Outdoor 5/8

A Day in Malacca: Day 3 of Our Cruise

Tina Pascual
Oct 9, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Aug 31, 2020

As usual, we had a generous breakfast after we greeted the morning. We then relaxed at the bench overlooking the sea while wandering our minds.

Just after lunchtime, we docked at the Malacca port. Honestly, I have no idea about the city. I never researched about it, knowing that we will just be around the port anyway. The ship anchored far from the land area. They offered a boat for another 5 minutes ride to the pier. And yes, we enjoyed it as well like we are having a mini tour of the city already.

We just strolled not far from the pier as we were afraid to ran out of time going back to the ship. Our land visit is short. In fact, we only have all the afternoon to roam around. Being unfamiliar with the place, we might get lost and spend too much time figuring out the map rather than enjoying the town.

Gladly, we can see a gyro tower from a distance. We believed the vessel is meant for tourists to have a glimpse of the city from above. We tried to get there by using it as our guide.

The gyro is 110 meters high and it revolves in 360 degree. We realised it is a good way to crash course the city tour. We can save time and effort to see the whole town. So we tried a 7 minutes ride. It cost 20 Malaysian Ringgit (5 USD) for adult foreigners and can hold up to 66 people.

As soon as the gyro starts going up, we were thrilled. We realised how much beauty Malacca behold. The residential is symmetrically aligned and the river is majestically strategical. We also saw the galleon, the glorious hotels, the road condition and the modern buildings. The place was undeniably beautiful.

Later on we learned that Malacca (or Melaka) is a Unesco World Heritage site that was colonised by the Portuguese and had been a melting pot for various races such as the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese and many more.

Although, it drizzled the whole afternoon, we manage to enjoy our time. In fact, we had a good excuse to sit for a while in a shaded corridor and observe the people. Specifically, we were fascinated with their cycle rickshaw full of colourful floral decorations. This had been our means going back to the ship.

On board, we again had a scrumptious formal dinner, saw a theatre performance and went to a dance class. Just before we sleep though, the ship blasted a 70’s music at the lobby with a theme of ‘Rock & Roll Class Reunion’. We had no choice but to join the party and dance until midnight.

Family Day at PENANG, MALAYSIA Via a Cruise

Tina Pascual
Oct 2, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Aug 31, 2020

Day 2 of Cruise:

We woke up early in the morning. Obviously, we were excited for the breakfast buffet. As usual, we enjoyed the food. This day, we are anticipating to dock at Penang, Malaysia right after lunch time.

Since we had an extra time to prepare for our mini tour in the city, we decide to roam around the ship to breath some fresh air at the upper deck.

As scheduled, we arrived at the port right after our formal lunch. Tour packages are offered in the ship but we preferred to explore the town by our feet. Besides, we considered seeing the place as a bonus anyway.

As soon as we stepped on the land, we roam around near the harbour and appreciate the architecture of the city. Although we only saw a very small portion of Penang, we knew it was mainly built during the British colony. It also held remnants of the war.

To sum up our few hours, we were able to see the Queen Victoria Tower Clock and the Fort Cornwallis. It is both located at Georgetown, a Unesco World Heritage site. We also went at their hawker center and ordered some drinks while we rest.

However, what we realised is that, it was more enjoyable to be on the ship. Simply because we were pampered. The hospitable and cheerful staffs brightens our time. It feels like we are rewarded with the generosity of their service. We think nothing and we simply enjoyed our time. It was really an escape from all of life’s stressors.

At night, we again relished our fine dinner and watched a world class circus and acrobatic performances. Immediately after the theatre curtain closed, we went to the lobby for a free cocktail to toss with the captain as they parade. It was a prideful and intimate moment to meet all the big people behind the cruise. We celebrated with lots of balloons and dancing subsequently.

Our parents had retired after the party. But as for me and my sister, we spent the rest of the night at the bar. Unfortunately, it was empty. The bartender told us that in Asian cruise, they expect less - and almost no customers compared to the westerners. Nevertheless, we happily unwind at the sofa overlooking the dark ocean view.

3 Days Royal Caribbean Cruise

Tina Pascual
Sep 18, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Aug 31, 2020

My family booked a 50% off of Southeast Asia cruise for 3 days and 2 nights. We planned to spend the halloween while we journey to Penang and Malacca, Malaysia.

Day 1:

We specifically boarded the Legend of the Sea ship. It was the ship’s last voyage in Asia as the company planned to replace it with a bigger vessel to accommodate the demand. That is the reason why we got the ticket at a discount.

The embarkation process was easy and organise. Of course, the most important thing to bring is our legal document. Our passport was taken from us before we boarded the ship. There was also a hidden camera that snaps in every passengers as they come in. I believe this was part of their security process.

The moment we stepped on the ship’s deck, I knew for a second it was massive. Simply because we spent an ample of minutes to get to our room

We got a partition room where we can access our parent’s and vice versa. Everything was neat and clean except that the toilet basin wasn’t flushing. It was a mess and a complete annoyance, especially that it took so long for the service man to be contacted. In fact, we were disappointed that every time we use the privy, we have to call for a repair. But other than that, the room was nice and well. Just like we were checked-in in a high ranking hotel.

Its a good chance to spend quality time with my love ones.

Honestly, my impression of a cruise was boring. Personally, I liked to have something much in the eyes. I am used to a busy life of the city with lots of disturbances to keep me occupied. So, knowing that I will only see the ocean for several days made me feel impatient. In fact, I argued with my sister that it will be a complete waste of time. But she insisted and so I gave in. After all, it’s something new to experience and it’s a good chance to spend quality time with my loved ones.

In a nutshell, seeing my parents playful and joyful excitement had already convinced me that its going to be a fun sail, anyway. Soon after we unpacked and freshen up, we were invited to a buffet lunch. Everything was free and flowing. The food hall was so huge. We were greeted with smiling ushers complete with a welcome table full of carved and well presented food.

We made way to a table near the window so we can take a good view of the ocean while eating. Of course, we ate all our hearts out. Indeed, we had three rounds of meal.

As soon as we are full, we chilled at the bench overlooking the ocean. To our surprised, the friendly attendants wearing Hawaiian shirt invited us at the snack bar. We had pastries, pizzas, ice creams and colas to fill excess stomach spaces while we relax.

With all our tummy bloating with too much food, we decided to take a walk around to check on the ship’s facilities. It has swimming pools, casino, ballroom, bar, golf area, jogging path, rock climbing wall, restaurants, library, theatre and a grand lobby where musicians play their instruments. We also stumbled on their wall full of awards, history and display of important people's portrait.

The ship was so vast that we didn't realised it was already evening. We soon found ourselves all dressed up for a formal dinner. Before entering an elegant and high ceiling restaurant, we were taken for a complimentary family photo. Afterwards, we were escorted to a ten seater round table and was served according to our choice of full course meal. To top our dining experience, we were entertained by a jolly and hospitable waiters.

Straight from the scrumptious dinner, we watched a dance show at the theatre to end our day. We were amazed by the perfect performances that its almost hard to retire for sleep.