Strap on as we take you down memory lane along the heritage-laden streets of effortlessly charming Melaka, a true Malaysian gem.
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, Melaka (formerly Malacca) has a rich historical past interwoven with colourful folklores. The port-city was just a fishing village when Parameswara (also known as Sultan Iskandar Shah) arrived on its shores to set up his kingdom around 600 years ago. He named the town after the tree that he was taking shelter under, called the Melaka tree. The city soon grew in importance because of its strategic location and not long after, Admiral Zheng He arrived with his fleet of ships from China during the Ming Dynasty.
After Zheng’s visit, the Portuguese came and conquered Melaka in 1511. They were soon displaced by the Dutch who ruled the city from 1641 to 1798. It was the Dutch who built the famous red buildings called the Stadthuys that still stands today. Melaka was ceded to the British in 1824 and remained a crown colony until Malaysia’s independence in 1957.
TOP 5 ATTRACTIONS
St Paul’s Hill
Built in 1521, St Paul’s Hill tops the list of attractions in Melaka. On top of the hill lies the ruins of St Paul’s Church. What remains now is just four walls with some old stone tablets inside the building. The church was used by St Francis Xavier and his Jesuit priests in 1548 as a base for their missionary work. The statue of St Francis outside the church was built in 1952 and his right hand is missing, thanks to a Casuarina tree that fell on it. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll to the top in less than 15 minutes. If you come early at 7am, you can see locals exercising at the carpark below the hill. In the early hours of the morning, you can have the place all to yourself as tourists only start to arrive at around 9am. Remember to check out the old Dutch cemetery behind the church ruins. As you descend to the foot of the hills near the Melaka Sultanate Palace, you can see the famous A’ Famosa, the only remaining part of the ancient Portuguese fortress built in 1511.
The Stadthuys
As you drive into Melaka’s old district, you can’t miss the distinctive red buildings built by the Dutch in 1650 called The Stadthuys, which means “city hall”. Among the Stadthuys is the iconic Christ Church (built in 1753) and the Museum of History and Ethnography, possibly the oldest buildings in the area. Best time to visit the area is in the late afternoon when the setting sun casts a warm glow enhancing the beauty of the historical buildings.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Constructed in 1673, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (Jalan Tokong) is possibly the oldest temple in the country. Dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, the temple opens at 7am and the crowd starts to build up by 10am so it’s best to visit early.
Encore Melaka
There aren’t many choices for evening entertainment in Melaka besides the restaurants, cafes and shopping malls. But that has changed recently with the opening of Encore Melaka, a spectacular 75-minute play that depicts the history of Melaka. The spectacular play combines the latest in audio-visual technology with a big line-up of local talents to take the audience on an emotional journey back in time. Two shows are performed each day on a 360-degree rotating theatre, one at 5.30pm and another at 8.30pm.
Jonker Walk
Jonker Walk (also known as Jonker Street or Jalan Hang Jebat) is the main road that cuts across Malacca’s old quarter, which includes Chinatown. Today, the old shophouses lining the streets cater mostly to tourists but there are some old shops worth exploring like Jonker 88 which is an old-style cafe famous for their Nyonya laksa and cendol. Within the same area, you can also visit Daily Fix Café (55 Jalan Hang Jebat) for their western favourites like egg benedict set amid a heritage shop environment. On Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm, Jonker Street and the surrounding area will transform into an open-air night market.
MUST-EATS
Nancy’s Kitchen
No visit to Malacca is complete without a Peranakan meal and Nancy’s Kitchen (13 Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana) has been the flag bearer for many years. You can’t go wrong with any of the dishes on the menu but what stands out is their chicken candlenut, assam pedas fish (spicy fish in curry assam sauce), popiah (spring roll), pie tee (also known as top hats), Nyonya sweet desserts and cendol (iced drink made with coconut juice). The restaurant opens for lunch only and is mostly packed.
Amy Heritage Nyonya Restaurant
Another Peranakan restaurant worthy of mention is Amy Heritage Nyonya Restaurant (75 Jalan Melaka Raya 24) located downtown. Customers who arrive at the restaurant for late dinner are often disappointed as most of the dishes are sold out by 8.30pm, even though closing time is 10pm.
Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant
Locals have their own secret hangouts for cheap food under the stars and one such establishment is Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant (Jalan Laksamana 4). Located along a stretch of shophouses just a few minutes’ drive outside town, the place serves delicious Indian-style tandoori chicken, naan and roti canai, among others. Pak Putra opens from 6pm till 2am.
Calanthe Art Cafe
Calanthe Art Cafe, also known as 13 States (11 Jalan Hang Kasturi), serves their own unique style of laksa, a local favourite. A bowl of laksa is typically yellow noodles topped with spicy soup comprising coconut milk, lemon grass, turmeric, dried prawn paste and other secret ingredients that will blow your senses.
Geographer Cafe
Geographer Cafe is recommended not just for its food but also for its ambience. Set in a pre-war shophouse at the corner of Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Hang Lekir, the cafe is the best place to relive the pre-war coffeeshop experience while people-watching. Geographer is also a great choice for an after-dinner beer or coffee.
GETTING THERE
Melaka is located between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It is a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and 2.5 hours from Singapore, making it a popular weekend destination. There are also buses from both cities to Melaka.
WHEN TO GO
Melaka is recommended all-year round but if you hate crowds, avoid school and public holidays. If food is part of your itinerary, avoid Mondays when most restaurants are closed. Tourist attractions are best visited early in the morning, from sunrise to 9.30am, after which busloads of tourists will be jostling for space to take snapshots.
WHERE TO STAY
One would not be short of accommodation options in Melaka as there’s something to suit all kinds of budget – from bed & breakfasts or hostels, which would appeal to backpackers, to opulent five-star hotels that offers some serious pampering; or there are the heritage boutique stays that ooze rustic charm and tradition.
Hatten Hotel is a popular choice among tourists for its central downtown location and surrounding shopping malls, while Casa del Rio is a five-star hotel located alongside the Melaka river and just minutes’ walk from Jonker’s Street and most of the famous historical sites. If you are the type that loves to luxuriate in old-world charm with impeccable five-star service, check into the Majestic Malacca. The hotel incorporates a heritage house together with a newer building and their Peranakan-inspired spa treatments are possibly the best in town.
Photos © iStock by Getty Images.
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