Wednesday, December 26, 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT IN MALACCA! THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THIS UNIQUE SETTLEMENT LIVED ALMOST ENTIRELY BY DIRECT DESCENDANTS OF THE PORTUGUESE WHO ONCE RULED MALACCA IS RIGHT NOW! AL ARE CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTMAS IS TAKEN SERIOUSLY HERE WITH ALL ADHERING TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH WHICH I PERSONALLY PREFER RATHER THAN PROTESTANTS WHO WERE ALWAYS PROTESTING HAHA! THE BEST PLACE TO CALL HOME IN MALACCA IS THE SETTLEMENT HOTEL LOCATED ROUND THE CORNER AND TAKES ALL OF 10 MINUTES IF YOU STROLL SLOWLY LIKE ME! THE NIGHT LIGHTS AND NATIVITY SCENES SEEN IN MOST HOMES LINING THE ROADS ARE SIMPLY SPECTACULAR---LIVING PROOF THAT CHRISTIANITY IS ALIVE IN THIS LIVELY PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT OCCUPIED BY THE FIRST PORTUGUESE SAILORS WHO ARRIVED IN MALACCA IN 1511 AND RULED TILL 1641 WHEN THEY LOST MALACCA TO THE DUTCH. MOST LEFT BUT SOME PORTUGUESE HAD MARRIED LOCAL MALAY WOMEN AND SETTLED IN MALACCA PERMANENTLY UNTIL NOW!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

PHOTOS BY CANON POWERSHOT SX720HS

The Settlement Hotel Melaka is the best place to call home when in Melaka or Malacca as spelled in English. But whatever language is used, The Settlement Hotel is a haven of charming hospitality as the staff are extremely friendly, knowledgeable and seem to have a knack of anticipating your needs even before you asked. 

For instance, when I staggered back after hours of exploring Kampung Portugis or Portuguese Settlement, the staff grinned, bade me to collapse into a comfy sofa and asked if I wanted water or coffee. i asked for coffee and tea as I am a heavy drinker! Until now I am unsure if the beverages were charged to my room account but I think not since they are not the Stooge type.

My Deluxe room came with table laden with English tea set so I could enjoy a cuppa in dainty floral tea cup so charming! Plus thick towel with hotel name on it and toiletries found in 5 star hotels which impressed me no end, let alone the rain shower! 

“Cultures & Hospitality an Evolution”

The Settlement Hotel Melaka seeks to capture and preserve Melaka's illustrious history, and to weave guests through an evolution of cultures and hospitality. 

After two years of fervent restoration, the once tired-looking 1960’s 4-storey government building located at the fringe of the Portuguese Settlement along Jalan Ujong Pasir, World UNESCO Heritage City Melaka, has now come alive in the form of an intimate boutique hotel that showcases the unique intertwined cultures and the rich heritage of Melaka.

Location

Melaka, just 1 ½  hour south of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and 2 hour drive from Singapore is rich in history, culture, heritage and tradition. Boasting famous historical sites which date back to the 1500s, Melaka is a potpourri of unique cultures and cuisines. Melaka was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and standing in the hub of Melaka city is The Settlement Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel.


The Settlement Hotel is located along the colourful Jalan Ujong Pasir. The locals call it the “Food Trail” of Jalan Ujong Pasir. It is situated along the fringe of the Portuguese Settlement, the earliest ethnic Kristang group in Malaysia, which arose during the Portuguese colonial period (C16th & C17th).

Guest Rooms

Standing proudly against a backdrop of unpretentious everyday-life Melaka, The Settlement Hotel boasts a 45-room residence block and 4 villas spread elegantly over a total built-up area of 35,000 square feet of garden and lawn. Much of the original building structure was retained to become “The Residences”, while 5 traditional Malay villas were constructed nearby.

◊ Deluxe Room

The Deluxe Rooms are each 23-27 square metres in size and furnished with either a queen bed or single twin beds. The rooms are spacious and able to accommodate an extra single mattress for the third person.

◊ Junior Suite

Delightfully spacious at over  28-32 square metres in size, the Junior Suites are furnished with a king-size or single twin beds which can accommodate a third person by adding one extra mattress. Seating area complete with full tea set and warm lights provide an idyllic cosy comfort.

◊ The Settlement Suite

The Settlement Suite is a suite measuring a spacious 44-48 square metres. The master bedroom features a king-sized bed and a cosy living area with sofas and full tea set.

The Family Suite can accommodate up to three adult with additional mattress. It comes with a spacious bathroom with separate bath and shower.

◊ Luxury Villa

This luxurious Suite measures 50-55 square metres in size and it have been lovely built by traditional skilful master craftsmen furnished to exhibit rich, local heritage. Aged wood, natural stones and salvaged ceramics and furnishing and sensual mood lighting have been painstakingly to create the romantic ambience.

