malacca = sauna

Something just don't change that easily.

I lived in Malacca for approximately 5 years since May 2000, and the fact that Malacca's weather is hot has not changed since then.

It was like in sauna during my stay there!

Staying indoor was like staying in an oven. You just can't stand the weather whole day long. You'd surely visit the bathroom at least 3 times a day, if not, 5 times a day. H-O-T!

When I told them I'd spend my long weekend in Malacca, they would go like:

"HUH? Malacca? Nice meh??? Boring-lah.. Nothing to play one..."
"I just hate Malacca.. So sien.."
"Malacca? Don't go-lah!! Nothing to do one..."

Well, it is pretty normal for them to react such way. Malacca is considerably a quiet town if compared to Kuala Lumpur. There are certainly no babes, no clubbing heaven, no sporty dream cars in Kuala Lumpur. However, it has something I want here.

Malacca was my home for 5 years. I lived there during my varsity days. I like here mainly because I still have friends around here. Other than that, I'd feel more relaxed whenever I visit here. The food here is really cheap if compared to the ones in Kuala Lumpur.

Say for example during my visit in the mamak nearby, I ordered Maggi Goreng (Fried Instant Noodle), Roti Cheese Naan (Indian baked dough) and Limau Ais (Iced lemonade). The food may not be exactly of what I ordered, cos I realised I don't quite remember what I ate the other night. Also, I didn't have the camera with me that time, so no food photo taken.

Of those I had ordered, it would have easily cost RM 7-8. BUT, that night, I only paid RM 5.50 for the meal I had!! Most IMPORTANTLY, the meal was really filling! You may have paid the same amount of money here, but you get almost a doubled quantity of food! Ain't that good?

It was my idea to come over here for food trip, and to gather with my friends before they graduate later this year. Also, I wanted to stay away from this hectic city for a while.

Well, my plan paid off pretty okay. I wasn't the one driving, so I couldn't really go to much places. IF only IF I drove, there'd be more photos taken.
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I just love capturing the sky in dawn.. the color in the sky is always fascinating.
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The Dawn






Sunset in Taman Dahlia, Malacca. Taken from the place I used to stay. (I had to skip my basketball session to take this. *sob*)



A random shot taken while I was waiting for my friend to fetch me...

Later that evening, my friends and I went to a chinese cuisine restaurant to have a special meal. I have always wanted to do this for a long time. Just that, I don't think I can do it in Kuala Lumpur. It would have cost me a lot more if I were to dine in a restaurant like this in Kuala Lumpur.

My choice of location for the dinner is BeiZhan Restaurant (北栈食馆), Malacca. This is a non-halal chinese cuisine restaurant. It is one of the famous restaurant in Malacca.



Located in the Malacca Raya area, it is a strategic for their business, and the customers can easily access to this restaurant. Malacca Raya is one of the most happening place in Malacca. Most of the clubs, and pubs are located at this area. At the end of this road, we have the biggest (as yet) shopping complex in Malacca - Mahkota Parade. They are building a new mall just right opposite this Mahkota Parade.

Apart from that, most of the tourist attraction are not too far off from this area. Jonker's walk, the Red Wall, A'farmosa, few of the well-known muziums can be found here. Let's just not go too far from the restaurant. There will be more chance to learn more of Malacca city, if not, you can always Google it.



The entrance of BeiZhan.



One of the decoration found in the restaurant.



A peep inside the restaurant. I must say, the restaurant was almost full house. For the empty table, hmm.. I mentioned almost, didn't I? Well, this photos was taken after dinner. So, some tables have been cleared out already.


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1, 2, 3 dishes... not quite done yet..
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3 + 1... not quite done yet.. more to come.
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1, 2, 3, 4, 5... and 6 dishes including Sea Weed Soup (not shown in the picture) completes the order for the night.
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Gone in 60 seconds!

Nah, I was exaggerating. How could we finish those off with just 60 seconds?? Though we had 7 of us, we surely aren't gluttony. We don't eat that fast. Hehe.. But for sure we enjoy every bite of the dishes.

Here's just a recap on what we ordered:

Steam Fish (I wanted to order a Cod Fish, but.. on second thought.. nah..)

Vege

Pattaya Chicken (Fried Chicken with Sweet-sour-flavoured sauce)

Bean Curd with Minced Pork

Black-Pepper Pork

Sea-weed Soup

And, that cost us a total of RM 142.xx. The most expensive item was of course - the fish. The price is no too bad, pretty reasonable. Food quality, nice.