THE UNPLANNED GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE FOR DINNER IN MELAKA

    21ST JULY 2026    ~ When you did not plan the itinerary during your trip properly, then you could not even decide where to go for dinner. Consequently, we just randomly went to this restaurant named Restoran Shaslinda, located in a block near Menara Taming Sari [but facing the other side]. We were walking somewhere near Jonker Street before that but could find an eating place. Furthermore, we were a bit late for dinner after the Encore Melaka show before that [READ HERE].

tom yum

steamed fish

omelette

We were the only diners at that hour, other people were already in bed. At the same time, the location of the restaurant was a bit hidden. We actually asked a shop assistant from a shop we went to before dinner for recommendation, then only we got to know about this place.

Fortunately, the Thai food was good and we were happy that we chose to eat there. However, I need to bear in mind not eat dinner that late anymore as the digestive system went haywire after that and disrupted my sleep.

ENCORE MELAKA REVISITED

    20TH JULY 2026    ~ The main agenda of the Melaka trip this time was to watch and introduce the theatre "Encore Melaka". This was my second time at the theatre, the first time was back in 2018 [READ HERE]. I wanted to introduce the show my friend, Mr. Redzuan, who seemed to be keen in watching.

The hall was about 50% full on Monday evening. One side of the seats was filled with busload of school children.

VIDEO #1

VIDEO #2

VIDEO #3

VIDEO #4

The show that I watched was almost the same with the one presented 8 years ago. However, the old one was longer and more elaborate. The new one was simplified and there were scenes that was cut off, I think.

VIDEO #5: The show I recorded and uploaded on Youtube in 2018.

It was customary to take photos around the iconic theatre building on the reclaimed land. We even managed to catch the sunset before going home. I did the same when I was there the first time [READ HERE].

You can buy the tickets online and it cost RM78 for Malaysian citizen. I bought from Agoda and got RM10 cheaper. You must watch Encore at least once. By the way, there was another show with a different theme in the afternoon which would be something new.

One thing worth mentioning, I found the seat was very uncomfortable. It was hard and the leg space was too small especially for a long-legged person like me. I wonder if the management could do something about it.

THE FIRST GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE OF THIS YEAR'S MELAKA TRIP

   20th JULY 2026    ~ The gastronomic adventure of this year's trip to Melaka started with lunch at a place recommended by my partner in crime. It was called Justberrys and the attraction would be its huge choices of dessert available.

the huge menu

The place was full with diners as it was lunch hour. Fortunately we managed to secure a table for two.

The table centrepiece was Strawberry and Blueberry Bingsu.

I had Nasi Ayam Gepuk, the fusion version. What were different on the plate unlike the ordinary one were crispy fried vegetable [spinach I think], sunny side fried egg and [very] spicy peanut butter.

Mr. Redzuan had Rice with Sambal [blended chili] Squid.

I think we enjoyed the Bingsu the most. Once the bowl was empty, we left the restaurant as we had not checked in at our accommodation. The first gastronomic adventure was awesome and there were other series after this.

VISITING SEKOLAH TUNAS BAKTI [STB] SUNGAI LEREH IN MELAKA

   21ST APRIL 2026    ~ After the visit to Sekolah Henry Gurney [READ HERE], the JKM group then proceeded to the second site which was Sekolah Tunas Bakti Sungai Lereh [STBSL]. This was an all girls' instituition for juveniles, also under the care of Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat.

We were welcomed by the students and staff with a Gamelan performance.

One reason the girls were put under the care of the school is when parents are unable to control the children or to stop the girls from being involved with group that could give bad influence. Sekolah Tunas Bakti provides education to the kids, except the they do not attend school. The teachers come to teach them here instead. For those who cannot do well in academic, vocational training is also given to them. They are like staying in a boarding school.

Sekolah Tunas Bakti (STB) is a rehabilitation institution under the Malaysian Social Welfare Department (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) for children and teenagers under 18. It functions as a juvenile detention center designed to rehabilitate youth through education, vocational training, and counseling. 

Key Aspects of Sekolah Tunas Bakti:

• Definition: Often translated as "Tunas Bakti School" or "Rehabilitation School".
• Purpose: To provide rehabilitation, skills training, and education to teenagers involved in social issues or court-ordered rehabilitation.
• Target Group: Male or female juveniles, often within the 13 to 18 age range, who are under court orders.
• Location: There are several schools across Malaysia, including locations in Sungai Besi and Kuching.
• Activities: The curriculum focuses on life skills, vocational training, and formal education to help inmates reintegrate into society.

source: AI Review

briefing by the school admin

This time, we were given the chance to mingle and communicate with the students in smaller groups  in about 30 minutes.

Kompang activity

It was only about a 2-hour visit but it was another positive exposure for us. I am sure each and every delegate had gained something from the one-day trip, visiting two places in Melaka.