After a long week of work and meetings, nothing beats unwinding with family. For us, the perfect way to do that is a quick trip across the Causeway to Malaysia for a BBQ staycation, where relaxation and family bonding await.
Crossing the Causeway: A Quick Escape
The week’s stress melted away as soon as we crossed into Johor Bahru. A short drive, and we already felt like we were on a mini-holiday. There were no flights or major planning—just a simple, fuss-free weekend break.
BBQ Staycation Vibes
We booked a cosy villa with a BBQ pit, perfect for a laid-back weekend. The kids were excited, and we got right into prepping for the BBQ. As the meat sizzled on the grill and relaxed atmosphere made it all the more enjoyable.
Everyone pitched in—setting up, grilling, and makan-ing together. It was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy each other’s company, away from distractions.
Family Time, Revisited
Weekends like this remind us how important it is to spend time together. Grilling, relaxing by the pool, and sharing stories during those hours reconnected us in a refreshing and meaningful way.
We felt recharged and ready for the week ahead when we crossed back into Singapore. The best part? It wasn’t just the BBQ or the villa—it was the chance to make lasting memories as a family.
A Tryst with History, Culture, and Culinary Delights
Picture this:
Vibrant streets teeming with history.
Architectural marvels whisper tales of the past.
An array of delectable treats that tickle your taste buds.
Step into the enchanting realm of Malacca – a Malaysian city that beckons with its irresistible fusion of culture, heritage, and flavours. Embark on a journey by my side as we delve into the mesmerising tapestry of attractions, from the alluring Red Square to the awe-inspiring grandeur of Masjid Selat, and finally, immerse ourselves in a compelling culinary odyssey that promises to awaken the senses.
Unveiling the Heart of Malacca: Red Square
This iconic square, also known as Dutch Square, is surrounded by well-preserved colonial-era buildings, each with a unique charm. The focal point is the striking Stadthuys, a striking crimson-hued building that once served as the Dutch governor’s residence. The lush greenery, and cobblestone paths, create a picturesque backdrop, perfect for capturing memories.
A Glimpse of Divinity: Masjid Selat
The Masjid Selat perfectly epitomises this harmonious blend. Also known as the “Floating Mosque,” this architectural masterpiece symbolises unity and diversity. Overlooking the shimmering waters of the Malacca Strait, the mosque’s stunning white facade adorned with touches of blue and gold is a sight to behold, especially during the serene hues of a June sunset. Its breathtaking beauty extends from the exterior to the interior, where intricate details and a sense of tranquillity invite you to reflect.
A Gastronomic Odyssey: Delights for Every Palate
Every journey to Malacca is complete with indulging in its diverse culinary offerings. As you stroll through the bustling Jonker Street Night Market, your senses will be enticed by the irresistible aroma of local delicacies. From savoury satay skewers and mouthwatering Nyonya dishes to the fragrant durian fruits that ignite a love-it-or-hate-it debate, the food scene in Malacca is an adventure in itself. Take the chance to savour Peranakan flavours that fuse Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences, leaving you craving more.
The Asam Pedas, a tangy, spicy fish stew cooked with tamarind, chilli, and assorted local spices, traces its roots back to the kitchens of Malacca. It is more than just a dish. It’s akin to a culinary narrator recounting the stories of the spices and techniques that Arab, Indian, and Chinese traders brought to Malacca’s shores centuries ago. Accompanied by a steaming mound of jasmine rice, it was an explosion of flavours that had me savouring every morsel.
Conclusion: A Tapestry of Memories
Malacca in June offers an enchanting tapestry of history, culture, and flavours. Whether captivated by the historic Red Square, moved by the serenity of Masjid Selat, or indulging in the tempting array of local treats, this Malaysian gem promises an experience that lingers in your heart long after you leave. So, pack your bags, gather your friends or family, and embark on an unforgettable journey in this mesmerising city.
I was sure that I would revisit Malacca. The city’s lively atmosphere and colourful environment left a lasting impression on me. The memory of the city’s vibrant colours and friendly locals stayed with me, and I knew I would have to return to experience it all again. The delicious scents of street food were just one of the things that made Malacca so special. I couldn’t wait to explore more of what this fantastic city offered.
Note: Always check for the latest travel advisories and guidelines before embarking on any trip.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
” Take a look at some of these truly stunning libraries from around the world. They aren’t the only beautiful libraries you can see across the globe, but they certainly should be on any bibliophile’s bucket list. “
Just returned from a fantastic trip to Kota Kinabalu with my family. We had an enjoyable time there. One of the highlights of our tour would be the Boat trip. I booked a local operator – Borneo Boats and Beaches Private Tours, whose Boss and the owner is Captain Jonathan Shale. More reviews here. Highly recommended. Punctual meeting time, friendly, respectful, experienced and polite boat crews. They ensured our safety during our entire trip. We also had a nice lunch on board the boat; prepared by the boat crew.
