My first stop in Malaysia is the historical town of Melaca. This
sleepy little seaport was once the heart of Malaysia where traders from all
over the world come here in search of its riches. Its importance
in the history of Malaysia and the Spice Road cannot be overlooked.
With that, Malaca has inherited a rich cultural heritage that is influenced
by native Malays, Chinese, Indian, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
So, it was not at all what I had expected it to be. Of course, I had
expected the whole country to be run by conservative Muslims where women
must cover their whole body and run away from men as if they carry the
plague. That cannot be further from the reality. So, join me in
exploring Malaca.
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The Causeway
The bridge that connect Singapore with Malaysia |
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A'Famosa Fort
This fort was originally built by the Portuguese but was later destroyed by the British. The frontgate of the fort is all that's left. |
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Just Me...
Just me in front of the fort with my busted left hand. |
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City of Malaca from St Paul's Hill
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St. Paul's Church
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St. Paul's Church
Built by the Portuguese in 1571, it was regularly visited by St. Francis Xavier. Following his death in China, the saint's body was interred here for nine months before being transferred to Goa in India. |
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Stadhuys
Considerably the most important relic of Malaca, the massive red town hall was built between 1641 and 1660. Believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East, it now houses the Malaca History Museum. |
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Stadhuys
The view from inside |
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Stadhuys
Stadhuys during the day |
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Stadhuys
Its garden |
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Stadhuys
from the terrance |
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Stadhuys
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Maritime Museum
A replica of a Portuguese ship |
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River View
Kind of look like Shu-zhou China, doesn't it? |
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Chinatown
Very representative of Strait Chinese architecture of the time |
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Chinatown
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Chinatown
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Chinatown
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Chinatown
The inside of a typical Strait Chinese house in Malaca. Note the open garden area in the middle. |
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Chinatown
This store specializes in making paper model of things that we use everyday from houses to cars. The models are burned and sent to our after-life so we can live in luxary. |
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Chinatown
7-11 in an old temple? |
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Chinatown
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Chinatown
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Chinatown
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Chinatown
For those of you Chinese, read the inscription, it is funny! |
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Hindu Temple
Sets right in the middle of Chinatown, this Hindu temple is a testimony to Malaysia's cultural diversity |
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New Friend from JB
Whiel in Malaca, I met a really cool guy from JB and he showed me how to eat Indian food - Indian style! |
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Cool Restaruant
The lady in the back is the owner's niece. She is super duper cool. I felt bad not finishing all the food she served me though. Sorry! I will do better next time! |
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