Copyright Notice

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, perform, modify, create derivative works, transmit, or in any way exploit any such content, nor may you distribute any part of this content over any network, including a local area network, sell or offer it for sale. You may not alter or remove any copyright, watermarks, or other notice from copies of the content on this blog. Copying or storing any content is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the blog owner. For permission to use the content on this blog, please contact harrycath@gmail.com.

Saturday, 31 January 2026

MKZ Day 1 │ The Apple Residence • Seribu Rasa Kak Ani!

Home Away From Home: A Night in the Loft at The Apple Residence

The moment our host from Alviv Homestay messaged to say our unit was ready for early check‑in, we were already on the move. A quick McDonald’s stop for Brendan, a short drive to Lorong Haji Bachee, and within minutes we were collecting our access cards from the mailbox at The Apple Residence. By the time we reached Level 36, it already felt like we’d slipped into a cosy temporary home.

At RM247 (≈ USD63/EUR53), the loft was shaping up to be one of our best-value stays in Melaka.

First Impressions

Unit 36‑06 greeted us with height and light. The double‑volume ceiling immediately opened up the space, while tall windows framed sweeping views of the city far below. From this vantage point, Melaka looked like a living map — shifting, glowing, endlessly fascinating.

The Lower Level: Compact Comfort

The living area was modest but airy, thanks to the dramatic ceiling. A sofa and TV made it an easy place to unwind, and the clean, modern finishes reflected the building’s strong cleanliness ratings.

The kitchenette was small but functional, perfect for coffee and simple meals. The bathroom was spotless, with modern fittings and excellent water pressure — always a win.

Cat and I settled on the lower level to avoid too many climbs up the spiral staircase, though curiosity eventually nudged us upward.

The Mezzanine: Quiet and Cosy

The spiral stairs led to the loft’s highlight: a snug mezzanine bedroom overlooking the living area. Elevated and tucked away, it felt peaceful, with a slightly different view of the city — soft and twinkling at night, bright and expansive come morning.

The View From Above

From the 36th floor, Melaka unfolds beautifully. Depending on where you stand, you catch glimpses of the Straits of Malacca, heritage districts, and the city’s growing skyline. Street noise barely reaches this high, giving the unit a cocoon‑like calm. Sunsets and night views were especially memorable.

Facilities That Round Out the Stay

Guests at The Apple Residence enjoy access to:

  • Swimming pool
  • BBQ area
  • Secure parking
  • Modern lobby and lifts
  • Strong, reliable Wi‑Fi

Altogether, it feels more like a modern serviced residence than a typical homestay.

Location: Convenient Yet Calm

The building sits just minutes from Jonker Street, The Stadthuys, Melaka River, and plenty of cafés and eateries. It’s close enough for easy exploring but far enough to escape the bustle when you’re done.

A Slow, Lazy Afternoon

The afternoon heat kept us indoors, so we ordered GrabFood — Char Kuey Teow with Duck Egg, Golden Egg Fried Rice, Ais Kacang, and Cendol — all for RM51.40 (≈ USD13/EUR11). With full bellies, we drifted into a blissful siesta. I was the only one awake at dusk, so I squeezed in some laptop time before rousing the sleepyheads for dinner.

Just downstairs at Seribu Rasa Kak Ani, we tucked into Fried Bee Hoon, Bee Hoon Soup, Lamb Chop with Spaghetti Carbonara, Keropok Lekor, and drinks — RM60.00 (≈ USD15/EUR13) for everything. A short walk later, we were back in our loft, winding down for the night.

Stay tuned for the next video as we take you along on a morning walk by the Melaka River.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

MKZ Day 1 │ Wat Phra Jinaraja • Dataran Pahlawan!

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:

Thursday, 1 January 2026

New Year's Day • Lowyat Plaza!

New Gear Day: Starting the Year with an Upgrade!

The new year often brings fresh resolutions—but for us, it came with a literal upgrade in resolution! After relying on our trusty HP Victus for countless video editing sessions, we decided it was time to level up to a true workhorse.

The Hunt Begins at Lowyat Plaza

As with all things tech, the journey led us to the iconic Lowyat Plaza. We parked at Sungai Wang Plaza and strolled across Jalan Bulan, anticipation building with every step. Our destination? Apex IT Retail, where our good friend Sai Wai awaited us on the second floor.

We had already locked in our choice: the Acer Predator Helios 16, a beast of a machine. To sweeten the deal, we requested an additional memory upgrade—because why settle for less when you can have more even more storage?

Brunch Break at Food City

While Sai Wai worked his magic, we headed down to Food City for a quick brunch. Here’s what fueled our tech adventure:

  • Fried Rice with Chinese Sausage – RM25.80
  • Kumquat Green Tea – RM15.90
  • Total: RM41.70 ≈ USD10/EUR9

A satisfying meal to keep us going!

Back to Business

Returning to Apex IT Retail, we learned there had been a price hike on the memory stick. After a quick discussion, we decided to stick with our original plan—because performance matters. While waiting for the installation, I wandered through the store like a kid in a candy shop, admiring rows of shiny new laptops.

Finally, the upgrade was complete. After settling the bill, we retraced our steps: down the elevator, across Jalan Bulan, and back to our car at Sungai Wang Plaza.

The Drive Home

With excitement bubbling over, we headed straight home to unbox and explore our new toy. The Acer Predator Helios 16 was ready to kick off the year in style.

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to bigger resolutions—and even bigger screens!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location: