Posts filed under 'Latest News'
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
Melaka will be celebrating the 5th anniversary of Melaka Historical City (Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah) declaration as follows:
On this auspicious event, one of the most awaited agenda is the fireworks display at Dataran Bandaraya Melaka. Residents at the neighboring areas, such as Bukit Beruang, Ayer Keroh and Taman Merbok (behind Melaka Mall), will be able to enjoy the picturesque sky from the comfort of their home, especially those staying in higher buildings, such as Ixora Apartment. In my opinion, the roof-top car park at Jusco is one of the most strategic locations as well.
Workers setting up stage and facilities at Dataran Bandaraya Melaka
By the way, as reported by The Star, hopes are high for Malacca and Penang to be listed as Unesco World Heritage Sites in July.
“Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state had fulfilled the required criteria for Unesco’s consideration and was confident of a favourable outcome from the World Heritage Site Committee meeting later this year.”
April 5th, 2008
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
Some might have heard of D-Paradise Melaka, while majority are still unaware of this currently less known but emerging attraction in Melaka.
4 years back, when I was once frequently traveling to Sungai Udang, a small township where Petronas refinery complex is located, the D-Paradise Melaka was just merely being positioned as a tropical fruit farm.
After years of rapid and well-planned development, D-Paradise has gradually gained its name, and emerged as a place for more than fruits. In fact, it is now packed with attractions, interesting activities, and arrays of lodging facilities.
A Malaysian blogger, Luaz, has compiled his visit to D-Paradise Melaka into set of videos accessible at YouTube.
Hm.. I must agree that everything looks so interesting, compared to my impression for D-Paradise 4 years ago. But, the entrance fee is quite steep though.
Now we stand a chance to get them for free! Yes, we could get the RM49.90 worth of entrance ticket for free! Simply submit your personal information and you will be replied via email within 3 days.
Optionally, you can also participate in the lucky draw by answering a few questions. You might be lucky enough to win the 2 Days 1 Night Accommodation Package worth for RM 1,100.
Updates:
I was just told by a friend, that she did not get any reply even though she has submitted her contact more than a month ago. Does it mean that the 200,000 free tickets have already reached its capacity?
Management of D-Paradise Melaka, if you’re reading this post, please kindly remove the free ticket promotion, if there’s no more ticket to be issued. Leaving the visitors with empty surprise doesn’t seem nice though 
I’ve also just submitted my contact information. See if I would be replied with a free ticket hehe.
June 12th, 2007
The coming Saturday evening will not be a usual evening for Melaka. It will be graced with nationwide celebration of Chinese New Year (CNY), with expectation for 100,000 visitors including foreigners. This event, known as Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia (Malaysia Open House), will be held on 24th Feb 2007, and activities will begin from 7.30PM onwards, at Jalan Hang Tuah.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong will grace the open house. This will be the first time for Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin attending such event as a Ruler. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will also attend.
On the past few days, some of the politicians have commented about this event on the absence of allocation for Chinese traditional arts and essences, such as lion dance performance. However, AmazingMelaka.com can firmly confirm that, a series of performances reflecting Chinese cultures will be presented during this great open house.
Yesterday’s (22nd Feb) evening, our team has attended the full rehearsal of CNY open house, to witness and preview the scheduled activities. The following pictures tell how the open house will be carried out, according to the rehearsal.
Activities and Performances
A troop of 50 lions will present lion dance performance along the Jalan Hang Tuah main road to signify the launching of CNY open house. This performance is expected to begin around 8.45PM.
A team from Phor Tiong Beo Melaka temple will also wave a heavy-weight giant flag.
If the drum beats from lion dance performance don’t appeal to be heart-pumping enough, what about the 24-Season Drums?
Wushu is an essential Chinese martial art which has history dated back to thousands of years. The Jing Wu Athletic Association Melaka will present Wushu to wow your visual pleasure.
In order to reflect the harmonious multiracial society in Malaysia, group performance from hundreds of participants in various costumes (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Baba Nyonya, Portuguese, Sabah and Sarawak indigenous ethic groups, and etc.) will also be featured along with singing of Chinese New Year songs.
Never an absence in Melaka official event is the showcase of uniquely decorated trishaws, which play an important role in Melaka tourism.
Besides, a dazzling fireworks show will end the annual gathering.
