Excursions in
Malaysia

Back to Malaysia

Excursion

Turtle Release with Lang Tengah Turtle Watch

Sea turtles are now threatened throughout the world, and, despite the implementation of conservation policies, populations continue to plummet. The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is no exception. 15 years ago, this region was a prolific breeding-ground for four species of turtle, now only two remain. Human exploitation is the biggest contributor to the decline in the turtle population, with egg poaching the major activity preventing entire generations from ever making it out to sea. Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) numbers have halved over the past 20 years and the Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate) are on the brink of local & global extinction. Lang Tengah Turtle Watch has been founded in the confidence that the most crucial step towards the ultimate preservation of these majestic creatures is to help ensure that the new generations actually make it out to sea. For guests staying at the Tanjong Jara Resort you can visit the Lang Tengah Turtle Watch team to talk about their important work and find out more about sea turtles, biology, ecology and conservation at large. You can also sign up for the various activities and programmes that are on offer. Nest Inspections are conducted most days (May – October) at the hatchery and provide a time for guests to come and see our team at work, gathering data from nests and making sure that they are kept as healthy as possible by minimising their risk of infection and predation. Once the Lang Tengah team have identified when the babies are ready to leave the nest and head out to sea they will invite guests to join them to help and celebrate this momentous occasion. Hatchling releases usually occur at least once a week. However, this is nature, and nothing is guaranteed. The releases are carried out at the discretion of the staff and occur under red light, to minimise disturbance to the turtles (June – October). No flash photography, bright iPhone’s or lights are permitted, and we ask you to fully follow the instructions from the team to allow the turtles a safe release.

Excursion

Malacca: Culture & History

A full or half day city tour to visit the key historical and cultural sites of the UNESCO world heritage city of Malacca. Meander through the city streets on foot (or by local trishaw if preferred) admiring the European architecture. Stopping points include A Famosa, St Pauls Church and the Stadthuys – the former Dutch City Hall where you will also see the eccentric Malacca trishaws. Continue from here to a traditional Malay house to learn about local customs. Afterwards visit an ancient Portuguese settlement which has a central square used for entertaining and socialising – the only one of its kind in Malaysia. From here it’s time to refuel with a delicious local lunch at a ‘pernakan’ style restaurant. The food served is influenced by Cantonese and Portuguese cooking styles, resulting for Malacca’s rich cultural history. The afternoon walk takes you along Temple Street. A perfect place to get a taste of the diverse cultures of Malacca, you can visit the Cheng Hoon Teng temple, Kampong King Mosque and Sri Vinayagar temple. The Indian, Chinese and Malay religious customs are fascinating to understand and the temples have stood in this street since the early 18th century. Continue to see restored Peranakan buildings (a cultural mix of Han-Chinese and Malay that forged its own style, known as the Baba-Nyonya, from the 15th century). For a relaxed end to the day take a chance to visit the excellent Baba-Nyonya museum before a coffee shop or a spot of shopping along famous Jonker Street. If travelling over a weekend the area is a hive of activity and the street comes alive with locals and tourists selling a range of interesting items.

Excursion

Tropical Spice Garden Cooking Class

Be mesmerised by the unique uses of exotic plants and herbs on an introductory tour of the Tropical Spice Garden before partaking in a cooking class to cook tasty Malay, Nonya and Indian cuisine. Learn all about the unique Peranakan culture a blend of Malay and Chinese traditions. The morning begins with a transfer to the Spice Garden before a guided tour of the Spice Terraces to explore the lush landscaped award-winning gardens set out over eight acres of secondary jungle before enjoying a refreshment of tea served in the Bamboo Garden. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the gardens, the cooking school is surrounded by jungle trees and wildlife, a small herb garden and a glimpse of the Andaman Sea. Next begin the cooking class to create a selection of tasty Malay, Nyonya and/or Indian cuisine with the help of professional chefs. Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine is a unique combination of Chinese, Malay and other influences. Peranakans are descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca, Indonesia and Singapore, inter-marrying with local Malays. The old Malay word “nyonya” a term of respect and affection for women of prominent social standing (part “madame” and part “auntie”), has since been the name of the cuisine of the Peranakans. Nonya cooking is the result of blending Chinese ingredients with various distinct spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay/Indonesian community. This gives rise to Peranakan interpretations of Malay/Indonesian food that is similarly tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal. Mix this with traditional Malay style cooking and the influence of Indian cuisine encompassing a wide variety of regional cuisines native to India resulting in a delightful selection of dishes to enjoy for lunch on the patio.

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