Melaka (Malaysia) Day 2: Baba Kaya One Malaysia Cuisine

It was a sleepless night for me, I tossed and turned until 3 plus. I dozed off slightly but woke up at 5am and remained awake since then.

We finished preparing ourselves and left our room around 9.45am to head out for breakfast. There was a family with us in the lift, we overheard them mentioning they were heading to the same breakfast spot as us, showing the place I had chosen was a popular choice.

We took a Grab down to Baba Kaya One Malaysia Cuisine at RM9 (or S$3) and arrived at10am. The restaurant was packed with diners and we waited 15 minutes before getting seated.

The restaurant was tucked away in an alley beside the Melaka River. We were seated on the second floor but not near the window, so there was no view while having the meal.

If you were seated by the window or at ground floor, you will be charmed by the beauty of the view of Malacca River. Since we already had the river view while dining yesterday, it was alright for us to skip today.

We had Baba-melet at RM8.80 (or S$2.93) where the omelet was cooked with spices and served with signature sambal dip. By the time it was served, I was already very hungry by then and quickly gobbled up the egg.

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.

We stayed here for an hour till 6.45pm. Alto Sky Lounge is a good spot to unwind, with a drink in hand, while soaking in the stunning sunset. Watching the sun gradually dip towards the horizon and the sky ignite with colours was a great experience.

Alto Sky Lounge

 Hatten Hotel Melaka level 22, Jln Merdeka, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Operating hours: 4pm to 12am from Sun to Thu, 4pm to 1am on Fri and Sat

After browsing through a few stores, we decided to leave and make our way to the larger part of Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall which was just a short 3 minute walk apart.

It was nearly 7.50pm where we settled down at Restoran Black Canyon, a Thai restaurant, for dinner. The restaurant was spacious and well lit, offering a comforting atmosphere for a meal.

We ordered a set that included a small bowl of Tom Yam Soup that delivered a spicy and sour punch. The spice level was manageable, but as I took more sips, the heat gradually built up, adding a kick.

I had Stir Fry Basil Chicken Rice at RM16.19 (or S$5.40), I like that it was not spicy at all so that it helped to balance the spiciness from the Tom Yam Soup.

Restoran Black Canyon

Lot No. A-008 & A-009, Dataran Pahlawan Megamall, Jln Merdeka, 75000 Malacca, Malaysia

Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily

We left 8.45pm to proceed with shopping and the first stop was Brands Outlet which was just opposite the restaurant.

After spending 25 minutes shopping in Brands Outlet, I got two t-shirts at RM29.90 (or S$9.97), one for myself and one for my father. Brands Outlet has officially become my favourite fashion store in Malaysia, I always managed to find something I want from their store.

After another half an hour of shopping, we did not find anything we wanted and with the shops preparing for closing, we decided to walk back to the hotel.

It was so convenient to have a 7-Eleven right besides our hotel at Hatten Square. We purchased mineral water and sweets before heading up to our room. Hatten Hotel was really a popular choice as the lifts were always filled with people every time we took. It was 10pm when we were back at our room. 

Ended the post with my purchase for today.

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.

Seoul (South Korea) Day 5 and 6: Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center + GOTO Mall + Ssada Gimbab

Sunday 6/10/24

We headed out again at 1.15pm to continue our itinerary. We took a cab to Jamwon Hangang Park, spending our afternoon relaxing by the Han River, away from the city. It was about 25 minutes ride from our hotel.

We came here for Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center which was a floating coffee house. It was drizzling when we arrived, we already felt blessed for the great weather over the past four days where we cleared most of our itinerary.

Seoul Wave Art Center is a three-storey exhibition museum that floats along the South banks of the Han River. At one glance, the structure looked like lego bricks to me. It has become a popular spot among locals seeking a serene spot after exploring the park.

The food selection was very limited, their specialty was their drinks. Since we had sandwich for breakfast, we decided to skip them for lunch and opt for something else.

After collecting our order, we went up to the second level as first level was full. Fortunately, we found a seat with river view because that's what we came for.

I had Earl Grey Vanilla Tea Latte at ₩6,900 (or S$6.78) that was only available in Korea. It had a balance of the aromatic earl grey notes, followed by a sweet vanilla aftertaste that lingered.

We shared a bag of Mini Leaf Pie at ₩3,900 (or S$3.83). These treats were tasty, featuring a crispy, sugar-coated exterior and a buttery interior shaped like a leaf.

The cafe was well positioned, offering a panoramic view of the Han River through the glass windows. It was an ideal spot to unwind with a drink, rejuvenate and enjoy the visual treat of being beside the river. Fully relaxed, I watched the gentle waves on the water.

I also had White Chocolate Cowboy Cookie at ₩2,800 (or S$2.75). The cookie had a crunchy texture with sweetness from the chocolate. I had lots of cookies these few days and sugar level overdosed.

