Best Bars In Malacca That The City Has To Offer

February 13, 2024

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These Best Bars In Malacca, Malaysia Promise A Good Time In The Historical City

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.

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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*

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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*

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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

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Pulau Besar, Johor

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

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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

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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.

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11 Best Desaru Food For Family Trip (Seafood Included)

February 12, 2024

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11 Best Food in Desaru

If you’re thinking of spending a blissful short weekend getaway from Singapore to Desaru, why not stop at one of the many budget-friendly seafood restaurants in the seaside town of Desaru?

The seaside views at some of these restaurants are not bad either!

Plus, it is an only quick drive (under an hour) from Desaru to Singapore too!

And other than deliciously best seafood restaurant in Desaru, there are some other places you might want to check out in this list of best food in Desaru!

11 Best Desaru Food and Restaurant

1. Lotus Seafood Restaurant

This affordable Desaru seafood restaurant is part of and within the compound of Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa and faces the ocean in an open chalet-style structure.

Malay, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, Western and even Indian cuisine feature on the menu.

Notable dishes include:

Garlic butter lobster
Fish head curry
Lamb bulgogi
Kam Heong crab.

It is best to come here during the cooler evening to enjoy the lights of boats reflected in the water while listening to the live music performances!

Beer towers are available here!

2. Nelayan Seafood By The Coast

What to eat near Hard Rock Hotel Desaru?

Nelayan Seafood By The Coast is just 5 minute drive from the hotel.

It is one of the best seafood in Desaru offers a casual environment to enjoy seafood!

There is plenty of seating to go round (maximum capacity is 400 people)!

Also read: 11 Top Seafood Restaurants in Johor Bahru

Sit inside or outside to enjoy unhampered views of the Desaru coastline! You can even walk to the beach from the restaurant!

In case you want to have a birthday or wedding celebration, there are adjoining dining rooms with air-con available!

The in-house chef prepares local seafood dishes like:

Salted egg yolk crab
Steamed white clams with garlic
King prawns with butter sauce
Braised or chili abalone
Seafood tom yam soup

3. Restaurant Nur Tahara Desaru

What to eat in Desaru? Arab, pakistan cuisine, anyone?

You can find this quaint Desaru restaurant at the same row of Amansari Hotel Desaru.

If you’re looking for Arabian food, this restaurant definitely fulfill your taste. Servings are pretty big and fresh!

Dishes worth trying include:

Beef Keema
Shawarma
Lamb & chicken curry with Arab rice

Lamb with Arab rice is one of the best food in Desaru.

Enjoy the sit inside or outside of the shop!

4. Teratai Coffee House

Teratai Coffee House is the to-go breakfast spot for guests at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa. So, it might be a little busy in the morning.

But no worries as the restaurant is open throughout the day!

The buffet is the main highlight here. But customers can also order from the À la carte menu which includes Asian and International food.

You will find a relaxing atmosphere here! And a lovely view of the sea!

Note: There is no alcohol available for sale here.

5. Jade Garden Seafood Corner

If you like fresh giant lobsters (without a hefty price tag), this Desaru seafood restaurant is the place for you!

There is a lobster pond including other aquariums with other live seafood and you can choose your own lobster!

The restaurant serves other seafood dishes too:

Lala with sambal
Fried squid
Salted egg yolk crab
Chilli Crab

Also read: 7 Best Seafood Restaurants In Malacca

You will have some pretty good views of the sea from this restaurant as well!

Tip: Try to avoid peak times during the weekend if you want to worry less about parking. Those reasonably low prices can draw quite a crowd!

Location: 54 Jalan Kerisi, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81620 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +607-826 5460
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 11:00am – 3:00pm & 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Closed On: Mondays
Facebook

6. Ayam Penyet Z&Z

This restaurant has a wide selection of Nasi Penyet with chicken, fish, prawn & squid in Malay-style cuisine.

The chicken is served with rice, fried tofu, tempeh and a small bowl of soup. The chicken is perfectly cooked – criso, tender, juicy juicy, tender and crisp.

Dishes to try:

Ayam penyet
Deep fried fish

7. The Elephant & The Butterfly

Quite pricey but that is not surprising since this beautiful and colorful restaurant is at a Hard Rock Hotel!

The restaurant boasts a Mexican menu. Food comes in decent portions. Try their burgers!

Sit by the hotel poolside in one of the bright and spacious couches and enjoy the view! Maybe, with one of their very special in-house cocktails in hand too!

They can even make one just for you if none of the ones on their menu suits your taste!

Wine enthusiasts will also find the wine selection at this establishment delightfully adequate!

Location: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +607-838 8888
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:30pm
Facebook

8. Super Lobster Restaurant

Another halal option, Super Lobster Restaurant is not your usual traditional Desaru Chinese restaurant!

One of their signature dishes is the herbal lobster which is well worth the price!

You can expect the restaurant to put out only the freshest seafood (like shrimp, lala, squid, crabs and of course lobsters!) dishes here. As they get their supply a few times a day!

This is a good alternative to the overly popular Jade Garden!

Other dishes to try:

Crab with salted egg yolk
Butter lobsters
Assam seabass
Tofu hotplate

Tip: Weekend crowds are crazy!

Location: 7, Jalan Jenahak, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81600 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +607-824 6108
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Facebook

9. Fruit Buffet At Desaru Fruit Farm

Depending on which fruits are in season, visitors to Desaru Fruit Farm can pick all the fruit they desire!

They have different tropical fruits at the farm – Guava, longan, jackfruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, banana, pineapple, mangosteen, rambutan, etc.

And the staff will serve the fruit all cut up and ready to eat at the fruit buffet. There are even some pickled fruit options! The in-house cafe has some creative dishes that feature fruits!

It’s worth trying their:

Passion fruit chicken
Pineapple sweet and sour prawns
Fresh papaya chicken soup
Deep fried squid with dragon fruit

They have plenty more!

Location: 92, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +6012-772 1817 Opening Hours: 8:30am to 6:30pm Facebook

10. Sengat Seafood Restaurant

If you happen to be anywhere between Desaru and Kota Tinggi in Johor, it might be worth stopping at this inconspicuous restaurant in a tiny fishing village called Teluk Sengat. Especially if you are planning to drop by the crocodile farm nearby. Sengat Seafood restaurant is furnished very simply – think typical kampung style (that means no air conditioning). But the fresh seafood here makes it worth the drive!

Must-try dishes include:

Nyonya steamed fish with Assam paste
Sambal kangkung
Chilli Crab
Zhao Pai Mian (noodles)
Claypot tofu
Salted egg yolk crab
Deep fried buns (dip in gravy)

Location: 58, Jalan Belanak, Teluk Sengat, 81900 Ayer Tawar, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +6019-729 0303 Opening Hours: 11:30am to 9:30pm

11. Ostrich Farm Restaurant

Come to the Desaru Ostrich Farm and meet some of the hundreds of ostriches here at Malaysia’s largest ostrich farm! Understandably, you might not want to have a meal with ostrich meat after seeing a real life ostrich!

But this is one of the few places in Johor where you can try dishes made with ostrich meat! So if you don’t mind, then the restaurant (more like a stall) at the farm has some ostrich meat delicacies you might want to try:

Ostrich satay
Bak kut teh
Stir fry
Omelette

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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?