THE WAHBIANG BLOG

The journey to Malacca was unexpectedly short. There is a new road connecting these 2 towns. And it is certainly faster than taking the usual expressway. Our journey took only about 40 minutes (from Muar) and we alighted at the famous Hotel Puri (the best 3-star boutique hotel).

Unlike Muar, Malacca is a historically-rich town. In my opinion, she is the “Matriarch of Malaysia”. Having survived many past colonists (the Dutch and later the English), Malacca was an important part of Southeast Asia history. Today, she is truly one rich authentic beauty.

For those who haven’t visit Malacca for the past 3 years, it is time for you to come back to revisit this place again. Malacca is expanding rapidly and undergoing a big facelift. The local authority has cleaned up the “smelly and dirty” swampy river. Now, it has been restored with beautiful riverside walks – where you can sit in cafes by the bank, enjoying the water view.

We didn’t forget to complete our last “secret mission” in Malacca. Felicia, Elkan and I gave my mother-in-law the “last CNY surprise” at the shophouse. And it was a big, successful, overwhelming surprise for her (and Stella!). Later that night, Leon joined us and we had our “Malacca Reunion CNY Dinner” (coincidentally with over 50% same food we had in Muar that very same day!)

After dinner, Cousin Ben brought us to Jonker Walk (aka “Antique Street”) where we strolled down the “red-lantern” street. Ben joked that this is also known as the “red-lights district” of Malacca – except there is 101% no hooker or brothels there. Along Jonker Walk, you can find many local gems – food, antiques and handicrafts (Chinese, Malay or Peranakan, Baba-Nyonya). There was also a street near Jonker Walk where you find 3 old temples sitting side by side (Chinese, Muslim and Hindu).

Malacca is indeed an eye-treat for many enthusiastic photographers. You can find many shutter-bugs walking around. It is also a food-haven for people like me! (Chendol, Chicken Rice Balls, Nasi Lemak, Nyonya Laksa, Belacan paste, Portuguese egg tarts Roti Prata etc) .. there is just so much for me to eat! The next morning, we roamed the “red house area” and explored the newly (almost completed) “replica fort”. The sun was great and the sky was so blue! And yes, we did had our stomach filled with those great local delicacies.

At 1pm, I decided to rush back to the hotel to snap “the famous bird nests” at Hotel Puri. Ben told us about this strange nature’s phenomenon. Normally found in high mountains or vacant buildings, the Swiftlets (the birds) actually nested the edible 燕窝 in one of the halls of Hotel Puri – in close proximity with humans! Check out the pixs!

Our CNY journey is finally coming to an end. We have met so many loved ones throughout the past 7 days. Tiring but worth every cent and effort spent. It is amazing how we managed to make the connections and meetings in such a short span of time.

Last stop: Kuala Lumpur and flying back to Hong Kong.

This year, we decided to give our relatives a surprise visit. Unlike the past 3 years, this year is a bigger gathering. Cousin Leon, who hasn’t been back to Muar since 2004, flew in from Xiamen on Saturday night. We met at Kuala Lumpur and left together for Muar on Sunday. We will be reuniting with our parents “secretly” later on Sunday night.

Waiting for the bus was a nightmare. Lucky we have Johnny and Ming to bring us to the right spot. The bus to Muar was an hour late. Congested, hot and smoky, we found ourselves surrounded by hundreds of locals who are also rushing home for CNY holidays. It was quite an experience for most of us.

There was a small confusion on the bus. There were a group of commuters who has the same tickets as us (with the same seat numbers!) Speaking to us in Malay, none of us understand each other. The bus driver was extremely friendly and thoughtful. As we didn’t get our bus tickets at the same time, Leon and we were sitting apart. The old Malay driver came and “instructed” the poor girl to give up her seat for Leon. We were pleasantly surprised as we didn’t request for the change of seating.

Muar is an old rustic town of little changes. This is the place where time stopped for 15 long years. This is where my mother grew up and where most of my Malaysian relatives reside.

