Nearly 90% of all adults will become parents at some point in their lives. And while most strive to be great parents, they may also find themselves confused and frustrated by the seemingly endless challenges of parenthood. Irrespective of where one is in their parenting journey, the journey is challenging and not with its twists and turns.
Positive parenting is the continual relationship between a parent(s) and a child or children that includes caring, teaching, leading, communicating, and providing for the needs of a child consistently and unconditionally. Parents strive to raise happy, confident, and well-adjusted children who want them to thrive in all aspects of life, including their emotional well-being. Emotional intelligence is a vital skill that enables individuals to understand and manage their own emotions and empathise with others. It plays a significant role in building healthy relationships, making responsible decisions, and navigating life’s challenges.
Emotional intelligence encompasses various skills and abilities that contribute to effective emotional management. These skills include self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills. By cultivating emotional intelligence in children, they are equipped with the tools to navigate their emotions and relationships successfully.
Positive parenting is an approach that emphasises respect, empathy, and open communication. It focuses on nurturing a strong parent-child relationship, which serves as the foundation for emotional intelligence development.
Positive parenting creates a loving and supportive environment: Children thrive when they feel loved and supported. Parents should express their affection and appreciation regularly by offering praise for their children’s efforts and achievements and providing comfort and reassurance during difficult times. This sense of security helps children develop a strong foundation for emotional well-being.
Positive parenting advocates active listening: A parent should actively listen to their child’s thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This can be done by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and summarising their words. When children feel heard and understood, they develop trust and learn how to express their emotions effectively.
Positive parenting fosters open communication: Parents should encourage open and honest communication with their children. They should create a safe space where the children are comfortable with sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. Parents should respond with empathy and understanding, validating their emotions and perspectives.
Positive parenting teaches emotional literacy: Help your child develop a vocabulary for their emotions. Label and discuss different emotions, both positive and negative, so they can better understand and communicate their feelings. This awareness lays the groundwork for emotional regulation.
So how can parents use positive parenting to nurture emotional intelligence in their children?
Emotion Coaching: Emotion coaching involves recognising and validating the child’s emotions while guiding them in managing those emotions constructively. When the child experiences a strong emotion, acknowledge and empathise with their feelings. Help them identify the emotion and explore coping strategies to regulate it effectively.
Encourage Problem-Solving: Parents should teach their child problem-solving skills by involving them in decision-making processes. Encourage them to brainstorm solutions and evaluate the pros and cons of each option. This empowers them to think critically, make responsible choices, and develop resilience.
Model Healthy Emotional Expression: Children learn by observing their parents. Parents should model healthy emotional expression by constructively managing their emotions. They should demonstrate effective coping strategies such as deep breathing, taking breaks, or seeking support when they encounter challenging situations and seeing this, their child will learn to emulate these strategies.
Teach Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Parents can help their child to develop empathy by encouraging them to understand and consider the feelings of others. They should engage in discussions about how different actions and words can impact someone’s emotions as well as encourage them to put themselves in others’ shoes and see things from different perspectives.
Foster Emotional Regulation: Emotional regulation is a vital aspect of emotional intelligence. Parents should teach their children various techniques for managing their emotions, such as deep breathing exercises, counting to ten, or engaging in physical activities. They should encourage them to find healthy outlets for their emotions, such as journaling, drawing, or engaging in hobbies.
Encourage Social Skills Development: Social skills play a significant role in emotional intelligence. Parents should encourage their children to engage in activities that foster social interactions, such as team sports, clubs, or community service. They should provide opportunities for them to practice skills like active listening, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Set Realistic Expectations: Emotional intelligence development is a gradual process. Parents should be patient with their children and set realistic expectations based on their age and individual capabilities. Celebrating small milestones along the way and providing constructive feedback to support their growth will help their children.
Nurturing a child’s emotional intelligence is an investment that will benefit them throughout their lives. By practising positive parenting techniques, one can create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional well-being and resilience. Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.
