Posts filed under 'Attractions'
Melaka’s latest tourist attraction, Menara Taming Sari (Revolving Tower), is expected to open to public on 7th Apr 2008 (Monday).
Menara Taming Sari is located at Bandar Hilir, beside Dataran Pahlawan Megamall. This 110m high revolving tower was built using Swiss technology at a total cost of RM23mil. It is the first of its kind in the country with a revolving observation cabin, which provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire historical areas in Melaka city.
The air-conditioned revolving viewing cabin is equipped with 80 seats. It revolves as it rises from ground level to the top of the tower. Each viewing session would last 7 minutes. The tower is expected to serve 3 viewing sessions every hour.
In addition to the revolving tower for visitors to enjoy bird view of Melaka city, the ticketing building will also be fitted with 5 commercial outlets, which includes cafe, restaurant, and souvenir shops.
Today, 2 days before the scheduled public opening, engineers are working on some final engineering and mechanical touches on the revolving tower and conduct hourly testing, to ensure that it is completely safe for public visitors. During my visit, the cabin air-conditioning equipments were being tested.
Admission Fees for MyKad Holders
RM10 for adults, RM5 for children below 12 years old, and RM7 for senior citizens above 55 years old.
Admission Fees Visitors without MyKad
RM20 for adults, RM10 for children below 12 years old, and RM17 for senior citizens above 55 years old.
Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily
A Little Bit of History
Menara Taming Sari was supposed to be built near The Stadthuys (Dutch Square). But, the plan was stopped and relocated, when an ancient Portuguese wall - Middleburg Bastion, was discovered on the site.
April 5th, 2008
Melaka Mall located opposite Jusco Melaka and Dataran Bandaraya Melaka, which is reconstructed from Kotamas, will have one of its anchor tenants - Parkson, opening on 8th Apr 2008 (Tuesday).
This also means that, Parkson will have 2 stores operating in Melaka. Another existing Parkson store is located in Mahkota Parade.
About 10 months earlier, the MBO Cineplex Melaka has started its business in Melaka Mall, marking the presence of second modernized cineplex in Melaka. Now that Parkson is also opening in Melaka Mall, it makes Melaka Mall more strategically positioned to attract tenants. At present, quite a number of outlets in Melaka Mall are under renovation; I’m sure most of them will be opening very soon, hoping to share the potential flow of shoppers that will be brought by Parkson.
April 5th, 2008
If you’ve been to Melaka during Chinese New Year, or 3 weeks before this auspicious celebration, you have surely witnessed the appealing Chinese New Year street decoration at the Melaka Chinatown area, such as places like Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Jalan Hang Lekiu and Jalan Bunga Raya.
Never missed, this Chinese New Year street decoration initiative has been successfully carried out from the past 7 years (correct me if I’m wrong with the year). This year, the Melaka Chinese New Year Street Decoration 2008 was officiated by Dato Seri Ong Ka Ting on last Saturday.
Marking the first official day of the light-up, lion dance troops were invited to further condense the Chinese New Year atmosphere.
Take a look at some of the pictures I took at Jonker Walk, don’t you feel like wanted to be physically there as well?
Kudos to the Jonker Street Committee in successfully initiating another year of Chinese New Year Carnival.
Come visit Melaka this Chinese New Year to witness the condensed atmosphere.
GPS Coordinate: N2.19815 E102.24472
January 21st, 2008
From my childhood till adolescence, the Sungai Melaka (Melaka River) I grown up with was dirty, smelly, and poorly maintained. However, in recent years, thanks to continuous state government and city council initiative, Sungai Melaka is now given a fresh new picturesque appearance. This is an applauding change for the benefit of Melaka tourism.
5 years back, I wouldn’t agree to take a river cruise at Sungai Melaka, or spend an evening strolling along the riverside. However, now that Sungai Melaka surrounding environment is upgraded, and I’m glad that it’s worth spending some relaxing free time at Sungai Melaka riverwalk without hesitation.
Sungai Melaka conversation exercise is not just confined to the area around Dutch Square and Old Melaka Town historical site, but the whole route of river cruise. One fine Friday evening, I went to the riverwalk at Jalan Bunga Raya opposite Kampung Morten for a stroll. A boardwalk is built along the riverside, by the muddy riverbank. This 380m boardwalk has its entry point situated behind Southern Hospital.
Sungai Melaka is known as one of the very few natural habitats for mudskippers. So, at the boardwalk, it’s pretty easy to spot mudskippers skipping on the muddy ground.
Old Chinese houses and Taoism temple along the boardwalk, opposite Kampung Morten and parted by Sungai Melaka.
Quacking ducks, monitor lizards and birds have also found Sungai Melaka as their home.
