Getaway Under The Scorching Sun Of Port Dickson & Bandar Di Hilir, Malacca : (The Army Museum| Seafood @ ‘Sari Rhasa’| Independence Declaration Museum| Portuguese’s A Famosa| St.Paul Chapel & St. Francis Xavier Statue| Malaccan Islamic Museum| Taming Sari Tower| Malay & Islamic World Museum @ Bastion House | Dataran Pahlawan)

With May 2011 stretching out, the social calendar is all red-lettered with professional and personal plans. On Saturday, 7th May, the school has called all the class teachers to act as facilitators for pupils in “Kem Bestari Solat”. Teachers were to guide pupils on the prayers act and recitals as well as few Surah (Al-Baiyinnah, Al-Qadr, Al-A’laq, etc) and also the likes of Tayammum and Takbir/Iqamah bits. I was a bit intimidated because I am not an Ustaz- of course, as a Moslem these are essence in our prayers; but the idea of conveying/imparting knowledge to the younger generation on things that you are not being certified/recognize could be pretty intimidating. Still, Alhamdulillah with all my prior knowledge in Islamic Studies and what my late Tok Guru, Arwah Mak Cik Nen taught me, I nailed the responsibility quite well- foreseeing the kids performing Wudhuk (ablution) and all were an addition to the canvas of my teaching career, I say.

Around 3.00 O’clock, pushed off to Port Dickson and the journey was a smooth-flowing. Went to the Army Museum but unfortunately, it was too late already (exceeding 5.30 P.M. which was the closing time), so just roamed around its compound. Still, the ensemble of military machineries and armoured fighting vehicles were amazing. There were cenotaphs erected at the front part of the museum to commemorate/remember the warriors who fought for our country, Malaysia. Had dinner at a seafood restaurant called “Sari Rhasa”, situated at Jalan Pantai near the Mayang Sari Hotel. The food there was alright; the fried calamari was a lot better than other restaurants; but still cannot compete to Bagan Lalang’s! Still, I enjoyed the “Sweet Sour” Kerapu, Kailan and all. Yummy! I love seafood! No wonder I’ve grown cherubic fat these days, eh? (,”)

Then, on Sunday, proceeded to The Historical City of Malacca! As a historical freak, you could tell how excited I am for this second visit to Malacca. I love the city, with its clean road and the hybrid style between traditional and modern elements. Who knows I may apply to transfer to Malacca as my next school after Serendah, aite? I totally could envision myself living there! Well, the first destination was definitely to witness the replica of The Malaccan Sultanate Palace! Prior to coming to Malacca, I didn’t make any study about the location so it was like a gambling going there without knowing the real location. Asked the local people and they said it was at Bandar Di Hilir. Little did I know that Bandar Di Hilir is the Malacca City and the historical monuments were all located side by side! Hahahaha!

Anyway, it was really amazing to witness the magnificent palace mirroring to the one that was assumed to be erected in the glorious of Malaccan Sultanate. I am so bedazzled with the structures and what I could find inside the palace. There were dioramas, pictures and artefacts depicting the glorious era of Malaccan Sultanate; for example like the Tun Kudu diorama which tells about the sacrifice made by Tun Kudu (refer to my previous entry on the 3 Tuns); the diaorama on Hang Tuah & Hang Jebat; and many more!

Besides the Palace, there is Independence Declaration Museum which exhibits a lot of pre-Independence relics, articles and histories during the occupation of the colonies- Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese and during the dark era of Communists. I think it’s a place that every Malaysians should go, just to witness how our forefathers fought for our rights!

Next, moved to the A Famosa, a fortress built by Portuguese in 1511, the year when Portuguese first invaded Malacca. The only remaining remnant was the gate, namely Porta de Santiago. It was a Halelujjah and Eureka moment for me because all my life I’ve been dreaming of going there and always envy people who would take photograph there! Last year, my school did organize a trip to Malacca; unfortunately A Famosa wasn’t in the list! Shit, ain’t it? Hahahaha!

Up the nearest hill at the rear part of A Famosa is the St. Paul Church which is located on the hill of St. Paul. The chapel houses a few ruins engraving Latin chants and I found it very enthralling. There was a statue of St.Francis Xavier erected facing the panorama towards the sea and the wind blew gently there. It was a surreal feeling and I felt as if I was in Portuguese or Macau, at least! The statue had lost one of its arm – I remembered that it was because of bomb during colonial occupation but an information from Wikipedia tells that it was because of a casuarina tree fell on it.

Next, trailed down a small staircase carved down the hill and reached the Malacca Islamic Museum which houses some precious Islamic relics like Sword of Zulfakar- which was said to be a sword used by Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Then, moved to Taming Sari Tower but had to wait approximately around 45 minutes because the air-conds were out of service! Patience pays to the ones who wait; Alhamdulillah, finally had the chance to witness Malacca from birds view! It was breathtaking and you can imagine how the old Malaccan people witnessed the arrival of Portuguese and the Dutch colonials from afar…. Amazing! 

Proceeded to Malay & Islamic Museum ( formerly Bastion House, an administration building by the British colony) which houses beautiful China porcelains and relics (like the replica of the famous China Terracota Clay Army and famous paintings) as well as the histories and the relics from Malay Archipelago.

Had a peekaboo at the nearby Dataran Pahlawan Mall and also the famous Malacca trishaw! Then, make way off from Malacca to Serendah, Hulu Selangor! On whole, it was a fun weekend getaway, man!