Parents, remember to embrace the journey, be present for your child, and watch them flourish as they navigate life with confidence, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
Today’s quote is by American Christian televangelist, pastor, motivational speaker, and author, Robert H. Schuller. One of Schuller’s most famous quotes, this one conveys an important message about the power of one’s mindset and beliefs in shaping their reality. It suggests that thoughts and attitudes play a significant role in determining whether one can achieve one’s dreams or not. Constantly dwelling on negative thoughts creates a mental environment that hinders from taking necessary actions and pursuing dreams with confidence and determination. On the other hand, an optimistic mindset, which believes in oneself and one’s potential is more likely to overcome challenges, work harder, and persist in the face of obstacles. Such a mindset can lead to personal growth, learning, and ultimately, turning dreams into reality. Individuals need to recognise the power of their thoughts and beliefs and remind them that the primary battleground for achieving their dreams is within their minds. By conquering limiting thoughts and adopting a positive outlook, one can unlock the potential to achieve what might have initially seemed impossible.
This week was an extension of last week and nothing notable happened that I can share. GG is looking forward to ending her internship on a high note next week and then taking a break before university starts in mid-August. I may be able to share some good news very soon, just waiting for some last bits of pieces to fall into place.
It’s been very hot these days with the temperatures hovering around 30-33 degrees Celsius. I am tempted to use the air conditioning daily but try to restrain myself with great difficulty. But c’est la vie and we have to roll with the punches it throws at us.
Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life – Bill Perkins
Imagine if by the time you died, you did everything you were told to. You worked hard, saved your money, and looked forward to financial freedom when you retired.
The only thing you wasted along the way was…your life.
Die with Zero presents a startling new and provocative philosophy as well as practical guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s so-called Golden Years.
In short, Bill Perkins wants to rescue you from over-saving and under-living. Regardless of your age, Die with Zero will teach you Perkins’ plan for optimizing your life, stage by stage, so you’re fully engaged and enjoying what you’ve worked and saved for.
You’ll discover how to maximize your lifetime memorable moments with “experience bucketing,” how to convert your earnings into priceless memories by following your “net worth curve,” and find out how to navigate whether to invest in, or delay, a meaningful adventure based on your “spend curve” and “personal interest rate.”
Using his own life experiences as well as the inspiring stories and cautionary tales of others—and drawing on eye-opening insights about time, money, and happiness from psychological science and behavioral finance —Perkins makes a timely, convincing, and contrarian case for living large.
The Partitions of Memory: The Afterlife of the Division of India – edited by Suvir Kaul
Echoes of the traumatic events surrounding the Partition of India in 1947 can be heard to this day in the daily life of the subcontinent, each time India and Pakistan play a cricket match or when their political leaders speak of “unfinished business.” Sikhs who lived through the pogrom following the assassination of Indira Gandhi recall Partition, as do, most recently, Muslim communities targeted by mobs in Gujarat.
The eight essays in The Partitions of Memory suggest ways in which the tangled skein of Partition might be unraveled. The contributors range over issues as diverse as literary reactions to Partition; the relief and rehabilitation measures provided to refugees; children’s understanding of Partition; the power of “national” monuments to evoke a historical past; the power of letters to evoke more immediately poignant pasts; and the Dalit claim, at the prospect of Partition, to a separate political identity. The book demonstrates how fundamental the material and symbolic histories of Partition are to much that has happened in South Asia since 1947.
Contributors: Mukulika Banerjee, Urvashi Butalia, Joya Chatterji, Priyamvada Gopal, Suvir Kaul, Nita Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Richard Murphy, and Ramnarayan S. Rawat.
Melaka River Walk The clear and narrow Melaka River flows through the middle of Melaka city from Negeri Sembilan, ending in the Straits of Melaka. Dubbed the Venice of the East, the River Walk is a promenade with food joints and shops on both sides and is pleasant to walk around. The river and beautiful paintings drawn on the buildings provide a contemporary look. The best time to visit is during dusk when the surroundings glow with colourful decorations and lights.
Melaka River Cruise The Malacca River, near its mouth, flows in the middle of Malacca City. This section of the river was developed as a tourist attraction in the city as the Malacca River Cruise, of which tourists would hop on a boat and embark on a 45-minute sightseeing tour of the city and its historic core as it cruises along the river, from Pengkalan Rama in the east to Bandar Hilir near the coast of the Strait of Malacca. The day cruise provides a detailed view of the natural surroundings and the night view is for enjoying the man-made creations. It is best to visit at night when the surroundings glow with decorative lights. There are three main types of cruises. On the Dinner Cruise, one can explore the vibrant and historical surroundings while enjoying a delicious meal in the riverboat. There are individual bookings available along with bookings for special and private events. The river cruise runs between 9 am to 11 pm every day. VIP Cruises can be booked in advance and provides facilities like live entertainment along with enjoying the surroundings. The VIP cruise runs between 8 am to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a Water Taxi which allows visitors to explore the beauty of Pulau Udan, Pulau Upeh, Pulau Nangka, and Hanyut dan Pulau Besar and runs between 9 am and 11 pm daily. Tickets can be purchased from the counter near the Spice Garden Jetty or Melaka River Square Jetty and can be purchased both online as well as offline onsite. Ticket charges are RM 30 for foreigners above 12 years, while it is RM 25 for those between 2 and 12. For Malaysians aged 12 and above, the cost is RM 25 and children between 2 and 12 need to pay RM 15.
Bridges at Melaka River that one passes during the cruise include the Tan Boon Seng Bridge which is a bridge with historical importance as the river passes the bridge coming from the Dutch Square and it was closed to cut communications between both sides when the Portuguese invaders came to Melaka. The Ghost Bridge of Melaka connecting Kampung Pantai and Kampung Jawa, was a place of violence and destruction during the invasion of the Japanese. Therefore, this pedestrian bridge was given such a name. The Old Market Bridge is a pedestrian bridge linking Kampung Hulu with the Old Market area. The Chan Koon Cheng Bridge helps in connecting the two parts of Chinatown linking Kampung Jawa. Cathay Bridge is used by those who want to walk from the Old Bus Terminal to the other side of the River which is known as Old Cathay. Jalan Hang Tuah Bridge near the Old Plaza Inn, connects Jalan Abdullah with Jalan Hang Tuah and hence it has been named after it. The Tan Kim Seng Bridge connects the residential and commercial zone to St. Paul Civic Zone, providing the link to both sides of the river.
The cruise also passes by attractions like the Red Building, Stadhuys, Bastion Middleburg, Jonker Street, pre-war buildings, colorful murals, the Water Wheel, Panggung Bangsawan, Kampung Hulu Mosque, Kampung Morten, Church of St. Francis Xavier, and the Bakau Route.
Saint Paul’s Church Built in 1521, St. Paul’s Church is the oldest in Southeast Asia and Malaysia. It is located at the summit of St. Paul’s Hill and is today part of the Malacca Museum Complex comprising the A Famosa ruins, the Stadthuys and other historical buildings.
The original structure was a simple chapel built in 1521 dedicated to the Virgin Mary and known as the Nossa Senhora da Annunciada or Our Lady of the Annunciation. The chapel was built by a Portuguese fidalgo or nobleman, Duarte Coelho, as an act of gratitude following his escape from a storm in the South China Sea. The chapel was deeded to the Society of Jesus in 1548 by the Bishop of Goa, with the title deeds received by St. Francis Xavier. The chapel was then further enlarged in 1556 with the addition of a second floor, and a belfry tower was added in 1590. The chapel was then renamed the Igreja de Madre de Deus or the Church of the Mother of God. A burial vault was opened in 1592. In 1548, St. Francis Xavier established a school on the premises of the chapel known as St. Paul’s College. This was perhaps the first school in the modern sense to be established on the Malay peninsula. St. Francis Xavier used the church as his base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan and during one of those journeys, he fell sick and died in 1552 in Shangchuan Island, China. In 1553, the body of Xavier was disinterred from Shangchuan Island and temporarily buried at the church before it was finally shipped to Goa. An open grave in the church still exists today marking the place of Xavier’s burial.
