Activities in Malacca


                                       


   MALACCA AT A GLANCE

Malacca or Melaka is an interesting blend of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and is considered Malaysia's most historic city.  It was once the most important trading port in the region but is now little more than a sleepy backwater.  Ancient-looking junks still sail up the river, imbuing the waterfront with a timeless charm, and the city remains full of intriguing Chinese streets, antique shops, temples and nostalgic reminders of the now-departed European colonial powers.  If the ultra-modern architecture and forward-looking citizens of Kuala Lumpur symbolize Malaysia's hopes for the future, then the quiet, seaside city of Malacca, about 150km to the south, is the guardian charged with the reflective task of preserving its past.  Five hundred years ago, an extraordinary empire rose and fell here, its power and dreams suddenly caught off-guard by the dawn of the Colonial Era.  The city was so coveted by the European powers that the Portuguese writer Barbarosa wrote "Whoever is Lord in Malacca has his hand on the throat of Venice."  It was a major port along the spice-route, and its harbor bristled with the sails and masts of Chinese junks and spice-laden vessels from all over the hemisphere.  Because the city was originally built of wood, there are no crumbling and stately reminders of the power once wielded by the Malaccan Sultanate, but along shores of the Malacca River the scene has probably changed little.  Sloping rooftops of traditional Malay houses still hang over the water, and seem to call out sleepily from the past.  The riverside is a part of the city that seems to have defied the Portuguese, who captured the city in 1511 and occupied it for well over a century.  The Portuguese influence is visible in the city's architecture.  As they did in other colonies, they taxed buildings relative to their width, a policy that accounts for the deceptively thin facades along the colonial streets.  A building no more than twelve feet across can easily extend backwards two hundred feet, its hidden interior a linear succession of high-ceilinged rooms and courtyards.  On the streets themselves, however, it is the Chinese influence that is felt most.  As they have done for hundreds of years, Chinese merchants advertise the wares inside their shop houses with bright red characters.  Open air fruit, vegetable, and fish markets sing with cadences of people bargaining in Mandarin.


   The Stadhuys




Situated in the Square, The Stadhuys, with its heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges, is the most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Malacca. Built between 1641 and 1660, it is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It is a fine example of Dutch masonry and woodworking skills. Painted in salmon red, it used to be the residence of the Dutch Governors. The Stadhuys now houses the Malacca historical, ethnographic and literature museums.


  
 

   Malacca-Trishaw Ride

The best way to enjoy Malacca in a slow and laid-back manner is to ride a trishaw. This trishaw will take you through streets and corners of Malacca that you could easily miss out on if you decide to venture out on your own. The trishaw can be rented by an hourly or distance covered basis at The Stadhuys.


  Malacca-Tranquerah Mosque

Located in Tranquerah, an area of interesting residential houses, along the road towards Port Dickson, this 150 year old mosque has a square, multi-tiered roof of Sumatran design. The mosque is unique because instead of minarets a pagoda has been built in its place and the main building is in the shape of a pyramid. Within its grounds is the tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johor, who signed the cession of Singapore to Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.


   Jonker Street



A definite haven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. Authentic artifacts and relics, some dating as far back as 300 years, can be found among a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history, and mystery. Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street is known world wide among famous antique collectors as on of the best places to hunt and bargain for antique.




   Stadthuys

The Stadthuys, the official residence of the Dutch Governors was built in 1650. Situated right in the middle of Malacca town, it is a example of Dutch masonry and superb woodwork skills. Preserved in its original structure, it now houses the Historical Museum and Ethnography Museum. On display are traditional bridal costumes and authentic relics from it's glorious days. Because of it's unique structure and historical significance, it is a popular spot for photography, especially the clock tower and the fountain in front of the building. The fountain itself was dedicated to Queen Victoria by the people of Malaya in 1904.