[Melaka] Bayou Lagoon Park Resort

Accommodation type: Resort/Hotel
Price range: RM175-RM600
General highlights: Exclusive water park
Facilities: Spa, Multi-level carpark, convention centre, indoor amusement game centre, 3D theater
Address: Bayou Lagoon Park Resort, Jalan Wakaf Utama, Bukit Katil, 75450 Melaka
Phone number: 06-233 0888
URL: http://www.bayoulagoon.com.my/

The Bayou Lagoon Park Resort changed its management a year ago. One of its main features is the exclusive water park which attracts visitors from all around the nation. The resort also offers an indoor game room, 3D theater and a large convention centre that fit 3000 pax.

The good features about this resort are its various room types. You can choose from a studio apartment, 2 bedroom apartment, 3 bedroom apartment or the penthouse. No matter your family size, you are able to find an apartment that fit your party. Also, it has 3 blocks of apartments. Chances of getting a place during peak time is high.


However, it is also a nightmare to visit this resort during peak time. The hotel is under-staffed. As we enter the lobby at 12pm to check in, the reception area is chaotic. When we get the keys and heading to our room, dishes are left outside the hotel room corridor. There were no staff to attend to the mess until 4pm. The waterpark is not big enough to accommodate the guests when it is fully booked.


The location of the resort is out of the normal tourist spots. You will need your own transport to access to other locations as the resort is away from the rest of the world. Food is also limited. The most convenient way for a quick meal is to dine at the hotel restaurant.


It is a family resort. We would recommend it for parents that needed a quick getaway for their kids. It is also a great place for house party. Avoid school holiday season as it would be a peak time for the hotel. 

[Melaka] Eleven Bistro & Restaurant

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Price range: RM15 - RM80 per dish
Halal/Non-halalAmbience: Restaurant
Style of cooking: Fusion of Portuguese and Nyonya
Address: 11, Jalan Hang Lekir, Melaka
Business hours: Daily; 11:00am - 2:00am

Located on the smaller alley next to the crowded Jonker Walk, Eleven Bistro is very easy to locate. Just look out for Geographer Cafe and turn into the alley. The unique selling point about this restaurant is the ambience. It is a place where visitors come to relax in a family-pub environment, and at the same time able to enjoy some Malaccan food.


The style of cooking at Eleven Bistro is also something different. Unlike other Malaccan restaurants that serve authentic Portugues or authentic Nyonya food, this restaurant merge the two styles of cooking, such as improvising a traditional Portuguese dish using typical Nyonya ingredients. The locals may find it hard to accept as they are accustomed to what is "authentic Portuguese" or "authentic Nyonya" cuisine. If you put aside your criticism and just enjoy the food as it is, you will find it full of characteristics.


We had the opportunity to sample most of their popular dishes and we can conclude that their signature dishes are recommended to order. It is best to skip those common dishes and save your stomach space for better options.

Hai San Baked Fish (RM40-RM70). Don't be fooled by the spicy gravy of the dish. It isn't as spicy as it seems. This dish is a must to order.

Creamy Garlic Mussels (RM15/RM25) cooked with butter and cream with a little taste of curry leaves.

Salted Egg Crab (RM80-RM100 for 2 crabs). The way of preparing salted egg crab is entirely different from other places. The crabs are tossed in salted egg gravy. Make sure you ask the waitress if it is crab season when you are ordering.

Fried fish roe (price not available). Be warned that this dish is extremely high in cholestrol. We love this dish for the generous amount of fish roe in each bite. The batter is crispy and crunchy, while the fish roe melts in your mouth. Every bite is so sinful, yet so satisfying.

Gula Melaka Chicken Wing (RM15 for 3 pieces). The chicken wings are marinated in local gula melaka (palm sugar) and santan (coconut milk). This dish is one of the special ones that you cannot find elsewhere. Best taken with a pint of chilled beer.

Gula Melaka Crab (RM80-RM100 for 2 crabs). The crabs are cooked in local palm sugar and tossed with shredded coconut flakes.

