Amoi rides in the kampungs: Chasing Lighthouses ( Oct 22 - 24, 2022 ), Day 1

Porta de Santiago Gateway is the last remaining gateway that is still standing today. It is part of the 4 gateway which forms the A Famosa Fort, built in 1512. When the Dutch took over Melaka in 1641, they added the Dutch VOC crest and inscribed ANNO 1670 over the arch portals of the gate. The whole fort, saved this gateway was later destroyed by the British!

Lighthouse hunters travelling from KL, Selangor, JB and Singapore...

...we finally met in Melaka !!!

The hunters congregating at Wee's grandfather's house

The Hunt begins. Leaving Lorong 1, Ujong Pasir

The climb up to St John's Fort

Arriving at the fort

Lots of monkeys and Saga trees in the area. With Saga trees, it is irresistible to pick at the red seeds also known as love seeds. It is interesting to note the seeds are uniform in weight ie 4 seeds makes 1 g and thus were widely used as a measure for gold and silver in the olden days. It was also a popular play tool for children; often used as a condiment in their "masak-masak" games and sometimes strung into necklaces as well.

The 2 remaining seeds from the bunch picked by VT. The rest were scattered along Cape Rachado when the bag broke. These 2 seeds now grace the vase of flowers in his dining room

Cannons pointing out to sea...

...with more pointing inland as the Dutch feared Acehnese and Bugis invaders more than maritime invasions

View of the sea

The one and only entrance to the fort

Engraved on the cannon is "Me fecerunt Claes van Noorden et Ian Albert de Grave, Amsterdam 1706" simply translates as Made by Claes van Noorden and Jan Albert de Grave, Amsterdam 1706

1706

On Route 5's Jalan Merdeka heading towards A Famosa Fort. Ahead is Dataran Pahlawan

Ahead is Hotel Equatorial

After A Famosa Fort, heading towards St Paul's Hill. Note the iconic trishaws of Melaka

Carrying our bikes up to the peak of St Paul's Hill just for the photo shoot. Don't despair, its not stairs all the way

First lighthouse captured, Melaka Light!

Melaka Light, built in 1849 is arguably the oldest lighthouse that is still standing in Malaysia. Located on top of St Paul's Hill and in front of St Paul's Church, the lighthouse lost its significance and is no longer in use as the sea front moves further and further away due to land reclamation.

Marin Four Corners

St Paul's Church, built in 1521 by Portuguese nobleman, Duarte Coelho as an act of gratitude after he survived the storm at the South China Sea. Note the thickness of the walls

On Route 5's Jalan Laksamana with the Stadthuys in the background. Stadthuys, meaning town hall was built in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor

On Route 5's Jalan Laksamana going for our cendol fix

Cendol Jam Besar, Bandar Hilir, Melaka

Goofing around

So good to have a water station for the public to refill for free!

River view and .... ?#@!!!

Christ Church, built in 1753

The start of our riverside ride @ Melaka River View Point

Sir KC

Jambatan Kg Jawa in the background

The route passes many quaint cafes and restaurants

Murals galore

Shady

There are bollards and chains to keep you from falling into the river

Endless showcase of murals by Malaysian artists

Dataran Hang Tuah

No more murals as you leave the old part of Melaka

A river cruise in action

Datuk Mohd Zin Bridge

Jalan Tun Ali 4

Tyre puncture on Jayden's bike. Unfortunately, daddy brought 16 inched tube but not 20 inched. However tube was later patched by Bengkel Beskel Klebang for free!!!

Muzium Kapal Selam. RM10 per entry

Note the loft bed with very little head clearance

Tiny door

Narrow passageway

Shower room, don't drop the soap!

Toilet

Captain's lodging

Captain's dining area

Triple decker

Lockers

Bed and Dining area

Kitchen

Engine room

The front of the submarine

The rearview with propeller

Sideview

They threw in a couple of planes to make your money's worth

Global Star Chalet, next to Jeti Nelayan Sungai Lereh

Jeti Nelayan Sungai Lereh

The Malacca Club Rotunda

Recce for potential campsite

View of the city from the breakwater

At the breakwater

View of the jetty in the background

Jetty near Malacca Rotunda Club

Ferry to bring passengers from the container ships to the shore

Mesmerizing

Fishing boats moored. Note a monitor lizard swimming towards the breakwater. There were lots of them in the area

Paying our respect to Hang Tuah

The warrior's grave

Outside the grave

After Tanjung Kling, we rode to Puteri Beach

Heading back to the city

Last catch before we call it a day....Kuala Melaka Lighthouse, viewed from Jabatan Laut Malaysia

Sun May Hiong pork satay and pineapple peanut gravy

Satay time

It's time to collect our cars and proceed to Paku Pakis Resort. Riding along the river next to Casa del Rio

Approaching Jonker Street

A short detour to Portuguese Settlement. This jetty is near the row of restaurants by the sea

It started drizzling when we exited from Wee's grandfather's house. By the time we got to Bukit Katil, we had entered the eye of the storm. 2 trees fell across the road and while this was reported to the whatsapp chatgroup, VT walked out to the gates to offer help. He looked left, he looked right but could not see any fallen trees. Just then, a tree fell right in front of him!!!