After the conquest of Malacca by the Dutch in 1641, the church was reconsecrated for Dutch Reformed use as St. Paul’s Church and was also known as the Bovenkerk or High Church. The church remained in use as the main church of the Dutch community until the new Bovenkerk, better known today as Christ Church Malacca was completed in 1753. The old church was then subsequently deconsecrated and the structure was modified and strengthened as part of the fortifications of Malacca. The nave of the church was then used as a churchyard.
When the British occupied Malacca in 1824, the church was used as a powder magazine and was allowed to deteriorate further. In 1849, a now-defunct lighthouse, which consists mainly of a lantern and gallery mounted on an arched base and is solely accessible from ground level via a small ladder, was installed in front of the church as an additional beacon for ships travelling along the Strait of Malacca. It is an approximately 13-metre high, three-storey square white tower, which adopted basic elements from neoclassical architecture with no outbuildings, assuming an angular form different from many of its cylindrical and cone-shaped counterparts throughout the region. In 1924, the old Portuguese burial vault in the chancel of the church was partially uncovered. It was in this period that the tombstones that were scattered around in the vicinity of the church were affixed to the walls.
In 1952, a statue of St. Francis Xavier was erected in front of the ruins of the church in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of his sojourn in Malacca. A day after the statue was consecrated, a large casuarina tree fell on it, breaking off its right arm.
Christ Church An 18th-century Dutch-built Anglican church which was originally Dutch Reformed, Christ Church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia. The Dutch conquest of Malacca from the Portuguese Empire in 1641 saw the proscription of Roman Catholicism and the conversion of existing churches to Dutch Reformed use. The old St. Paul’s Church at the summit of St. Paul Hill was renamed the Bovenkerk or the Upper Church and used as the main parish church of the Dutch community.
In 1741, in commemoration of the centenary of the capture of Malacca from the Portuguese, the Dutch burgher community decided to build a new church to replace the ageing Bovenkerk. The church was completed 12 years later in 1753 and replaced the Bovenkerk as the primary Dutch Reformed Church in Dutch Malacca. With the signing of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, possession of Malacca was transferred to the British East India Company and in 1838, the church was re-consecrated with the rites of the Church of England and renamed Christ Church. The maintenance of the church was taken over by the Government of the Straits Settlements in 1858. Originally painted white, the church and the neighbouring Stadthuys building were painted red in 1911 and this distinctive colour scheme has remained the hallmark of Malacca’s Dutch-era buildings since then.
The church is built in the Dutch Colonial architecture style and is laid out in a simple rectangle of 82 feet by 42 feet. The ceiling rises to 40 feet and is spanned by wooden beams, each carved from a single tree. The roof is covered with Dutch tiles and the walls were raised using Dutch bricks built on local laterite blocks and then coated with Chinese plaster. The floors of the church are paved with granite blocks originally used as ballast for merchant ships. The original Dutch windows were reduced and ornamented after the British takeover of Malacca and the porch and vestry were built only in the mid-19th century. The floors of the church also incorporate various tombstones with Portuguese and Armenian inscriptions used as paving blocks. Memorial plaques in Dutch, Armenian and English also adorn the interior of the church. The church bell is inscribed with the date 1698 suggesting that it was used for another purpose before the completion of the church. Silver altar vessels dating back to the early Dutch period are also in the possession of the church but are kept in storage and rarely taken out for display. The altar Bible has a cover made of brass inscribed with the passage from John 1:1 in Dutch.
The church’s collection of Kerk Boek or Church Book, Resolutie Boek or Resolution Book, Rapporten or Reports as well as the Doop Boek or the Baptism Register going back to the earliest Dutch times in Malacca have survived through the centuries and today are kept in the National Archives of Malaysia. Photography is prohibited inside the church. There are two Sunday services here at 8:30 am in English, 10:30 am in Mandarin and 4:30 pm in Malay. The church is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Church of St Francis Xavier The 19th-century twin-spired neo-Gothic St. Xavier Church is a catholic church facing the Melaka River. It is well known for its Catholic Masses and is one of the most popular churches in Melaka.
