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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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