Social Tourism: Sosial Tourism in Bandar Hilir Melaka

Sosial Tourism

“Social tourism” is a term used to describe a wide variety of holiday types, destinations and target groups: social tourism initiatives can be commercial and non-commercial, governmental and private. They range from small charities organising holidays for children from low-income backgrounds, over government plans improving accessibility in hotels, to private tour operators offering ecological holidays. What all of these initiatives have in common, is that they bring a moral dimension to tourism, and that their primary aim is to include people in tourism who would otherwise be excluded from it. This text will focus particularly on one of these groups: low-income families with children, who cannot afford to go on holiday without support.

Melaka History

It all started sprawling back to 751 years ago (1262) when Parameswara found Melaka in the 14th century. He was resting under a tree by a river when his dog started to attack a mouse deer, which later pushed the dog into the river. The brave gesture of the mouse deer had impressed him to immediately build a city on its spot. He then asked his followers the name of the tree which he was resting under, and was advised of its name; Melaka. He named the state ‘Melaka’ since then. None of any other cities in the nation had played such an influential and vital role in the political, economic, cultural and social development of the country and the region. Melaka Sultanate was also established to be responsible for the Sultanate in many states in Malaysia.

During that period, Islam was introduced in the region, arriving along with Gujarat traders from Western India for trading textiles and Melaka became known worldwide as a center for silk and porcelain trading. During the first decade of the 16th century, Melaka was a bustling and cosmopolitan port that attracted hundreds of ships every year.

Malaysia gained its independence on the 31st of August 1957 when the first Prime Minister, His Highness Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, was handed over the power to rule the country by the British.

After the Independence, a colonial building built by British in Melaka, which was known as Malacca Club, was opened to public after being used by the British upper class as their place for social activities. Exactly 38 years later, the same building was turned into The Proclamation of Independence Memorial; a place that commemorates Independence Day of Malaysia.

Melaka Today...

All these disparate traders and invaders intermarried, resulting in the ethnic and cultural diversity which now make Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, such a fascinating place to visit and also, for the non-culturally-curious partners of the many culture vultures who flock to the city, also a delicious one in which to eat.

Tourism Area Life Cycle for Bandar Hilir Melaka

EXPLORATION

The basic tourism placed that have at Bandar Hilir once upon a time. On that time, small number that visit to the place and tourist number is limited. So, let’s explore what tourist place that have at Bandar Hilir.

A FAMOSA

A Famosa is one of the old place that located at Bandar Hilir. The A’ Famosa is a Portuguese fortress built during the 16th Century. The Porta de Santiago, a small gatehouse, is the only part of the fortress still remaining until now.
This place is suitable for the tourist to visit and learn about the history. Furthermore, family can bring their children to learn more about this place and enjoy the scenery.

STADTHUYS

The Stadthuys, also known as the Red Square, is a historical structure situated in the heart of Malacca Town, the administrative capital of the state of Malacca, Malaysia. It was built by the Dutchoccupants in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor. Every section have their own story about the history of administrative.The Stadthuys was situated within the walls of Malacca fort and located in Laksamana road and opposite the northern gateway into the fortified town, across the river.

MARITIME MUSEUM

Constructed after the “Flor De La Mar”, a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Melaka. It exhibits various artifacts from the Melaka Sultanate, Portuguese, Dutch and British period. In the museum show the development of trade from ancient Malay Sultanate of Malacca to the Portuguese colonial era, the Dutch, the English and the Japanese occupation of Malaya. Also on displays are paintings, old maps, model of ships and artifacts related to maritime and trade in Malacca. They can improve our knowledge from this museum and can enjoy from this physical activity.