The church was built in 1849 on the site of an old Portuguese church by a French priest, Father Farvé. The finishing touches of the building were completed in 1856, with the present-day presbytery built in 1874. The church is a twin-spired neo-gothic structure and it is believed that the church was modelled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, Southern France, which closely followed the older church’s original construction, except for a portico which was added on in 1963. The interior of the church features a cemented floor which was completed in 1920 and encompasses white walls and coloured glass windows. There are two statues in front of the church, one belonging to St. Francis Xavier, after whom the church is named. The other statue is named after Yajiro Anjero, a Japanese samurai who met St. Francis Xavier and gave rise to the idea that Japan can be a suitable place to spread Christianity. Visitors are allowed to attend church masses and explore the premises.. The best time to visit is during the night hour when the church is illuminated by a faint blue glow. The church is open between 9 am and 5 pm daily.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Also known as the Temple of Green Cloud, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is a Chinese temple practising the Three Doctrinal Systems of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism and is the oldest functioning temple in the country.
The temple site was founded during Dutch rule by the Chinese Kapitans Tay Kie Ki Tay Hong Yong in 1645. Additional structures were then constructed in 1673 with materials imported from China. The temple served as the main place of worship for the local Hoklo or Hokkien community. The main hall was constructed in 1704 and in 1801, the temple structures were renovated with additional structures. In 1962, then abbot Seck Kim Seng ordained Houn Jiyu-Kennett, a Zen nun from England and the future founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, at this temple. The temple was awarded a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration in 2003.
The temple is situated close to Jalan Tukang Emas, also known as Harmony Street because of its proximity to the Kampung Kling Mosque and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple, covering an area of 4,600 sq m. Featuring a magnificent main gate along Jalan Tokong, the temple consists of a complex of several prayer halls with a large main prayer hall dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin. Additional smaller prayer quarters were added later with one of these dedicated to the Chinese deities of wealth, longevity and propagation, while another dedicated to ancestral tablets. The main prayer hall has a high saddles roof with stunning architecture. To the left of the main hall is the altar dedicated to Confucius, and in the back, there are ancestral local Chinese tablets. One of the main features of the temple is the seven-metre red flag pole facing the left wing of the main prayer hall, which houses the remains of two of the three Kapitans who contributed to the construction of the temple. Across the road is a traditional opera theatre which forms a part of the temple complex. The building conforms to the principles of feng shui where the complex is laid out to ensure a view of the river and high ground on either side. The temple can be visited at any time of the year. However, it is during the Chinese New Year in January or February, that the true beauty of the temple comes to light.
Melaka Straits Mosque Also referred to as the Masjid Selat Melaka, the Malacca Straits Mosque is a mosque located on the man-made Malacca Island and was opened on 24 November 2006 by the Malaysian King. It was constructed at a cost of about MYR10 million using a mix of Middle Eastern and Malay craftsmanship. Built on stilts, the mosque looks like a floating structure when the water level is high and has two intersecting archways leading to the main entrance and stained glass which covers the space in between the arches. The mosque compound has a 30-metre-tall minaret that is also used as a lighthouse. Four small domes are present in the corner with a sizeable prayer room accommodating 1500 people at once.
Kampung Hulu Mosque The Kampung Hulu Mosque is a mosque situated at the Kampong Hulu Village. It is the oldest mosque in Malacca and among the oldest in the country, having originally been built between 1720 and 1728 and underwent renovation in 1892. The architectural design of the mosque is a cross between Javanese, Malay, Sumateran, and Sini styles of architecture. There are three ascending layers of pyramidal levels with winged roofs, separated by gaps to allow the free flow of air and light. Each level has its spiritual significance. The distinct ceramics in the mosque are imported materials from the Chinese Qing Dynasty. A small section of the porch, that serves as iwan, juts out from the front of the mosque. The minaret, ablution pool and entrance arch were built at the same time as the main building. The minaret resembles a pagoda in the style of Balai Nobat Melayu. An ancient cemetery lies next to the mosque where some notable preachers and missionaries are buried.
Pantai Klebang Pantai Klebang is a popular Melaka beach near 1 Malaysian Square. The beach is well known for its white sand dunes and is a perfect backdrop for photographs. It is great for fun-filled family activities such as horse riding, flying kites, and enjoying the beautiful beach. The beach also has a playground for children, and several food trucks beside the playground serve delicious snacks. It is particularly famous for its coconut shakes and food trucks.