Kampung Morten is an award winning traditional Malay village and classified national Malaysian heritage site situated by Sungai Melaka. It is named after an Englishman who donated the land on which the kampung (village) was built, during the late 19th century when Melaka was ruled by the British. It is connected to Jalan Bunga Raya by a bridge called Jambatan Kampung Morten.
Villa Sentosa is one of the biggest houses in Kampung Morten, and as old as Kampong Morten itself. It was built by Tuan Haji Hashim bin Dato’ Demang Haji Abdul Ghani in 1920. Villa Sentosa has now been converted into a private Malay living museum. Guided tours are also conducted for the visitors to view its intriguing collection of costumes, Malay embroidery, furniture, muskets and array of interesting relics.
A Malay house in Kampung Morten which has its roof painted for Malaysia’s 50th anniversary.
The entrance to Kampung Morten from Jalan Tun Ali.
If you bring a kid grown up in today’s urban life to an hour of relaxing riverwalk along Sungai Melaka, I’m sure he/she will learn a lot of valuable lessons which are not found in academic textbook.
GPS Coordinate: N2.20200 E102.25174
January 7th, 2008
Hasn’t been officially opened for public, but a new (but abandoned?) man-made island in Melaka, known as Pulau Melaka, has quietly emerged in the geographical topology of Melaka state.
Since this new man-made island is still unoccupied at this moment, except some constructed commercial properties, I thought it would be a good time for landscape photography without hustle of crowd.
What caught my attention in the serene Pulau Melaka is not the developed real estate projects, but a visually appealing mosque at dusk. This mosque, a new landmark in Melaka, is known as Masjid Selat Melaka (Melaka Strait Mosque).
As its name suggests, Masjid Selat Melaka is built along the coastline of Strait of Malacca, at the water level of the sea. So, in the evening at high tide, Masjid Selat Melaka looks like a floating mosque.
Pulau Melaka is accessible from Melaka Raya. Click here for Pulau Melaka location map (will be shown in popup).
View of Mahkota Hotel and Holiday Inn from Pulau Melaka at dusk
This shot was captured at Pulau Melaka from ground level. I don’t think I could risk my life taking this shot on the road, when Pulau Melaka is opened for public :p
December 12th, 2007
If you’re still un-initiated, FYI, a new cinema has already been launched in Melaka without making much buzzes, on 28th June 2007.
This new alternative to GSC in Mahkota Parade, is a new cinema of MBO, located in Melaka Mall (previously known as Kotamas).
MBO Cineplex Melaka is fitted with 7-hall modern facilities, definitely a competent threat to GSC Mahkota Parade.
Thanks to AmazingMelaka.com readers, this site has already been accumulated with a series of reader’s updates on the opening of MBO cinema, since 21st Nov 2006. Special thanks for reader KeL for the continuous updates.
Personally, being a resident in Bukit Beruang, I’m very much pleased with the opening of MBO cinema in Melaka Mall. Location wise, it is so much nearer to my house than traveling to Mahkota Parade. I’m sure MMU (Multimedia University) students will be glad with it as well.
Last Saturday, I went to visit MBO Cineplex Melaka, wanted to watch Die Hard 4.0. I thought the cinema is still less known among Malaccans, and there should be tickets available one-and-a-half hour before the show. But, I was proven wrong. All tickets for night sessions were sold out!
From the exterior design, MBO Cineplex Melaka doesn’t spoil my expectation. It is fitted with modern cinema designs as seen in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.
Frankly, I really find the seats at GSC Mahkota Parade to be uncomfortable. My knees will surely be in contact with the row in front of me, which I find it unpleasing. Does MBO Cineplex Melaka offer a better seating? I’ve yet to experience it.
Has anyone watched movie at MBO Cineplex Melaka? Please feel free to share your experience here.
GPS Coordinate: N2.23233 E102.28244
July 16th, 2007
Jalan Hang Lekir is one of most accessed streets in Old Melaka town; but surprisingly, it’s the least known by its name! If you’ve been to the heritage town of Melaka, I’m sure you have most probably left your foot print at Jalan Hang Lekir without you realizing its name.
With reference to the following illustration, Jalan Hang Lekir is the lane connecting the renowned Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street) and Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street). If Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock is street of lodging and Jalan Hang Jebat is street of antiques, then I would describe Jalan Hang Lekir as weekend-street of collectibles.
On every Saturday and Sunday morning, stalls will be aligned along Jalan Hang Lekir, presenting visitors with nothing but golden memory collectibles, ranging from antique coins, to watches, oil lamps, black-rubber musical discs, celebrity posters, kitchenware, and more.