Each guest room is equipped with the following features and amenities:
  • Free in-room high-speed Internet access
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning for the Villas and central air-conditioning for the Residences
  • LCD TV with cable/ satellite channels
  • Featherbeds, feather duvets and down pillows
  • In-room safe
  • Bathtub with separate tub and shower, and cold/hot water services
  • Bathrobes (Suite)
  • Complimentary bathroom amenities
  • Complimentary tea/ coffee making facilities
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Hairdryer
  • Complimentary morning newspaper at common area

The Dining Room

Occupies two levels of the residences, with antique furniture placed next to glass top. Uplifting Nyonya colours dotting the dining room is an initiation into a culinary experience of an evolution of cultures and tradition to tantalize your taste buds.

Experience various taste and flavours, from local delights to local Peranakan/Nyonya cuisine, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese and western

The Roof Top Garden

Provides a delightful alfresco dining experience while our guest enjoy a bird’s eye view of the surrounding neighbourhood. Here you will have a panorama of the Strait of Melaka developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchange between East & West.

With a hanging “balcony” for musicians, band or artistes to entertain guests, this little refreshing hideaway is most ideal for intimate private parties of group size below 100.

The Long Bar

The perfect place to unwind and relax, The Long Table Bar which is located outside near the pergola in the garden terrace, allows guests to bask in the natural surroundings filled with the sweet scent of the kesidang (Malacca’s state flower) while enjoying a round of drinks or a casual conversation with friends.

The 27-foot long wooden table, said to be the longest table in Malaysia carved from a single tree trunk, will certainly be a conversation piece itself!


The Ballroom

Locates next to the Long Table Bar able to accommodate up to 100 guests for a classy, elegant affair.  It is the perfect venue for a night of glitz and glamour 

 

The Spa Library

 Tucked away amidst the Malay-style Villas, The Settlement Spa Library offers comprehensive menu of traditional massages, body wraps and scrubs, facial therapies, nail care services and many other signature treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Indulge yourself in a rejuvenating and nourishing experience for the mind, body and soul!

The spa also offer a small selection of books for guests to peruse and sit by the sofa to enjoy some quiet time. This is the ideal time to nourish your soul overlooking the dip pool.

The dip pool is conveniently located next to The Spa for those who crave a relaxation session.


Meeting-Incentive-Conference & Event
We are focus in manging customer’s expectations.

With the various facilities and services available perfectly designed for you when you plan to host any meeting and events at The Settlement Hotel.

Whether it's Corporate Meetings, Seminars, Social Events or even an Exclusive Wedding Reception.

Hotel charter also available for any private parties or events inclusive rooms and meal.

Other Services
  • Daily free shuttle service to Jonker Street and the Portuguese Settlement (Schedule)
  • Sight-Seeing Arrangements for tourists (Evening Trail & Smart Hunt Melaka)
  • Bicycle Service
  • Free Secure Parking

Activities at The Settlement


Icons & Attractions
Driving Distance (minutes)
      St. Paul Church
      Portuguese Settlement
2 minute
      St. Xavier Church
      Stadhuys
      Porto de Santiago
      Duck Tours River Cruise
      Revolving Tower
      Jonker Street
      Pahlawan Shopping Mall
      Mahkota Parade
15 minutes
      Cheng Ho Museum
      Cheng Hoon Temple
15 minutes

 Contacts

General line: +60 6 292 1133 (General Line)
Fax: +60 6 292 4700 (Fax)
Email: enquiry@thesettlementhotel.com

Reservations
reservation@thesettlementhotel.com

Group & Event Bookings
generalmanager@thesettlementhotel.com
dos@thesettlementhotel.com

Website: www.thesettlementhotel.com

Address

The Settlement Hotel Melaka
No. 63, Jalan Ujong Pasir
World UNESCO Heritage City Melaka
75050 Malacca
Malaysia

GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: 2.187534
Longitude: 102.26840


DATO KEE HUA CHEE AND SANTA CLAUS! 
DATO KEE HUA CHEE STOPPED TRAFFIC AS EVERYONE THOUGHT HE WAS SHOWING OFF THIS GYM FIT TORSO UNDER THE ROSE JACKET
DATO KEE HUA CHEE LIVES INSIDE A GYM AND WORKS OUT 24/7 TO ATTAIN AND MAINTAIN HIS DROP DEAD BODY 
TYPICAL HOUSE ENROUTE TO THE PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT


