My family were planning a simple trip to Johor over the Chinese New Year weekend because Singapore is a dead island during that period. Since both my brother in-law and myself are not confident in driving on our own, we invited our uncle who frequently drive up Malaysia.
My aunt recommended to go further up to Malacca since it's a long weekend and after much consideration we agreed to it. This wasn't the first time I drove across the causeway but it'll was the first long drive. To those in the car, it was truly a thrilling ride with me behind the wheel. However, everyone fell asleep as we set off in the early morning around 3am just to beat the traffic congestion.
I had a great time driving up 300+km with a quick rest at the rest house and soon gave up the driving duties to my brother-in-law once we reach Malacca. He was practically driving throughout the whole period we were in Malacca on the first day.
With some help from my aunt and sister, we managed to check in early to our hotel, Mahkota Hotel Melaka. We got 2 seperate apartments for 3 families. After a quick rest, we ventured out for lunch and to Mahkota Parade for some shopping. The places were just stone throw away but we did the local way by driving around.
I had a great time driving up 300+km with a quick rest at the rest house and soon gave up the driving duties to my brother-in-law once we reach Malacca. He was practically driving throughout the whole period we were in Malacca on the first day.
With some help from my aunt and sister, we managed to check in early to our hotel, Mahkota Hotel Melaka. We got 2 seperate apartments for 3 families. After a quick rest, we ventured out for lunch and to Mahkota Parade for some shopping. The places were just stone throw away but we did the local way by driving around.
We returned back to the hotel by 2pm as everyone were tired. The kids however managed to plunge in the pool later in the day with my dad looking after them. I took the opportunity to join them as well to beat the heat.
I had my buddy/god-brother Hakimbo along and he decides to visit his aunt in the kampong nearby. Since no one had plans, I brought him to visit. I initially thought that it was an authentic zinc-rooftop kampong but it was more like the brick terraces. He did mentioned that he grew up there when he was smaller and there were photos to proof it.
We returned back to the hotel just in time for dinner. I handed the steering wheel back to my brother-in-law as I purposely left my spectacles in the room. I dare not drive at night without my glasses eventhough I can. Seafood dinner was awesome but overpriced due to the holidays and crowd. There were a lot of Singaporean Chinese returning to Malacca to visit their families. That was pretty much it for the day. It's more relaxing that way.
The day after, we checked out early and proceeded to our actual planned itenerary, grocery shopping. We stopped at Ion Jusco Melaka to do the groceries and made our way back to Singapore from there. I did request to visit Johor Premium Outlet. The establishment is similar to those Premium Outlet elsewhere and I did felt like I was in Japan or Korea during summer (thought I've never been there during summer).
The Malacca trip was a good short getaway for everyone especially my mum who will be undergoing therapy and operation. This would cheer her up. As for me, I'll be waiting for my birthday trip later this year.