Backpacking
a form of low-cost, independent, international travel that includes: the use of a backpack that is easily carried for long distances or long periods of time; the use of public transport; inexpensive lodging such as hostels; often with an interest in meeting locals as well as seeing sight -- wikipedia
Whew! Keywords: low-cost and inexpensive.
Now this is going to be a challenge for this newbie backpacker.
Last February, I decided to go to Malacca, for my first solo-backpacking trip. With just about Php 5,000 in hand for a 3-day/night stay, coming in from Singapore, I took the challenge of taking a low-cost trip overseas without spending more than a Php 1,000 per day.
How well do you think I made it?
Below are the links for the Melaka Series.
A basic survival guide, if you will, if ever you decide to take this trip as well.
Okay. Okay. before anything else, here's a video overview of my stay in Melaka. Be the judge and let me know in the comments if this 1-minute video convinced you to visit the old city. Enjoy!
A basic survival guide, if you will, if ever you decide to take this trip as well.
- Part 1: How To Get There and Where To Stay
- Part 2: Places of Interest
Part 3: Must Try Food, Transportation and TipsPart 4: Sample Itinerary and Breakdown of Expenses
Okay. Okay. before anything else, here's a video overview of my stay in Melaka. Be the judge and let me know in the comments if this 1-minute video convinced you to visit the old city. Enjoy!
#1 – How to get there:
From Singapore to Malaysia:
Take a bus on Queen Street Bus Terminal (Singapore - Johore Express Terminal) bound to Malacca, Melaka Sentral. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and how long it takes to cross the Singapore-Malaysia immigration borders. (~SGD 20 or Php 660).
**On Melaka Sentral, head over to Platform 17, then take a Panorama Bus bound to Ujong Pasir. (~RM 1.50 or Php 18.20; travel time is 30 minutes) You'll know you've reached your destination once you see the Dutch Square.
From the Kuala Lumpur International Airport:
Take the KLIA express train to TBS Bus Station (Bandar Tasik Selatan), then take a bus bound to Melaka Sentral. Travel time is around 2 to 3 hours. Here are 3 ways to get a bus ticket from TBS:
- Line up at the counter and give your destination. They will inform you which bus can accommodate you the soonest, including bus rates, and you can just choose from there.
- If you're alone, and would like to avoid long queues at the counter, you can use the electronic bus machines to buy your tickets in cash.
- Or you can also book a ticket online through:
www.busonlineticket.com or www.easybook.com
You may refer to the details listed above for the complete infos **
Going back to Melaka Sentral:
The route of Panorama Bus #17 is a loop line to and from Melaka Sentral, meaning you could take it at the same place where you got off upon arriving to the Old City. According to the operators, the first bus arrives at around 6:30 AM and runs in a 30-minute interval until 8:00 in the evening.
If you are going to catch an early bus going back to Singapore, an alternative is to take a taxi. The ride from the Menara Taming Sari to Melaka Sentral will cost around RM 35 (~Php 426), or could be less, but will mostly depend on your haggling skills since meters are generally not used for tourists.
#2 – Where to stay:
BACKPACKER'S FREAK
# 25-3, Jalan PM 2, Plaza Mahkota, Melaka, Malaysia
Landmark: located in front of the Menara Taming Sari
Contact Number: +606 286 6879
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/Melaka.Backpackers.Freak
Types of Rooms: Dorm Room, Private Room
Backpacker's Freak is located right between the green facade and Zippo in Plaza Mahkota.
This hostel provides basic accommodation for budget travelers. The rooms are very very basic. Nothing fancy, but not really lacking on anything as well. The beds are moderately comfortable, with clean sheets, what else are you going to need? My only complain, I guess, is that their beds are a bit squeaky, but, well.. it didn't really bother me during my sleep so hmm.. it's okay. Bathrooms are shared, and are relatively clean. Free usage of kitchen facilities, wi-fi and there's no curfew. A fan - dorm room costs RM 18 (~Php218) per night or RM 25 (~Php 303) if you want to include a breakfast.
The staff was very friendly, and I have to say very accommodating on the requests that I had during my stay. One thing that I find notable is when I was about to check out of the hostel at 6:00 in the morning, the staff was there at the counter, who obviously just woke up to assist me, even though it was clearly stated at the reception, that if guests would need assistance on anything during wee hours, they would have to go the main hotel, which is a block away from the hostel.
It may be a small thing for some, but, I really appreciate small efforts like that. This staff, gets that "the little things make a huge difference" and I'm kind of regretting that I didn't took note of his name.
and oh! did I mention that he even offered discount coupon for me for the Menara Taming Sari and Duck Tours?
It may be a small thing for some, but, I really appreciate small efforts like that. This staff, gets that "the little things make a huge difference" and I'm kind of regretting that I didn't took note of his name.
and oh! did I mention that he even offered discount coupon for me for the Menara Taming Sari and Duck Tours?
Other choices for accommodation includes:
- ROOF TOP GUEST HOUSE AND HOSTEL
#39 Jalan Kampong Pantai, Melaka, Malaysia
Landmark: located near the Melaka River and Jonker Walk
Contact Number: (+60) 12 327 77 46
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rooftop-Guest-House-Melaka
Types of Rooms: Dorm Rooms, Private Rooms - ORIENTAL RIVERSIDE RESIDENCE
#78 Jalan Kampung Pantai, Melaka, Malaysia
Landmark: located near the Famosa Chicken Rice Shop (Junction) and Melaka River
Contact Number: (+60) 14 260 08 67
Website: http://www.orientalresidence.wordpress.com
Types of Rooms: Private Rooms - KAWAN KAWAN GUESTHOUSE
#36 Jalan Tukang Besi, Melaka, Malaysia
Landmark: located near Jonker Street and Chung Wah Chicken Rice Ball Restaurant
Contact Number: (+60) 12 219 67 88
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MelakaKawanKawanGuestHouse
Types of Rooms: Private Rooms - RIVER VIEW GUESTHOUSE
# 94 & 96, Jalan Kampong Pantai, Melaka, Malaysia
Landmark: located near Jonker Street and Baba-Nonya Heritage Museum
Contact Number: (+60) 12 327 77 46
Website: http://www.riverviewguesthouse.blogspot.com
Types of Rooms: Dorm Rooms, Private Rooms
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Okay. So now that we're settled and we have a place to stay...
Let's head on to the more exciting details of the trip, shall we?
Click Here for the 2nd part of this series: Part 2 of 4: Places of Interest
