Malacca is one of the historical cities in Malaysia. Although it is the third smallest state in Malaysia, they are many historical site clustered around the city. Therefore, as a Malaysian, who have never been to the historical state of Malacca is not a complete Malaysian. In another word, tourists visiting Malaysia is not complete too without going to Malacca.
I visited the place for the very first time with my friends at the end of the year 2011. I was excited to visit the place as my impression on Malacca was just what I studied in the history book but not experience it by my own.
Malacca was founded by Parameswara, a Hindu Prince from the Kingdom of Srivijaya in Sumatra in the year 1403. Malacca vacation is not complete without visiting the following attractions: The Stadthuys, Christ Church and Jonker Street, all of this are nearby to each others at the town center and can be easily accessible with walking distance. Do not forget to take the trishaw and make sure you take a good picture as you ride as a souvenir for you to bring home. Last but not least, not to be missed is the 45 minutes cruise along Malacca River.
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The Stadhuys in Malacca
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The Stadthuys also known as the "Red Building" and it is a venue you can never miss when you visit Malacca. Your trip is incomplete without visiting this iconic tourism spot of the city. This massive building was built in 1650; it is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It was once a center of the Dutch administration in Malacca. It would be interesting to know that the building was not originally painted red in color. This building like all the other Dutch administration buildings in Southeast Asia was originally painted white. After the Dutch handed over Malacca to the British in 1826, the British were the ones who painted the building salmon red in 1911.
The building is now the home of the Historical Museum of Malacca also known as the Museum of History and Ethnography. In the museum, they display lots of Portuguese and Dutch memorabilia, historical maps, stamps, paintings and lithographs together with information on the history and cultures of Malacca’s various ethnic groups. A visit to this museum is like a journey to the past, walking down the historical path of Malacca. People who went to Malacca without visit this building as if you never had been to Malacca. It is a must go place.
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Christ Church - Red You’ll always remember
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The Christ Church building is located just beside The Stadthuys. When the Dutch took over Malacca from the hand of Portuguese, they built several buildings for their own purposes. This church was built as a place of worship for the people at that time. This church is painted in coral red with huge white cross at the middle and surrounded by beautiful landscape with greeneries and flowers. When the British took over Malacca, the building was converted to become an Anglican church where a bell tower and weathercock were added and remain until today. You can visit this place by getting the permission from the church officials.
The interesting part to the construction of Christ Church that everyone has to know is the ceiling beams. The Dutch with their superior architecture skills had constructed the beams of the church by using huge tree trunk with no joints between each other. While you are walking, mind your step on the floor, as there are old tombstones with engraving of Armenian script integrated in. And take a slower and smaller step so that you can have a closer look at the valuable and unique tombstones. The church is located opposite to Stadthuys.
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| The Queen Victoria Fountain |
In the middle, you can see a beautiful fountain and that is the Queen Victoria Fountain built by the British. Further, there is a windmill that faces the fountain. In such a small area, one can experience the art of architecture that brings you back to the olden days. This building is a must when you come to Malacca.
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The windmill adds to the uniqueness of the church nearby.
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Jonker Street is another tourism attraction spot of Malacca. It is known as worldwide among famous antique collectors as one of the best places to hunt and bargain for antiques. They are defined as a heaven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. It is actually a long and straight street with old shops along the street. It is a place you can find various kind of unique antiques, statues, fashionable clothes, household products, colorful accessories and also various souvenirs. This is a place you can spend hours of walk and shop around. If you are too tired of walking, you can stop by at the eateries here to enjoy the famous baba cendol or any other local delicacies of your choice.
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Jonker Street at Malacca
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Along the street, you may see a lot of antique buildings.
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Olden days Tailor Shop
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Jonker Walk World Heritage Park
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| Various kind of unique accessories and souvenirs. |
There is something unique and unusual that you might not be able to get in everywhere but only in Melaka – the colorful decorated trishaw! It is the best way to enjoy Malacca in a slow and laid back manner. The trishaw will take you through streets and corners of Malacca that you could easily miss out if you travel by own. Around the compound of the Stadhuys and Christ Church, you will notice a lot of heavily decorated trishaws lining up ready to fetch the tourists to the spot of their preference. It can be rented on hourly or distance covered basis. These flowery trishaw had become one of the tourists’ attractions for the city of Malacca as well.
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| The colorful trishaw that you can take while you are here. |
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| Flowery and colorful trishaws |
You can also see the fascinating Malacca River view when you visit to the city. It is just across the road from the Stadthuys. If you are not satisfied enough by just watching the overall scenery of the river, you can choose to take the river cruise which will bring you to see the scenery along the river more closely and specifically. The Melaka River Cruise is one of the latest attractions in Malacca. The jetty is located opposite the police station near the Stadthuys. The ticket costs only RM10 for adult and RM5 for children. The boats depart every 30 to 45 minutes from morning till late night on a daily basis. On this river cruise, visitors get to observe the city surroundings by the riverside. It is recommended to take the river cruise at night which is when most of the structures and buildings along with fountains are lit with colorful lights.
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| The Malacca River's signboard. |
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| The Malacca River |
Author’s Review:
It was a nice experience visiting historical city with a lot of thing to see and feel. Although is a short trip but I truly enjoy it a lot. Thanks to my friends for making the efforts to make this trip a success. Do not forget to take along your camera to snap interesting pictures of the old shop houses, bridges and historical buildings. Remember to bring along your cap or hat or umbrella whichever you prefer when you visit the places which are not sheltered and you will be directly exposed to the hot sun. It is better to prepared before you get the sunburn.
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| Group photos taken in front of the Stadhuys. |
Written by: Tan Yee Thuan
Photos taken by: Tan Yee Thuan
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