The journey to Muar was smooth and comfortable. I managed to catch some sleep on the 1.5-hour ride. We finally arrived at 6:45pm and Uncle Benny came to the bus depot to pick us. We had our mini-Singapore reunion dinner that night.

Early next morning (1st Day of CNY), we decided to give our granny a surprise! Our parents arrived on wheels and the rest of us walked to the house. It was indeed a pleasant surprise for my Malaysian relatives, especially my granny.

We spent 2 short days in Muar. Friends and relatives arrived from all parts of Asia to meet. The spirit of CNY is so ever-important. “It was worth the long journey”, Leon said. I couldn’t agree more.

Elkan had so much fun with the kids in the house (er… those were actually his uncles and aunties). Most of my young cousins have grown up and I couldn’t even recognize a handful of them! The house was so packed with loud children laughter and old wives’ noisy chattering.

When it was time to say goodbye, I felt a tingle of sadness in my heart. Reunion and departure always come hand in hand. We came and left the same time. When our cars left granny’s house yesterday, I sensed the emptiness of the house. Time paused in silence once more. It won’t be another 365 days before we meet again.


Next stop: On our way to Malacca for our last surprise! This time, it is Felicia’s mother! 

Ever since I left to work in Greater China, I haven’t been back regularly to visit my granny and relatives in Malaysia during CNY. Also, dad doesn’t own a car any more and our families expanded (sister and I). We have to spend a tiny bomb (like SGD800) to rent a SUV (for 8 pax) to travel up. Moreover, the notorious and highly publicized car accidents during CNY discouraged our plans to travel. There were so many considerations and barriers that we have to gave up the trip. (I felt really bad cos’ my absence deprived my families a chance to gather with their own families in Malaysia.)

Working overseas made you miss your family and all those traditional customs a lot. Like a seed that grows in your heart, it bore fruits of memories of those good old days. At times, during work, I just wondered about the folks back in Malaysia. More powerful than the lure of good durians, this annual reunion of families (chatting and dining) fill our hungry hearts and minds with warmth and joys. One wondered, how many more chances do we have for such gatherings?

Thus, this year, we gave up our plans to travel elsewhere during CNY break. (We originally wanted to go to Vietnam or China.) I decided to go back and meet my old folks. Instead of stopping by Singapore, I decided to make Kuala Lumpur my pit stop. I wanted to meet Johnny and Ming (especially their baby princess). Also, I wanted to bring Felicia and Elkan to beautiful Bukit Tinggi. At the same time, I can stop by Malacca to visit Felicia’s family. (Haaa… one stone so many birds!)

6 days, 5 stops. This is indeed one of the “busiest vacations” we ever had. Over the next 6 days, we will be busy traveling on the road, packing and unpacking. Every day is a new destination (hundreds of miles away) and we will be checking in and out of hotel daily. Johnny and Ming were our first hosts in Malaysia. They came all the way to the airport to give us a surprise welcome! Our first stop is Bukit Tinggi. It was a 3-hour ride from the airport. Ming managed to “mobilize” her relative to drive us up the mountains. This made our lives easier – cos’ Felicia and I were carrying over 40kg of baggage. Plus another 22kg boy.

Bukit Tinggi is beautiful. Except for me (who came with Kal back in 2006), this mini replica French town is a first for everyone. Sitting at 2500ft high, the weather is so much cooler and fresher here. It was a very peaceful and “quiet” retreat for us. The resort on Friday night was pretty quiet. We had buffet dinner and later that evening, I went for a very relaxing Balinese oil massage.

Next morning, Saturday, we went to visit the Rabbit Farm and the Japanese Teahouse Village. The sceneries and landscaping are so beautiful. Elkan had lots of fun…feeding rabbits and fishes! (Guess what he fed the rabbits? He was picking up the black round rabbit dung – thinking it was rabbit food!)

Next stop: Meeting Cousin Leon and heading down to Muar!