2014 JUNE MELAKA | invictus

The Viva Invictus Photo Gallery

MALACCA TRIP JUNE 2014

Day 1

(Singapore to Malacca)

Destinations : Kampong Parit Penghulu

Rubber Plantation

Oil Palm Plantation

Padi Fields

Hang Tuah Well

Portugese Square Settlement

Hotel - The Avillion Legacy

Today we travelled to Malacca via the Tuas 2nd link with our Viva Invictus children along with parent volunteers. We were blessed with good weather.

We visited a Malacca traditional village in Muar, called Kampong Parit Penghulu, for a simple malay lunch before adjourning for activities around the village. This allowed us the opportunity to appreciate the traditional architecture and culture of the Malays. The activities included hands-on ondeh ondeh making, ketupat weaving, the learning of traditional games like throwing tops (Gasing) and just the fun and excitement to be found living in a traditional Malay village. The children were petting goats and chasing chickens. We also got to see different tropical fruit trees and plants grown locally by them, like the durian, mangosteen, jackfruit, rambutan, duku, dragonfruit, lime, lady's finger, cinnamon and many others.

Next we visited a rubber plantation, an oil palm plantation and a paddy field to experience the processes from planting to harvesting, pollination and seed dispersion, latex tapping and the machines or tools they used.

Finally, we dropped by the Hang Tuah Well (natural spring water), Portuguese Square settlement and had a scrumptious dinner at Nynoya Suan, a local Peranakan food establishment. Afterwhich, we had an hour of shopping at Mahkota Parade before heading to Hotel Avillion Legacy for the check-in at about 9 pm.

Day 2

(Malacca)

Destinations : Jonker Street

Historic Worship Places

Christ Church

A'Farmosa

St. Paul's Hill

Peranakan Museum (Unfortunately photo taking was disallowed)

Breakfast was at the hotel's cafe and we were out by 9 am to Jonker Walk which has become a cultural gazetted area. We visited places of worship namely, a Chinese temple, a Muslim mosque and a Hindu temple. We even passed by a Muslim burial place! We also witnessed the different types of traditional trades like the making of nyonya beaded shoes and beaded bags. Some old and interesting items and crafts that we do not find in Metropolitan Singapore anymore.

At 11 am, we went on a detailed tour of the Baba & Nyonya Museum (Peranakan Museum) established in the 19th century. Their collection of heirlooms and antiques, together with their mixed traditions and culture was an eye opener for all of us. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any photographs of the beautiful antiques and the grand interior of the house.

Next we went on to the other end of Jonker Street across the river to see the Portuguese influence in Malacca. Christ Church, Stadthuys and A'Farmosa, followed by a short walk up St. Paul's hill to see the church ruins and open grave of St. Francis Xavier.

We had lunch at another peranakan restaurant before going back to hotel at 3 pm. Some of the children had fun at the pool while a few went to the gym. Others stayed in to nap, while some went to do some shopping.

Dinner was at 7.30 pm at the Indian restaurant located just opposite the hotel. We had simple dishes; curry and rice on a banana leaf lined plate, prata and teh tarik.

The day ended late for everyone. The P6 Viva children bought food, tidbits and drinks. They gathered into one of their rooms and had lots of fun; chatting and watching soccer together. The P4 Viva children gathered into a parent volunteer's room to watch the cartoons channel together.

The kids have really bonded with each other for the past 2 days.

Day 3

(Malacca back to Singapore)

Destinations : Chetti Museum

Tiara Melaka

Singapore (Home Sweet Home)

Last day in Malacca. The younger children wished they could go back to Singapore to their comfortable airconditioned surroundings, while the others wanted to stay longer.

After breakfast, we checked-out of the hotel. We set off at 9 am to the Chetti Museum, for the Hindu Peranakans. We got to tour around our friendly Chetti host's house and had a hands-on session making jasmine flower garlands which are used by the Chetti for celebrations and traditional events.

Our last stop was at the country golf club Tiara Melaka to have lunch at a Chinese Muslim restaurant before heading back to Singapore.

During the trip back, the bus was a little noisier than before. The children had already bonded and most of them filled the back row seats of the bus having fun with jokes and games. The weather had been good for the past 3 days. We were blessed to have an experienced tour guide with us on this trip and we learnt so much from the knowledge he had about Melaka and it's history.

It was a smooth journey back to Singapore without traffic jams or delays at the custom check points.

We arrived at the Viva Invictus centre at 5.30 pm and children were dismissed.

We really enjoyed our trip with the children and parent volunteers.

Moving forward, we have some plans for our November/December holiday trip already! So watch the news section for announcements!