Portuguese Dable Curry Chicken (RM15/RM25). This is a typical Portuguese Devil's curry chicken. Not as spicy as it looks, but it can be intimidating for foreign tongues.

Salted egg squid (RM15/RM25). Not in menu. The normal way of preparing salted egg squid is to toss in the squids into a salted egg batter and deep fry it until golden. We didn't expect to see the squid served in salted egg gravy. The squids are cooked in perfection - not too chewy.


What we love about Eleven Bistro is their adventurous style of cooking. The dishes can be a hit or miss, depending on what you order. Do ask for recommendation to be safe. The prices are reasonable too. 

[Melaka] Freeport A'Famosa Outlet

Type: Shopping
Opening hour: Daily; 10:00am - 10:00pm
Address: Jalan Kemus, Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah, Melaka
URL: http://www.freeportafamosa.com/


Something new to bring you out of the usual jam-packed town area while visiting Melaka. The Freeport A'Famosa Outlet (FAO) is now fully operating with more than 100 fashion brands under the roof. Strategically located within the vicinity of A'Famosa Resort, the FAO is 5 minutes away from Simpang Ampat toll (if you are traveling to Melaka from North-South Highway) which is far away from the congested traffic in town.


FAO is a marriage between Freeport (an investor, asset manager and operator for portfolio of European outlet centres) and Langkah Reality Sdn. Bhd. The current operation is only the first phase of a total 3 phase project. The first phase is good enough to attract shopaholics to keep coming back with the unbelievable deals.

The retail concept reflects the Dutch elements based on the Melaka's historical value. Designed by leading Australian architect, LGM Architecture, the retail shops are all in single-storey and open-air construction is pretty unique compared to other retails in Malaysia.


Current brands that are available at FAO:

• Nike
• Forever 21
• Levi's
• Triumph
• Clarks
• Rip Curl
• Carlo Rino
• Moodboard
• Sacoor Brother
• Puma
• Crocs
• Luv Lux
• Esprit
• Cotton On
• Cosas United
• Narquirkee
• G2000
• Curiosity
• Only
• Vero Moda
• Sketchers
• Florsheim
• Samsonite
• Sembonia
• Elle
• Folli Follie
• Stay Fit
• Poney
• Aviva
• Nature Republic
• Daphne
• Melinda Looi
• Camel Active
• Geox
• Aivoria
• Wonder Rococo by Candy Flowers
• IL Fragrance
• City Chain
• L Celebs
• U.S. Polo Assn.

... and many more opening soon!

One of the must-visit store at FAO is the 57th Street by Zang Toi Cafe. This is the very first Zang Toi Cafe in Melaka. Take a sip of their signature Zang Toi's Tea Punch after a long day shopping to refresh yourself.

For something more energizing, you can opt for a shot of espresso from Dr. Cafe coffee cart.

While the prices are cheap and amazing deals in every shop, be reminded that most items are passed season. There is only one luxury boutique, which is Luv Lux, located near the windmill. The boutique carries brands such as Stella McCartney, Moschino, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Tods, Miu Miu and Sergio Rossi. The best deal we spotted was Moschino handbag for only RM700+. It was a steal!

We recommend you to visit FAO when visiting Melaka, especially to shopaholics who are looking for bargains. Don't miss out the chance to grab the attractive offers that you can't get in regular retails.

Some of the shopping tips for you:

In case of crowded carpark, go into A' Famosa Resort and park near the Cowboy Town. There is a small access at the side of the carpark to the main road. You can walk along the main road to reach FAO. It's about 1 minute walk, which is not as bad as getting stuck in the carpark with no space to park your car.

Wear flat shoes! There will be a lot of walking. And also bring some water, just in case.

Some stores allow you to keep your haul at the counter before check out. You can scout the entire place first before settle for the best. If you decided to let go of your haul, do have the courtesy to tell the cashier. 

The FAO is a single storey construction. It is pram and wheelchair friendly.