Malacca, Malaysia and the Hunt for Monitor Dragons

Hello Everyone,

We are currently on a bus leaving Malaysia to begin our week stint in Singapore. We enjoyed each city that we visited in Malaysia and Malacca was no exception. There wasn't quite as much do there as Cameron Highlands or Penang, but the two days we spent were very nice. We stayed at a guesthouse called Aba Kaba homestay. The staff and other guests were very friendly and we shared many good conversations together. Each morning at the house started off with a different meal. Due to the blending of cultures in Malaysia, they serve a Malay, Chinese and Indian breakfast depending on the day. Most breakfasts that are included with a stay at hostels around the world consist of bread and jam with tea and coffee. This was a nice change.

Malacca is a very old city with beautiful architecture and a river that runs the entire length. We enjoyed walking around and eating the unique Malaysian food. Malacca also wins for having the most flashy trishaws (bicycle cabs). They are brightly decorated and blast music while driving patrons around. They were quite fun. On the final day of our stay, we went to the river to find monitor lizards which we were told hang out there. On our first attempt, we waited for five minutes and didn't see any. We continued exploring the city. When we walked by the river again, we decided to take a look. There were at least five of them swimming and climbing. It was amazing. One of them was at least five feet long, quite an impressive creature.

Here are some pictures from our short stay

The main square in Malacca on our first night




Jonker Street and the dragon on guard







Every Friday and Saturday, there is a night market on the most famous street in the city. It is full of locals and tourists. We were lucky to be there on those nights




They have beautiful local art and cuisine. She was amazing




And so was he. He cut through a coconut with one finger. They had to use pliers to get his finger unstuck




Flashy trishaws







On our walk home




Day 2- full day to explore the city







Taming Sari tower overlooking the city




St Paul's hill fort










A Famosa fort




Heritage walk

Malacca Sultanate Palace










The garden nearby










We decided to spend the rest of the day and night hunting for monitor lizards down the river. We only saw one from a distance, but the walk was beautiful
















After our walk we found a mall to take advantage of AC, milk teas and crepes. We also found some Christmas. Mila and I are secretly into international malls (no longer a secret)




Our last day in Malacca

Art in front of a temple




Cendol- a famous dessert throughout Malaysia. Tastes like ice cream with noodles but in a delicious way




Durian puffs- these are an acquired taste. We had one each which means we probably need to have a few more to fully appreciate the unique taste and smell




We went to this place to take advantage of a buy 1 get 1 free bubble tea deal. Not only did we get the deal, they were also having a free buffet lunch. Two drinks and two lunches for two dollars.




Now that we are well fed, lets go see some temples

Chang Hoong Teng Temple




Across the street, we found another temple and a monk invited us in to explore. How could we resist?







Mila- the professional flower photographer




A shirt store with a great philosophy




After walking around for a few hours, we went back to the river to check on the monitor lizard situation. Well, we finally found one, and two and five...we saw this one first







But then we spotted the massive beast of Malacca river and stalked him until he retracted back into the sewer










Goodbye friends. It's time to go now. See everyone next time from Singapore




- Posted around the world from our iPad

Location:Lorong 23 Geylang,Geylang,Singapore