The Red City- Malacca

In the 4.5 years we lived in Malaysia and the countless times we have been back, we had never been to Malacca. So this trip around and to check out possibile places for H to take his students next year, we drove the 2.5 hours from KL. After getting lost a few times, we finally got there. If you are driving there by yourself folks, make sure you have a GPS, or better yet, bring along a Malaysia friend who knows their way around.

Malacca is a very significant historical city in Malaysia and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. Malacca was a Malay sultanate until 1511 when it was conquered by the Portugese. Thereafter the Dutch took over in 1641 and finally it was colonised by the British in 1824. There was a brief occupation by the Japanese during World War 2 in 1942.  Soon after it became part of the Malaya Union, which later became Malaysia.

Walking around Malacca, you can see the remants of this myraid history of colonisation. Walls have been added to the fort by successive occupiers and building architecture represents the cultures of the people at that time. Church roofs dot the skyline, along with mosque domes and minarets. And the faces of quite a number of Malaccans display the mixed race history.

So what is there to do in Malacca? Well, if you are a history and/or an architectural buff this is the place for you. There are the historical red shops and buildings lining the streets of Bandar Hilir. There are very old churches, such as the Christ Church in the middle of the square, temples and mosques. There are the really good museums; we went to the Malacca Sultanate one, which showcased, old Malaccan relics, scenes related to 'typical' Malaysia life, traditional Malaysia costumes, houses and even wedding celebrations among many other things.

If you fancy a cruise on the Malacca river, there are many boat operators around- I am told that the night cruise is breathtaking. If you prefer land, then there are many colourful trishaws around, waiting to take you around the city for a very reasonable price.

The popular way to enjoy Malacca- on the very colourful boats

The Christ Church and the Tan Bang Swee Clocktower

I am taking it all in at Portguese Square

A view of the square from the upstairs museum window

One of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed buildings

One of the museums we spent hours in, absorbing all Malaccan and Malaysia history and culture

The infamous Malaccan trishaw- a great way to get around and see the city

We were told shopping is also great in Malacca, but due to the very hot weather that day, we decided to give it a miss and head back to KL. But before we did that, we did get to enjoy great Malaccan food. Would I go to Malacca again? Yes, but this time with a guide. Though we managed alright on our own, it wuold have been more informative and significant if someone was able to show us exactly where to do and the significance of the places.