MALACCA SULTANATE PALACE

This is replica of Malacca Sultanate Palace is located at the foot of Mount St.Paul. Replicacastle was rebuiltby Malay History records that describe the unique architecture Malay palace, in the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah who reigned from 1456 to 1477. This museum showcases the history and cultural heritage from that era.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENCE MEMORIAL

This memorial is located in Malacca City and close to the historical remnants such as A Famosa and a replica of the Melaka Sultanate Palace.The building is also used for social activities by the elite and government officials in the British colonial period. Then on August 31, 1985, the building was used as a memorial that includes all documents. The items on display include documents, photographs, maps, treaties, speeches, tape recordings, minutes of meetings, magazine, newspaper cuttings materials and artifacts related to the struggle for independence.

CHRIST CHURCH MALACCA

This church also known as dutch square and beside the stadthuys building. The historical church building originally part of the A’ Famosa. It is located on the summit of St Paul’s hill. A walk up St. Paul’s hill will also give you a nice view of Melaka.

INVOLVEMENT

Facilities in Bandar Hilir, Melaka very comfortable for tourist when they go there. Among the facilities available are hotel, homestay, toilet and festival. Facilities this well cared for keeping the image Bandar Hilir, Melaka that saves a lot of Malaysia history. Examples of existing facilities:

HOTEL AND APARTMENT

Mahkota Hotel & Apartment Melaka

Located strategically in the heart of Historical Heritage Melaka. This city-styled resort hotel comprises of one. Main Hotel Block and eight apartment blocks. It’s adjacent to Melaka’s two main shopping and entertainment complexes: Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan. Apart from short distance away from shopping haven, the Hotel is within short walking distance to Melaka’s City Business Hub – Melaka Raya, as well as various Heritage Historical sites and places of interests. It is a city resort-styled hotel with something for everyone in a central location perfect for shopping and sightseeing. In 2005, Mahkota Hotel Melaka won the title of 4-star International Award.

Accommodation

480 guest rooms and apartments configured as 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms.
1 Mahkota Suite, 2 Executives Suites and 1 Family Suite.
Non-smoking floors.
IDD phone with Private Voice Mail System.
In-room safe (selected rooms).
Coffee / tea making facilities.
Hair dryer.
Individual controlled air-conditioning.
Mini bar (upon request).
Remote controlled TV with selected channels on cable television (selected rooms).
Internet broadband (selected rooms).

Restaurant and Bar

Café Mahkota (180 seats) featuring Asian and Western buffets daily.
Pizza Terrace (90 seats) serves traditional home made Italian pizzas and pastas.
Bay lounge and terrace.
Oasis karaoke with 3 private rooms.

Banquet and Meeting Facilities

12 function rooms.
1 boardroom seating for 12 persons.
1 ballroom seating capacity up to 500 persons for meetings, banquets and cocktails receptions.
Audio-visual and presentation aids are available.
Internet broadband is available in all function rooms.
Spices Rooms – For organized private functions, seating capacity up to 400 persons.

Facilities and Services

2 outdoor swimming pools with jacuzzi
Mahkota Executive Spa
Children’s indoor and outdoor playground
Table tennis
Tennis and squash courts
Mini golf
Business Centre featuring secretarial, photocopying, facsimile, E-mail and internet services
Laundry and valet
Airport transportation (upon request)
Foreign currency exchange
Multilingual hotel staff
Souvenir shop

BUDGET HOTEL

Dreamz Hotel Bandar Hilir Melaka

Dreamz Hotel is the budget hotel which is located in Bandar Hilir, Melaka. The hotel is very convenient and suitable for those who want to start your trip in Malacca.

Dreamz Hotel is located near the A'Famosa, Jonker Walk, Cinemas Golden Screen Cinemas, Mahkota Parade, Menara Taming Sari, and DataranPahlawan. When registering here, the services provided very satisfactory. Room service is also very fast and good. Accommodation provided very clean and tidy.

For those who want to taste the cuisine to eat in Melaka, tourist need not worry because around Dreamz Hotel there are several restaurants and are easily accessible by walking distance only. Friday until Saturday, starting from 7 pm to 1 am, there is a night market in front of Hotel. If tourists want to buy souvenirs, there are many options.

