Let me tell you a story.
This is me.
Current Backpacking Status: Newbie.
Map Reading Skills: Zero!
Navigation Proficiency: Less than 20%. with or without Google Map.
My Current Word? Overwhelmed.
Selamat Datang, Malaysia! Welcome to Malaysia!
I arrived in Melaka Sentral Station at around 11:00 in the morning. "Head over to Platform 17" that's what I kept telling myself.. "Head over to Platform 17". A few minutes in, and I still can't find it. omg! My trip had barely started yet, and I can't believe I'm lost already!
Srsly, Julie?
I kept following the directions written all over the station, but I still can't find it! What is happening here? My first instinct is to check in Google Maps, but of course, being away from home means having limited resources. "Relax, you can do this.." I kept reminding myself. "you can do this!".
Hah! I must have walked around the whole bus station thrice, before I found it.
oh! good lord, what have i gotten myself into?
On the road headed to the old city, I was holding on to a few notes I've gathered for this trip. One of the travel guides I've read says it's 15 minutes away from the station, while the other says 30. I asked a few locals, but nobody can answer. Seems like, I'm in a bus full of people who barely understands English. Oh! Great! Now I'm starting to get a little too paranoid. Still trying to act cool, mind you, but I think I'm going to get lost.
Haha! Okay. I'm exaggerating a bit.
Upon arriving to the old city, I did what I think is the most logical thing -- go straight to the tourism office to ask questions and get myself an actual map. I was trying to document my whole experience on video, and geez! Can you believe that I've actually said the word overwhelmed, about 10 times in the first two minutes? Haha!
As much as I wanted to kick myself for not taking this into consideration. Nandyan na yan. Note to self nalang when I get home to make an effrort to study! Haha! So I decided to brush off the fear and told myself:
Still feeling overwhelmed, I held on to a map I couldn't read or understand, and decided to head on to where I am most familiar:
(1) The Dutch Square. Also known as the Red Square, where the distinctive red structures such as Stadhuys (built in 1650), Christ Church (built in 1753) and the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower (built in 1886) is harbored.
Probably the most photographed in the whole city of Melaka because of its arguable beauty. In my 3 days here, I always find myself going back to this spot to just sit and let time pass. I like it here. Old architecture, vibrant flowers, and an unending flock of tourist trying to have their pictures taken.
For some reason during this trip, I didn't feel like talking to anyone. I didn't really want to be alone either, so whenever I feel tired, I would just sit here, sometimes with my earphones on, till I get absorbed watching the crowd.
I was wandering aimlessly one afternoon, when a big water wheel towards the river caught my attention. It's (2) The Melaka - Malay Sultanate Waterwheel -- built in 2007; one of the city's grand structure that graced the historical river for it's symbolism of continuous evolution.
I didn't really noticed it at first, or maybe I did, I just didn't really think it's worth stopping by until it turned dark, and the lights transformed the old city.
It was beautiful! Actually, lahat nung structure, mas maganda sa gabi.. hehe! :p
Srsly, Julie?
I kept following the directions written all over the station, but I still can't find it! What is happening here? My first instinct is to check in Google Maps, but of course, being away from home means having limited resources. "Relax, you can do this.." I kept reminding myself. "you can do this!".
Hah! I must have walked around the whole bus station thrice, before I found it.
oh! good lord, what have i gotten myself into?
On the road headed to the old city, I was holding on to a few notes I've gathered for this trip. One of the travel guides I've read says it's 15 minutes away from the station, while the other says 30. I asked a few locals, but nobody can answer. Seems like, I'm in a bus full of people who barely understands English. Oh! Great! Now I'm starting to get a little too paranoid. Still trying to act cool, mind you, but I think I'm going to get lost.
Haha! Okay. I'm exaggerating a bit.
Upon arriving to the old city, I did what I think is the most logical thing -- go straight to the tourism office to ask questions and get myself an actual map. I was trying to document my whole experience on video, and geez! Can you believe that I've actually said the word overwhelmed, about 10 times in the first two minutes? Haha!
This is me. As I try to analyze the map.
As much as I wanted to kick myself for not taking this into consideration. Nandyan na yan. Note to self nalang when I get home to make an effrort to study! Haha! So I decided to brush off the fear and told myself:
"This is your first back packing trip,
and every bit is going to be part of your adventure.
Who cares if you get lost?
Just trust your instinct and enjoy!"
Still feeling overwhelmed, I held on to a map I couldn't read or understand, and decided to head on to where I am most familiar:
(1) The Dutch Square. Also known as the Red Square, where the distinctive red structures such as Stadhuys (built in 1650), Christ Church (built in 1753) and the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower (built in 1886) is harbored.
Probably the most photographed in the whole city of Melaka because of its arguable beauty. In my 3 days here, I always find myself going back to this spot to just sit and let time pass. I like it here. Old architecture, vibrant flowers, and an unending flock of tourist trying to have their pictures taken.
For some reason during this trip, I didn't feel like talking to anyone. I didn't really want to be alone either, so whenever I feel tired, I would just sit here, sometimes with my earphones on, till I get absorbed watching the crowd.
