Have Sarong Will Travel Gearing Up For An Unforgettable Experience In Melaka

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HAVE Gun ‒ Will Travel was an American TV series from 1957 through 1963, which Malaysians got to watch after TV1 began broadcasting on Dec 28, 1963. It was a Western or cowboy theme movie, and based on an investigator who worked as a gunslinger for hire.
Later, the title evolved into an idiom “Have a gun will travel” to describe people who are willing to travel to new locations and use their skills or tools to take on tasks. Today, many have morphed into digital nomads and can work anywhere with internet connection.
Soon, all a lady needs to have a great holiday in Melaka is a sarong. But not just an ordinary one but a sarong kebaya Nyonya style.
However, it would be too risky to purchase them online, as manufacturers in China could flood the market overnight, which they have already done so for common sarongs and baju kurungs.
One could have a tailor-made Nyonya sarong kebaya in Penang or Singapore, but it could cost a bomb. It would be much more affordable and meaningful to get one in Melaka, where it all started when Chinese traders married local women from the 15th century onwards, and gave rise to the unique Baba Nyonya or Peranakan community.
Ladies visiting Melaka from now until the end of this year should have a Nyonya sarong kebaya made before prices rise steeply in tandem with growing demand. From next year, those wearing Nyonya sarong kebaya will be offered free entries to participating attractions in the historic city.
And there will be no shortage of outlets offering free gifts, meals and drinks, and sponsors to award the best dressed lady in Nyonya sarong kebaya at every lunch or dinner hour daily.
A convenient and comfortable spot can be chosen for those wearing Nyonya sarong kebaya to stand and pose for no more than 30 minutes.
This will allow the public to take photos and videos, and judges to pick the winner. Regardless of the number that turned up, all such no-sweat contests should be publicised.
In the unlikely event that no one made an appearance on time, it would mean that any lady clad in Nyonya sarong kebaya could be declared the winner.
This is the dream of those planning to contest in the coming Sabah state elections, where five-way fights are likely for every seat.
While politicians fight to gain positions, power and prosperity for themselves, ladies in Nyonya sarong kebaya contests can gather to celebrate life and share their stories and lifestyles.
That alone makes every contestant a winner. It is not the value of free entries, gifts, meals or drinks, but the recognition and the thrill of participating in a contest without having to break a sweat, as there is no need to offer intelligent answers to open questions, or risks of walking on high heels along a catwalk.
Whatever the prize may be, the most valuable moment is when the winner is announced and her expression captured in video, and presented with a bouquet of flowers plus an official certificate with the Melaka City emblem.
The winning Nyonya sarong kebaya can be reworn and later passed down as a family heirloom.
That would make experiential tourism beyond a fleeting moment but a lifetime of joy. Judges should not forget that it is not a normal beauty contest where the young or beautiful are likely to win. It should be based on the traditional and authentic dress, unlike those worn by beauty contestants that look ridiculous and more like a joke.
After all, Melaka is the real thing. It is historic, authentic and the birthplace of multiculturalism. It was “Truly Asia” when the Portuguese first arrived 500 years ago and found 84 languages spoken at the port. Today, tourists visit Malaysia and Melaka repeatedly, just like they would regularly patronise their favourite restaurants.
So, if you can get hold of a perfectly fitting Nyonya sarong kebaya, do visit Melaka once or several times a year.
You will feel like coming home, get to exchange goodwill with many others, especially those in the same attire, and enjoy the fun. The experience is more genuine than engaging in cosplay, which may look silly to others. 
YS Chan is the master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course. He is an Asean Tourism Master Trainer and also a tourism and transport business consultant.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT. 
- Focus Malaysia.

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