Melaka is a UNESCO heritage site and is a historical city about 120km from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. One can easily get to Melaka via one of the many express buses from the city. It’s a very popular tourist destination for the historical landmarks and delicious food.
On the 6th of April 2019, Malaysia Local Guides had our very first meet-up program in Melaka. A group pf us journeyed from Kuala Lumpur, to meet up with our Local Guides family in Melaka. Our group wasn’t that large for our first meet up here, but we are certain it will grow fairly quickly. Our intention was to get as many Local Guides from outside the capital to also participate actively to organize meet up programs.
Our original RSVP site: https://maps.google.com/localguides/meetup/melaka-heritage-photowalk
[Photo above] We were 5. From the left, we have Jason, Jerry, Ridwan, Husniah and Steve.
[Picture/Photo above] This was our planned exploration. Start at the original center of town, the iconic Melaka clock tower, which is also known as the zero mile of Melaka here. https://goo.gl/maps/DhHBtFdXYt52
Amazingly after so many years, with good maintenance, the clock tower is still running and continue to be one of the main icons for the city.
[Photo above] Around the clock tower, is located many historical landmarks. Just behind the 3 of us. There is the Christ Church (https://goo.gl/maps/rgJm9CZ4ucM2), and Anglican church which also is the oldest operating church in the country. We explored around the Dutch Square and all the other landmarks. The good thing about it being a Saturday is that there are plenty of tourists, and when we were there, we could feel the touristy excitement as well.
[Photos above] A quick walk from the Melaka 0 mile is the Dutch Fort (https://goo.gl/maps/qN7ZQVQ14HH2) which is a mock up impression of what the old fort around the river bank would look like. We walked around the area and that’s where also many excavations and restoration of old city structures are taking place. We were happy that the local government is taking effort to uncover historical gems covered over by time.
[Photo above] A quick walk towards the Melaka Sultanate Museum (https://goo.gl/maps/MyvSYScGtzE2) , which I visited that day. A very good place to learn about historical lore of Melaka including the first Sultans and also the legendary Hang Tuah. Entrance fee is only RM 3 for Malaysians. A highly recommended place to visit.
[Photo above] The single stretch of road from the Clock Tower to A Famosa, hosts almost 10 museums. It’s good to have many tourists attractions, but I personally think it’s too many, and the government should consolidate some of them into a single larger one.
[Photo above] The most iconic symbol of Melaka. The A Famosa (https://goo.gl/maps/LX4vvLNVKTt) which is a remnant of the occupation by the Portuguese. It’s built from old stone blocks held together my plaster. We spent a bit of time taking photos there and also admiring history.
[Photo above] A leisurely climb up to St Paul’s Hill (https://goo.gl/maps/LAHEVf3SpZ72) . Along the road, we enjoyed the sunset and at least 2 of our participants haven’t been up this hill, so it would be amazing sharing the experience with them. The climb was easy and not more than 120 steps.
[Photo above] The historical St Paul’s church. It’s no longer in used weekly and it serves only as a tourist destination. When here, we need to admire the stone tablets majestically displayed. https://goo.gl/maps/LAHEVf3SpZ72
[Photo above] Stone Tablets in St Paul’s Hill
[Photo above] After walking for almost 1 hour, we headed back to the city Square from where we started. We enjoyed the evening by taking lots of photos of the Victorian fountain https://goo.gl/maps/fqeGY58TbiL2 and also the Stadhuys (https://goo.gl/maps/7UvnUqnndSD2)
[Photo above] Then the whole group of us enjoyed Cendol at the One Kopitiam (https://goo.gl/maps/4VFnwnZX1sJ2). We were so thirsty after such a long walk. Cendol is sticky, creamy, cool, sweet, chewy all rolled into one.
[Photo above] Shortly after our shopping spree started. There’s always so much to see and do in Melaka. Every Friday to Sunday night is the weekend night market. If one comes here, this is something not to be missed.
[Photo above] We had our dinner at Pak Putra in Melaka. (https://goo.gl/maps/7HJmiHbV5aw). They have the most delicious cheese Naan I have tried, which very delicious lentil curry as well.
We visited a lot more places than this. If one visits Malaysia, just remember to take 2 days off in the weekend and come to Melaka. It’s beautiful.
