I woke up at 7 AM in my cozy hotel room at Fraser Place in Puteri Harbour, quickly hopping into the shower to shake off the morning grogginess. It was still dark outside, but with the call time less than an hour away, I quickly got ready, zipped up my luggage, and grabbed a quick breakfast.
It will be a long day ahead—the first day of our Melaka tour, a much-anticipated post-event following my ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 coverage in Johor Bahru. After spending the past few days indoors covering the forum, I was eager to finally step out.
When I first saw the full itinerary, I wondered how we’d manage to fit everything in. But rather than feel overwhelmed, I was excited. After all, this was my chance to explore Malaysia for the third time, and I am grateful that I got the opportunity to explore the historic city I’ve only read about.
The first destination is A’Famosa Resort, a 1,300-acre integrated holiday destination in Alor Gajah, named after the iconic 16th-century Portuguese fortress synonymous with Melaka’s rich history.
But while its name nods to the past, the resort is a modern oasis of endless experiences—theme parks, hotels, golf courses, and a shopping center. Located just an hour from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and a short drive from Melaka’s charming center, it’s the perfect getaway to unwind without being completely secluded.
Adventure and fun at Safari Wonderland
First things first: Adventure time.
At A’Famosa’s Safari Wonderland, you should not miss out on the Elephant Aquatic Show, an unforgettable showcase of elephants frolicking in the water. It’s a wonderful chance to see elephants up close as they interact with their trainers, showing off their incredible swimming behavior.


The Safari Adventure Ride was another highlight. From the safety of a truck, we got up close to giraffes, tigers, and elephants. Seeing these animals in a semi-natural habitat, running freely in an expansive yet secure place, felt like I was that young kid again on a field trip.


An ideal place for fun and relaxation is Water World. Here, you can spend a day at Malaysia’s largest water theme park, where over 12 fun and exciting facilities and attractions await you.

The slides and lazy rivers are particularly tempting to try and serve as a welcome respite from the tropical heat.
Tip: Plan for at least a full day at the theme parks. With so many attractions like Monkey Island, Crocodile Kingdom, and the Safari Wonderland, you’ll want the time to soak it all in.
A golfer’s paradise
We didn’t have time to try it, but it is one of A’Famosa Resort’s pride. Its 27-hole championship golf course, designed by Ross C. Watson, is a major draw for golfers. Even with a quick peek from our tour bus, we saw lush greens and serene water features, proving why it was recognized as one of Malaysia’s Top Ten Golf Courses.
Tip: If you’re a golf enthusiast, consider booking a golf package with meals included for a seamless experience. You need to try Golfer’s Terrace Restaurant, serving diverse dishes, or grab a snack at the Rockies 6 Half-way Hut.



Luxury stay at PARKROYAL
After the long day, we checked in for the night at the sophisticated PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort.
I was assigned a deluxe accommodation, complete with all the plenty of in-room amenities and entertainment you could need. Its balcony offers a good view of the lush greenery and provides just the right peace and quiet after a long day.

Tip: Book at PARKROYAL if you are also having an event such as a wedding or a conference. It has a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 700 people, perfect for MICE packages.
Aside from PARKROYAL, families and couples also have other options for accommodation, such as villas and condotels.

Discounted finds at Freeport A’Famosa Outlet
With our full itinerary, we made the most of our short stay, and one of the highlights was visiting the Freeport A’Famosa Outlet. Arriving at the area, you’ll be greeted by a vintage Boeing 747, known as the Coach Airways.


The aircraft was turned into a high-end shopping location where you can browse exclusive Coach collections at discounted rates. Celebrate your purchase with a cup of coffee in the Coach Café inside the plane’s lounge.


Aside from Coach Airways, it was impossible not to be drawn in by the year-round discounts on over 80 brands, especially if you love fashion and accessories.

Tip: Make use of a complimentary shuttle from PARKROYAL to the outlet store. When I realized I needed a larger suitcase while organizing my things, I called the front desk to request a shuttle. Despite it being 8 PM, the transportation was ready in under five minutes. I managed to purchase a suitcase just before the stores closed, booked a return shuttle, and arrived safely back at my hotel room.
As our stay came to an end, I couldn’t shake the feeling that one night was simply not enough to fully experience all that A’Famosa Resort has to offer.
From its accommodations and exciting theme parks to its unique shopping outlets, there’s so much more I want to see and do here.
I imagine my nieces and nephews getting entertained at Elephant Aquatic or feeding the crocodiles. I still wanted to return to the shopping outlet and hopefully find a discounted purse. Or maybe spend an afternoon lounging by the villa pool with a cocktail in hand.
Even with our tight schedule, the resort left such a strong impression. It’s a destination for everyone and deserves more than just a fleeting visit.
Note: This feature article is part of the ASEAN Tourism 2025 Melaka Post-Tour Coverage organized by Tourism Malaysia.