Left Singapore for a drive to the fishing village of Kukup, another Taman Negara park, the Tiang Piai resort at the southernmost tip of the Asian continent.

The last and maybe the best of the “straits” villages. I was enchanted with the Jonker Boutique Hotel. The location was superb-right on the edge of Chinatown–and the staff couldn’t have been more delightful. The room was cool, comfortable and attractive. Take a look: Although I only had one full day to look around, I decided to make the most of it. Anyway, Melaka is small.