No free parking and need to buy a parking coupon to avoid incurring compound. Parking charges by the hour. For those who want to exercise on a bike, tourist can rent bicycles provided by the management at reasonable prices.

Among the facilities available;
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air Conditioner
• Fans,
• Ease Iron
• Chairs and tables
• TV (Astro Channel)

Dreamz Hotel, Melaka
2&4, Plaza Mahkota, Jalan PM6, Bandar Hilir,, Malacca City Center, Malacca / Melaka, Malaysia 75000

HOMESTAY
Abadi Bandar Warisan Homestay
P3-9, PangsapuriHilir Kota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka

Homestay in City Center cheapest. The only Homestay Apartment in the city center with a swimming pool provides for tourist. There are five apartment units in the same area and can accommodate a large demand such groups in particular during tourist season. Perfect for relaxing after a hard day of sightseeing in Bandar Melaka. Apartment 3 rooms and is equipped with 2 air cond. The interior decoration is very beautiful, clean and comfortable. The ideal choice for those holiday family, feasts, courses and so on. Room rental is also available for tourists who only have a small number of families. Homestay also provides cooking utensils for visitors' convenience. Travel time is only 2 minutes to the tourist area in Bandar Hilir like A'Famosa, River Cruise, Menara Taming Sari and others. 15 minutes to the tourist area in Ayer Keroh such as Zoo, Crocodile Park, Botanical Garden and others. 15-20 minutes to get to the ‘Ikan Bakar Umbaidan Alai’.

Facilities in the house provided for tourist:
*2 Queen Bed + 1 Single Bed + Toto
* Air-conditioner * Kettle
* 2 Bathroom * Shower Heater
* Astro Decoder * Cooking Equipment
* Iron and Ironing Board * Crockery
* Button * Refrigerators

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is the most important thing for the tourist to reach the destination and to explore. Therefore, there are some services provided by local resident for the tourist who will visit especially during the tourist season. Among the services available are buses, rail services, taxi services, island boat services and water.

Express Bus Services: North Bound

Melacca - Kuala Lumpur
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Malacca - K.L. Express +606.282.2503 +603.238.1578 7.90 HariBiasa (Weekdays):
6.00am - 6.00pm
HariMinggu (Weekends)
7.00am - 7.00pm
Jebat Express +606.284.9940 +603.238.0202 7.90 8.30 am - 7.30 pm
(hourly/setiap jam)
Metrobus Express +606.282.3636 +603.201.1154 7.90 9.00 am - 5.45 pm
(hourly/setiap jam)
Koperasi Express +606.286.4255 7.90 8.00am - 7.30pm
Transnasional Express +606.282.0687 +603.238.4670 8.00 5.30am - 8.00 pm
(hourly/setiap jam)

Melacca - Seremban
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Transnasional Express +606.282.0687 +603.238.4670 4.70 7.00am - 7.00 pm
(� hourly)

Melacca - Port Dickson - Klang
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Barat Express +6019.666.3773 5.50 (PD)
8.00 (Banting)
10.00 (Klang) 10.30am, 12.30pm - 9.30 pm

Melacca - Ipoh - Butterworth - Penang
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Pertiwi MegahGunung Raya Express +6017.677.5909 20.00 (Ipoh)
27.00 (Butterworth) 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am
9.30pm, 10.00pm
S.E. Express +606.282.4327 26.00 (Butterworth)
28.00 (Penang) 9.00am, 2.00pm & 9.30pm
Cepat Express +606.284.3600 28.20 (Penang) 9.00pm
Musroh Express +606.286. 4255 20.00 (Ipoh)
28.00 (Butterworth)
30.00 (Penang) 9.00am, 10.00am
11.00am, 2.00pm, 9.00pm
9.30pm & 10.00pm

Melacca - Ipoh - Lumut
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
S.E. Express +606.282.4327 18.00 (Ipoh)
21.00 (Lumut) 9.30am, 9.00pm

