Snaps of Jonker

An Old World Charm. The colonials meets Peranakan. The fusion of the East and the West. That was what the Straits Settlements had in common. It was a theme we could explore in all three areas. Penang, Malacca and Singapore. They have this row of house and dare I say a different ways of living their lives. Seemed that the modern era effected them in a special way, to only enrich their culture rather than change too much with the time.

From the rows of colourful cafes, the warmth of the locals - apart from the obvious fact that the local merchants were now replaced by the foreigners - the brightly painted shop facade, the laid back eateries and bed and breakfast littering the town. It all added to the potpourri of feelings you had when you visit the City. And there were gems to be found in unexpected corners if you dare to explore. Be it a specialty shop or a rustic restaurant. Just bring your camera along and pray for great weather.

I had the same feeling when I travel to Penang as well but somehow things moved at a faster pace there. Here, it was more easygoing, although weekends were nightmares. Too many people. Too many cars. Driving into Bandar Melaka can be an ordeal.

But if you were willing to spend a couple of nights - better still at the charming bed and breakfast they had around Jonker - you could absorb the charm as they come. And that was a good thing.

Traveling there for a day trip really fit not make justice to the city. After negotiating the hundreds of traffic lights from Ayer Keroh where you exit the highway and finding a parking spot in town, you could only afford a few hours walking around before it was time to go again.

We plan to spend a night here in the future. And really explore the place .....

A Day Trip to Melaka

As the traffic died down on the highways, we decided to take a trip out of town. The slight problem with the plan was Idlan contracted some bad bug and was in the toilet all night last night. After sending Irfan to school, we took off with Idlan on tow.

We set off after 10 on the morning, and made it to Bandar Melaka just before noon. Anita wanted to buy some kebaya and had done some research as to where to go. That made things easy as I was able to spend a good half an hour by Stadhuys taking photos and play around with my Theta.

Getting caught in one of the 11 traffic lights coming into the cityYes. We love Melaka too.Yes! It is Hello Kitty. And we rode on one similar.Not a bad idea. Something similar to the "Boris Bike" in London.A mesmerising walk.And you'd never knew what was in store around the corner ...And there was always the river bankThe weather was gorgeous, bordering on insanely hot. We parked at Dataran Pahlawan and took a beca towards Jonker where Anita started her shopping.

Being a Monday and right after a long holiday meant that the place was quieter than I used to, walking around was easy and we got things done much faster. The famous insane Melaka Town traffic was also more manageable.

A quick stop at Hard Rock CafeNice interiorAnd they were still in festive mood ....Food was niceA quick detour before homeWe stopped for lunch at Hard Rock Cafe and decided to start our journey back right after lunch as Idlan was getting grumpy - but not grumpy enough to miss the retail outlet on the way back to KL. The weather was too hot for us to venture deep into Jonker Street anyway.

Another beca trip to Dataran Pahlawan, a quick stop to buy belacan and we were off to the next leg of the trip ....

Jonker Street Slideshow

Write-up on the Melaka visit here.

Windows of Jonker

I have to admit that there was a certain charm about Jonker Street, at least to photographers. The place is photogenic to the hilt, at so many levels.

I went to photograph it early in the morning to enjoy the golden light against the colourful windows and building facade. You can go in the afternoon to join the crowd and do a bit of street photography. Then there is always the night photography ton different kind of crowd.

Then there is the food - a whole variety of it - and the many watering hole if you're that way inclined. The shopping experience was a revelation as well. Many of the antique and collectable items would've cost a lot more in KL.

But for the walk I had last weekend, I was fascinated by the colours of the rows of shophouses there. Nice contrast, bright and festive. And it went on all year long, not around the Chinese New Year.

Certainly Jonker Street is a photographer's delight. I wished that I had a few friends with me who were familiar with the area as a guide.

More about this trip here.

Jonker with Anita

We tucked the boys at their Grandparents' room and had a quick escape to Jonker Street after lunch. Hopped onto a beca and within seconds literally, the heaven opened without mercy. Anita was soaked by the time the covers were up.

We were dropped near the entrance of Jonker Street and I quickly bought an umbrella. So, off we went.

It didn't take long before we got our hands full with all the shopping. Things were so much cheaper here compared to KL. We got tit bits for Irfan's party pack, and some lighting for the apartment.

Welcoming bistro, but it was raining and we were in a bit of a rushTaking shelter while it poured down ...Colourful!We couldn't hang around for too long though since the boys were at the hotel and we had plans for dinner. Anita was convinced to return to shop here in the future as we only managed only a single street and we haven't sampled any of the cafe yet.

Some excuse to return...

More entries from this Melaka trip here.