Our original plan of attack was to explore Melaka through a
day trip – Melaka is two hours south of Kuala Lumpur. Catching a non-stop bus
from KL to Melaka is the easiest way there, and only cost AUS$10 for a return
trip!
The night prior to our departure, the girls and myself
contemplated booking accommodation so we could experience the night markets. So
that night, we pulled out our laptops and iPads to research accommodation details
and rearranging our bus trip.
We booked a budget hotel in central Melaka and the following
morning we caught a taxi to our bus station, which appeared to resemble an
airport more than public transport. We stormed around the ‘bus airport’ in
search of coffee and gave up after realizing all we could find was Dunkin
Donuts… who didn’t have soymilk – boo.
Our bus trip was pleasant and fast - I spent my time wrapped
in my scarf/blanket, engulfed in my book I was reading (The Monk Who Sold His
Ferrari). Upon our arrival in Melaka, we were bombarded with bright coloured cartoon-themed
trailer bikes. Tourists pay for bike tours - we found it hilariously
entertaining, although didn’t purchase the tour as unfortunately all three of
us couldn’t fit into the one trailer.
We spent the rest of the day exploring markets and shopping
centers, taste testing exotic fruits and relaxing in a hidden, English-styled
café with plants and quirky furniture. I was surprised to recognize the city
appears more European than Malaysian, with rivers that resemble Amsterdam with
small, quirky Italian-styled houses.
As nighttime arrived, Jonker Street came alive with bright
lights, souvenir shops, clothing stalls, and cuisine markets with an endless
variety of Asian street food. We walked along, absorbed in the buzzy atmosphere
as we testing portions of street food and purchased souvenirs for our loved
ones at home.
After exploring the markets, we hunted down a bar alongside
the long stream of lake, surrounded with trees lit up with bright lights. We
ordered greens and red wine, embracing the peaceful surroundings in each
other’s company.
The following day, our two-hour bus ride home was peaceful,
as I was yet again engulfed in my novel. I feel lucky to have experienced yet
another amazing weekend of discovering new food, culture and way of life.
