Heritage Sleepover - A Nite at the Museum

What? Sleep in the Museum? That reminds me of a movie I saw not long ago. It was an American comedy film entitled "Night At the Musuem". Did you get to see it? It was so hilarious, at times scary, making me watch it with my ten fingers across my eyes in anticipation what would happen next. And it's so creative I tell you.

Well it's not about the movie I'm going to write here. This is about a project my tourist-guide brother is so excited about. You see, the idea for the sleepover is his and En. Abu Hassan's, the Manager of Naza Hotel, Melaka. The following is what my brother related to me as to the program for the night. Guests register at the Hotel and then in the evening they are taken to the Herbal Park to start their adventure via the famous Melaka River Boat cruise. They are accompanied by a guide all the way (my brother this time) who narrates the interesting itsy-bitsy history of the buildings as they cruise by them.

The start of the night adventure. I love my Melaka River (at night!)

Then upon reaching the city centre which we called "Padang Nyiru" (remember that was my childhood playground), the participants disembark and start the Walking Tour along the river's esplanade. So one must have good walking shoes and no case of knee-problem! Again more story-telling by the guide, pointing out famous landmarks and their history - the landing spot of the Dutch traders, St Francis Church, the Clock Tower, Queen Victoria's fountain, The Dutch Stadhuys etc, etc.

The Walking Tour. Ladies and Gentlemen, please take note!

As they learn more about the place, they have to take note because some activities are awaiting them before the night's out. The Museum chosen for the night is the Portuguese model-ship "Flor de la Mare'. Guests are introduced to the artifacts within (some more story-telling!) while the guys from Naza Hotel prepare the beddings for the guests - men on the ground floor, ladies on the top floor. After a light supper, the guests are given some simple activity to recollect what they have experienced. Then it was nite-nite! The next morning they are taken to Naza Hotel for clean-up and breakfast.

Just watch out fellas . . . those statues will come to life at midnight!

On the whole, I think it is a very educational project suitable for students and those wanting to experience a sort of "look-at-Melaka" from a different angle. But it has to be in a group of more than 20 I think. Would you and your friend (only two of you) stay the night in a Museum? With Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Alfonso de Alburqueque or San Pedro keeping you company?

The "Flore-de-la-Mare" - Heritage Sleepover Museum

All photos courtesy of my brother, Shaukani Abbas. Thanks! For further information, you can contact Shau at 012-6120618.