SO SIMPLY AND CHARMING 




MANY HOMES FEATURED THE NATIVITY SCENE
























MEDAN PORTUGUESE OR PORTUGUESE SQUARE 
SAILING SHIP THAT BROUGHT THE FIRST PORTUGUESE SAILORS TO MALACCA IN 1511 WHEN THEY CONQUERED MALACCA AND ENDED THE MALAY SULTANATE. THEY STAYED TILL 1641 WHEN MALACCA FELL TO THE DUTCH WHO STAYED TILL 1824 WHEN THE BRITISH ARRIVED AND COLONISED MALAYSIA TILL 1957


JESUS CHRIST THE REDEEMER AND SAVIOR OF OUR WORLD 
LOOKS GIGANTIC LIKE CHRIST THE REDEEMER STATUE IN RIO DE JANEIRO 
BUT IS ACTUALLY MUCH SMALLER! 








DATO KEE HUA CHEE IS A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN AND HAS RECONFIRMED HIS PLACE IN HEAVEN AS HE IS LIVING SAINT 


JOIN CHRIST AS HE IS THE LIGHT AND THE WAY TO SALVATION 


BEHOLD CHRIST THE REDEEMER IS HERE!
PRAY TO JESUS CHRIST! 
GOD AND HIS ARDENT WORSHIPPER 
FOR GOD SO LOVED US HE LET HIS SON JESUS DIED SO WE CAN BE SAVED FOR ETERNITY 
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOOD WILL TO MANKIND! BUT WOMANKIND HOW? 


KNEEL BEFORE JESUS CHRIST!














THE LOCAL PORTUGUESE DIALECT AND CULTURE ARE KNOWN AS KRISTANG 


THIS ENCLAVE IS ALSO CALLED LITTLE LISBON 
A PEEK INSIDE A HOME IN PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT 













ACROSS THE BAY












DATO KEE HUA CHEE IS ALL WRAPPED WITH BOWS AS A XMAS PRESENT FROM JESUS CHRIST 












LOVE THE BIG BRIGHT BROLLY 
LOOK WHO IS HERE
LIVE SHOW















BEHOLD CHRIST THE REDEEMER
JESUS'S PALMS WERE NAILED! 
BUT SOME BELIEVED HIS WRISTS WERE NAILED AS THE WEIGHT OF HIS BODY WOULD TEAR APART THE PALMS AND THE BODY WOULD COLLAPSE 









NOW TO CHECK OUT THE HOUSES! THE BEST PART OF THE TOUR! 
DUNNO IF REAL OR NOT AS I DID NOT DARE TO SLAP SANTA TO FIND OUT IN CASE THIS IS REAL MAN THEN SURE I DIE 












BABY JESUS IS ONLY PUT INSIDE THE CRIB AFTER THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT ON 24 DECEMBER WHEN HE WAS BORN TO SAVE US 


NOW THE STATUE OF BABY JESUS IS KEPT INSIDE THE HOUSE ON ALTAR 
ON 24 DECEMBER AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT THE HOUSE OWNERS WOULD THEN PLACE THE BABY JESUS FIGURINE INSIDE THE CRIB
ONLY JESUS IS THE TRUE GOD WHO CAN SAVE US FROM US! 




HAPPY FAMILY! ALMOST EVERY HOUSE HAS A TABLE LADEN WITH FOOD AND DRINKS FOR THE FAMILY TO MAKE MERRY AND THANK JESUS FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE 


ANOTHER NATIVITY SCENE 
NO BABY JESUS YET 
NEAT AND TIDY INTERIOR WITH ALTAR 
TYPICAL ALTAR FILLED WITH DEVOTION TO JESUS


GOT FIREPLACE SUMORE 


WALAO THIS NATIVITY ALREADY GOT JESUS CHRIST! 
KIDS MAKING MERRY 


LOVELY 


I COULD HEAR THE ANGELS SINGING IN HIGH HEAVEN AS WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS 
HOLY NIGHT
LOVELY HOME 
I ADORE MOTHER MARY 
APPY COUPLE WHO OWN THE HOUSE 
BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS 
REINDEER ALSO GOT
SOME HOMES SELL FOOD AND DRINKS 
MENU




SANTA CLAUS AND AYDEN MOK
DATO KEE HUA CHEE, SANTA CLAUS AND AYDEN MOK






















CREATIVE 
DIVINE








FANCY FACADE 




























WRONGLY NAMED AS TEMASEK IS SINGAPORE AND THIS IS MELAKA! 


GORGEOUS 
OMIGOD SO RED AND LOVELY 


WHY MUSHROOMS? SO UNGLAM WOR

THE SETTLEMENT HOTEL IS JUST 10 MINUTES WALK! 




HELLO SANTA CLAUS
SANTA FLYING IN FROM DUBAI 




LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 


MERRYMAKING IN THE SETTLEMENT HOTEL! 
MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

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