Melacca - AlorSetar
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Cepat Express +606.284.3600 33.00 9.00pm
Musroh Express +606.286.4255 33.00 8.45am & 9.00pm
Pertiwi MegahGunung Raya Express +6017.677.5909 33.00 9.00am & 9.00pm

Express Bus Services: South Bound

Melacca - Johor Bahru - Singapore
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Malacca - Singapore Express +606.282.4470 +62.293.5915 12.30 (J.B)
13.75 (S'pore) 9.00 am - 5.00 pm (hourly)
Delima Express +606.284.8908 +606.294.9306 12.30 (J.B)
13.75 (S'pore) 8.00 am - 6.00 pm (hourly)
Jebat Express +606.281.4307 +607.222.2189 12.30 (J.B) 8.00 am - 6.00 pm (1� hourly)
Johora Express +606.282.5201 12.50 (J.B)
14.70 (S'pore) 8.00 am - 8.00 pm (hourly)
Mayang Sari Express +606.282.9301 12.30 (J.B) 9.30 am - 7.30 pm (hourly)

Melacca - Muar
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
MCW Express +606.282.3944 2.50 7.40 am - 8.15 pm (� hourly)

Melacca - BatuPahat - Kluang
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Orchid Express +606.283.5553 5.90 (B.Pahat)
9.10 (Kluang) 8.00 am, 9.30am, 11.00am,
1.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.30pm,
6.30pm & 8.30pm

Express Bus Services: East Bound

Melacca - Kuantan - Dungun - Kota Bharu - Kuala Terengganu
Service Operator Contact No Rate (RM) Travel Schedule
Cepat Express +606.284 3600
16.00 (Kuantan) 8.30am & 3.00pm
SKA Express +606.281 4307
18.00 (Kuantan) 12.00pm & 8.00pm
Koperasi Express +606.286 4255
18.00 (Kuantan) 8.00am, 9.30am,
12.00pm & 8.30pm
Budaya Express +606.282 2555
22.00 (Dungun)
26.00 (Kota Bharu) 8.00pm

Note:
• All Express Buses arrive and depart at the Express Bus Terminal located close to Plaza Hang Tuah at JalanTun Ali.
• All prices shown is in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Current rate is US$1.00 = RM3.80.
(RM1.00 = US$0.26)

Taxi Service
Taxi drivers are always ready to take prospective passengers on long distance trips, provided they make enough for the return trip and their efforts. The taxi station in Malacca is just opposite the local bus station. It is unlikely that a taxi will leave for an outstation destination without having a full load of passengers, so the best option if you want to go by taxi would be to hire the whole vehicle. True, it costs much, much more than the buses but it is also lots more convenient and comfortable and certainly, you will have more privacy than traveling on a bus. For more information on taxi services (air-conditioned) to major city destinations, please call: +606.284.7163

Rent-A-Car
Service Operator Contact No
Anna Rent A Car +606.283.5626
Avis Rent A Car +606.284.6710
Hawk Rent A Car +606.283.7878
Shamus Car Rental +606.281.7710

Limousine Services
Service Operator Contact No
Auto Route Travel 06-282 3776

Rail Travel
Melaka does not have a train station, but visitors wishing to travel by train can do so by going to the nearest station at Tampin which is just 38 km north of Melaka. Tourists are advised to check with the railway offices for schedules and fares at the following place:-
Keretapi Tanah Melayu
Tampin Station

Island Boat Service
ToPulauBesar from Umbai Jetty/AmpangBatu To PulauUpeh from Tourist Information Centre Jetty,
Jalan Kota.

By Air
There is a small airport located 9km away in BatuBerendam. It is served by Pelangi Airways which operates a shuttle service to PekanBaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. The days of departure are on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The fare is RM196 per journey and RM405 return journey.

