Malacca Archives - Asian Itinerary https://asianitinerary.com/category/malaysia/malacca/ Travel, Holiday, Adventure Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:32:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS RETURNS TO THE RAILS https://asianitinerary.com/eastern-oriental-express-returns-to-the-rails/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eastern-oriental-express-returns-to-the-rails Sat, 15 Jul 2023 11:09:56 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=55529

After a long hiatus, The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia is proud to announce its much-anticipated return to the rails in February 2024. Offering a reimagined adventure of Southeast Asia in motion, the train will launch two new seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and travelling through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes and vibrant cities: the Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October). The iconic train’s 15 dark green carriages will leave Singapore’s Woodlands station, taking in destinations like Penang, Langkawi and for the first time the Taman Negara National Park, before heading back to the garden city. With restyled interiors, elevated on board experiences, and enthralling journeys encompassing culture, gastronomy, architecture and the arts, the Eastern & Oriental Express continues to take railway travel in the region to new heights, while setting a new standard of excellence in Southeast Asia. ESSENCE OF MALAYSIA: A GATEWAY INTO MALAY CULTURE The Essence of Malaysia is a three-night journey through the country’s western wonders, from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and finally to the colourful island of Penang. After a relaxing first day of on-board indulgence, guests will disembark the train in Alor Setar and join a private cruise to Langkawi. For the first time, the Eastern & Oriental Express will offer guests the chance to go on a snorkelling excursion and rub shoulders with the sprawling underwater life that populates the Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi’s prime snorkelling spot. The third day is dedicated to discovering Penang, a multicultural island whose capital, George Town, boasts century-old UNESCO World Heritage sites, lively street art, and a thrilling food scene. Delving deep into the essence of Penang, guests can visit cultural highlights such as local art galleries and ancient temples in George Town’s Old Quarter; shop in the local markets and partake in an authentic Peranakan cooking class in a private hillside residence followed by a traditional tea ceremony; or soak up the views of George Town’s picturesque streets at their own pace, hopping on traditional tri-shaws and touring the surroundings in the company of local insiders, before rejoining the train and travelling south towards Singapore. WILD MALAYSIA: EXPLORING SIGHTS UNSEEN A brand new destination for the Eastern & Oriental Express, the Wild Malaysia itinerary covers the untouched areas surrounding the ‘Jungle Railway’, towards the Eastern side of the peninsula, and gives guests the unique opportunity to visit the Taman Negara National Park. Devised in collaboration with global tiger conservation organisation, Save Wild Tigers, the journey combines blissful moments of relaxation on the train with a dash of adventure. One of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world and a true explorer’s paradise, the Taman Negara National Park is home to hundreds of species such as tigers, leopards, and Sumatran rhinos. Here, guests can embark on a variety of excursions: from learning about the safeguarding of the Malayan Tiger, to a one-of-a-kind photography masterclass and a foraging experience in the jungle. After an inspiring immersion in the rainforest, on day three guests will travel to the west side to visit Penang. With a choice of three different activities to explore Penang’s artistic, culinary and historic heritage, guests will immerse into local culture before getting back on the train for their last night on board. LIFE ON BOARD: A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL CULTURE As they step on board the Eastern & Oriental Express, guests are invited to live and breathe the captivating culture of Southeast Asia at every moment. Days are punctuated by exciting encounters with local characters and passionate artisans, who will unveil the secrets of the region as they teach ancient crafts and tell century-old tales, while the sound of Nanyang jazz and vintage Malay tunes will accompany guests throughout the evenings. An elevated menu of contemporary dishes rooted in the Peranakan culture awaits guests of the Eastern & Oriental Express. A blend of Chinese, Malay, and other Southeast Asian culinary influences that originated in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore, Peranakan cuisine is known for its bold flavours, intricate preparation methods, and the sapient use of local ingredients. The train’s Executive Chef will celebrate this long established gastronomic tradition while adding a modern twist to ancient recipes turning every meal into a journey through Southeast Asia’s culinary suggestions. RESTYLING OF AN ICON The Eastern & Oriental will return to the rails with 15 restyled carriages including eight sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, a Piano Bar Car and the iconic open-air Observation Car. From ornate marquetry, to Malaysian embroidery and oriental silks, the train will sparkle with a sense of contemporary grandeur, bringing in a layered and vibrant experience of Southeast Asia through carefully curated design details and colour schemes. Warm sanctuaries of cherry wood panelling, the three different cabin categories – Pullman, State and Presidential – are all complete with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. The Pullman cabins are inspired by the radiance of Kuala Lumpur, boasting red sofas juxtaposed with blue cushions, drapery and pelmets that reflect the city’s dramatic skies, while the State cabins reflect Penang’s marine locale with a bright blue and green colour palette. The Presidential cabins celebrate regional opulence, with hues of gold and embroidered décor elements. Further design highlights include the eye-catching green carpet with a Tiger Orchid blooming across the entire length of the Piano Bar Car, carpets infilled with traditional Malay batik in the Malay restaurant, and the Observation Car’s laid back interiors paired with natural wicker details, colourful cushions and hand-painted pots that add a playful layer to the train experience.

