Melaka Favorites

Favorite thing: I was asking for direction. A local told me that my map has some problem because they missed out the Holland Street.. so he drew a new map for me..

After a long while, he said.. hmm.. Oh nono.. actually Holland street is Jln Tan Cheng Lock, but the local never call it Jln Tan Cheng Lock!

Favorite thing: We went to the Tourist Information Bureau in Dutch Square where we asked about tours of Melaka. Within minutes we were in a van being shown around by a most informative guide. For us it was a very sensible move, as Susan has difficulty walking long distances and we were finding the heat hard to handle, but I think being shown around by someone who is well informed, answers questions and is generally couteous and helpful is an excellent introduction anywhere. It was particularly good that there were only the two of us so we could have individual attention.

Fondest memory: I think the time we spent in Harmony Street was particularly memorable, and important in these times of world tension and religious bigotry/hatred.
But the whole town is full of interest, the markets, hawker stalls, houses, greenery, fruit trees, food, people, history, culture, even the airconditioned shopping mall....

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Favorite thing: Like most places in Malaysia, different communities and cultures live next to each other: Chinese, Malay, Indians... Given the importance of its port on the mouth of a river that dominates the Straits, Melacca has also been home of European colonialists for many centuries. Their presence is still perceptible in many parts of the city.

Favorite thing: Like in the rest of Malasia you will find a great mix of coultures. As we arrive at the bus station we saw a lot of muslim women the head and body covered, but then in the more historic part of Malacca we found more hindus and chinise people.

Favorite thing: I have hear that the houses are very narrow because in old day they had to pay to a very high tax for facade. That is way you will think that the house are very little, but they are not .. if you get in you will find that they are very long and have lovely patios insid, like Hotel Puri have

Fondest memory: At the zoo, on the day I went, were a large group of kids on a school outing. They seemed more interested in me than the animals. Well, I do look and act strange. Initially they were shy but soon overcame this and I had to take pictures of them all. They were a mixed bunch but stayed in set groups. Boys, girls, Indians, Muslims. Nice kids, actually. Very well presented and extremely well-behaved.

Favorite thing: The film "Entrapment" features the river in Melaka. The film makers however entered into a bit of jiggery-pokery to get the Petronas towers in as well for the climatic scene.

This caused some degree of controversy (for more detail see the twin tip to this on KL)

Catherine and Sean may well have enjoyed filming here, but you now only have a couple of years to see it in it's present ramshackle
and atmospheric best - it's going to be "restored", and will end up with expensive waterside apartments similar to those found in Amsterdam.

Fondest memory: Taking the river cruise is a very pleasant way to finish off a day's sightseeing - see other tips.

Favorite thing: There is no photography allowed within the heritage house but you can take a picture of the servant's quarters which is adjoined to this house...it is just as pretty and ornate

btw it is now a coffee house