FESTIVAL

Festival Hang Tuah in Bandar Hilir, Melaka

Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Communication, Information and Culture Malaysia and Melaka State Government will hold a festival called the Festival Hang Tuah to be held in Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum. The festival will be held on 23 to 25 September this will provide a variety of exciting activities for the entertainment of tourists from home and abroad.The program is fairly Malay warriors’ exhibition, film screenings Hang Tuah, blacksmith demonstrations manufacturing Malay weapon, manufacturing Casual, bath oil, bath dagger, flower bath, shower lemon, rallies and demonstrations of martial arts motion by three main groups’ traditional self-defence arts. Prominent Admiral Hang Tuah is not just a Malay warrior skilled martial art even as the government delegation in maintaining good relationship with the government of Malacca and international leadership once. This festival can be one product to attract more tourists to Melaka.

DEVELOPMENT

In term of tourism, development phase take place when there is large number of tourist came to visit the touristplace that popular in one’s country.In this phase, the control was passed from the locals to external organization. Thus, increase in tension between local people and tourist. However, local people can generate more income and they are able to improve more their places to make its more attractive than before.

At Malacca city especially at Hilir City (Bandar Hilir) famous with their developments that take place in past several years. This development had totally changed the look of Malacca city but yet Malacca is still remains known as heritage place in Malaysia. These development brings lots of benefit to both parties either local and outsider or tourist because its able to make them sociable with each other morethrough interaction and communication as people that either from inside or outside of country came to visit Malacca.

The development in Bandar Hilir, Malacca can be seen as follow :-

1- Taming Sari Tower

Menara Taming Sari is a tower with height of 110 meters located in Bandar Hilir, Malacca (next to Heroes' Square). This tower can rotate 360 degrees for visitors to see the whole panorama of Malacca UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage City and others interesting sights such as St.Paul’s Hill, Independence Memorial Building,Samudra Museum and the ship, Flor De La Mar, Dataran Pahlawan, Pulau Selat Mosque, Pulau Besar and the Straits of Melaka. Beside that, the visitor also able to see the fast and rapid development taking place in the state. This tower is a rotating tower types Gyro first in Malaysia and its construction cost is around RM 24 million. It was officially opened on 18 April 2008 with design that based on the design of Keris Taming Sari.

2- Dataran Pahlawan (Heroes Square) Mega Mall

Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall is in the Bandar Hilir area, facing Jalan Merdeka (South Gate) at the front and Jalan Kota at the back (North Gate). Dataran is the bahasa word for “square”, while Pahlawan means “heroes” so the mall’s name is translated into “Heroes Square”
It's built was on the actual battle ground of the war-time days and was then turned into a field in front of the A'Famosa fort. There's an interesting "time-capsule" corner with a fountain and wall sculptures depicting Malacca's history.

3- Mahkota Parade Melaka

Mahkota Parade is one of Malacca’s first shopping malls, housing almost 200 stores, including international brands, food-and-beverage outlets and entertainment centres.

Mahkota Parade is Malacca’s favourite hangout spot, with locals visiting in large numbers, especially at weekends and on public holidays for casual shopping and leisure activities.

4- Hatten Square

Hatten Square Suites and Shoppes is a four-storey shopping mall located along Jalan Merdeka, right in the middle of Malacca City Centre. Occupying the bottom levels of the massive mixed development complex, the shopping mall is the latest addition to the growing number of modern shopping sites in the historically rich World UNESCO Heritage City and with a location so strategic, it is set to be one of the more popular landmarks of Malacca.

5- Malacca River Cruise

The Malacca River is the river that cuts across Malacca town and on its way to the Straits of Malacca. It separates the civic district clustered at the foot of St Paul's Hill from the residential and commercial district of Heeren Street and Jonker Street. The scenery that visitors can see are a flotilla of small boats transports sightseers up and down past historic buildings, old warehouses (godowns), interesting mangrove stands, churches, and villages. The 1998 Sean Connery movie Entrapment also was partially filmed here. The tours last about 45 minutes in boats ranging from 20 to 40 seaters and normally a minimum of eight passengers is required before departure.