The post EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS RETURNS TO THE RAILS appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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After a long hiatus, The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia is proud to announce its much-anticipated return to the rails in February 2024. Offering a reimagined adventure of Southeast Asia in motion, the train will launch two new seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and travelling through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes and vibrant cities: the Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October). The iconic train’s 15 dark green carriages will leave Singapore’s Woodlands station, taking in destinations like Penang, Langkawi and for the first time the Taman Negara National Park, before heading back to the garden city.

With restyled interiors, elevated on board experiences, and enthralling journeys encompassing culture, gastronomy, architecture and the arts, the Eastern & Oriental Express continues to take railway travel in the region to new heights, while setting a new standard of excellence in Southeast Asia.

ESSENCE OF MALAYSIA: A GATEWAY INTO MALAY CULTURE

The Essence of Malaysia is a three-night journey through the country’s western wonders, from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and finally to the colourful island of Penang. After a relaxing first day of on-board indulgence, guests will disembark the train in Alor Setar and join a private cruise to Langkawi. For the first time, the Eastern & Oriental Express will offer guests the chance to go on a snorkelling excursion and rub shoulders with the sprawling underwater life that populates the Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi’s prime snorkelling spot.

The third day is dedicated to discovering Penang, a multicultural island whose capital, George Town, boasts century-old UNESCO World Heritage sites, lively street art, and a thrilling food scene. Delving deep into the essence of Penang, guests can visit cultural highlights such as local art galleries and ancient temples in George Town’s Old Quarter; shop in the local markets and partake in an authentic Peranakan cooking class in a private hillside residence followed by a traditional tea ceremony; or soak up the views of George Town’s picturesque streets at their own pace, hopping on traditional tri-shaws and touring the surroundings in the company of local insiders, before rejoining the train and travelling south towards Singapore.

WILD MALAYSIA: EXPLORING SIGHTS UNSEEN

A brand new destination for the Eastern & Oriental Express, the Wild Malaysia itinerary covers the untouched areas surrounding the ‘Jungle Railway’, towards the Eastern side of the peninsula, and gives guests the unique opportunity to visit the Taman Negara National Park. Devised in collaboration with global tiger conservation organisation, Save Wild Tigers, the journey combines blissful moments of relaxation on the train with a dash of adventure. One of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world and a true explorer’s paradise, the Taman Negara National Park is home to hundreds of species such as tigers, leopards, and Sumatran rhinos. Here, guests can embark on a variety of excursions: from learning about the safeguarding of the Malayan Tiger, to a one-of-a-kind photography masterclass and a foraging experience in the jungle.

After an inspiring immersion in the rainforest, on day three guests will travel to the west side to visit Penang. With a choice of three different activities to explore Penang’s artistic, culinary and historic heritage, guests will immerse into local culture before getting back on the train for their last night on board.

LIFE ON BOARD: A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL CULTURE

As they step on board the Eastern & Oriental Express, guests are invited to live and breathe the captivating culture of Southeast Asia at every moment. Days are punctuated by exciting encounters with local characters and passionate artisans, who will unveil the secrets of the region as they teach ancient crafts and tell century-old tales, while the sound of Nanyang jazz and vintage Malay tunes will accompany guests throughout the evenings.

An elevated menu of contemporary dishes rooted in the Peranakan culture awaits guests of the Eastern & Oriental Express. A blend of Chinese, Malay, and other Southeast Asian culinary influences that originated in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore, Peranakan cuisine is known for its bold flavours, intricate preparation methods, and the sapient use of local ingredients. The train’s Executive Chef will celebrate this long established gastronomic tradition while adding a modern twist to ancient recipes turning every meal into a journey through Southeast Asia’s culinary suggestions.

