Let’s be honest. In many instances, we tend to take things around us for granted. We enjoy seeking pleasure and spending time in an area far away from our own backyard and though there is nothing wrong with that, it feels rather inutile if travelling far from home made you oblivious of the hidden gems that exist close to home.
Though I consider myself familiar with Melaka since I was born and raised there, I am surprised there are many things about Alor Gajah that I am not familiar at all, despite having studied in this district in my early years.
Recently, our team headed to Alor Gajah and were pleasantly surprised with what this quaint district has to offer…
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1. Rumah Asam Pedas Melaka
Asam pedas is a dish synonymous with Melaka. Known for its sour and spicy flavour, this dish is a comfort food in Melaka since forever and can be found easily almost everywhere in the state. One of the restaurants that offers asam pedas in its menu is Rumah Asam Pedas Melaka, which literally means ‘the house of asam pedas’.
True to its name, this restaurant serves many kinds of asam pedas such as asam pedas with snapper fish head and asam pedas with mayong (a type of catfish) eggs. Other than that, travellers can also order dishes like udang sambal petai (prawns cooked in stink bean spicy condiment), daging masak lemak cili padi (beef cooked in coconut curry with bird’s eye chilli) and grilled stingray.
Good to know: The people of Melaka are mostly known to be excellent at handling spicy foods so do prepare to get that extra spicy sensation on your tongue!
Address: Rumah Asam Pedas Melaka, 19, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka
Contact number: +6017 2771773 (Encik Bakri) or +6019 2310474 (Puan Fazidah)
2. Freeport A’Famosa Outlet
This open-air mall on some 180,000 feet squared land is indeed eye-catching because of the colourful, Dutch-inspired buildings. Within it, there are over 70 fashion, sport and accessories brands being retailed, on top of many Instagram-worthy spots including a lake, water fountains, carousel, and windmill. Facilities provided include a nursing room, customer service centre, special needs services, children’s trolleys, automated teller machine (ATM), cash deposit machine (CDM), prayer room and free parking spaces, making it convenient for patrons of all ages.
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Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. (Daily)
3. A’Famosa Safari Wonderland and Water Theme Park
Are you brave enough to feed the tiger? Because at A’Famosa Safari Wonderland, you can do this! But of course, it is carried out within a safe space with the help of a certified zookeeper.
But if you preferred something different that offers similar kind of thrill, maybe you can try the Safari Adventure Ride, which takes you on a huge, net-covered truck to tiger, lion and cheetah’s enclosures! Be amazed and witness these predators up close like never before!
Other animals that travellers can see include crocodile, elephant, hippopotamus, snake, wild boar, deer, peacock, orangutan, flamingo, rabbit and more. The entrance fees are MYR50 per adult and MYR40 per child.
Lying just next to it is the Water Theme Park that features exciting rides including Big Ice Cream, High Speed, Wahaha, Telematch, Lazy River, Body Slides, Wave Pool, Arabian Village and more! The entrance fees are MYR45 per adult and MYR38 per child.
Tickets can be purchased online at A’Famosa Resort’s official website.
*The price stated is not inclusive of activity fees such as feeding the animals.
Address: A’Famosa Resort, Jalan Kemus/Simpang Ampat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka
Opening hours (A’Famosa Safari Wonderland): 10.00am until 5.00pm (Daily except Tuesday)
Opening hours (Water Theme Park): 10.00am until 6.00pm (Daily except Tuesday)
4. Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex
This is the biggest astronomy complex in Malaysia, spanning 1.62 hectares. As a matter of fact, this is also one of the 29 venues for moon sighting in Malaysia, which is crucial for Muslims to determine the start and the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Travellers can find interesting facts about astronomy and how it plays a significant role in Islam. It also explains how the position of the moon and the stars can be used for determining prayer times, the Qiblat (the direction towards Kaaba in Makkah), navigation and more.
The complex is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology to observe the universe, including an observatory deck that can be adjusted and opened, including a planetarium and training facilities.
Good to know: The name ‘Al-Khawarizmi’ is the name of a famous Muslim scholar, who was an expert in the field of mathematics, astronomy and geography called Muhammad Ibn Musa al-Khawarizmi.
Address: Kompleks Falak Al-Khawarizmi, Kampung Balik Batu, Tanjung Bidara, 78300 Alor Gajah, Melaka
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Daily except Sunday. It can be opened during night upon request and early reservation too.)
