Bear with me for this really backdated post cause it happened in early May, when we stayed at Lexis Hibiscus for a night. Time to talk about this super unexpected surprise from my boyfriend - a getaway at Philea Resort & Spa in Malacca!
Following from our stay at Lexis Hibiscus, the next day was supposedly a one-day makan trip in Malacca. Once we've arrived at the toll, I happened to see the signboard to Philea Resort & Spa, which is one place that I've always wanted to go. Anyway, bugged the boyfriend to turn in so that we can take a look at the place, which he somehow reluctantly did. :p
It was quite a beauty from the outside but we couldn't enter further. Had a random idea and decided to challenge my boyfriend for a walk-in reservation. He surprisingly took that idea into serious consideration and asked us to get our luggage out from the car. His rationale? With us and our luggage at the reception counter, the receptionists will not tell us that there are no rooms available. After all, don't all backpackers do that? -_-"
I told him that this is a freaking classy hotel and backpackers won't usually stay in classy hotels. Besides, it would look really embarrassing if there really isn't any room for us but he said we should just do it for fun anyway. In all honesty, I wouldn't have thought of him being that random but well... why not right?
So we took our luggage and walked over to the counter. I was already starting to feeling weird and seeing my expression, he suddenly started smiling really wide and said "Of course got room for us lah cause we've booked one."
That really left me speechless for a few seconds while I stared at him blankly and questioned him after with only a few words like...
"Are you serious?"
"Don't joke please."
"You have a gathering to go to later today in KL."
Well, turned out it was true. He made the booking and in just a few minutes time, the room is ready for us. Emotions were all over me - happy, excited, shocked, disbelief and yeah, I freaking teared as I looked at him smiling and enjoying the welcome drink which was part of the Groupon package that he's bought for us both. So gam dong can? :p
Our welcome drink, Asam juice, which was super refreshing and one scoop of ice-cream for each of us.
Once we're done with our drinks and desserts, there was a buggy at the main entrance to send us to our room. Thought it was pretty cool and probably, quite a distance. Turned out that it's only less than two minutes walk from the main area. *facepalm*
Some shots within our Pavilion Room, which was located at the second floor.
Bed.. sofa.. my bottle.
The other side of the bed.. and of course, the air-conditioner. :p
The place where you brush your teeth, wash your face and you can even soak your body in the bathtub next to it.
This is where you pee and poop. And the shower area just a divider away.
So, with so little time to spare and strong cravings for Laksa and Cendol, finally arrived at Jonker88 which is located at Jonker Street after a 20-minute drive.
Hello Laksa! This is the Kahwin Laksa, which is a mixture of Baba Laksa and Nyonya Laksa. Tastes pretty unique with a hint of sourness and spiciness. Something like tomyum.. but not tomyum.
No pictures of the Cendol cause it was too good and I don't want to share the photo here so that I don't crave for it as I continue typing this entry now.
Okay, I just forgotten all about taking shots of it.
Next stop was The Baboon House which is located somewhere nearby. Apparently, they're supposed to be quite famous for the burgers. Too bad there are no photos here too as they don't allow people taking shots when you're within the vicinity. But do try it, cause it's really pretty good, including their fruit smoothies!
After food... food... there's more food. Drove to Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant to try their famous Tandoori Chicken with Naan. Not too bad, but I still prefer William's Corner's Garlic Cheese Naan lah!
The chicken.
Some mutton which I can't recall it's name now.
The Naan.
Don't underestimate the restaurant cause despite it serving normal dishes where you may find it at any other ordinary mamak stalls, the place which only opens at 5.30 pm, is already filled with people by 6 pm.
With so much food, of course must walk a bit right? So, we walked along the Malacca River and I think it gives a pretty nice view if the river is not brown in colour.
Day time shot vs...
Night time shot. So romantic hor. :p
Also went up to Menara Taming Sari and we were just in time when the sun was already setting and lights were switched on. RM 15 per person to experience it with complimentary bottled water and some dodols. It's really pretty pricey, but okay lah just for the touristy experience.
The night market - view from top.
Finally headed back to the room cause we didn't want to go for Jonker Street. Took a short tour around to see what the facilities were which included a computer room, games room, dining restaurants, swimming pool and many, many rows of rooms which looked unoccupied.
Night scenery at the swimming pool area. What a view...gosh.
Us.
Yes, the calming view.
The main receptionist area at night.
There was also a pub for you to enjoy music and have a drink, with Darts board and a pool table outside. Decided to play two rounds of pool before we finally take a good rest in that eco/ zen atmosphere.
On the second day (which is also the final day), buffet breakfast was provided as early as 7 am and the food was... just alright. No photos cause it's your typical buffet spread.
Checked out much later and headed to Jalan Tengkera for Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake. There were so much variety to choose from that I felt like I should just try every single thing there. Bought quite a massive amount of kuih and one of the best ones was the ondeh-ondeh. It's just so good that it melts in your mouth. *already craving for this now!*
at Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake.
After the shopping trip at Baba Charlie's, we headed to Baba Low which was just across the street for...
Pai Tee...
Popiah...
Nyonya Laksa...
...and cendol. Again, no photos WTF too busy eating idontcare.
Food was decently priced and portion is good enough for two. Loved the popiah and pai tee lor! Laksa was great too! So, if you have time, please go and try them okay?
Last stop of our trip was Jeta Groves, which was supposed to be famous for their Durian Cendol... too bad it wasn't durian season that time, hence, didn't manage to try.
But, they have this thing called Hot Cendol, which we ordered one. Tasted very much like Bubur Chacha or something. Quite good but I would still prefer the cold one. :p
Hot Cendol.
All in all, it was a great trip with the surprise, the food and most importantly, the companionship from him. :)
Anyway, if you'd like to go to some of these places for food, addresses are as below:-
No. 88, Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street) 75200 Melaka.
Jalan Laksamana 4, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Baba Charlie Lee (pretty hidden and it's a super narrow road to go into the house, so would suggest you to park along the road and walk in)
72, Jalan Tengkera Pantai 2, 75200 Melaka
486 Baba Low (just across the street, opposite Baba Charlie Lee)
486 Jalan Tengkera, 75200 Melaka.
Jeta Groves (near Mahkota Parade)
115, Jalan Melaka Raya 13, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia.
