MELAKA
Ahh, Melaka - the historical city of Malaysia, a city so rich in history that unfolding the layers can be deemed a humongous, if not impossible task. The state is full of historical monuments thanks to the colonisation of powers starting from 1511. In addition, Melaka is notorious for its delicious Baba Nyonya food. Making Melaka all the more colourful is its blend of cultures, and this is attributed to the infusion of Portuguese influence within the state (it is the only state in Malaysia where the Portuguese Settlement is located).
The state was founded by Parameswara, an exiled prince from Sumatra during the year 1400. Melaka then thrived as the trading hub for many ships and merchants from China, India, Arab and South America. The downfall of Melaka began in 1511 when it fell into the hands of the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch in 1641 after a fierce battle. And the tussle for the ownership of Melaka continued, with back and forth transfers between the British and the Dutch.
Remnants of colonialism can be seen today, with the Portuguese leaving behind the most notable imprint on the state. Upon the arrival of the Portuguese in 1511, the first thing they built was a fort overlooking the river coined the A Famosa. This fort is also one of the oldest European architecture present in Southeast Asia, making Melaka all the more special.
As you arrive in St Paul’s Hill (where the A Famosa is situated), do not pass up the chance to visit the surrounding wonders of architecture - both modern and those that are left behind by a glorious bygone era. Some of these attractions include The Stadthuys, St. Paul’s Church, Melaka River Cruise, The Maritime Museum, Jonker Walk, Menara Taming Sari, Istana Museum, along with two shopping centres – Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall and Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall.
Just St Paul’s Hill alone should take approximately one hour of your itinerary, and that’s just sightseeing, mind you. With the inclusion of shopping, photo taking, going on a cruise and many other activities, you will be pressed for time if you plan on finishing your tour of Melaka in a short duration of time.
Paul Hill is Melaka’s older part of the city, where buildings are compact with many historical and cultural attractions hidden away into the narrow street corners. Also part of Old Melaka is Jonker Walk, an exuberant street filled with collectibles and knick knacks of all types imaginable. There are even authentic artefacts and relics to be found here, some even dating as far back as 300 years ago!
These attractions are certainly not the be all and end all of Melaka’s attractions, for there’s more waiting for you to explore! You can head to Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum next, a museum that was set up in honour of the Chinese Ming Dynasty admiral – the museum’s namesake. This is the place to be to get a glimpse of Cheng Ho’s life, a truly fascinating individual with an equally compelling tale of his meteoric rise in the Ming Dynasty.
On another side of Melaka, there is the A Famosa Animal World Safari, named after the fort that is synonymous with this historical state. Here you will find an amazing wildlife safari that is home to over 100 species of animals, with exciting attractions such as the Walkthrough Area, Farm House, Monkey Island and the adventurous truck drive through the safari.
Of course there’s more to Melaka than these destinations, in fact, attractions are in abundance here that there’s too many to mention! So, if you’ve completed your tour of St. Paul’s Hill, Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum and A Famosa Animal Word Safari, be sure to head to Melaka’s other exciting destinations.
There’s Menara Taming Sari, St. John’s Fort, St. Peter’s Church, Melaka River Cruise, Kampung Hulu’s Mosque, Zoo Melaka, Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, the Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex, A Famosa Water World, Perigi Hang Tuah, Hang Tuah Mausoleum, Eye on Melaka, Portuguese Square, Hang Li Poh Well and many others.
And we haven’t forgotten the all-important attraction – food! Melaka cuisine is well known for its scintillating colours and mouth watering aromas, with each of its respective communities (Malays, Chinese, Indians, Portuguese, Nyonya) having their own unique culinary style. Trying out the best food here requires patience, for it’s impossible to try out all that Melaka has to offer in a short time!
Malaysians probably have heard of Satay Celup, Chicken Rice Ball and Umbai Seafood – so if you’re a Malaysian and you haven’t, shame on you! But seriously, Melaka prides itself with these delicacies, and to prove it, they have survived the wrath of time and last up to today.
For those who don’t know, Satay Celup is skewered seafood cooked in peanut sauce, sort of like the marriage between [italic: lok lok] and [italic: satay]: simply delicious! Chicken rice balls, on the other hand, is a delicacy first invented by the Chinese. The rice is shaped into golf ball sizes, served with chicken meat, cucumber and garlic chilli sauce. And don’t forget about the über popular seafood destination, Umbai. This newly refurbished grilled seafood joint is a major tourist attraction, offering scrumptious seafood fare such as grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf, stuffed squid, cockles, oysters and more!
Finding accommodation in Melaka is a no-brainer, for there are a wide variety of resorts situated on its beaches, city hotels, and there are also adventure and nature resorts for your selection. So whatever your budget and preferences, you will surely find something that will suit you. Indeed, hotels are situated so close to each other that you will find yourself in a quandary over where to stay.
In a nutshell, Melaka is definitely one of Malaysia’s must-see destinations thanks to its rich historical heritage and awe-inspiring historical monuments. History buffs should never pass up the chance to visit this majestic city, for the resplendent beauty and enchanting stories that lie within each of the attractions that Melaka has on offer will definitely make you swoon.
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