Thursday, October 2, 2008

El Sanctuary







There's a place called El Sanctuary in Alor Gajah, Malacca where I've had the privilege to visit last month. You'll need to really know where to turn off from the main road cause you might miss it if you are not paying attention to the road signs. The place was famously situated on top of Holy Ghost Hill, or they call it in Malay, "Bukit Hantu".

This place was wonderfully built to give you a sense of back-to-the-nature-feel.
The wooden chalets are built on strong, tall stilts, like the "kampung houses" and hidden among the thick, green trees. At night, it is super cooling and if you are a light sleeper, you will probably be awaken in the middle of the night with the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind.....


The hospitality was overwhelming. Friendly hosts prepared awesome home-cooked meals for us (see pics above and you'll know what I mean). Even the dogs (i counted about 5 of them) will roam freely and follow you around, sort of like guardians, overseeing us during our stay... so we dont loose our way, trip and fall, etc.

I was pleasantly surprised too, at how the place was decorated. They have the most creative and ingenius way of decorating the place. For instance, using huge flower pots as water basins. You've got to see it to believe it..... They have very nice ambience in the dining hall too, with lovely lightings and jazzy smooth music played throughout our meals.

It was a wonderful thing that the church introduced this place to us for our retreat where we reflect upon our lives , brainstorm ideas and bond together as a family. It's also great for young people who are adventurous and want to experience a little bit of nature. Also perfect for church camps, youth camps, etc. El sanctuary has got all the hall facilities ready.

If anyone wants to get there, let me know. Think one of my friends have loaded the coordinates in the GPS, so should not have any trouble finding the place anymore. El Sanctuary, anyone?

3 comments:

Jordan said...

may i know the coordinate?

Anonymous said...

hi there.. i would like to have the gps coordinates asap if you dont mind cause i'm having a camp at this place and i could find any correct coordinates. thanks

eve said...

Thanks Jordan and Anonymous for your comments. Unfortunately I dont have the GPS coordinates. The last time we followed the map i.e. After passing Simpang Ampat toll, turn left at roundabout. After passing through 10 traffic lights (about 16km), turn right after seeing Hindu temple on the right (and before Zap Driving school). After traveling 13km, turn left (at right is a Chinese stall). Then turn right to El Sanctuary. Note - please check the 13km mileage to turn left, otherwise you mught over shoot the turning to El Sanctuary. Good luck!