Solo trip to Melaka

My husband, Devdeep, had gone for a week to India on a business trip. I was all alone at home. Staying alone is always an issue as I was raised in joint family. Week days were still okay as most of the time was spent in office.

So for the weekend I decided to go to Melaka. D was at his sasural (in-laws place) sleeping peacefully at the time I called him to inform that I was going to Melaka. After having my breakfast, I left for Melaka.

Malacca, or Melaka as the locals fondly call it, is a Malaysian city located about 150 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur and is the capital of the State of Malacca.

I took a bus to Larkin Sentral from Queen Street at around 12 o clock. Generally the buses are crowded on weekends unlike this Saturday. Immigration was also fast and smooth both for Singapore and JB. I reached Larkin bus station at 1.15 PM and bought a single way bus ticket to Melaka. I couldn’t find a vegetarian stall in the hawker centre near the bus station so I had statisfy myself with canned juice. It took somewhere around three and a half hour to reach Melaka Sentral. It was already 5.30 pm and I was super hungry. I booked a grab to Melaka town and got down at Selvam restaurant. I had already researched where I can eat good vegetarian food and Selvam was one of them. This is a south Indian restaurant and the food was okay but little unhygienic. I could see ants crawling on the table. So I won’t recommend to anyone.

 After food, the priority was to book a hotel. I wanted to stay near the Jonker Street so decided to explore the options available. Finally my search ended with NoMaps Hostel. Before booking I asked the receptionist if I can first see the room and then book as this was the first time I was staying in a hostel. The room appeared small but it was very efficient.  The receptionist explained me the rules and facilities. After getting the room card I freshened up and rested for a while. Design was super nice! Rooms and common areas are clean and well done! There was a very comfortable mattress, pillow, blanket, two lockers, personal light, hangers, slippers and a foldable table. 24 hour self-service kitchen facilities & access to all of the breakfast food and drinks. The location was perfect, few minute walk to Melaka River and Jonker Street-the most famous street. The thing I loved about staying in hostel was

1)      Cheap- why to waste money in hotels when you know you will be away most of the time. Instead of staying in a budget hotel I would prefer a hostel as the rooms, bathrooms, the dining areas were clean. It feels more like a home.  

2)      Culture- This was the most important reason why I wanted to stay in hostel. Most people staying in hostels are solo travellers and are looking to make new friends. So here you have an opportunity to make new friends and also know about their cultures.

Touristy things I did

1)      Dutch Square: This area is difficult to miss because of its colour, hence the other name Red square, and the line-up of beautifully decorated trishaw in front of Christ church.  Also within the square are Christ Church, the Queen Victoria fountain, and the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower. Trishaws were unique as they are brightly decorated with fake flowers, plushies and often come with uniquely shaped canopies and very loud music. Although I have not tried this, but it looks fun though and that princess-ey feeling of being in a grand majestic parade.

2)      Taming Sari: For a 360 degree panoramic view of the city from 110 m high tower. It was not that interesting as I felt the beauty of Melaka can be explored on foot, the best.

3)      Vegetarian dinner: Dinner at “Man Yuan Fang Vegetarian Restaurant”. It was 10 mins walk from Menara taming sari. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. A fried rice and a cup of Chinese tea costed me RM 13. I also explored the night market close by to the restaurant. There were clothes, fake copies of shoes and the loads and loads of food.

4)      River cruise: The 45-minute evening cruise will gave beautiful views of the city’s most interesting sights – murals, historical structures, churches and Malay villages.

5)      Jonker Street: It was a Saturday night, the street was turned into a night market. This was busy street filled with street food stalls, shops, restaurants, cafes and loads of tourists. I have travelled to Malaysia quite a few times now, you will find loads of food everywhere. Because Malaysians love food. You can find few Vegetarian options as well like Putu Piring,  Ondeh Ondeh, egg shaped ice-cream sorbets, Nonya Kueh, Milkahakes, juices and fresh fruits. The best part about Melaka was its food. Tasty and cheap. 

6)      Definitely clubbing- I was on a solo trip and wanted to know how well I can manage myself after a few pegs down. I went to hard rock café and this was awesome experience.

It is a charming city with so much to offer- delectable local cuisine, relaxing atmosphere, diverse cultures. I promise to come back for a different taste, a different feel, a different touch, a different side of Melaka.