Malacca - A Trip Down Memory Lane (Feature: Bukit Beruang)

One of the places that brings good memories to me is the Historical City of Malaysia; Malacca (in Malay: Melaka)

I have been to Malacca numerous times since I was a kid, with my family and relatives on road trips.
However, the memories established were during my foundation studies which I pursued in the branch campus of a prominent university located in this city itself.

I never thought I would come here for studies, as Malacca is associated with tourism and food which to me, equates to fun and travel and not for serious agendas such as higher education studies.
Boy, was I wrong, during my one year here, I have made strong bonds of friendships which lasted until today and also, enjoyed myself in this little city, something I'd never have imagined since I had always lived in the big city.

During Christmas season, my family and I made yet another road trip back to Malacca to revisit some of the old places we have been to before and oh, to enjoy the food around Malacca, courtesy of my brother, the tour guide of the day.

Upon arriving at the Ayer Keroh toll, we headed to our first destination; Bukit Beruang where we had our breakfast

We drove around Bukit Beruang to revisit the old memories of the shops and places surrounding the university area.





New developments were also taking place in the quiet town of Bukit Beruang.


We managed to track an old shop selling pastries; mainly buns such as Longevity Buns (Sau Pao/Sau Tou)


I believe that these buns can only be found in places as historic as Malacca and Penang.
It is sad to see that such lovely and traditional food like these are slowly dying in trend.


The shop is run by the father and son; with the son being the foreman selling the buns to the customers and taking orders.

The father works hard in the background rolling dough and making the buns and also the pastries.


We spent a few hours in Bukit Beruang, and left for the town during noon...

To be continued...

Avilion Resort & Spa - Water Chalet Review

Since our company organized the trip to Avilion in Port Dickson, it is therefore no surprise that we would be staying in the famed water chalets.



I remembered Avilion's existence when I used to come to Port Dickson during my childhood. At that time, Avilion was a new addition to the resorts in Port Dickson, and now, I have finally had the opportunity to stay in the beautiful water chalets I used to admire from afar =)



It was a few minutes walk towards the water chalets from the main building



The water chalets are grouped in little villages on the other side of the landscape, and stretches out to the sea.



The water chalets are housed on top of the sea; and stand on wooden stilts to create a wooden platform connecting each of the chalets in the village.



The walkways are also lighted at night to guide guests back to their rooms.




The rooms were tastefully designed and it gave a homey welcome when one steps into the room.


I loved the comfortable ambience created with the huge and inviting poster bed




Next to the four poster bed and located right next to the window facing the opposite chalets and the open sea, was this large comfortable area which was a cosy sofa bed.

The area was designed with cosy comfort in mind, as it beckons to one to relax and unwind themselves while enjoying the wonderful view outside.



The room was also furnished with a large wardrobe to fit in holiday/travel supplies packed by chalet guests.



Outside on the balcony, there were also two deckchairs provided for guests to enjoy the stunning view and the serenade of the waves.


Each room was also provided with an umbrella; and it is definitely essential as the walkway from the chalets to the cafes and main building is not sheltered, and the umbrellas could provide shield from sun and rain.


The most unique part of all in this chalet is definitely the bathroom.
I was quite apalled to find the open concept of the shower area when I walked into the bathroom.


The shower area was in the open air; and beside the open showering area, is the accompanying sound of the waves from the sea below.


It was something new to me, and perhaps I was paranoid, or was it our culture, somehow I just felt uneasy to bathe/shower in the open like that..haha!
You keep getting the feeling that you could be watched by someone else..LOL!
Yeah, call me paranoid!

If one does not like showers, there is also a bathtub, and that is in the closed area; covered with curtains


Toilet is in another enclosed room next to the bathtub, providing total privacy.


The washing and vanity area is spacious and is equipped with adequate toiletry supplies on the shelves next to the basins.




The room was really spacious and welcoming, and it was a really comfortable, not to mention an enjoyable stay!



I enjoy the peaceful views at night and the gentle sound of the waves was like a lullaby to the ears.


In the morning, I was greeted by the amazing and colorful skyscape

Avilion Resort & Spa - Facilities

Being a prominent resort, Avilion definitely boasts of her impeccable facilities as well.
Swimming pool is always on most of the hotels/resorts list

Avilion has a swimming pool which is wonderfully landscaped and can be viewed from the buildings


Besides the view, the pools also provided an excellent avenue for the guests to spend their leisure time and relax by the poolside.







There is also a separate pool for the children


There is another pool located near the village of the water chalets



Avilion is also famous for her spa facilities (that's why it's called Avilion Resort & Spa)



The spa is located near the water chalets and is open until 9pm at night.
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to try out the spa.






There are also water rafts available for rafting in the sea (I think you will need to arrange with the hotel for obvious safety reasons)


There are observation decks around the resort, with the lazy deckchairs beckoning to interested onlookers, tempting with the peaceful sounds of the waves


There is also a domestic farm/zoo for the children to play/look at the rabbits, chickens and occasionally, the proud peacock would make her appearance too.


Lounges or relaxation rooms


Ballrooms and restaurants



Walkways and paths for walking everywhere, and they are lighted at nights too!


The restrooms are designed with comfort in mind; besides the contemporary and quirky mix too =)






Ladies and Gentlemen, stay tune for more on Avilion...