This will be the last instalment of my three days, two nights trip to Malacca. If you have missed the previous posts, here’s a quick recap.
Last Friday, I went to Malacca with some friends of mine. Malacca is one of thirteen states of Malaysia, and one of eleven states of the Malay Peninsula. It is the unofficial historical state of Malaysia with its mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences - rich with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures. Consequently, it was listed as a UNESCO site in 2008, and the status attracts visitors from all over the world for a glimpse of its rich history dating back to the 16 century.
You can refer to my previous posts on my visits to Malacca.
Continuing on my journal…
The Stadthuys – museum of ethnography
The Stadthuys is known for its red exterior and nearby red clocktower. It is supposedly the oldest remaining Dutch historical building in the Orient. Built by the Dutch when they took possession of Malacca, it was the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor.
We did not go in. We were a little pressed for time, and there were other places to visit. If I had done my homework before the trip, I would have taken a look. It seems interesting. According to the travel guide, the museum showcases Malaccan customs and traditions as well as the city’s rich history, from the great Malay Sultanate to the Portuguese, Dutch and British occupations.
Christ Church Melaka
Situated near to Malacca’s Chinatown centre, across the bridge from the Jonker street, this brick-red building with a huge cross is famous around the world. Together with The Stadthuys and the clock tower, the area is known as the Red Square.
Trishaws decorated with colourful designs wait for customers in the square.
There was a windmill in the area - a testament to the Dutch's presence.
Malacca River
The Melaka River was once dubbed the ‘Venice of the East' by European seafarers as it was a prominent port of entry for traders from Europe and Asia during the late 16th century. I didn’t realize the significance of the river until after my visit. But truth be told, we had only a day in the city. It would be too much to take it all the attractions.
Melaka Straits Mosque
Apparently the Mosque was built on stilts over the sea. During high tide, it looks like it is floating on the ocean. From the mosque, one can have a panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca. It was reported that in the evening, the view is so stunning that it will wipe away all the stresses of the day. Hence, the mosque attracts a lot of photographers throughout the year.
And with that, I wrap up my journal on my visit to Malacca. A three days, two nights trip is a good length of time to spend in Malacca. But I would suggest you stay in town, unless you are interested in theme parks. However, if history, culture, and architecture, are you interests, you might want to stay a few more days because Malacca has got plenty of these.
It certainly was a fun weekend with my mates. I enjoyed the weekend more than I thought I would. I went with no expectations. I was psyche to just 'go with the flow and see what happens'. After all, travel brochures mostly tells a different story of the place. Plus which, it was the first time eight of us stayed in a villa for three days and two nights. It wouldn't surprise me that there might be some friction. Surprisingly, we got on famously. All was good, and we look forward to our next trip together - tentatively set to be April/May next year.
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