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are three beautiful beaches in Malacca, and a resort is emerging on Pulau Besar,
or Besar Island, in the Straits. The beaches of Klebang, Tanjung
Kling, and Tanjung Bidara have fine white sands edged with palm
trees, and the attraction of the setting has brought a number of
resorts to this part of the Malaysian coast. In Malacca, Malaysia's
fascinating history vies with the attractions of the sea for your
attention. So when you visit, make a point of visiting some of
the sights of this twilight city steeped in history.
Exploring Malacca:
Tanjung Bidara
Tanjung Bidara, thirty-five
kilometers from the town of Malacca, commands a magnificent sweep
of coastline. The beach is ideal for swimming, water-skiing, and
canoeing. Chalets and motels are available, and there are a number
of cozy picnic spots.
Pantai Kundur
Pantai Kundur, a small fishing
village, is approximately seventeen kilometers from Malacca. This
beach is a favorite spot for swimming and picnicking, but it is perhaps
best known for its graceful form of night-fishing. Fishermen suspend
their nets from poles near their kelongs (houses built on stilts
over the water) and periodically lower them to net a passing shoal.
Tanjung Keling
Tanjung Keling is about
ten kilometers from Malacca. It has a stretch of white sandy beach
set within a coconut palm grove. There are a number of things to
do here. Among them are picnicking, swimming and canoeing. North
of the beach is the Tanjong Keling Mosque, with its unique octagonal
minaret and tiled steps. One kilometer away lies the grave of Hang
Tuah, the legendary Malay warrior.
Pulau Besar
Pulau Besar is located three
nautical miles off the coast. Those in search of fresh air and tranquility
will be entranced by the natural beauty of the island. Pulau Besar
also abounds with intriguing folklore and sacred graves and shrines.
The island has an international class hotel and several chalets.
Snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and jungle trekking are popular activities.
Getting there:
A boat service (for a maximum of twelve persons) operates from
Pengkalan Pernu to the island daily at RM4 per person for a return
trip. For a faster mode of travel, catamarans are available from
the town's jetty.
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