Day 1: Malacca or Melaka

Weather Update: Sunny intervals with rain in the evening. High of 32°C.

The Journey to Malacca

I left Singapore on the overnight bus to Malacca at 12:55 am, but I ended up in Kuala Lumpur instead of Malacca. The coach driver, who was heading back to Singapore, decided to take me back to the drop-off point. It was an extremely hot day, and I was drenched just walking the 250 meters to the hotel. Fortunately, I managed to get a taxi from the motorway drop-off point, and the 25-minute drive into the city allowed me to cool off a bit.

First Impressions

When we eventually stopped at my lodging, my first thought was, "Oh dear." From the outside, it was hard to imagine what lay behind the doors. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I got inside. I had a large room with a queen bed, and the owner was friendly and very accommodating.

Exploring Malacca

Malacca (or Melaka in the old language) is a tourist centre filled with people from all nationalities, predominantly Chinese and Indians, most of whom are on bus tours. The scene reminded me of Venice, with tourist buses and cruise ships just docking in Tauranga for the day and gone in 12 hours. I'm glad I decided to stay for a few days to explore another culture. The old city is full of places to eat and buy trinkets (touristy stuff) that you often wonder why you bought once you get home. My lodging is on the outskirts of the old town, so the tourist effect doesn’t hinder me. It’s very quiet without the hustle and bustle of tourists.

Cost of Living

Food is cheap if you venture off the tourist trail. A stir-fried pork dish costs around 6 RM or NZD 2.34. It’s not restaurant-quality but more like a smorgasbord from a Chinese chip shop. Beer and wine, on the other hand, are expensive, mostly due to high taxes on imports. For instance, four beers cost $47.50, which is approx $12 a pint or 473ml, but they are reluctant to give you a pint but a large head, which I ask can you make it closer to a pint that I'm paying for. A bottle of Wolf Merlot, which costs $12-$14 at Woolworths, is $44.84 here.

Despite the higher costs for drinks, food is much cheaper, and my accommodation is quite affordable at $32.60 for two nights. This compromise makes the overall experience worthwhile, especially with most attractions being free to visit.

Reflections

Day 1 in Malacca was a mix of unexpected detours, pleasant surprises, and cultural exploration.

For those following my journey, I hope these updates give you a glimpse into the joys and challenges of travel.

Cheers to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to unfold! 🌏✨🏙️🍲

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my travels! 🌞✨

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