Best Bars In Malacca That The City Has To Offer

February 13, 2024

Malacca, also spelt as Melaka, has changed a lot since the lockdown and the next time you find yourself in this historical town while on your trip to Malaysia, be sure to check out some of the best, most interesting bars, including a 100-year-old one.

Malacca is known for many things, especially being home to a rich and culturally diverse environment. With travel back in full swing now, a short trip here is always a good idea. There is plenty to discover, from heritage hotels to cafes. And since the historic city is also known as one of the best places to visit to eat to your heart’s content, you might forget that it also has plenty of great bars.

The bar scene in Malacca has recently upped its ante, with names like BUDI that offer more than just potent cocktails. Others, like the 100-year-old Sin Hiap Hin, well, let history do the talking.

There are also plenty of old-school bars readily available, featuring the background of the rich history of one of Malaysia’s oldest states. Checking out these best bars in Malacca may be the perfect reason to plan a trip.

8 best bars in Malacca to visit:

Jonker Street is one of the more livelier places within the city of Malacca and rightfully so, as there is always something going on. However, Jonker Street is also popular mainly due to the Geographer Café, which cannot be missed as it’s one of the biggest bars around the area. It embodies the term ‘east meets west’ while maintaining its warm ambience and old charm. The Geographer Café also serves up a wide array of dishes, which ranges from your classic Western dishes as well as local delicacies. It also has plenty of beer choices on tap as well as wine and other liquors.

**Address:** 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +06-2816813

Hatten Hotel is considered to be one of the more luxurious stays you can find when in Malacca. The hotel is set against a picturesque vista of Malacca’s most famous historical landmarks and on the 22nd floor lies Alto Sky Lounge. It brings a whole new definition to the term “a new height of luxury” with a breathtaking view of the cityscape right before your eyes. Alto Sky Lounge also offers a wide variety of drinks, from cocktails to fine wines. Be sure to dress appropriately as Alto Sky Lounge does have a strict ‘smart casual’ dress code.

**Address:** Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

**Phone:** +60 6-286 9696

It appears Malacca has also caught up with the times with its very own speakeasy bar known as The Old Merchant. From a first glance, The Old Merchant carries a heavy oriental vibe to its atmosphere as it was evolved from an ancient private bank that dates back to the 1920s. The speakeasy is also located along Jalan Kampung Pantai, which was the original Chinatown back in 15th-century Malacca. The Old Merchant also sticks true to the heritage of being a speakeasy as it will be a bit of a task to locate.

**Address:** 88, Jalan Kampung Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

**Phone:** +60 19-627 9020

*Image credit: The Old Merchant 滙庄/Facebook*

If you’re looking to liven up your evening, the Hard Rock Cafe in Malacca is the place to be. The franchise has been around since the 1970s with its rock & roll themed memorabilia that adorn its walls. Fans of old-school rock & roll are in for a treat as Hard Rock Cafe has plenty of that and more. It also offers a wide spread of dishes and drinks for one to pick from while you go back through the golden years of rock & roll. You can also walk away with Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs from its gift shop, located within the premises.

**Address:** 28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +606-2925188

*Image credit: Hard Rock Cafe Melaka/Facebook*

Inspired by the golden days of Dondang Sayangs clubs, BUDI Melaka is a hidden bar that offers more than just a good ol’ Old Fashioned. Sin See Tai cafe by day, and BUDI Melaka by night, the bar serves a bevvy of unique cocktails made using local produce including a vegetable-forward menu that incorporates homegrown ingredients like bittergourd, eggplant, corn and sweet pea into its concoction. The multi-level bar is eccentrically designed, giving a sense of mystery and cosiness at the same time. We recommend that you make a reservation before heading over because seats are pretty limited.

**Address:** 16, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka

**Phone:** +6017-7188269

*Image credit: Budi/Facebook*

Sin Hiap Hin — If you’re looking for something authentic and old-school, your visit to Melaka will not be complete without a drink at the 100-year-old vintage bar at Java Lane. This drinking hole is a living heritage and is managed by Aunty Doris, the bartender in charge of serving and pouring you some of the most unconventional spirits in the market. She’s been with the bar for over 40 years, and it is raved about for its rustic saloon-style bar that’s unpretentious yet charming. When visiting the oldest bar in historical Melaka, you’ll get more than cocktails and shots, but anecdotes of good ol’ Malacca from the owner herself.