5. Restoran Ikan Bakar Terapung Fort Supai Kuala Linggi
This restaurant is uniquely situated in the middle of the sea. To get here, travellers need to walk on a bridge for two minutes from the parking compound. It is one of the places where travellers can enjoy seafood with a stunning sunset view in Alor Gajah.
Various kinds of fish, squid, prawn, mussel and even exotic marine life like razor clam and horseshoe crab can be eaten here. Travellers can choose how they want the seafood to be served, for example grilled, steamed, or with sweet and sour sauce.
This place is usually crowded during weekends.
Address: Restoran Ikan Bakar Terapung Fort Supai, Kota Bukit Supai, 78200 Masjid Tanah Melaka
Opening hours: 24 hours on Mondays / 5:00 p.m. until 12.00am (from Tuesdays until Sundays)
6. Chalet Kampong Pinang Sebatang
The name is derived from a fictional village of Kampong Pinang Sebatang in P. Ramlee’s film, Pendekar Bujang Lapok (1959). It is evident through the props and decorations incorporated around the chalet, including vintage Vespas, antique bicycles, old film posters and newspaper cuttings.
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Pengkalan Balak Beach in Masjid Tanah, the chalet combines the traditional concept of a Malay house equipped with exclusive and modern conveniences such as the jacuzzi with a view of the beach, air-conditioned rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Address: Chalet Kampong Pinang Sebatang, Jalan Persiaran Pantai, Taman Perindustrian Pengkalan Balak, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka
7. Paya Lebar River Cruise
Do you know that Melaka has a mangrove forest? You can find it in Lubok China, Kampung Paya Lebar. From Jeti Pengkalan Nelayan Paya Lebar, travellers can ride on a boat traversing the river while observing the mangrove forest and its inhabitants, for instance monkeys, snakes and… crocodiles!
According to Mohamad bin Jantan, one of the villagers who guided us, the river is rich with lobsters besides many kinds of freshwater fish.
With a total distance of 18 kilometres, travellers will pass through three rivers namely Ramuan China River, Linggi River and Rembau River separating Melaka and Negeri Sembilan.
During the cruise, travellers can visit two attractions: Sabak Arang and Taman Lokan. Travellers can learn the process of producing charcoal from locally sourced raw materials and support the community by buying the products like charcoals and wood vinegar that is good for farming and plantations. Taman Lokan, on the other hand, is where travellers can get down and muddy to catch another exotic food called lokan (flywheelerous mollusc), which is grilled and eaten fresh.
To experience this river cruise, contact Alor Gajah Municipal Council at +6 06 333 3333 (ext. 1217).
Address: Jeti Pengkalan Nelayan, Paya Lebar, Masjid Tanah Melaka
8. Kuih Bangkit Kelapa and Kuih Bakar
Kuih bangkit kelapa is one of the traditional snacks that travellers can find in Melaka, usually popular during special occasions, including Eid. It is made of wheat flour, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk and margarine. Travellers who plan to buy this snack in Kampung Paya Lebar may contact Rohati Salim at +6 017 444 1606.
Kuih bakar, or also known as bahulu kemboja, is a sweet flower-shaped cake made of wheat flour, coconut milk, sugar and egg. This cake can last a week and is another favourite snack that travellers can find in Melaka, especially in Kampung Paya Lebar. Travellers who wish to try this delicacy can contact Sharifah Abu Bakar at +6 012 2722 556.
9. Bengkel Keris Laman Variasi
Melaka is often associated as the hometown of the country’s legendary warrior, Hang Tuah. Hence, it is only righteous that Melaka has some of the country’s best keris (a Malay traditional weapon) makers.
Meet Zainudin Bachik, 57, one of the seven keris-makers in Melaka. With almost 20 years of experience in blacksmithing, he now owns a workshop named Laman Variasi in Ramuan China Kecil, Melaka. It was the deep passion and determination that brought him all the way to Kelantan at the age of 27 to learn about keris-making from the keris masters themselves.
Now, apart from producing keris, he is also actively involved in fairs to share his passion and knowledge with the younger generation. To date, he has produced hundreds of keris, some of them now belonging to royalties.
With his team at Laman Variasi, he not only produced keris, but also woodcraft products, rebana (a type of Malay traditional percussion), knife and machete.