I was wandering aimlessly one afternoon, when a big water wheel towards the river caught my attention. It's (2) The Melaka - Malay Sultanate Waterwheel -- built in 2007; one of the city's grand structure that graced the historical river for it's symbolism of continuous evolution.
I didn't really noticed it at first, or maybe I did, I just didn't really think it's worth stopping by until it turned dark, and the lights transformed the old city.
It was beautiful! Actually, lahat nung structure, mas maganda sa gabi.. hehe! :p
There's also the (3) Menara Taming Sari Revolving Tower. If you're like me who's hopeless at map reading, and you want an immediate hindsight of the city, then I suggest you take this and enjoy a panoramic view of the city (..and the sunset!) from 80 meters high.
I didn't and the only reason why is because I find it rather expensive to spend RM 25 (~Php 303) for a 7-minute viewing experience. Hypothetically speaking though, if I wasn't on a tight budget, I would have taken it to watch the golden hour. Na-imagine ko! That would be awesome!
I didn't and the only reason why is because I find it rather expensive to spend RM 25 (~Php 303) for a 7-minute viewing experience. Hypothetically speaking though, if I wasn't on a tight budget, I would have taken it to watch the golden hour. Na-imagine ko! That would be awesome!
(4) St. Paul's Church. An alternative to the sunset viewing at the Menara Taming Sari is to go up hill Saint Paul's Church. It's free. You can take your time and stay as long as you want. Hah! Of course that's what I did.
Like what I always did in the previous days, I was at the Dutch Square. I was feeling a bit creative, so I took out a pen and paper to sketch. Three strokes in and I suddenly felt the urge to move somewhere else. Somewhere quiet.
The sun was about to set, when I realized that I still didn't have a decent photo of this church yet. So, perfect! That's where I'm going to end the night. I told myself. I believe there's only about 10 other tourist at that time, so it's pretty much like a breath of fresh air for me after spending most of my afternoons at the crowded red square.
Didn't gave it justice, but the caption speaks true..
It's the perfect place for some peace and quiet.
I sat down in front of the church, where a guy was also seated about 3 feet away. While the rest is busy taking photos of the sunset. We both could have said a few words, but we didn't. I assume that we share the same reason why we went up there, so we both stayed quiet.
It's starting to turn dark, when I stood up to leave. I smiled at him and I hope he knew that I was thanking him for that rare quiet moment.
(5) Melaka Strait Mosque.
If there's one thing that I vowed never to miss on my trip, that would be the churches. Whether be of Christian's, Temples or Mosques. Although in this case, to be honest, it wasn't really part of the plan.
I didn't even notice it on the map!
Haha! See how hopeless?
When a friend sent me a photo of this mosque during sunset, I had doubts. I knew I wanted to visit, but I think it is a little bit too far. Tourism officers said it's best to take a cab because no public transportation goes anywhere within the area. To me, that's an immediate red flag. I already knew that it would be too expensive, and I wasn't convince to spend a huge amount just yet.
Lo and behold, on my last day, when the staff from my hostel offered me a 10% discount on duck tours, I gave in. Must be an effective sales talk, but whatever. RM 45 (~Php 563) for the Melaka Straits Mosque and the River Cruise? I thought I was hitting two birds with one stone.
Although thinking about it now, it would have been cheaper to just rent a bike. Haha! But that's another thing I have yet to discover -- I'm not sure if I still know how to ride a bicycle. The last time I did was when I was 10 years old, I believe, but does one really forget? Oh hum.
Whichever option you take, don't miss it. If you're into fancy architecture, I'm sure you'll love it too! It's the best one I've seen so far and I didn't regret spending a huge amount just to see it on this angle. Still wishing that the tour is available during sunset, but oh well, I still think it's worth it and even up to now, I'm still in love with it.
Aside from architecture, another way of experiencing a local culture is through their cuisine. That's where (6) Jonker Walk comes in. This street, undoubtedly, is all about local food and souvenir.
Ever heard of Cendol? Chicken Rice Ball? Satay and Ketupat? Bak Kut Teh? How does Fried Squid and Oyster sound? or Pot Ice Cream, perhaps? Durian Puffs? and Laksa?
Ok. I'm hungry.
Other points of interest:
To tell you honestly, it was not until the last day, when I finally figured out the map. Ironic because I think the old city is a small town and everything is within an easy walking distance. Nawala talaga ang skills ko!
But you know, this is what I learned, travel challenges us so we can delve into ourselves deeply while discovering something new -- may it be about our personality or the foreign place we're in. We'll get scared sometimes, and that's okay.. but don't ever allow it to take over, because if you do, you're likely to miss great opportunities along the way. Like this whole trip for me, for example. So, don't you everr! Okay?
But you know, this is what I learned, travel challenges us so we can delve into ourselves deeply while discovering something new -- may it be about our personality or the foreign place we're in. We'll get scared sometimes, and that's okay.. but don't ever allow it to take over, because if you do, you're likely to miss great opportunities along the way. Like this whole trip for me, for example. So, don't you everr! Okay?
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This blog post is the 2nd in a 4-part Basic Survival Guide Series.
Below are the rest of the links to keep you guided:
- 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