6- Red Double Decker Bus

Malacca “Tourist Bus“ service known as “Panorama Malacca“ provides a cheaper and leisure way to explore Malacca. These buses stop at 23 famous attraction places ranging from historical sites to shopping complexes and leisure areas.
Moreover, with the concept of hop on or off on a daily flat rate, the Panorama Malacca bus service is simply an attractive choice for visitors. The buses come in single-decker (Blue Line) & double-decker (Red Line). Both buses cater for slightly different routes.

7- Malacca Duck Tour

Known as the first land and sea adventure in Malaysia, the Malacca Duck Tours in a 38-seater craft is one of the main attractions in Malacca. By using Malacca Duck Tour, visitors are able to enjoy a 45 to 60 minute amphibious adventure around Malacca. The on land tour route would cover several interesting sites such as A’ Famosa Fort, Malacca Sultanate Palace, DataranPahlawan Megamall, Mahkota Parade and Pulau Malacca.

The craft will then enter the sea at Malacca Island and cruise towards famous Sungai Malacca. Visitors can also find interesting views of the floating Strait of Malacca state mosque during the duck tour on sea. This duck tour will givevisitors a unique view of the city’s history and charms without taking two separate rides.

8- Trishaw Ride

Besides bullock cart, trishaw or known as “beca” in Malay, is also a popular mode of transport in Melaka during the olden times. The trishaw hood was used to made out of canvas and can easily be opened or closed when necessary. The seat is made from coconut husk and is completed with a backrest. However in the modern days, most of the trishaws are well decorated with flowers, flags, personal collectibles and equipped with sound system.

This trishaw ride in Malacca is available for hire at the Stadthuys Complex, in front of Christ Church. Each trishaw can carry up to two adult passengers and one or two children (depending on their size).

9- Upside-Down House

The only upside- down house gallery that available in peninsular Malaysia where visitors can experience being in house that everything was upside and down like in above picture. This gallery was opened recently last year on November 2014 and now became one of the most attractive places for visitor to visit at Malacca.

10- Light and Sound Show

This show is the best way to learn up the history of Malacca. The Light and Sound show at Bandar Hilir, Padang Pahlawan is the first such project in South East Asia. It is equal to other projects namely the Egyptian Pyramid at Gaza, the Acropolis at Athens, and the Red Fort at Delhi. Significant events in Malacca history are re-enacted by means of lights, narrative, dialogue, music and relative sound effects to project real-life drama that will glue visitors to the seat. Highly educational yet entertaining visitors to Malacca should make it a point to attend the show to understand Malacca, its culture, its people and the history of Malaysia.

CONSOLIDATION

Consolidation is the area continues to attract tourists. The growth in tourist numbers may not be a fast as before. Some tensions develop between the host and the tourists.The area's economy is tied to tourism and major franchises and tourism chains will be represented.Resort areas will have a well-defined recreational business district and tourism arouses opposition and discontent from some local people.
Example:
1) Resort and hotel area

Bayou Lagoon Park Resort

2) Local or areas economy

Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall

Bounded shoes at Wah Aik shop in Bandar Hilir, Malacca

Trishaws, river cruise (boat ride) and red double decker bus

The Jonker Street

Orang Utan House

Joe's Design

Abdul Antiques Sdn. Bhd.

3) Major franchises and tourism arouses

Hard rock café Malacca

Geographer café- Jalan Hang Jebat

Reggae on the River - Lorong Hang Jebat

STAGNATION

Bandar Hilir now in 2015 is facing a stagnation phase. In the stagnation phase, the peak numbers of tourist have been reached in Bandar Hilir Melaka especially after the city was crowned the ‘World Heritage City’ in 2008.There has been a continuous effort by local authorities to improve the image of the city and to sustain the 'World Heritage City' title. This effort includes programs, advertisements and campaigns to ensure that the landmarks are promoted for tourism. The landmarks become popular destinations for visitors.

Picture 1: Melaka River Cruise and Eye-On-melaka (2015)