You know you're no longer a small girl when you have to plan everything for your family trip.
I hoped that it could be a chill kind of trip so I didn't plan to go anywhere exciting. I just wanted to visit my relatives and my friend Ken, who works in Melaka now. Most of all, I just wanted to spend time with my family as we don't see each other that much anymore.
Also, I used Huji Cam a lot! I think it makes everything looks magical~
MAM MAM aka FOOD
Because I haven't been in Melaka for years, I seeked Ken's recommendation on anywhere good to indulge in food or drinks. Although I am not much of a foodie, strangely enough on this trip I just wanted to eat eat eat and not buy anything else.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Malacca Avocado Choc
PT245, Jalan Limbongan,
Kampung Limbongan,
75200 Klebang, Melaka
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
you can dine in right next to the stall
I love my avocados. Maybe I'm biased but I think it will taste better without chocolate. But then again you can say "Then don't come here lo." hahaha. I believe this will fit someone else's taste. All in all, it's not bad! I enjoyed drinking it till the end. The portion is big and the price is cheap for the size, so thumbs uppp!
I'm one of those anime characters with black shadow for eyes
The sun was glaring when we arrived. Sis had to block out the sunlight while Mom took photos for me. It was so funny. Even then, I couldn't open my eyes as they were super sensitive to light. It gets worst as I grow older fml.
As we were already in Klebang, we dropped by the coconut shake stand as well. We bought an avocado shake and a coconut shake to share between 4 of us (Grandma, Mom, Sis and I).
Klebang Original Coconut Shake
5, 75200 Klebang, Melaka
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A few years ago, Eli brought us here for the first time. At that time the line was like a snake and we just parked across the road or something. This time there were only 2 other customers and we got our drink pretty quickly. The takeaway and dine-in areas are separate - you'll see a house with a big signboard if you turn into the neighbourhood road where you can dine in. The takeaway stand is just beside the main road so the area gets congested easily.
the takeaway stand
I'll tell you that I spent my whole Saturday just consuming food and beverages.
I think I haven't stuffed myself so much in a while.
With Ken, we met up during tea time! He recommended 2nd Floor Coffee House and I really thought he meant a char sat (traditional coffee shop) with 2 floors.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Second Floor Coffee House
25, Jalan TKL 2/17,
Taman Kota Laksamana,
75200 Malacca
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Please do check out when is their off day before you pay them a visit.
This place doesn't have a big signboard so you have to cruise slowly and look for the stairs. The minute I climbed up and the shop interior greeted my eyes, I thought - "Ken chose a damn good place. I LOVE IT."
It was compact, cluttered, quirky, homely, dim, colourful, retro... Ahh everything I ever wanted for myself.
It is a hot spot for students to hang out, but since it was a Saturday I figured they all went back home. MMU students can get discounts here, if I'm not mistaken.
hey it me
They have hipster cafe food, which basically means mille crepes, sandwiches, shakes, diabetic drinks, milk tea, pastries, to name a few. It took me by surprise how 'hipster' Melaka has become. The last few years I came, I didn't do anything except go to the Stadthuys area and visit my relatives. It was almost always a family affair, so I guess this time is my first time here to really explore the surroundings.
Yes, I live under a rock. But now my rock has a little dent so I can peek at the outside world.
our little nook; I feel comforted whenever I look at this photo
I love Yokai Watch characters because not only are they adorable but they remind me of my younger Japanese host sister who is a fan of Yokai Watch. The shop has little trinkets, cultural decorations, and old objects lying around - it feels like a treasure trove.
Sis took this candid shot of me. I love it because I look pretty in it.
In the end, we chatted at the cafe for 4 hours and I managed to finish my huge-ass drink. Usually I would share drinks or not order them at all when I go out, but our catch-up session compelled me to finish it. We talked too much hahaha!
We crossed over a field of grass to get to our dinner destination - a food court. Earlier we drove by here in the morning, but they weren't open yet. Since I ate at the cafe, I wasn't hungry enough for dinner so Sis and I shared some small dishes.
There is a covered area and an open air area, both packed with people. We waited for a table to finish before we took their table. I often feel that it is awkward to stand nearby a group of people who seem to be finishing up because it's like you're halau-ing (chasing away) them. But this is life and we need food.
In case any foreigners are thinking to visit Malaysia, yes, it is totally normal in a packed foodcourt or casual restaurant to wait beside or nearby a table for them to finish so you can take their place. And don't be alarmed when people do the same. Just don't do it in any other restaurants that are more orderly and have a person manning the entrance.
Anybody here loves raw cucumbers and onions as much as I do? For some reason they gave yellow onions. Give me back my red ones. T^T The satay was good. I love satay.
For the price of RM8 for oyster egg, I am extremely disappointed. The oyster was even smaller than a lala (clam)... We couldn't even distinguish the oyster from the egg when we first saw the plate.
What a scam.
thanks Sis for the photos again!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Alley
10, Jalan KLJ,
Taman Kota Laksamana,
75200 Melaka
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
My first visit to The Alley!
I've seen The Alley and Chatto all over my Instagram lately and was wondering what is with all the buzz. I still don't get it. I think they are all about the same. If you're thinking to try both and you are in Melaka, you're in luck. The shops are literally right across each other.
They are located in these gorgeous and modern colonial-styled shophouses so I think a visit during sunset would be lovely. The place was surprisingly pristine and there were rows of these shophouses, so no fear that you won't get a great spot to take photos! I felt like I was transported into another world.
seriously no photos do them no justice
We waited for about 15 minutes for our drinks because it was starting to get crowded. Fortunately there were plenty of space to sit, both indoor and outdoor (2 areas); all was chill and beautiful!
at the back of the shop - pretty, pretty fairy lights
I imagined coming here on a date or with close friends would be so nice, assuming there are no mosquitoes. And no, I didn't get any bites!!
dark chocolate, matcha, oolong tea
I had the dark chocolate and I really liked it. In fact, it's on my Top 3 Hipster Drink list right now. I am a dark chocolate kind of person and was delighted to see it on the menu. The brown sugar with the pearl wasn't overwhelmingly sweet and instead had a comforting quality about it. I don't know how to explain it properly lol.
They recommended a specific way to drink the pearl drinks but I didn't really get how it would taste better. I guess we were meant to enjoy the warmer and sweeter parts and make our way up to the flavour, in one suck. But I find that I prefer just mixing everything together because I get to taste the dark chocolate enveloping the pearls in every sip and it's less of a hassle.
hey it me and Ken again, spilling tea and bringing justice to the world
We all agreed it was really nice catching up again. The last time we saw each other was during convo in September and before that we haven't seen each other in months. When we lived at the university hostel (during my Foundation year), we used to meet up almost every night y'all. Such good memories. Friends forever.
WHERE DID I GO
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Jonker Street
- - - - - - - - - - - -
I like temple roof designs; there's always so much character and activity
Waze led us to a parking field near this temple where we got charged RM5 for an entry. Walking down the back lane to Jonker Street, we passed by these cute wall arts!
my Grandmother is a Tang and all us cousins were raised by her so I felt this was a cute nod to our family hahaha
I thought this entrance to a hotel looked really cute and homely. It is situated right at the main area with the big stage, so anyone staying here can either be disrupted by noise or enjoy overlooking the stage performances from their window hahaha.
succulents and cacti are everywhere nowadays
At home, I have an entire shelf full of them and a smaller shelf for my propagations so I didn't buy more. I didn't feel like adding to my collection in case I need to move somewhere for work next time and they'll be abandoned. T^T
2 years ago they didn't have these canopies. They looked absolutely adorable~ Look at the pastel tones~ It's filled with mainly food stalls and some stalls selling miscellaneous stuff (like phone cases and portable fan).
lookit my mam with this scented shop - she bought a gua sha tool
Gua sha is so painful, you guys. I hope I never have to do it.
one of my favourite times of the day enveloping Jonker Street in it's warmth
I looked up and saw perfection
There were so many quirky and fun stuff on sale at Jonker Street. I think I was awed at quite a lot of stalls.
