On a rainy Monday (Haji Raya Haji), we woke at at 6.30 am, and assembled at the Woodlands Town Garden at 8 am.
There were a total of 8 cars, a group of 23 people, for this trip.
The traffic at both the customs were smooth and we stopped over at Yong Peng (Exit 241) for breakfast. We tried the Uncle Tan's 纯正西刀鱼丸面. We don't find the fishballs fantastic at all, except for that they were chewy and rubberish, not much of fish meat taste at all.. and the soup was bland....
At about 12.40 pm, we arrived at one of the convoy member's parents' house in Malacca. By the time we reached there, the villagers have already started with the slaughtering of the calf, so we were in time to only see and take photos of the process of cutting up of the body parts, the meat and removing of the organs...Whew, it was an eye-opener to be able to stand so close to witness this event.Some information about Hari Raya Haji:
Hari Raya Haji is celebrated one day after Haj pilgrims converge on Arafat in Mecca, the Islamic Holy Land, to perform the major rites of the annual pilgrimage. This falls on the tenth day of Zulhijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim calendar. Hari Raya Haji is a day to commemorate this religious occasion, and to honour pilgrims who have completed their Haj to Mecca. It’s a joyous affair, filled with festivities and cheer to welcome the return of the assiduous pilgrims. The highlight of the occasion is the sacrifice of an animal as a mark of gratitude to Allah (God).
Literally translated into English, Hari Raya Haji simply means the 'festival of pilgrimage'. The fifth tenet of Islam requires all Muslims to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime, if they can afford it. The Prophet Mohammed was born there. Male pilgrims are given the titles of “Haji” for men and “Hajjah” for women and all are entitled to wear a white headdress upon completion. Thus for many of our Muslim friends, the pilgrimage, commonly known as the Haj, is probably the most important journey in their lives.
Korban means sacrifice. The day is celebrated with the slaughter of an animal, such as lambs, goats, cows, bulls and camels is performed to commemorate the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), to sacrifice his willing son Ishmael to Allah (God). This commemorative 'Feast of Sacrifice' (called Eid Al-Adha in Arabic or AidilAdha) is practiced throughout the Islamic world. This occasion is also named Hari Raya Korban - the festival of sacrifice. This is typically done in the mosque, after the morning Thanksgiving prayers are offered. Though not a compulsory religious duty for everyone, it’s considered an obligation for those who can afford it. Of the meat obtained, one-third is traditionally kept by those who performed the slaughter, while the rest is distributed. The recipients include neighbours, friends and most importantly – the poor and needy. Later part of the day is visiting friends and relatives. It is customary for Muslims to hold "open-house" for friends and relatives where a wide selection of traditional Malay food is served.
(Extracted from : http://www.myonlinetour.com/poi/reference/haji/INDEX.HTM)
At about 1.40 pm, we headed to the Malacca town and assembled at the new shopping mall - Dataran Palawan. Thereafter, we dispersed for our own lunch and shopping.
Our family had lunch at the Seri Nyonya Restaurant in Hotel Equatorial.
Entrance of the Seri Nyonya restaurantWe spent about RM120 on 5 dishes plus 2 chendol desserts... We found the food so-so only and a bit steep... Still prefer the cookings from our frequent-patronised restaurant - Makko (麦哥), which was just across the street..
At around 5 pm, we went to Tan Kim Hock to buy some local products and it has been a great oppportunity to chat and take picture with the owner before the rest of the crowd came up to take their turns.
A short write-up found from the web: TAN KIM HOCK had very humble beginnings. In the early 1930s, he was seen peddling around town selling dodol -- a soft candy made of, among others, coconut milk, rice starch, gula Melaka and some spices. After much perseverence, he set up a shop in 1939.
Today, he has huge outlets in Malacca that sell more than 100 types of foodstuff. Much of the raw materials are grown in his own estates and products are made in his own factories.
Recently, he built a complex -- which includes a hotel -- Wisma Tan Kim Hock and a huge sales centre catering to tourists in order to concentrate his interests. In addition, his products are being exported to countries in the region as well as in the West.
Today, he has huge outlets in Malacca that sell more than 100 types of foodstuff. Much of the raw materials are grown in his own estates and products are made in his own factories.
Recently, he built a complex -- which includes a hotel -- Wisma Tan Kim Hock and a huge sales centre catering to tourists in order to concentrate his interests. In addition, his products are being exported to countries in the region as well as in the West.
My MIL asked me how old is Tan Kim Hock...I dunno... couldn't find much info about him.. will ask him in my next visit...hehehe....
Next, we made our way to the Jonker Street to place order for about 20 boxes of pineapple tarts from the Bibik's House. Instead of wasting our time to wait for the tarts, we went to have dinner at a nearby restaurant suggested by the shopowner.
At around 9 pm, after collecting our pineapple tarts, we departed Malacca and headed back to Singapore.
It was supposed to be a 2.5 - 3 hours journey, but for that night, it took us 6.5 hours to reach home... mainly due to heavy traffic at the Tuas 2nd Link's custom.... and it was already 3.30 am on Tuesday when we stepped into our house....*tired*
Luckily my hubby and I have taken leave for yesterday, and that left our whole family to be able to have a very good and soundly sleep till 1 pm in the afternoon.... hahaha....
More photos on the Malacca Trip:
http://luvina76.multiply.com/photos/album/30
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