted the Legoland Hotel.

Just found out that the price of hotel stay is not cheap at all. It costs RM1,200 to RM1,500 for a night stay.

It costs a bomb.

At Legoland Kingdom.

We stopped by here for an ice cream break while treated to the visual view of the castle.

The Merlin's Challenge was fun.

The high speed carousel got us spinning round and round at a very fast speed.

Our last ride in Legoland.

We went to Boating School to learn how to drive a boat.

Bro was enjoying his boat ride. 

The boat ride was not automated. We get to control the steering wheel and accelerator on our own.

Our last group photo before we bid goodbye to Legoland.

I have an enjoyable time spent with my family in this short getaway. It's really had to find time spent with one another given our busy schedules. I really treasured the fruitful time spent together.

After half an hour of shopping at the shops outside Legoland getting some souvenir and snacks for family and colleagues, we settled down for our dinner at Absolute Thai. We have a sumptuous dinner and the best meal during our Malaysia trip. We have something nice to round up our trip.

Just in time to catch the sunset view.

We got caught in the jam at both Malaysia and Singapore custom. We were back in Golden Mile at almost 8.40pm.

Goodbye Malaysia, I have a great 2D1N short getaway to escape from the reality. I have a rejuvenating adventure that got my energy recharged. I'm ready to face the reality again.