Getting to know Malacca

Malaysia does not only offer accessibility and affordability to Singaporeans when every destination in Malaysia has its unique character and one particular upbeat destination would be Malacca. Getting to Malacca from Singapore is surprisingly easy when one can just make a booking online for the next 707 bus.

Best known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Malacca is among the unique and fascinating destinations in Malaysia. What’s more, the city is easy to navigate and therefore you will not encounter any problems finding the popular tourist attractions. Malacca boasts of numerous narrow passageways, and thus the best and more convenient way of exploring the wonderful city is by walking.

A Walk Down the History Lane

Malacca rose from a humble fishing village to become the renowned trading port forming a vital link between the East and the West. Envy of many, the first of many foreign invasions took place when the Portuguese arrived and soon after falls on the hand of different nations. As rich as the history can be, the many historic events that took place in Malacca has successfully shaped Malacca into what it is today.

Popular historical attractions in Melaka

• Fort A Famosa – Built by the Portuguese in 1511 which suffered severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion.
• John’s Fort – Remodelled by the Dutch in the third quarter of the 18th century.
• Peter’s Church– Constructed in 1710 under the Dutch administration, this church is the oldest Catholic Church in Malaysia.
• Paul’s Church– Built by the Portuguese captain, Duarte Coelho, this church was named “Our Lady of The Hill”, but was later revolved into a burial ground by the Dutch for their noble dead, and renamed “St. Paul’s Church”. Presently the church is part of the Malaccan Museums Complex.
• Christ Church– Constructed in 1753, the structure reflects original Dutch architecture. The building houses hand-crafted church benches, jointless ceiling skylights, a copper replica of the Bible, a headstone written in the Armenian language, and a replica of “The Last Supper”.

Malacca Dutch Square

• Francis Xavier Church– This Gothic church was built to honour St. Francis Xavier who is also known as the “Apostle of the East”.
• Stadthuys – Built in 1650 as the residence of the Dutch Governor and his deputy, the structure reflects Dutch architecture.
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple– Located along Jalan Tokong in the core zone of the Malacca Unesco World Heritage Site.
• Portuguese Square – Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours.
• Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple– The oldest Hindu Temple in Malaysia that was built in 1781.
• Tranquerah Mosque– The oldest mosque in Malacca.
• Kampung Kling Mosque– Kampung Kling Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia.

Jonker Walk Malacca

In the old city of Melaka, there are several well-kept areas. Jonker Street is among them. Jonker Walk like many other parts in the city, has deep rooted historical significance. During Dutch colonial period of Malacca, it was known as Heeren Street. Later, Heeren Street transformed into Noblemen’s Street. After Dutch colonial rule, the rich Peranakans used to live on the Jonker Walk and ultimately the Jonker Walk transformed into a rich Peranakan cultural hub.

The well-known street boasts beautifully preserved shop-houses that display a rich Peranakan architectural feature. In addition, it is a very popular destination for antique collectors, shoppers, and foodies due to the famous restaurants and night markets. Remember to check out the various attractions in Jonker Street including Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum and Cheng Ho Cultural Museum.

Melaka City’s weekly shopping extravaganza keeps the shops along Jonker Walk open late, while trinket sellers, food hawkers and the occasional fortune teller close the street to traffic. It is nevertheless an undeniably colourful way to spend an evening shopping and grazing.

Escape the crowd by taking a walk at the beautifully paved pathways at the Melaka River bank is perhaps one of the best experiences ever. Unlike the vibrant Jonker Walk, you can enjoy a peaceful evening walk without the noises and hassle. The waterway isn’t that wide and is so narrow that several foot bridges span the length of the waterways to smooth the travelling of pedestrians.

Devour the best of Malacca

Like many other famous tourist destination, Malacca is fame not only because of it’s well preserved historical building but also because of the delicious and mouth watering local cuisines and snacks.

Popular and must have snacks include

• Capitol Satay Celup – Steamboat with satay sauce as soup! What more can we ask for?
• Jonker 88’s Baba and Nyonya Laksa – The curry laksa and the asam laksa.
• Jonker 88’s Ice Kacang – Mountain of ice shavings served with gula Melaka, red beans and coconut milk.
• Chicken Rice Ball – Rice in the form of a bite-sized ball? You hear me right.
• Pineapple tarts – No explanation needed here besides the need to buy in bulk and share with friends and families.
• Klebang original coconut shake – Coconut milkshake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of it? Delish!