The 10m to 20m high sand dunes at Klebang Beach are a result of the unfinished developments in the area. The beach was originally envisioned to be a beachfront surrounded by several resorts, but because of the instability of the area and groundwork, the project was called off. This left several dunes on the beach which are also known as the White Sand Dunes of Melaka. The sand dunes are a perfect backdrop for photographers Since there is no shade on the beach, visitors are recommended to wear hiking sandals and carry sunblock. The best time to visit Pantai Klebang is during the evening hours, as visitors can spend time at the beach with a pleasant climate while watching the spectacular sunset.
Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary Locally known as the Taman Rama-Rama dan Reptilia Malacca, the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary is an 11-acre butterfly and reptile sanctuary and zoo in Ayer Keroh. Earlier known as the Butterfly Park Melaka, it is one of the most famous natural attractions in the city.
The sanctuary is divided into four sections – Larva Center, Pupa House, Tarantula Adventure and Bugs Kingdom, each of these housing different types of species, like butterflies, reptiles, insects, koi fish, etc. The sanctuary is also home to the two rare golden leopards and almost instinct Raja Brooke which is the national butterfly of Malaysia. There is free parking is available outside the sanctuary and tour guides are also available inside. The sanctuary is open between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm and entry fees are RM 22 for an adult and RM 16 for a child between 3 and 12.
Malacca Tower Menara Taming Sari is a 110-meter-high tower and is also known as Taming Sari Tower. It is the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia. The revolving tower has a viewing platform that offers visitors a 360-degree view of Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage City with spectacular views at night. The viewing platform can carry 80 passengers at a time. Once all the passengers have boarded the ride, the platform rises to a height of 80 meters and slowly rotates for 7 minutes. The glass cabin revolves as it rises from the ground to the top. This gives viewers ample time to take a look at the city of Melaka while clicking spectacular photographs. Visitors can even see the Straits of Melaka and the Melaka River when the sky is clear. The tower is named after Taming Sari, a weapon which belonged to the legendary Malay warrior, Hang Tuah. Even the architecture is designed in the shape of the weapon it’s named after. The tower also has cafes and restaurants and souvenir shops. The tower is open from 10 am to 11 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 11 pm on weekends and public holidays. Entry fees for foreign adult tourists are RM 23 while a child below 12 years needs to pay RM 15. For a Malaysian adult, the entry fee is RM 17 and the child fee is RM 11.
The Shore Sky Tower The Shore Sky Tower is the tallest building in Melaka, located in the Kampung Bunga Paya Pantai area. Housing an observation deck on the 43rd floor, it offers a breathtaking view of up to 50 km on every side with six units of telescopes around the roof and glass deck. The 42nd level of Tower 1 is the residential and commercial hub with two hotel towers and two residential towers having a shopping gallery at the top and an observation deck at the 43rd level. The glass floor of the Shore Sky Tower is not for the soft-hearted with a ledge hanging from the building for the adventure lovers. The best time to visit is during the evening when the whole city glows with colourful and magical lights. Mobile phones are not allowed in the glass deck due to safety concerns, though a professional photographer is present there. A maximum of five people are allowed at the deck at any one time. The tower is a non-smoking zone with no outside food or drinks being allowed inside. There is also no refund policy in case of an injury or any natural calamity or extreme weather like heavy rains. Damaged tickets are also not valid. The tower is wheelchair accessible. The tower is open between 8 am and 11 pm and entry fees are RM 23.50 for an adult and RM 17 for a child. The entry fee includes a pack of souvenir postcards.
