Ask any Malaysian about the history of our country and he or she would probably tell you that it all started in Melaka. While that is not exactly historically precise, it’s hardly surprising. After all, the first thing we learnt in history class at school was the history of Melaka. Names like Parameswara, Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, and Puteri Hang Li Po are as familiar to us now as they were once when we were still dressed in school uniforms. We know these names and yet how many of us have actually visited the state that has been credited as the foundation of our country?
Melaka wasn’t named as a historical heritage on a whim. Its colourful past as a major port city in the 1400’s, and the legacy left behind by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English gives Melaka a charm that is distinctly its own. Little wonder that when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaysia as an independent country, he chose Melaka to do so.
We started our tour from the outskirts of Melaka City and made our way into the city. First stop was naturally, Air Keroh. We found the Taman Mini Malaysia a little staid for our taste, but it would be very educational for school going children to learn more about traditional homes from each state. The theme complex exhibits traditional homes, musical instruments, home appliances, and furniture from each state. The Mini ASEAN park is also based on a similar concept.
Bird lovers would go cookoo (no pun intended) over the Peacock Paradise Bird Park. Extending over an area of 4.5 hectares, the bird park houses more than 3,000 free-flying birds from 100 species within a netted enclosure. While your’re there, don’t miss out on the Melaka Zoo and the Crocodile Fam that is just nearby.
A short drive away sits the Auyin Hill Resort. The pagodas and colourful sculptures from ancient Chinese mythology makes for great photography, especially if you’re game enough to pose along. We did take some extremely silly shots, but there’s no way anyone could make me put these photos up in the magazine.
More than half a day had flown by at Air Keroh and we were in a tearing hurry to visit other sites as well. The problem with Melaka is the usual ‘so many places to see and so little time? Next stop, St. Peter’s Church at Jalan Bendahara. Built in 1710 and still standing strong. It is the only church in Malaysia to contain a life-size alabaster statue of The Dead Lord Before the Resurrection.
Dinner time saw us at the Portuguese Settlement for Portuguese cuisine that could only be found in Melaka. Be sure you visit this settlement on Saturday nights to catch the Portuguese dances that are performed for public viewing. Are you game enough to join in?
The next day, we concentrated our exploration to the northern bank of Melaka City. This crammed quarter holds many historical buildings. The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock holds a display of the elaborate and magnificent furniture and artifacts used by the Baba and Nyonya community from way back then.
If you’re into ancient religious buildings, check out the Kampung Kling Mosque built in 1748, the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple built in the 1900’s and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple built in 1646. A stone’s throw away from the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple lies the Hang Kasturi’s Mausoleum.
No trip to Melaka City is complete without a meal of chicken rice balls (non-halal). The original restaurant situated at Jonker Street (now known as Jalan Hang Jebat) still does brisk business every day so make sure you get there early.
The best way to walk off that heavy lunch would be to explore the many antique shops at Jonker Street. If you want to photograph Melaka’s most photographed site, the A’Famosa, is found near St. Paul’s Hill. This fort was built by the Portuguese in 1511 and it is one of Melaka’s most recognizable site. The Proclamation of Independence Memorial (formerly the Malacca Club Building) is situated opposite the A?Famosa. On top of St. Paul’s hill stands the St. Paul’s Church, built in 1521.
There are plenty of places to stay in Melaka, whether in the city or near the popular beach resort areas. These accommodation range from budget motels and rental chalets to 5-star luxury resorts. The beauty of Melaka is that wherever you are staying, all the major attractions are only about 15 minutes drive away. Most hotels would have a good selection of detailed maps for motorists.
The beach in Melaka may be a little less than pristine but still a popular weekend spot for many families seeking to enjoy a little seabreeze. If you’re the fun in the water type, you would find the A’Formosa Water Park very enjoyable.
We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend exploring Melaka. There’s plenty to see and do. And let’s not even talk about the food. Melaka is famous for its wide range of cuisine that is uniquely Malaccan. The Portuguese food and Nyonya cuisine are the most popular tourist attractions. Quality Malaysian delicacies like the original gula melaka, cincalok, and Melaka coffee are also easily available.