A Media Trip to Encore Melaka: A Glimpse into Melaka's Grand Spectacle

Last week, I had the privilege of joining a media familiarization trip to Encore Melaka, a must-see cultural extravaganza in Malaysia. The journey began at KL Sentral, where we embarked on a comfortable trip to Melaka. 

After a delicious lunch at The Pines Hotel, we arrived at the grand Encore Melaka theatre, eager to delve into the world of history, art, and technology that awaited us.

Yummy Nyonya Lunch @ The Oak Restaurant, The Pines Hotel, Melaka

The afternoon unfolded with a comprehensive introduction to Encore Melaka, followed by a fascinating backstage tour. Here, we met the dedicated crew who make the magic happen on stage. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the press conference, where the much-anticipated reopening of Encore Melaka on July 7, 2024, was officially announced.

The upcoming season promises an enthralling experience. Imagine a captivating blend of history and modern flair, where cutting-edge technology seamlessly integrates with artistic expression to create a magnificent show of lights and sound. Encore Melaka has built a reputation for its grand production that seamlessly weaves together music, dance, drama, and multimedia technology.

The new season takes this concept a step further. We learned that iconic scenes from the previous season will be revisited, but with the exciting addition of innovative elements that promise to bring Melaka's rich tapestry of stories to life in a more profound way. 

The water and mist stage boasts over 1,000 water sprinklers, creating a breathtaking water and mist effect that enhances the performance.

The stage boasts a breathtaking backdrop of full-scale houses, instantly elevating the grandeur as the performers take center stage.

Witnessing the behind-the-scenes magic during the backstage tour significantly enhanced my appreciation for the show's brilliance.

The 70-minute show is a visual and emotional feast, utilizing creative technology to narrate the city's 700-year transformation, its embrace of diverse cultures, and its lasting impact on its people.

The state-of-the-art theatre itself is a marvel of modern engineering. Equipped with brand new lighting and sound systems, it boasts a 360° rotating auditorium that can seat a staggering 1,800 people. The 240-meter stage, water and mist effects, and dynamic lifting platforms create a truly immersive experience.

The talented cast for the new season is another highlight. New faces join the veterans, infusing the performance with fresh energy and dynamism. A special treat during the press conference was a series of teaser performances that left us eager to witness the full spectacle in July.

According to Alan Tan, Theatre Director, the theatre boasts a 360° rotating auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,800, a 240m-long stage, over 1,000 water sprinklers at its water & mist stage, and six lifting platforms that ascend up to 6 meters, facilitating dynamic and seamless scene transitions.

Encore Melaka's commitment to promoting local culture is commendable. The team has incorporated elements that beautifully reflect Melaka's unique heritage, allowing audiences to gain a deeper appreciation for the city's historical background while enjoying the artistic performance.

Left to right: Alan Tan, Theatre Director; Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon, Founder; Lei Peng, Deputy General Manager; and Wang Yong Chao, Artistic Director, at the press conference marking the start of the highly anticipated new season on July 7th, 2024. 

Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon, the visionary founder of Encore Melaka, shared the inspiring story behind the project's inception. This grand theatre serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering artistic exchange between Malaysia, China, and the world.

One group photo for the memory

The media trip to Encore Melaka was an enriching experience that left me with a sense of anticipation. Tickets for the reopening are now available, and I highly recommend booking yours to witness this exceptional showcase of art, culture, and technological innovation. Prepare to be transported on a captivating journey through time in the heart of Melaka!

The backstage tour provided fascinating insights that deepened my appreciation for the already impressive show.

Tickets for the return of ENCORE MELAKA are now available at its official website and authorized ticketing channels. ENCORE MELAKA is eager to welcome back audience at its theatre to witness the brand-new art & cultural journey of ENCORE MELAKA. 

Show Synopsis: 

1. PARAMESWARA: The legendary tale of Melaka's inception in 1400 when Prince Parameswara, inspired by the valor of a mousedeer, decided to establish his kingdom. 
2. CHENG HO: The arrival of the esteemed Cheng Ho and his fleet in 1405, heralding the dawn of the Baba Nyonya heritage. 
3. NYONYA & WEDDING: An opulent depiction of a traditional wedding in 1880, replete with ancestral practices and vibrant cultural dances. 
4. SIX MOTHERS: The poignant story of an old man nurtured by six mothers, epitomizing unity, acceptance, and timeless love. 
5. PREGNANT WOMEN: A tribute to the resilience of those who endured wartime hardships, symbolizing Melaka’s renaissance. 
6. WAU: A homage to the traditional craftsmen and the unique cultural tapestry that defines contemporary Melaka. 
7. FINALE: A modern storytelling masterpiece, featuring 200 local performing artists on stage, embodying the authenticity and grandeur of Melaka’s heritage. 

Show Date & Time: 

From 7 July 2024 

• Monday to Saturday at 5:30pm and 8:30pm 
• Sunday at 2:30pm and 5:30pm 
• No shows on Wednesday 

Ticket Price: 

• Malaysian - Adult - RM78/pax - Concessions for Seniors (60 & Above), Children (Below 12), Disabled – RM48/pax 
• Non-Malaysian - RM158/pax 

Ticketing Information: 

• Website: https://encore-melaka.com/ 
• Box Office： +606 – 270 7777 / +6012 - 650 7010 
• Events, Sales & Marketing ： +606 – 270 7799 / +6017–902 6010

Acknowledgements: I would like to extend my gratitude to Encore Melaka, The Pines Hotel and Strategic Public Relations Sdn Bhd for their warm hospitality throughout this media trip.