**Address:** 5, Kampung Jawa, 75200 Melaka

*Image credit: tripadvisor*

They say the best way to explore Malacca city is by foot. If you happen to be around the heritage zone, Tipsy Bridge is a must-go for a tipple. It’s tucked in an alleyway off the main road, along Jalan Kampung Pantai across Kampung Jawa Bridge (where Sin See Tai or BUDI Melaka is). Its neon-lit signage is quite hard to miss. The little street here is quite happening at night, with upbeat music and neighbouring cafes like Tuju Cafe and The Bridge Cafe.

**Address:** Jalan Kampung Pantai, Dalam Lorong Jabatan, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +6011-2682 3038

*Image credit: tipsybridgeauthentic/Instagram*

Located adjacent to the famous Jonker Street, Reggae on the River is a riverside bar that allows you to chill al-fresco style while having a pint of beer or tequila shots. It’s a popular drinking place among the locals and offers a nice view of the vibrant Melaka River.

**Address:** 88, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka

**Phone:** +6010-2716871

*Image credit: Reggae On The River/Facebook*

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Pulau Besar: Awesome Island in Johor for an Exotic Beach & Scuba Diving Vacation

February 19, 2024

Pulau Besar has an ancient name called Pulau Babi Besar which stands for “Big Boars Island”.

Due to the inhabitation of man, the number of wild boars decreases and its name changed to Pulau Besar at present.

Set within nature beauty, Pulau Besar is the tropical paradise on earth.

The island is fringed by swaying palm trees, dazzling waters and it has the finest white sands that can comfort your feet.

Established resorts complete your short trips from Singapore in Pulau Besar.

Why Stay In Pulau Besar?

Located 15km off the east coast of Johor, Pulau Besar is surrounded by many other scattered islands. Clean, peaceful and attractive are not enough to describe this beautiful island.

The water is so clear that even tiny sea creatures and the coral reef can be seen from the water surface.

Also read: 10 Best Haven Islands off Mersing, Johor

Due to the wide range of marine life offered, the island is appointed as Marine Park to preserve them. Decent tropical jungles offer numerous unique flora and fauna for nature lovers. Jungle trekking is a recommended activity on the island. Research on nature can be done too.

Fewer people know that overseas survival programmes and films have been shot in Pulau Besar. The resorts were once closed due to the filming progress. To make the locals proud, even overseas programmes have acclaimed Pulau Besar as a beautiful island.

Various water sports activities such as canoeing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming can be enjoyed on Pulau Besar. These activities make you stay more enjoyable and more interesting.

How To Get To Pulau Besar

Mersing jetty is the only gateway to Pulau Besar. You can get to Mersing jetty by coach or car. The journey takes around 3 hours depending on traffic condition.

1. Bus To Pulau Besar From Singapore

These coaches will bring you directly to Mersing jetty. The bus fare costs SGD35 on average. Bus tickets can be booked online.

Transnasional Coach Services

Pick-up point: The Plaza@ Beach Road

One Travel & Tours

Pick up point: Golden Mile Complex

WTS Travel Singapore Flyer

Pick up point: Textile Centre

What To Do In Pulau Besar

The environment and weather of Pulau Besar are great for water sports and beach activities. Sunny days and calm coast offer the best experience for the visitors. Activities that can be enjoyed on the island are:

Jungle trekking
Visit to kelong – experience the daily lives of local fishermen
Snorkeling
Fishing
Island Hopping
Scuba-diving
Beach volleyball
Canoeing
Beach futsal
Visit treehouse
Swinging hamster
Relax in hammock around the beach
Photo Shooting
Leisure stroll

Also read: 16 Fun & Memorable Outdoor Activities In Johor

There are a few souvenir shops selling local products on the island. Buy some souvenirs here for friends or keep them as your memory.