I mean, look at this
Even though you probably can't catch a single thing, it's still cute to display!
fire dragon eggs for sale, get it before they hatch! >.^
This room filled with Buddha was actually a no-photography zone, which I realized only after I took the photo. I thought it was mesmerizing and I suddenly had the urge to buy a Buddha head. Strange.
Afterwards we went for chicken rice ball dinner nearby because we wanted to use the toilet hahaha. Don't you think the interior concept kind of looks like Yu-Baba's room in Spirited Away??
view from H&M
I've always wondered how do the trishaw drivers survive? I don't think I have ever rode on one before because I didn't have a reason to. I hope they are making money elsewhere too...
When night fell, there came loud singing from the stage. A solo performance was on! I'm not sure what are the schedules for these shows, whether they have it once a week or all the nights that Jonker Street is open (they only operate on Fri, Sat and Sun). It seems to be a freestyle event whereby you register and get a go with 1 or 2 songs. First come first serve kind of thing.
It was indeed heart-warming to see all types of aunties and uncles stepping on stage and singing Chinese songs I never heard of. There were the humble performer and the flamboyant performer. Anybody could go up and enjoy themselves, and that's what I admired. My grandma kept giggling to the songs as she told us what the songs were about (courting/dating songs lol). Sis and I agreed that the old songs are so literal and entertaining.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fook Choon Trading
Lot 1215, Batu 2 1/2,
Jalan Semabok,
Malacca City 75050
Malacca City 75050
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Oh, you know I would visit a nursery if I could!
I actually found this place through a plant group I am in. What a coincidence I'm dropping by Melaka too, so yay!
quad-colour bougainvillea
I wish to one day mother a tillandsia
nope, still not buying any!
I think one of my favourite sight is definitely seeing rows and rows of succulents. The colours, the shapes, the texture, the height... it's my heaven.
I saw a Lilacina, which is on my wishlist... But since I didn't have anything else that I wanted, I let it go. I believe if it's meant to be, I will cross path with a Lilacina again! In my experience, it isn't easy to find them.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Klebang Beach
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The first time I came, I was at the white sandy part of the beach. Both equally tranquil.
We couldn't find the sand dunes area though... If anyone knows how to get there, let me know. XD
photo spam time
MOREEE
with my magic-pocket sidekick that I bought from Artbox
This bag can really hold a lot of items; it's like a little luggage bag. I'm happy because I could even bring my water bottle around!
our Airbnb condo swimming pool
Couldn't swim because I had my period. T^T I badly wanted to play at the pool because not only is it huge AF but it has a kiddy pool THAT IS LIKE A PLAYGROUND WITH WATER SPRAYING EVERYWHERE. It's like a small theme park!
We visited our relative again on the final day because I wanted to see my baby cousin!!
Whenever I visit this building, I get memories from childhood. One that I will never forget is how one of our cousins fell while playing and we all tried to comfort him while huddling on the stairs, trying not to let the adults find out. Another one would be of a little 3-year-old boy whom my Grandauntie took care of. He passed away on his family trip and my last memory of him was him being angry at me for not letting him play Angry Bird on my phone. He would have been about 10 now.
Our Granduncle told us of how he got possessed while jogging behind his house, beside this body of water right here. Not something I would like to hear. Not something I will forget very soon, if ever.
my wee cousin whom I kept thinking is a girl because he looks like his sister
my theory is correct and proven = babies love plastic and tissue cases
I shall update this blog again when I feel like less of a bore and not whining about life lmao. I need to be productive.
Au revoir.