After spending a relaxing 1.5 hours over here, we left Starbucks to continue with our plans. It was still drizzling when we left.

Starbucks Seoul Wave Art Center

145-35 Jamwon-ro, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: 8.30am to 9pm from Mon to Fri, 7.30am to 9.30pm on Sat and 7.30am to 9pm on Sun

Due to the drizzle, we took a cab down to Express Bus Terminal Station, which took less than 10 minutes drive. We reached here around 3.40pm. Since we were already in the area, we decided to visit GOTO Mall, the largest underground shopping mall in Seoul conveniently located at the station.

GOTO Mall had many stores lining both sides of two parallel corridors, offering a variety of items, including clothes, accessories, flowers, and more. However, most of the clothing available was thick and catered to winter, which was not what I was looking for. I managed to find a light jacket at this store for ₩6,900 (or S$6.78).

We finished shopping at 5.20pm and wanted to take a cab back to Myeongdong. However, there was no prominent location to pin on the map so we walked around trying to find a spot. We eventually walked until JW Marriott Hotel Seoul to take the cab.

While waiting for cab, there was an Ajumma that approached me and asking something in Korean language, probably asking for direction. So I just replied Anniyo (No) and she immediately said oh tourist.

We reached Myeongdong at 6.30pm and began our final round of shopping. I purchased two packs of plasters from Wellness Pharm at ₩25,000 (or S$24.58) and multiple packs of HBAF snacks from HBAF Almond Store at ₩47,700 (or S$46.90).

We were feeling hungry since we did not had a proper lunch. We chanced upon Ssada Gimbab along the stretch we were exploring. The menu appealed to us so we decided to dine there. We came at 7pm and most of the tables were already occupied, luckily we managed to secure one of the last few available.

I had Shrimp Omelette Rice at ₩12,000 (or S$11.80). The dish was simple yet packed with flavour. It was drizzled with curry sauce that added a hint of spice, complementing the fried rice hidden beneath.

We also ordered Fried Dumpling at ₩3,500 (or S$3.44). It was my first time seeing such a long dumpling, it was nicely fried to a golden brown with crispy crust.

Ssada Gimbab Myeongdong Station

26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: 24 hours daily

I chanced upon a 1-for-1 sale on got aloe vera gel at Missha and could not resist picking it up. I also bought a makeup remover, the total cost was ₩10,800 (or S$10.62).

My hands were full of shopping bags, so we decided to go back hotel to offload before continuing our night. We reached hotel at 8.30pm and took a short 20 minutes rest to recharge. With our hotel's central location, getting to Myeongdong was convenient.

We went to LINE Friends Flagship Store and spotted BTS handprints on display. The BT21 collaboration between BTS and LINE Friends Corporation featured cute characters created by the BTS members themselves.

We passed by Myeongdong Police Substation that attracted my attention with its 3 storey red brick house structure. The unique architecture stood out from the bustling surroundings.

We chanced upon this roadside stall and I got a t-shirt for ₩10,000 (or S$9.83). With this final purchase, we felt ready to wrap up the day. 

We reached hotel at 10pm and spent some time packing our belongings, preparing to head home the next day. Here were my purchases from Dongdaemun and GOTO Mall.

Here were my purchases from Myeongdong. It took me a while to arrange them in my luggage, which was already full. I regretted bring my thick jacket along which I never wore.

Monday 7/10/24

I slept at 12.30am but woke up at 3.30am and took a while to sleep back. The next time I woke up was 6.15am, just nice to start getting ready for the day.

I ate the Chocolate Chips Cookie at ₩2,900 (or S$2.85) from Dunkin' Donut, which we bought during the second day of our trip. It was quite a large and I could not finish it at such an early hour. We were ready to check out by 7.30am and head to the airport.

Instead of dragging our luggage to the bus stop for the airport limousine bus, we took a cab to Incheon International Airport. The ride took about an hour and cost ₩66,000 (or S$64.90). We arrived at 8.45am.

After clearance, it was 9.30am. We had Burger King for breakfast. We ordered Chicken King Burger (one ala carte and one meal) at ₩14,800 (or S$14.55), something not available in Singapore.

Our flight was on schedule, and the plane began to taxi at11.10am.

After half an hour into the flight, I was served with a cup of apple tea and a small snack, just perfect as I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Lunch was served at 1.45pm. I had Jja Jang Bap, braised pork and onion in black bean sauce, served with fried egg and steam rice. The meal also included marinated prawns with salad as an appetizer, along with the usual bread roll and spread.

The dessert was a fish sandwich vanilla ice cream with a layer of red bean paste. The exterior waffle had a firm texture to hold the ice cream inside, a sweet and pleasant end to the meal.

We landed in Singapore at 4.30pm after 6 hours flight. This trip to Seoul was amazing and the duration was just right. It was filled with delicious food, beautiful scenery and fulfilling shopping, the kind of vacation that I like. I can't wait to explore more of this country in the future.