Where To Stay In Pulau Besar

1. Aseania Beach Resort Pulau Besar

Aseania Beach Resort Pulau Besar is a 3-star resort located within a stone throws distance from the white sandy beach. Offering an exciting and relaxing travel experience at once, the resort makes your dream summer holiday becomes real.

The wooden resort blends wonderfully into the natural environment of Pulau Besar. It features 47 beachfront rooms that are all furnished in traditional style, offering a classic and conventional environment.

It’s inevitable to feel the warm hospitality from their attentive and passionate staffs.

Also read: 15 Best Beach Resorts in Johor You’ll Absolutely Love

Kayu Manis Restaurant, the on-site restaurant, offers you the finest dining experience. Various local and international cuisines are cooked by their experienced chef.

Aseania Beach Resort At Besar Island

As beach facilities and equipment for water sport activities are provided, guests need not bring them along. To give some privacy and solitude, a beach hut facing the sea is offered.

On the island, there are unlimited spots for sightseeing and photographing. Take some pictures home and keep them as one of your precious memories.

Office Address: Lot 33, 34 & 35, Pulau Besar, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Contact:+607 – 797 0058
3D2N Package: RM540 – RM590, click here for more details -> Pulau Besar Package

2. D’Coconut Island Resort

D’Coconut Island Resort is a famous resort strategically located in Pulau Besar. Because of the excellent services and facilities they provide, the resort has a lot of returning guests each year. Many of their guests turn into friends.

Rooms provided are ranged from the terrace, standard rooms, deluxe rooms, executive deluxe rooms to family rooms.

The room rates are affordable and additional charges of RM40 will be imposed during public holidays. These rooms feature an en-suite bathroom and a mini-fridge.

Take advantage of its strategic location by indulging yourself in the water activities provided such as snorkeling, canoeing, island hopping, beach volleyball, and fishing trips.

The resort features a swimming pool and a pool bar for relaxation. For business travelers, the resort is well-equipped with conference facilities. After long day activities, take pleasure at the on-site restaurant for a delightful meal.

Contact: +603 – 4252 6686, +603 – 4296 5753
Fax: +603 – 4252 2689

3. Nirwana Beach Resort Mersing

Nestled in Pulau Besar, Nirwana Beach Resort Pulau Besar has welcomed lots of local and international tourists each year. Due to its cosy atmosphere, it’s pleasant to spend a few days of holidays here to be totally indulged in the wonders of nature.

The resort features Malay style chalets and dormitory style chalets. These chalets come with an en-suite bathroom and modern amenities to provide utmost comfort. The restaurant serves local and western cuisines that are simple and delightful.

To convenience the guests, it offers cheap packages that include accommodation fees, meals and returns boat transfer. If you wish to enjoy BBQ dinner, additional charges are imposed.

Beach is within a few steps from the resort. Guests get to enjoy snorkeling, fishing, diving and island hopping during their stay. If you wish to stay indoors, a pool table is provided for leisure. Otherwise, simply take a stroll and watch stunning sunset along the beach.

Address: 20A, Jalan Ismail, 86800 Pulau Besar, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia.

4. Mirage Island Resort

Mirage Island Resort offers a different type of unique designed chalets ranging from A-frame chalet, family chalet to sea view chalet. Among the chalets, A-frame chalet will be the most economical.

All are equipped with air-conditioning, clean beds, bathroom and resting chairs on the outdoor terrace. If you are looking for a luxury stay on this island, this resort is not your choice.

For the 3 days, 2 nights stay package, the price per pax ranging from RM425 to RM620. The package includes accommodation, food, and speedboat (Mersing-resort-Mersing).

When Is The Best Time To Visit Pulau Besar

To ensure safety, Pulau Besar does not welcome visitors during monsoon season (October to March). The sea is rough and the wind is strong and fast. Thus, water sports are prohibited to keep visitors safe. Many resorts close their doors within this period too.

June to August is the summertime in Malaysia. This time period has great weather for water sports and many other activities. Boat transfers are less influenced by unfavorable tidal conditions. Thus, it is recommended to visit Pulau Besar between June to August.

