By Erda Khursyiah Basir
MELAKA: A new international-class hotel has sprung up here, offering visitors to this historic city another choice option in terms of accommodation.
The Courtyard by Marriott Melaka’s strategic location – many of the city’s historical attractions are either within walking distance or just a short drive away – is a plus point for both domestic and foreign tourists eager to experience Melaka’s rich cultural and architectural heritage that goes back hundreds of years.
The city of Melaka was declared a World Heritage City by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on July 7, 2008.
Spacious and comfortable
Courtyard by Marriott Melaka is a member of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotel brands managed by Marriott International, an American hospitality service provider that operates hotels and resorts worldwide.
Marriott International recently invited several journalists on a three-day/two-night trip to Melaka where they got to stay at their brand-new five-star hotel.
Located at Jalan Haji Bachee, Kampung Bukit China here, the property, which opened its doors in April, is the third hotel in the Courtyard series in Malaysia, after Courtyard by Marriott Penang (opened in 2018) and Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, Selangor (2022).
Walking towards the entrance of Courtyard by Marriott Melaka, one cannot help but notice the striking decorative fountain beside the hotel building.
The lobby was spacious with minimalist décor that cleverly played with the lighting system, enhanced by the natural light from outside. The three “gigantic” custom-made rattan benches for guests to sit on whilst waiting to be checked in not only look unique but also infuse a sense of distinctiveness into the hotel lobby’s ambience.
One of the friendly receptionists informed the media practitioners all the must-visit sights were “nearby”, including Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village; Jonker Walk; the Stadthuys; St John’s Fort; A Famosa Fort; and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum.
“Some of these places are just 600 metres away and some about two kilometres (from the hotel), so you can walk there,” he said, reminding the journalists that Seri Erra Roti John, a popular eatery, was also close by.
“And, don’t forget to try the Kampung Hulu cendol… it’s very popular here,” he added, smiling.
Luxurious facilities
The visiting journalists were later taken on a tour of the hotel, the first stop being the huge ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 people at any one time, and its conference rooms of different sizes.
Meanwhile, the eighth floor, where its facilities are located, is breathtaking. The lounge area is set over a pool, exuding a tranquil atmosphere – a perfect and charming place for guests to relax and “heal” amid views of the historic city in the background.
Further up is the luxurious infinity pool set against a backdrop of lush greenery and stunning views of the city and the Malacca Strait.
It is quite obvious the hotel has made an effort to reminisce things of historical value. For example, its bar Lounge 1939 is named after the year the housing settlement opposite the hotel was built.
And, smack in the centre of the Courtyard Cafe – the hotel’s principal food and beverage outlet – is a replica of the trishaw used by bread vendors back in the day.
As for the hotel’s culinary delights, Courtyard Cafe serves local and Western cuisines and can fit up to 250 diners. During their stay there, the journalists were treated to various sumptuous dishes at the cafe including beef satay, anchovies cooked with cencaluk (a popular condiment in Melaka made from fermented shrimp), squid sambal, roasted leg of lamb with lyonnaise potato and seared chicken ballotine with mushroom and English herbs.
Heritage tour
No visit to Melaka, however brief it may be, is complete without paying a visit to the World Heritage City’s historical landmarks.
Experiencing Jonker Walk, at Jalan Hang Jebat, at night is a must for that’s when the street is transformed into a huge night market where traders sell street food, antique items, handicrafts, souvenirs, shoes, clothes and other goods.
Even though most of the sellers are Chinese, visitors can still witness diverse cultures in the congested street where a continuous stream of trishaws decked with colourful lights comes to drop off and pick up passengers.
Right at the entrance of the street is a family of three operating a stall selling tender coconut water. The son, who is in his 20s and dressed in baju Melayu complete with traditional headgear, entertain visitors by performing a coconut juggling act.
On another corner of the street is an Indian couple selling pani puri (a popular Indian snack), which seems to be a big hit judging by the number of people crowding around the stall.
On the second day of their stay in Melaka, the journalists visited the Malaysia-China Friendship Square which is decorated by colourful street murals as well as took a stroll on the Malacca River Walk with its pleasing landscapes.
They also stopped at the Dutch Square, Melaka Clock Tower, Stadthuys, St Paul’s Church and St Paul’s Hill Lighthouse, also known as Bukit Melaka, where the statue of St Francis Xavier is located.
Later, they took a 10-minute trishaw ride from A Famosa to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, which is a treasure trove of furniture, carvings and artefacts belonging to the family of Chan Cheng Siew who were part of the local Straits-born Chinese community.
The museum is actually a combination of three terrace houses that were acquired by the Chan family in 1861. Four generations lived in the house before it was opened to the public as a museum in 1985.
The day’s tours were capped with a river cruise along Sungai Melaka. Whilst feasting their eyes on the picturesque scenery, the visitors listened to explanations about each place they passed. And, playing in the background was the song Dondang Sayang, which is well-known among Melaka communities.
The visiting journalists also made sure they did not miss out on sampling Melaka’s local delights. Besides asam pedas, the state is also well-known for its grilled fish as well as its crab, prawn, squid and clam dishes.
A good place to try its seafood offerings is Medan Ikan Bakar Muara Sungai Duyung at Jalan Padang Temu where one can relish their meal whilst gazing at boats passing by on the sea.
Among other Melaka delicacies are the chicken rice balls, a traditional food of the Hainanese Chinese community. It is said that in the old days, the chicken rice was cooked till it became soft and then shaped into balls to make it easier for the working class to enjoy the dish.
Meanwhile, Bibik House Cendol at Jalan Hang Jebat and Heritage Flavours at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock offer an array of Malay and Nyonya flavours. The latter serves a variety of tasty Nyonya kueh as well as pai tee, ayam pongteh, cencaluk omelette and udang lemak nanas. – BERNAMA
