Letting Off Steam in Melaka: A Gentle Return to a City That Heals
It’s been a while since we last wandered through Melaka — that small but endlessly storied city where history lingers in every alleyway and the river seems to carry centuries of memory along its banks. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Melaka is a tapestry of Malay sultanate roots, Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture, and the rich, colourful heritage of the Peranakan community. Compact, walkable, and atmospheric, it has always been one of Malaysia’s most soulful destinations.
But our last visit in March 2025 left a sting. An unscrupulous Airbnb host held onto our security deposit for a week, and the experience soured what had always been our go‑to escape. Melaka had long been our sanctuary — a place that calmed the mind and softened the edges of daily life — but after that incident, and with Caesar’s arrival, we stayed away longer than we realised.
This morning, with plans to visit the Wat Phra Jinaraja Siamese Temple in Batu Berendam, we decided it was time to return.
A Quiet Morning Drive
We left home at a quarter to seven, the roads still gentle with early light. By half past eight we were passing the Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza, the familiar route stirring old memories. From there, it was a short drive to the Wat Phra Jinaraja Siamese Temple in Batu Berendam.
At the temple, we changed into appropriate attire before the resident monk performed a floral bath ritual — a serene cleansing using water infused with fragrant flowers like jasmine, roses, and ylang‑ylang. It’s meant to purify, calm, and invite positive energy, and in that quiet moment, it felt like the perfect way to begin our return to Melaka.
Breakfast, the Melaka Way
Blessings received, we headed to Huang Chang Chicken Rice nearby — a local favourite and one of our long‑standing comfort stops.
Our first round included:
- Quarter Steamed Chicken
- 15 Rice Balls
- Drinks
RM26.00 (≈ USD7 / EUR6). And because the morning appetite was real, we added:
- Steamed Chicken for 2
- 20 Rice Balls
RM15.20 (≈ USD4 / EUR3). Simple, satisfying, and unmistakably Melaka.
Killing Time at Dataran Pahlawan
With hours to spare before check‑in, we made our way to Dataran Pahlawan for a bit of wandering and a much‑needed drink. We eventually settled at Locca Cafe, where we ordered:
- Caramel Macchiato
- Passion Fruit Soda
- Lychee Lemongrass
- Red Velvet Cake
RM52.50 (≈ USD13 / EUR14)
While I caught up on some work on our new laptop, the other two drifted into an impromptu nap — the kind that only happens when you’re truly at ease.
An Unexpected Perk
Just as the clock struck noon, a message arrived from our host at Alviv Homestay: our unit was ready, and we could check in early. A small gesture, but after our last experience, it felt like a warm welcome back to a city we once loved so easily.
Stay tuned — the next post will take you inside our lovely apartment at The Apple Residence Melaka.
Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8
Wat Phra Jinaraja - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uBFE5TG9S96J9po9A
Huang Chang Chicken Rice - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CVgzFq3fAqoZFdLi7
Dataran Pahlawan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/DrSbjJdbU4VSgi2F9
Locca Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FyqK4qsvPj56eyUf8
The Apple Melaka - https://maps.app.goo.gl/bjfGNgzKHPHNxfSg7
