Melaka
We have tried over the last couple of days to get an internet deal for one of the posh hotels in KL but no luck, so decided to move onto Melaka today. We undertook a sweat inducing walk to the bus station, a crazy place, jam packed with hundreds of people coming and going. We arrived mid-afternoon, and arrived at our guesthouse having had it recommended to us. We decided to have our treat here (it is slightly out of our usual budget) and booked in for four nights. It's a modern, boutique kind of place, a 17th century Dutch mansion that has been renovated into stylish accommodation. We have a wonderful view from our window - a jumble of tiled roofs of different colours and heights - very interesting to look at compared to the uniform houses back home all in their own neat spaces.
Come the evening, the main street of Chinatown (where we are staying) came alive with a bustling night market. We wandered around the stalls for a while, and then decided to sample some street food at one of the many stalls. We ordered a bowl of Laksa each - a Malaysian staple - noodles, beansprouts and tofu in a hot, coconut soup.
It is a very relaxing place to stay, despite the fact that it is in the middle of China Town - by far the most interesting and bustling part of Melaka. This excellent location means you are within minutes of restaurants, food stalls and the massive weekend market.
Breakfast is included in the price.
The only downside is that it did seem to lack the social atmosphere of usual hostel/backpacker places. That could have been because it was quiet when we were there. There is a lounge/TV room so there is a place for people to sit and chat - there just wasn't anybody sitting and chatting when we were there.
Despite this it is by far the best 'hostel' we stayed in and would go back without a doubt.
