We left Singapore on Thursday 26th Nov. travelling by air-con bus ($20Sin) to Melaka, a 4.5 hr trip on the highway. After some confusion at Melaka Central bus station (for more than 2 people take a taxi!!) we arrived at Riverview Guesthouse which has surpassed all the rave reviews on the Hostelworld site. The only budget place right on the river it is managed by a Malaysian couple undertaking a seachange venture and they have nailed it. homemade cookies on the table as we checked in, helpful but not invasive, and the place is clean, airy and roomy. Max. number of guests is 14 at any time so never crowded or noisy but is right in the middle of the Heritage area. My teenage kids love it!
We happened to be here the weekend of the Hari Raya Aidiladha so it has been busy particularly around Jonker Street. There have been queues for the popular restaurants ie Fomosa Rice Ball/Capitol Satay/Jonker 88(Cendol and Laksa)but otherwise no problems. We have particularly enjoyed eating at Sin Yin Hoe (cnr Jalan Kampong Pantai/Lrg.Hang Jebat)especially Soft Shell Crab, Chicken in Ginger and Pork in Yam Ring. Meal for three with drinks costs $40 Sin/$13 Aust.
Our breakfasts have been at Savana on Jalan Temenggong an Indian vegetarian serving cheap and delicious dosai,roti,chapati and murtabak. Raymond and Mani at Riverview also love their makanan and are a fount of info on eating anything in Melaka. Don't miss a chendol though especially for the kids as the local variety is covered in gula melaka and is yummo!!
We have attempted to do some tourist places but the rain has started and we have been a little restricted in our outings. Enjoying being lazy and hanging out with the guest cast at Riverview which is always changing. The kids have met Japanese, Spanish,English and Malay Chinese in just two days.