We had a five-hour leisure cruise around the Islands off Kota Kinabalu – Mamutik Islands and several others. Had fun snorkeling, jetskiing, etc. Had the opportunity to see the beautiful corals. My kids were so enthralled that they took almost an hour to snorkel nearby. I managed to capture a short amateur video. We were all first-timers so you can imagine the initial anxiety that we all felt.
Other places that I would recommend to visit
Kinabalu Park
Mount Kinabalu
Pekan Nabalu
Desa Dairy Farm
The Philippine market, KK
Seafood Restaurants
and the list goes on ….
We stayed at Grandis Hotel which is just beside the Jesselton Jetty, where most of the boats/ferries start their journey. There’s an attached mall, Suria Mall, beside it. There are some grocery shops available within the mall plus several pharmacies like Watson and Guardian. Fast Food restaurants are also in abundance (Kenny Rogers, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, etc.). I saw a particular interesting sushi restaurant which had long queues almost every nite. Plus there are other branded stores and bookstores available within the mall premises.
My family has a mixture of young and senior citizens. Therefore I had to take into consideration of our daily tour activities: not too much energy exertion BUT lots of shopping and market tours plus seafood. I also had to balance with the youthful activities which involved my teens and boy – who clamored for lots of swimming and nature walks. All in all, we had an enjoyable holiday; would plan for another trip back to Sabah one day 🙂
Been some time since I’ve posted. Well, to kick things off, I’ve decided to share some of the travel photos during my time abroad. I’ve decided to start off with pictures that were taken of Jeddah corniche taken in 2009. This was just after I’ve just arrived in KSA.
Now, the place has been transformed into a vibrant area teeming with activities.
Alhamdulilah (Thank God). December 2017 marked 8 years of my stint in King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Yes, it has been 8 years after I made that leap of faith – moving from Singapore to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During those 8 years, I’ve learnt a lot about expat life over here. One of the things that really stands out is the kind hospitality and generosity of the locals. This, I will never forget. Thank you my friends – you know who you are.
Looking back: I’ve worked with and made a number of friends from different countries; walk of life; varying degrees of work experience and different cultures. We’ve exchanged views, discussed, agreed to disagree; most of the time about work. Coming from different work cultures and working style, we may have different way of executing tasks but in the end we always have a common goal – meeting our user demands and needs at the same time providing them with the best user experience (UX).
Highlights of 2017:
Getting my paper accepted for SLA AGC Bahrain 2017
Paper entitled:
Organizing a panel session on Web Discovery with 2 librarian friends from Duke University, USA and Singapore Management University (SMU).
However, I was not able to attend SLA AGC 2017 due to urgent family commitments. Nevertheless I was happy that it went well.
Thank you Stephen, my colleague, for standing in for me for the panel discussion session.
Alhamdulillah, I’d like to thank Dr Vijay (KAUST Library Director and Acting Manager) for allowing me to attend these conferences and trainings. The experience had left an indelible mark on my career life. Made new friends, discovered new information and shared know-how with peers. I would also encourage my fellow librarians, if given a chance, to give conference presentations a go. Don’t miss it.
On top of that, I gained knowledge and friendship by participating in international library committees and library boards such as Electronic Resources and Libraies (ER&L), ACM Library Advisory Board, IFLA Asia and Oceania Section as well as IGeLU Summon Product Working Group.
My gratititude also goes out to my parents, my family (esp my wife who has been my bedrock) and close friends. Alhamdulillah. Thank you for hearing my joys and pains. I wouldn’t trade you for anything.
Looking forward to 2018: for new adventures, new discoveries, new inspirations. InshaAllah.
Never forget the 3 important keywords: Patience, Perseverance and Resilience.
During my recent trip to Wroclaw, I noted that there were numerous dwarves located all around town in Wroclaw. In fact, they even provide you with a map to find these dwarves. To date, I have no idea why those dwarves are placed at some strategic places. Perhaps, there are some meanings/reasons to it. Time to google this …
I have to admit that I am terrified of roller-coasters. I tried a few: one in Gold Coast, Australia and another in Taiwan. I almost fainted taking the one in Taiwan, cause I didn’t inhale and exhale 😉 while I made a fool of myself in Gold Coast – shouting at the top of my voice while taking the tiny roller-coaster. The couple in front turned back to check who was the hysterical guy losing his head 🙂
So here’s my son’s first roller-coaster ride in Legoland, Dubai. My kids are thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies hehehe …… now let’s wait for 6 flags …
Rain D Librarian 