A short getway in a historic and charming little town

Malacca is a place we've been to several times over the years but we have never really done the touristy stuff. Now the kids are older, we thought it would be nice and educational to take them on a heritage trail, tracing the footsteps of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the Peranakans.

First, look at our hotel room! The Pines...

Newly opened in June 2015.

The kids had a dip in the pool too.

The view of the Malacca River from our room.

Zech's fav past time was looking out from the glass window. That happened to be my fav past time too in the night when the kids are asleep. The river cruise operates till midnight on weekends!

On our first day, we decided to check out the Portuguese Settlement. It's touristy but lovely place to be.

The kids love climbing onto the cannon! Had a hard time getting them to pose.

It was low tide. Here's Zech waiting for the tide to come in. Spotted many mudskippers.

Had dinner at stall number 10, which was recommended on a blog.

Portuguese baked fish. Yum!

See the drink? That's mango juice with a big plum below. Addictive!

When night falls, dinner was accompanied by mini fireworks, 孔明灯 and Christmas carolling with a Santa Claus going around to take pics with the diners. And of course not forgetting our kids who get to play with pop pop. Even Nathanael.

We took a stroll down the lane where the Portuguese is staying. Seems like it has become an attraction over the years. The Christmas décor reminded me so much of Australia. The houses were all prettily decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments. It has an evangelistic feel to it.

Early next morn, we climbed up St Paul's Hill. Easy climb with the kids. Exploring the ruins of St Paul's Church and climbing up the ladder were simple pleasures for the kids.

Here's Nathanael in his post-tantrum look, still refusing to look at the camera.

In the most touristy part of Malacca, The Dutch Square.

 

On a ride with the friendly trishaw man. Paid 20 ringgit for about 10 min ride.

More cannons nearby.

Learning about the Peranakans as we walk down the narrow alleyways at Jonker Street.

This was taken in a shophouse.

 Playing with an antique iron.

Guess what this is? A high chair for babies!

Many shophouses are now converted to quaint cafes or shops. Very surprised to see a number of unique and charming cafes sprouting up all over Jonker Street. Love love love them but can't go café hopping. :( Not with the kids. However, we went to one for lunch and that was awesome! Check out The Baboon house at http://www.malacca.ws/dining/the-baboon-house.htm#. Even the kids enjoyed dining there. Zech loves the burger (and he's not a burger lover) and just walking to the end of the café for the toilet was such a rare treat to the senses.

Another place worth visiting is the Maritime Museum.

On the replica of a Portuguese ship.

 

Here, the kids can touch and explore and no one stops them. :)

 

Just before we headed back to Singapore, we bought the Nadeje crepe at Mahkota Parade. Long queue but worth waiting. Had them as pre-dinner snacks last night and for my breakfast this morn.