9.30am It has been a long long time (about 30-40years ago), since we last visited Tanjung Bidara. Tanjung Bidara was well known to be one of Malaccans' favourite beaches in the late 60'ies, which was iconic for scenic beautiful, pure natural garden, soft and soothing golden sand, sunrise and sunset. We started our short excursion to Tanjung Bidara after our breakfast at Tengkera Hainan Kopitiam, Set A, Kaya Butter toast with 2 half boiled eggs and hainan hot coffee.
We were grateful that the morning was sunny but not hot. Though was rather windy and cloudy but there was no rain at all. After a short 45 mins drive, we reached the T-junction to Pengkalan Balak, which is on our Right and Tanjung Bidara on our Left. My friend Christine, advised us to visit the Pengkalan Balak first, since it is within the general vicinity, so we went to Pengkalan Balak.
After a short brief walk and enjoying the cold sea, we then looked around the surrounding before proceeded to Tanjung Bidara. Wow time flies, we did not aware, that we had spent about 1-2 hour walking and enjoying on the soft and golden sand of the beach.
Before long, it was about 12:30 afternoon that we have reached Tanjung Bidara and as usual, just quickly took some pictures for remembrance. During this endemic of Covid 19, we are indeed glad to have survived such devastating pandemic of our life time and every moment is precious and we want to cherish them with one another. We were rather disappointed that there was no visitors or tourists and most food stalls and restaurants were closed. The motels or chalets were still not opened yet. When there is no tourist, "the monkeys came out and play". "There is no people but monkeys" as in picture 4. This also reminds us, that life is short and is not permanent. Let us, work together for a better self, to love our world and Malacca.
After a brief walk along the Tanjung Bidara beach,we decided to have our lunch. We noticed the time was already way past lunchtime, 2.45pm,before we proceeded to have lunch at Limbongan Coconut Shake. Since we could not find any suitable cafes or Chinese restaurants nearby as it was rather late afternoon and most Chinese restaurants were closed. It could be because it was Wednesday. So Limbongan Coconut Shake was definitely our best choice. At Limbongan Coconut Shake, we had some nasi lemak,bee hoon and fresh green young coconuts and some Malaccan cakes, namely Ondeh-ondeh and Chicken cupcakes. They were all delicious and very affordable. I want to thank Christine and Roseline for making this trip a success and for their great patience and generosity to drive and give us such a lovely lunch and tea tit-bits (delicious moon cakes and chocolates) and treats. We also want to thank you helpful young teens (one from KL and Kem Terendak) for their patience to help us capture this great moment of joy. Oop, sorry ...forgotten to even ask for their names..anyway, God knows..!
Covid 19, a threat unseen,
A virus spreading, causing chaos and despair,
Bringing the world to its knees,
Leaving us to wonder, if anyone is there.
Empty streets, closed doors,
A world in isolation, where sickness roars,
Families torn apart, loved ones far away,
Hoping for a cure, to bring light to this day.
But in the darkness, a glimmer of hope,
People coming together, to help and cope,
Doctors and nurses, on the front line,
Risking their lives, for what's right.
Scientists working, to find a way,
To stop this virus and bring peace to this fray,
Amidst the fear, let us not forget,
The kindness and love, that will help us get through this test.
This pandemic, will pass with time,
But the memories and lessons, will forever shine,
We'll come out stronger, and more united,
For in the face of crisis, humanity has been ignited.
1.Limbongan Melaka, Coconut Shake - Late lunch
Tanjung Bidara
2. Tanjung Bidara, Free style front view 3. Tanjung Bidara. Melaka sitting
4. Tanjung Bidara has no people except monkeys
Pengkalan Balak : History
Pengkalan Balak is a small fishing village located in the state of Melaka, Malaysia. Historically, it was known for its fishing industry and its strategic location at the mouth of the Melaka River, which made it an important port for trade. The village has been inhabited for centuries, and it has a long history of fishing, agriculture, and trade.
During the 15th century, Melaka was an important trading center in Southeast Asia, and Pengkalan Balak was one of the main ports for the export of goods. The village was a major center for the trade of spices, textiles, and other goods, and it was a key point of contact between the Malay Peninsula and the rest of the region.
In the early 20th century, the village saw a decline in its economic importance due to the shift of trade to larger ports such as Port Klang. However, it still remains an important fishing village and it has a rich cultural heritage. Today, Pengkalan Balak is known for its traditional Malay architecture, and its picturesque setting on the Melaka River.
In recent years, the village has undergone a process of revitalization with the purpose of preserving its heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. Visitors can explore the village's traditional Malay houses and shop houses, as well as the sea-front Malay village and the fishing village. The village is also home to several seafood restaurants where visitors can sample the local delicacies.
5. Pengkalan Balak, Melaka, front standing.
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6. The Pengkalan Balak, Melaka, the Turtle Management and Information Centre.
The alarming decline of turtles in the late 1950'ies, has alerted Malaysian Government and NGOs on turtle conservation.
The Melaka Turtle Conservation Center (MTCC) is established and located at Pantai Kundur, Melaka and it's open to visitors all year round., Malaysia. The center is dedicated to the conservation of marine turtles through research, education, and rehabilitation. The center is equipped with facilities to care for injured or sick turtles and it also provides a sanctuary for the hatchlings. They also conduct regular monitoring of turtle nesting sites and provide education to the public about the importance of turtle conservation.
Visitors can learn about the different species of marine turtles found in Malaysia, and see the turtles up close in the rehabilitation and hatchery area. The center also provides guided tours and educational activities for visitors.
The center is a joint effort by the Melaka State government and the local community, in partnership with the Malaysia Nature Society, to conserve marine turtles and their habitats. It aims to protect the turtle populations and educate the public about the importance of preserving these ancient creatures and their habitats.
In addition to the MTCC, there is also the "Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia" which is an NGO that works to conserve marine turtles and their habitats through research, education, and community-based conservation programs. They also have a hatchery and a visitors center where visitors can learn about the marine turtle conservation and get a chance to see the hatchlings up-close before they are released to the sea.
The Padang Kemunting Turtle Conservation and Information (TCIC) was also established in the 1990 and is managed by the Department of Fisheries of Melaka, to help conserve and grow this endangered species, our sea turtles.
In the deep blue sea,
Where the waves crash and roll,
Lives a creature ancient and wise,
The sea turtle, with a heart full.
With a shell on their back,
And flippers for swift motion,
They glide through the water,
With the grace of the ocean.
For years they roam the seas,
Till the time has come to nest,
They crawl up on the sandy shore,
To lay their eggs and rest.
But their journey is not easy,
For many dangers they face,
From pollution to hunting,
Their numbers continue to decrease.
So let us all take a stand,
To protect this gentle soul,
For the sea turtle's survival,
Is vital for the ocean's goal.
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