Skytrex Adventure Melaka Located close to the exit toll of PLUS highway along Jalan Ayer Keroh, Skytrex Adventure Melaka is an ideal day-out destination for fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. The park houses the first Skybike in Malaysia, along with other adventure courses like the UFO and the Tarzan Bungee Swing. It is also the first park to offer nighttime camping called Skynight. The first difficulty level, Little Dino, is for children. It involves getting past climbing and walking nets, rolling barrels, hug pipes, floating tires, vertical ropes, and gondolas. Adults can pick from the intermediate level called Pahlawan Thrill or the advanced level called Extreme Warrior. The first includes obstacles like ladder-ups, plank bridges, flying foxes, cable walks, U-ropes, Tarzan swings, zig-zag bridges, and more. The advanced course has similar obstacles but is set at a much more difficult level. The first departure starts at 9 am while the last departure is at 3 pm. On selected nights, Skynight is open from 8:30 to 11 pm. One must check the different time slots for each difficulty level before purchasing tickets on the official website. Entry fees are varied starting from MYR 60 for the beginner level to MYR 100 per person for Skynight. All participants must weigh under 100kg while SkyNight requires advanced online booking. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Outside of the main city of Malacca, one should visit the following sites.
Cape Rachado Lighthouse The Cape Rachado Lighthouse or Rumah Api Tanjung Tuan in Malay is a lighthouse located in Cape Rachado, also known as Tanjung Tuan in Malay. It lies about 61 km north of Malacca, in an enclave within the state of Negeri Sembilan. The lighthouse is believed to be the oldest in the country, its history allegedly dating back to Portuguese rule of Malacca during the 16th century. The early history of the lighthouse remains largely unverified, with unofficial accounts by locals tracing the lighthouse’s history back to a period following the conquest of Malacca by Portugal in 1511. The Portuguese government in Malacca vested interest in the construction of a lighthouse to guide its ships through the narrow Straits of Malacca, completing the first iteration of the structure on Cape Rachado, a name given by the Portuguese, meaning Broken Cape in the 16th century. Possession of the lighthouse was handed over to the Dutch VOC, alongside Malacca in entirety in 1641, and a second version of the building was claimed to have been built in 1817, during the temporary rule by the British under William Farquhar, seven years before Malacca’s total changeover to the British in 1824. The present lighthouse was constructed in 1863, during Malacca’s status as a British-ruled Straits Settlement, and currently remains active. In 1990, a concrete tower was built close to the original lighthouse to house a MEASAT radar.
The current lighthouse consists of a 24-metre high circular tower with a lantern and gallery, and an adjoining double-storey keeper’s house at the base, both constructed of masonry and whitewashed. An additional tower completed in 1990 was constructed using reinforced concrete and holds a MEASAT radar, designed to monitor ship traffic in the Strait of Malacca and aid in communications, at the top of the structure. The lighthouse is entirely based on a fort-like foundation. The lighthouse is located on a summit at Cape Rachado roughly 100 meters inland, and is enclosed within woodland, which makes the lighthouse’s location an ideal area for birdwatching. Access to the lighthouse is largely restricted to travel by foot, with the immediate site accessible only via two stairwells: a spiral staircase with 72 steps and a stone staircase behind the lighthouse, the latter serving as an easier access point to the lighthouse.
Gadek Hot Spring The Gadek Hot Spring or Kolam Air Panas Gadek in Malay is a hot spring in Alor Gajah about 30 km northeast of Malacca. The area around the hot spring was first developed in the 1980s and has been improved over time as a popular tourist attraction. The hot spring has a surface temperature of 56 °C with an average water flow of 5.4 litres per minute, containing hydrogen sulphite gas. The hot spring is equipped with a restaurant, food stalls, a children’s playground, an outdoor swimming pool, and bathrooms. The hot spring opens every day from 7 am to 9 pm.
Pengkalan Balak Beach Pengkalan Balak Beach or Pantai Pengkalan Balak in Malay is a beach in the town of Masjid Tanah, about 36 km north of Malacca. It is one of the important landing sites of the hawksbill turtles in the state. A turtle conservation and information centre was set up by the Department of Fisheries at the fishing village Kampung Padang Kemunting to protect the species. The beach features turtle sculptures. The beach is popular amongst tourists who come there to picnic, swimming, fishing, and camping.
One of my favourite holiday destinations to drive from Singapore, Malacca is a wonderful travel destination and after researching the state for this series, I have learnt more about this state and want to explore it as soon as possible.
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Memories and Such 