Those who interested to learn more about keris or buy his products can contact him at +6 010 548 9619.
10. Amanda’s Putri Garden
This family business lies only next to the family’s house in Ramuan China Besar, Melaka. There are 80 types of grapes grown here, including taldun, akedemik and jupiter.
According to one of the family members, Mohammad Dzarul Hafiz Dol Malek, 28, the story begins in 2014 where his family started growing buah tin (fig trees) for commercial purposes. Their focus changes over the years until they plan to move to a new designated area focusing more on grapes on top of other fruits. Mini petting zoo and fruit-picking are some of the new activities that travellers can look forward to when they visit on February 2023 onwards.
Address: Batu 22 1/2, Kampung Ramuan Cina Besar, Ramuan Cina Besar, 78300 Masjid Tanah Melaka
11. Turtle Conservation and Information Centre Melaka
Do you know that Melaka records the highest number of hawksbill sea turtle’s landings in Peninsular Malaysia?
There are 13 checkpoints in Melaka that have been recognised to be the landing spots for these endangered turtles. Pantai Kemunting, where this place is built, is one of them. And this year alone has recorded more than 900 turtle nests found around the shores of Melaka.
This conservation area managed by the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Malaysia has been in operation since 1990. It aims to protect, conserve and manage the turtles in Melaka to avoid them from extinction. It also serves as an educational centre to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting these gentle creatures and other marine life.
Travellers are welcome to visit the centre at no charge.
Good to know: Malaysia has four species of sea turtles namely penyu karah (hawksbill sea turtle), penyu belimbing (leatherback), penyu agar (green sea turtle) and penyu lipas (olive ridley sea turtle).
Address: Turtle Conservation and Information Centre Melaka, Padang Kemunting, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka
Operation hours: 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (Daily)
12. D’Ambang Sore Batu Tenggek
Popular with lempeng kelapa (traditional coconut pancake), this humble roadside restaurant is also a local favourite due to its location facing the Straits of Malacca. Especially during sunset, this place is recommended for both its food and the view.
Apart from lempeng kelapa that is best eaten with savoury, delicious sambal (a type of Malay traditional chilli sauce), this restaurant serves other menus including grilled lamb and various noodles.
Address: D’ambang Sore Batu Tenggek – Lempeng, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka
Operation hours: 5:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. (Daily except Monday)
13. Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse
During the Portuguese occupation in Melaka, Tanjung Tuan’s former name was Cape Rachado. Some say it was first built between 1528 and 1529 by the Japanese, while others mentioned that it was built by the British in 1863. This lighthouse still stands as the oldest lighthouse in Malaysia, despite whomever built it. It survived wars, rebuilt, and changed ownership several times, firstly by the Portuguese, then Japanese, Dutch and British.
The lighthouse is located 118 metres above sea level and the tower is 24 metres high. From here, travellers can witness the serene view of the Straits of Malacca. Right below, travellers can drop by a mini gallery to find antique lights, old records and informational boards about the lighthouse and its operations until present day.
The lighthouse is now part of the protected 75.92-hectare Taman Eko-Rimba Tanjung Tuan.
Good to know: Tanjung Tuan is often misunderstood as part of Port Dickson. Though it is nearby, Tanjung Tuan is an exclave belonging to Melaka and falls under the Alor Gajah Municipal Council’s jurisdiction despite being surrounded by Negeri Sembilan.
14. Batu Putih Hill, Tanjung Tuan
Batu Putih Hill is another attraction in Taman Eko-Rimba Tanjung Tuan. Many casual hikers come here especially during weekends. It stands at an elevation of 223 metres and requires a 30-minute hike from the lighthouse. The view from here is breathtaking!
Taman Eko-Rimba Tanjung Tuan is also famous for birdwatchers. Every year, between September and March, nature lovers can witness thousands of migratory birds from the Southern Hemisphere stop by before continuing their journey to the Northern Hemisphere.
Besides jungle trekking, hiking and birdwatching, other recreational activities that can be carried out are camping, picnicking and educational research.
Address: Taman Eko-Rimba Tanjung Tuan, Jalan Pantai, 71050 Tanjung Tuan, Melaka
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Filed in: Alor Gajah
Shahevanddy
December 7, 2022 at 4:30 PMThanks for sharing Hasif