If you’re an enthusiast of classical collectibles, you will surely be amazed with the satisfying pool of golden memory triggers.
One of the easiest approach to identity Jalan Hang Lekir, is by this mural 
GPS Coordinate: N2.19615 E102.24580
April 1st, 2007
The Old Melaka town is again dressed with reddish and ruddy street decorations to greet Chinese New Year celebration. The Chinese New Year Decoration Carnival has been an annual attraction in Melaka tourism for many years, and it is always praised by the visitors and local residents for the unique festive atmosphere.
Now, when you step into the Old Melaka streets, such as Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), Jalan Hang Kasturi, Jalan Kampung Pantai and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), you will feel like being part of the festival, even if you’re not celebrating Chinese New Year. The festive atmosphere is simply so dwelling in Old Melaka.
The big red lantern at Jalan Hang Kasturi.
The entrance of Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street)
The drum made of hundreds of small lanterns, at Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street).
The signature stage holding all kinds of Jonker Walk events throughout the years.
One of the most beautifully decorated clan houses at Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), with 2 giant images of Choy San Yeh (God of Prosperity)
At the Geographer Café, Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street).
2 traditional red lanterns hanging at a house located at Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street).
By looking at the above photos, it’s not hard to imagine how attractive the Old Melaka is in the evening and night, when all the lanterns are lighted up.
Have you showered with this unique festive decoration? Come and visit during this Chinese New Year.
Besides the street as mentioned above, the new Melaka Chinatown - Jalan Bunga Raya, is also part of the street decoration initiatives.
Have you published your photos of Chinese New Year atmosphere in Melaka? Feel free to share your link in the comment.
Happy Chinese New Year . 新年快乐
February 15th, 2007
Christmas celebration is approaching. Do you know that Melaka has a small but famous settlement known for its attractive Christmas atmosphere?
Some of you might have guessed it right that I’m referring to Portuguese Settlement in Melaka. The Portuguese Settlement in Melaka is a preserved land for descendents of Portuguese, situated along the coast, and accessing from Ujong Pasir.
Every year, when Christmas is around the corner, residents in Portuguese Settlement will spend some efforts decorating their houses and streets, to create Christmas ambiance within the square. In December, this is also the time when Portuguese Settlement experiences congested traffic in the evening.
In order to avoid the crowded Christmas eve, I’ve visited Portuguese Settlement on last Saturday to enjoy Christmas decorations readied for this year.
Street lightings in the settlement.
This house is generous. The family must have spent a few thousand Ringgits in the decorations and settings. The above 4 pictures are all taken within the same house. I was surprised and impressed with the air-bloated Santa Clause.
If you would like to take picture, I would advise not to go there too late. I was there at 10:30PM, and having difficulty coping with the relatively long exposure on my camera, as I wanted to capture the ambient lights.
This is the Christmas tree set-up at Portuguese Square.
Have you been to Portuguese Settlement for this coming Christmas? This coming weekend is a perfect time to visit, if you’re like me who just want to take pictures in less crowded day.
December 15th, 2006
The construction of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall has unearthed a previously grounded ancient wall, belonging to Santiago Bastion fortress.
Recently, 20th of Nov 2006, the original construction site of Menara Taming Sari revolving tower, has also witnessed an unearthing of ancient fortress wall. Due to the discovery of these archeologically valuable artifacts, construction of Menara Taming Sari is called for a pause on 3rd Dec. This revolving tower project will be continued for construction at another alternative location.
Menara Taming Sari, a proposed revolving tower, is designed to serve as watch tower for tourists, to enjoy the amazing landscape of Melaka historical town. Originally, this tower was planned to be sitting opposite the Clock Tower and Stadthuys.
Currently, there are 3 suggested alternative locations for the continuation of Menara Taming Sari project.
- The tennis courts neighboring to Dataran Pahlawan Megamall and MBMB public swimming pool.
- The land next to the vacant Parameswara Jetty (close to Mahkota Hotel).
- At Pulau Melaka
In my humble opinion, the tennis courts neighboring to Dataran Pahlawan Megamall is the best alternative among all 3 suggestions mentioned above. At this location, tourists will be able to have a good bird view on the Melaka heritage town. At a slightly further extend, Straits of Melaka is skirting the town to give a breezing view. Besides, the density of tourist attractions is focused in Bandar Hilir, and thus tourists are easily accessible to the revolving tower within walking distance. In comparison to alternative location like Pulau Melaka, I doubt if visitors can have a good bird view on Melaka historical town without binocular.
I’ve visited the original construction site of Menara Taming Sari, and saw a few workers digging the ground to continue unearthing the discovered ancient wall. The task must be handled with care in order to make sure that no artifact is accidentally destroyed in the process.
December 15th, 2006
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