Pulau Besar Travel Tips

There are a lot of sand flies on the beach. Remember to bring insect repellent.
Snorkeling equipment is not available in Mirage Island Resort.
Chalet does not provide any shampoos, body wash liquid and remember to bring on your own.
Mobile signal coverage on the island is not good. Therefore, it is a good opportunity to keep you away from the phone.
No ATM is available at Pulau Besar. Therefore, you need to bring enough cash to pay for your accommodation and drink.
There is no medical infrastructure on the island and don’t have any trained staff in first aid. If anything serious happens, you need to take the boat back to Mersing.
Most resorts closed on monsoon season (around November to February).
Only Aseania Resort Pulau Besar and D’Coconut Island Resort have a swimming pool.

Malaysian ‘Roti Canai’ Named The Best Street Food In The World

February 10, 2024

Anything revolving around world street food is of great interest to the global gourmands. While everyone has their own pick from various delectable items dished out on the streets across the world, travel guide — Taste Atlas — has come up with a Top 50 list in this category. It’s not surprising that a seemingly humble yet flavourful dish from the streets of Malaysia — roti canai bags the number one title of best street food followed by lumpiang Shanghai from the Philippines and the Japanese karaage.

More about roti canai and other top dishes

What is roti canai and why is it the best street food?

As the name suggests, roti canai is a flatbread packed with the goodness of eggs and essential fat from the Indian clarified butter, ghee. It has an outer texture of a flaky pastry but is soft and wholesome on the inside. This can be enjoyed on its own or with a spicy curry of one’s choice. That is how it is usually served on the streets. If you are not a fan of spicy, savoury food, this versatile dish is served with sweet fillings too, by the street vendors commonly known as the mamaks.

The dish was brought to Malaysia by Indian migrants in the 1800s and had a very humble start as it was a staple enjoyed by the labourers. Its versatility, simplicity and wholesomeness make it popular as a street food.

The top 5 street food dishes are Asian

Image: Courtesy Arnold Gatilao/ CC BY 2.0/ via Wikimedia CommonsThe Filipino lumpiang Shanghai has been ranked the second-best street food in the world for all the right reasons. This deep-fried party snack takes inspiration from Chinese spring rolls but it is prepared by adding flavours from pork, beef or shrimp and is served with a sweet and sour sauce. The Japanese karaage comes in the top three street food items solely for its technique which involves keeping the outer cover of the chicken (which is the main ingredient of this dish) crispy and juicy, while it is tender on the inside. The Japanese coat bits of chicken in arrowroot powder before frying and serving with a seasoning of ginger and garlic, topped with a generous helping of soy sauce. Keeping this list in the picture, it can be safely said that Asian dishes are amongst the most popular street foods consumed on the go or as a festive, party snack in the world. Affordable and packed with nutrients, next up on this list is a loaded sandwich from Vietnam, bánh mì. A delectable takeaway from colonialism, the French baguette is used as a base to stuff meat, fresh vegetables, choicest spices and pickles to make this wholesome snack.

Discover more dining experiences here

Here are the top 10 dishes and the Top 50 list according to Taste Atlas

Roti canai – Malaysia Lumpiang Shanghai – Philippines Karaage – Japan Bánh mì – Vietnam Paratha – India Gringas – Mexico Guotie – China Carnitas – Mexico Carne asada tacos – Mexico Negima yakitori – Japan best street food

Related: These Are All The Best Kopitiams In KL And PJ For That Perfect Breakfast (Main and featured image: courtesy Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada/ CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons) (This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur)

1 Comment

The Best Street Food To Savour In Melaka, Malaysia – JomLooka says: Reply

February 13th 2024, 4:39 am

[…] the main reasons people flock to Melaka is for its food. The city is famous for its unique blend of cultural and colonial cuisine, which can be found right in the heart of the […]

Best Bars In Malacca That The City Has To Offer

8 best bars in Malacca to visit:

Pulau Besar: Awesome Island in Johor for an Exotic Beach & Scuba Diving Vacation

Why Stay In Pulau Besar?