Many years ago Malacca was one of Malaysia’s most sought-after destinations. Before Kuala Lumpur transformed from a malaria-infested jungle into a polished high-rise capital, Malacca was one of the greatest trading ports in Southeast Asia. Over time it changed from a thriving port into a sleepy backwater city and lost its spot as a must-visit destination to its high-rolling cousins.
Yet in recent years, Malacca has been revived as a top-pick holiday getaway due to its many historic attractions. Home of the well-known Nyonya cuisine, it’s a popular destination for tourists who want to catch a glimpse of Malaysia’s unique heritage.
Highlights and Features
Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum – With Victorian and Dutch-style Chinese hardwood furniture, this Peranakan townhouse is arranged to look like a typical 19th-cenutry Baba-Nyonya residence.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple – Significant due to its engraved woodwork, this temple is Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese temple. Dedicated to the goddess Kwan Yin, the highlight of this shrine is the robed effigy of the Goddess of Mercy herself within the main hall.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Christ Church – Sporting a huge white cross, this coral-red building is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. Built in 1753 to commemorate a century of Dutch rule in Malacca, it is one of the most notable heritage sites in the city.
Jonker Street – Malacca’s Chinatown centre street was once renowned for its collection of antique stores; these days it is most noteworthy due to the Friday and Saturday Jonker Walk Night Market where tasty treats and delicious knick knacks are sold at dirt cheap prices.
Maritime Museum & Naval Museum – This massive re-creation of the Flora de la Mar is one of Malacca’s most tourist-worthy attractions. Built in 1990 the Maritime Museum is home to dated props including old maps, scale model ships, weaponry and nautical -related accessories and relics that chronicle Malacca’s history.
Melaka River Cruise – A 40-minute riverboat ride that takes you on a journey down the ‘Venice of the East’. This waterway, which was once used as a trade and commerce centre for the Melaka Malay Sultanate, is now a simple reminder of its bountiful past where you pass by kampungs and old godowns – river warehouses.
Melaka River Cruise
Melaka River Park – This popular theme park houses the Eye on Malacca – a giant gondola-style Ferris wheel – which takes you on a gentle 20-minute spin with great views of the Straits of Malacca.
Melaka Sultanate Palace – A wooden replica of an original 15th-century palace, this cultural museum is a unique structure with ornate wood carvings and features numerous dioramas portraying the palace atmosphere of the era.
Porta de’ Santiago (A’Famosa) – A quick photo stop opportunity, it’s best to visit these Portuguese ruins in the late evening when the sun isn’t so high in the sky. Climbing to the top may not be a gruelling task, yet, given the fact that there are hardly any trees along the way, the short trip can be scorching due to the sun’s fiery rays.
Porta de Santiago
Stadhuys – This salmon-pink town hall and governor’s residence, believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East, houses several museums and is a favourite trishaw pick-up point.
Tips when visiting Malacca
Take the boat trip down the river when it is already dark; the city will be illuminated.
A delicious breakfast or lunch you can get at Limau Limau 5 near Jonker Street (a bystreet of Jonker Street). Especially the upper floor is very pleasant and cozy.
A local delicacy are Kajang Cupcakes, delicious little cakes with sauce in them.
At the aforementioned dessert restaurant Jonker Desert 88, you can also eat delicious laksa.
From Porta de Santiago it is an easy walk to Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall (in a 1 minute walk you're at the northern entrance).
Each Sunday morning there is a flea market with antiques along Jalan Hang Lekir. Mostly you will find ancient coins and medals here.
The best time of day to visit the beautiful Dutch tombstones at the top of Porta de Santiago is around 8 o’clock in the morning. It is still cool and very quiet. Especially in the weekend from 10 o’clock in the morning onwards it will be extremely busy and crowded at this attraction. It is also best to visit the rest of the UNESCO World Heritage Site early in the morning.
At the seaside near the Portuguese Settlements you can enjoy dinner at one of the many local seafood restaurants.
No comments:
Post a Comment