For four days we woke up whenever we wanted to and went out whenever we felt like it. Our morning coffee sessions were spent alongside Melaka River and then finished the last season of our favorite series in the comforts of our room. It seems like a staycation but no, we’re on a four-day holiday in Melaka, a far cry from last year’s 23-hour quick trip to the Historic City of Malaysia. The Pines Melaka was our home for four days and we couldn’t be much happier.
Our last year’s Melaka trip was such a disgrace to this UNESCO World Heritage City that we swore to be back again real soon, a daytrip wouldn’t suffice
to really capture the city’s soul. So for our Beach Hop Asia 2016, we had Melaka as our first stop.
The Pines Melaka is one of the freshest additions to the growing hotel scene
in the city. I love that it is conveniently located in the heart of Melaka but
away from the crowd. It is also along the Melaka River and in front of Villa Sentosa
(Malay Living Museum) which made it lovelier. It has its own jetty for the Melaka River Cruise and also provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
It was nine in the evening and after a 2-hour bus ride from Kuala
Lumpur International Airport (RM 21.40 | US$ 5.50) we arrived at Melaka Sentral
where we hopped on a domestic bus going to the hotel. And then after a few minutes, we
were at the lobby of The Pines.
Sleek furniture and unique light fixtures received us as we stepped
into the comforts of the lobby. A gracious staff immediately assisted us on our
luggage and ushered us to the front desk. We had prior online booking that
provided a hassle-free check-in. We were handed our keycards to our home
for three nights and made our way to our room.
We opened our Deluxe Room (check rates) on the 6th level of the hotel
and were surprised on the enormity of our room (46 sq.m.).
The fitted toilet and bath was on my left and I was glad to see the hot
and cold shower with rain shower head that made me wanna get a decent shower
right away. Bathroom amenities were also provided.
I checked the kitchenette on my right and there were coffee and
tea-making facilities, complimentary drinking water and mini fridge. A two-seater
dining set was also available.
I walked pass through the hall and noticed a receiving area with a sofa
(that doubles up as a bed) and a low table. I immediately made this my own
space for my stuff, I usually want my personal space. Opposite to it was a wardrobe
closet where it housed the in-room safe.
A wooden see-through room divider provided the right amount of seclusion to
our king-sized bed. The fluffy pillows and duvet looked so comfy.
Across the bed was a work station (which was occupied by my buddy
immediately) with lamp and ergonomic chair. A daybed rested underneath the
flatscreen TV.
I jumped into bed when I noticed the huge drapes covering the windows.
I pushed it aside which revealed a full-glass window with a great view of
Melaka River and the traditional Malay Village right across the hotel. I sat
there for a moment and got too excited for our four-day jaunt in the city.
We had dinner once and got enthralled by the food selections. Me and my
buddy love local food in every country we visit and if you didn’t know yet, we have
this love affair with Mee Goreng.
Laksa Over Mee (RM 27) Yellow noodles in spicy coconut milk broth with cockles, prawns, fishcake, chicken and bean curd puff |
Hainanese Chicken Rice (RM 29) Steamed (or roasted) chicken with specially prepared fragrant rice served with home made Hainanese chili sauce, thick soy sauce and ginger dip |
Trio of Burgers (RM 30) Grilled homemade lamb patty on charcoal bun, Fried battered chicken thigh on green tea bun, and Pan fried seabass on strawberry bun. Homemade sauces: Thai, Capsicum and Tomato |
The Oak Club (RM 27) Sandwich in white bread (or wholemeal) served with sliced cheddar cheese, grilled chicken breast, chicken lyoner, fried egg, avocado, seasonal greens and French fries. |
I loved the authenticity of the dishes. One
remarkable thing was that nothing overpowered anything. Like everything
blended pretty well that additional spices won’t be needed at all. I, of
course, loved the Mee Mamak (a close
relative of Mee Goreng).
The Pines has free scheduled shuttle service to the famous Jonker
Street which we didn’t get to avail for we really wanted to stroll along the
riverside on our way to the UNESCO Heritage City.
We also got the chance to avail the bike rental services of the hotel
(RM 4 / hour | RM 20 / 6 hours) and didn’t think that we’d enjoy it as much. We despised biking in
Chiang Rai (Thailand) and Bagan (Myanmar) but we loved our quick biking trip in
Melaka along the riverbanks.
An English Tea Set is served at Grea8 Café and we got the chance to try
it out. The loose leaf tea was lovely with some goodies from the three-tiered platter.
The view from the café was gorgeous that made that afternoon very relaxing.
Overall, we loved our stay at The Pines Melaka. More than the comfortable stay and great food, I loved how all the staff were very helpful in all of our requests and queries.We will definitely stay here again on our next Melaka trip.
Me and my buddy were biking on the traditional Malay Houses right across The Pines Melaka when we were greeted by an old man showing us the right way to the houses. We said our thank you’s then pedaled back to the right direction when he asked us if we’re from Thailand, I smiled at him and said that we’re from the Philippines, he gave his satisfying nod and waved at us. It felt like home. I love the simplicity and sincerity of the neighborhood. It felt like home.
Me and my buddy were biking on the traditional Malay Houses right across The Pines Melaka when we were greeted by an old man showing us the right way to the houses. We said our thank you’s then pedaled back to the right direction when he asked us if we’re from Thailand, I smiled at him and said that we’re from the Philippines, he gave his satisfying nod and waved at us. It felt like home. I love the simplicity and sincerity of the neighborhood. It felt like home.
The Pines Melaka (book online)
33 Jalan Tun Sri Lanang
75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Contact Number: (+606) 240.2323
Website: www.thepines-melaka.com
May I ask what bus you took from melasma central? Tks
ReplyDeleteMay I ask what bus you took from melasma central? Tks
ReplyDeleteWe asked around and everyone pointed us to a certain bus number (which I already forgot) and we waited for a few minutes for it to arrive. Nonetheless, the ride was smooth and we were dropped in front of the hotel :)
Delete