Malacca: Gate of Historical and Cultural Experiences

If you're keen to see a bit of Malaysia outside Kuala Lumpur but you realized that you're stay is too short in Malaysia, Malacca (Melaka) might be a good place to explore. The city is known as historical city, and was declared as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008.

Long time ago, Malacca was a bustling cosmopolitan port where traders from India and China anchored their ship to trade silk and porcelain. Thanks to Prince of Sumatera, Parameswara, the old fishing village transformed into an important port for traders around the world even for Europeans such as British and Portuguese. Starting here, the mixture of cultures were born which can be seen nowadays in Malacca, from colonial building to traditional Chinese building.

Many people said that Malacca can be done in one day, while for me, it's not enough to do it in one day. With only 2 hours journey from Kuala Lumpur, it's possible to do a day trip to Malacca but if you really want to enjoy it, do at least two days. Try cruising along Malacca river to see the different sight of the city. The 45 minutes cruising will take you along the river where you can see artistic paintings on the wall, old-style building, and houses of famous "Datuk in Malacca"

Museum lovers can make their way to a street in Malacca full of museums. There are more than 50 museums and galleries in Malacca, that's a lot! One museum that I went to was Maritime Museum, a museum inside a big ship. Beside museums, you can visit the famous church like Christ Church, St. Paul Church which is on the top of the hill, and St. Francis Xavier Church.

Christ Church

Maritime Museum

St. Paul Church from outside

Going to Malacca won't be complete without tasting the famous "Nyonya' Food. Terms of Baba-Nyonya which is also popular as "Peranakan" is the marriage between Chinese and Local Malaysian. The tradition has been inherited and the easiest way to involve in the culture is by tasting the food. Head to Jonker Street and seek for Nyonya Restaurant where you can try Laksa, Nyonya Pai, Asam Fish, Cendol, etc.

Notes

Malacca is growing rapidly today, contractors starts to build skyscraper buildings, apartments, shopping malls-it might erase the essence of historical city. Hopefully the heritage site remains as what it is. It's easy to walk around the heritage site, you can do it by yourself walking, without joining any tour. Malacca can be easily accessible by bus from Terminal Bersepatu Selatan (TBS) or Pudu Sentral. Price varies from RM 11-14. I stayed in Apa Kaba Homestay, a nice homestay with cheapest room RM 50. Perfect place if you want to experience chill, traditional-style housing. For more backpackers hostel you can check around Jonker Street. Enjoy Malacca