Seats will be provided along the road side for early birds. Of course, the seats are limited; but there is spacious area for visitors to stand and enjoy the performances.
A number of displays are available along the Hang Tuah Mall, so that visitors far away from the center stage will also be able to witness the activities and performances. If you would like to secure the best view, better be there earlier.
15 Parking Fields
The organizing committee has arranged 15 parking fields to provide 4,500 parking slots, including Graha Maju parking field, Yayasan Melaka parking field, taxi station, former Melaka bus station, Jalan Tun Mutahir and etc.
Traffic Impact
Besides Jalan Hang Tuah, neighboring areas namely Jalan Graha, Jalan Tan Chay Yan in front of Pay Fong High School, Jalan Kubu, Jalan Tun Mutahir, Jalan Pelandok Putih in front of Plaza Jayamuda, will all be closed from traffic.
Troop of 1000 Lions
Melaka is especially happening during Chinese New Year. Besides this open house event initiated by government, the Old Melaka is also decorated with thick Chinese New Year atmosphere.
On 4th March, the 15th day of Chinese New Year, there will be a grand lion dance performance in the evening at Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), formed in a troop of 1000 units! 300 big lions and 700 small lions.
February 23rd, 2007
Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah (MBMB) is offering free parking for the first 2 days of Chinese New Year celebration, 18th and 19th Feb 2007.
Effective at every MBMB coupon parking zone, there’s no need to scratch your parking coupon on the stated dates. More than five thousands parking zones managed by MBMB are benefited.
However, this offer doesn’t include other private parking zones.
Personally, I agree that this offer is undeniably a great move. During festive season, Melaka is always flooded with tourists and visitors. It’s kinda troublesome to look for parking coupons, or on risk of getting an “Ang Pow’ (summon). Though parking coupon system is economically profitable in management’s perspective, but definitely not a convenient approach for tourists.
February 18th, 2007
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
Ekspo Melaka 2006, so claimed so largest consumer fair in Malaysia, commences today at MITC (Melaka International Trade Centre). This consumer expo is scheduled for 9 days, till 26th Nov 2006, operating daily from 11am to 10pm.
The Ekspo Melaka 2006 is organized by Dunia Ekspo and hosted by Melaka government. Every year, the consumer expo in Melaka has never failed to attract a large number of exhibitors and visitors. In the perspective of an exhibitor, this event is a good chance to gain market appearance and promote new products. In the eyes of consumers and visitors, this expo is a good place to grab worthy bargains. On the other hand, Melaka government is endorsing importance on this annual consumer expo to promote tourism sector and stimulate economic growth.
There are hundreds of booths occupying the large exhibition hall in MITC. The variation of exhibiting products and services is ranging from household necessities, furniture, interior decorations, kitchen appliances, foods and snacks, telecommunication devices, pre-school education services, and etc.
Almost all the participating exhibitors are offering their products and services at special price or bundling with promotional packages to attract customers.
Following are some of the pictures I took today at Ekspo Melaka 2006.
The paper furniture, a unique range of products from Ornapaper Berhad, is displayed for visitors to enjoy their foods and beverages while experiencing the surprisingly solid tables and chairs made of corrugated papers.
Personally, I’m very much interested with the garden decorations showcased by Bali House.
Graduation ceremony of a pre-school institute is held during this public event too.
If you have visited this expo, and published some pictures in your blog as well, feel free to drop a comment here with your link.
November 18th, 2006
Hooray! It’s festive season again in Malaysia.
Coincidentally, as the timing of Hindu festival Deepavali and Muslim festival Hari Raya Aidilfitri are falling within days of difference in a week, Malaysia is celebrating a uniquely combined festive season called DeepaRaya. Yes, only seen in multiracial countries like Malaysia.
To the foreign visitors, Deepavali is on tomorrow 21st Oct 2006, while Hari Raya Aidilfitri is falling on the coming Tuesday 24th Oct 2006. Be sure to capture this unique moment with your digital imaging devices.
To residents of Malaysia traveling back hometown during this festive season, please (yes, please please please) drive carefully, have a safe and enjoyable journey. Lots of rest areas are available along the expressways and highways, utilize them as you’ve already paid for the facilities
Happy Deepavali and Salam Aidilfitri.
October 20th, 2006
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