RESTYLING OF AN ICON

The Eastern & Oriental will return to the rails with 15 restyled carriages including eight sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, a Piano Bar Car and the iconic open-air Observation Car. From ornate marquetry, to Malaysian embroidery and oriental silks, the train will sparkle with a sense of contemporary grandeur, bringing in a layered and vibrant experience of Southeast Asia through carefully curated design details and colour schemes.

Warm sanctuaries of cherry wood panelling, the three different cabin categories – Pullman, State and Presidential – are all complete with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. The Pullman cabins are inspired by the radiance of Kuala Lumpur, boasting red sofas juxtaposed with blue cushions, drapery and pelmets that reflect the city’s dramatic skies, while the State cabins reflect Penang’s marine locale with a bright blue and green colour palette. The Presidential cabins celebrate regional opulence, with hues of gold and embroidered décor elements. Further design highlights include the eye-catching green carpet with a Tiger Orchid blooming across the entire length of the Piano Bar Car, carpets infilled with traditional Malay batik in the Malay restaurant, and the Observation Car’s laid back interiors paired with natural wicker details, colourful cushions and hand-painted pots that add a playful layer to the train experience.

The post EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS RETURNS TO THE RAILS appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Origin of Sino-Portuguese houses https://asianitinerary.com/origin-of-sino-portuguese-houses/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=origin-of-sino-portuguese-houses Tue, 11 Apr 2023 20:18:24 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=52975

Sino-Portuguese houses are a unique architectural style found in Southeast Asia. These houses have an interesting history and a cultural significance, which makes them an important part of the region’s heritage. The Sino-Portuguese house style began in the 16th century when Portuguese traders started trading in Southeast Asian countries. The prolonged contact between the two different cultures led the locals to be inspired by the construction techniques of their new visitors, incorporating many elements into their designs and creating a unique hybrid between Asian and European styles, which is still seen today . Today these houses are highly sought-after for their historic value and aesthetic appeal; they often serve both residential purposes and commercial activities such as shops or restaurants within their premises, and in some cases they can be preserved through maintenance efforts which help to keep this distinctive aspect of regional culture alive for future generations to appreciate. Sino-Portuguese houses are one of the icons of Southeast Asian cultural and historical heritage, with a significant presence in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. These houses are characterised by their unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences, as their name suggests, and represent a synthesis of the two cultures that have contributed to their design and development. On the one hand we find the Chinese influence which is evident in the traditional elements of the southern Chinese style, such as the layout of the interior spaces and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. On the other hand, the Portuguese influence is visible in the use of Baroque elements, such as interior decorations, stained glass windows and carved wooden doors. These houses are much more than just homes: they represent a bridge between two cultures and a testimony of the past, offering a unique experience to visitors who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this fusion of different cultural traditions and influences. With their charm and historical significance, these Sino-Portuguese houses have become real treasures for local communities, who continue to care for them and preserve this cultural heritage for future generations. The origins of Sino-Portuguese architecture can be traced back to the 16th century, when merchants from East Asia and Europe began trading with each other along what was then known as the Spice Route. Over time, their interactions became more frequent and they began to incorporate aspects of each culture into their designs, thus creating an entirely new architectural style that combined features such as curved gables or decorative columns associated with European Baroque styles with ornate tiles similar to those used by southern Chinese buildings during that period. Today Sino-Portuguese houses are very popular throughout Southeast Asia. This is not only because they represent a practical testimony of the encounter between East and West, an encounter that left something that is still worth admiring, but also because of the beauty, practicality and originality of the buildings that have left us, which highlight local craft traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation and enriched during the colonial era. Although the style of Sino-Portuguese houses basically represents a unique architectural style, that is to say that concept of home and shop typical of that culture that is easy to find in predominantly Chinese cities such as Phuket or George Town, there may be differences from city to city. In Singapore, for example, Sino-Portuguese style houses are predominantly found in Chinatown. They are typically two or three stories high and feature intricate details such as red brick walls, ornate window frames, ornate balconies, and colourful tile roofs. These features give these buildings a distinctive look from other types of housing in Singapore. Inside these homes one can find spacious living areas with large windows that allow natural light to enter the rooms, while offering spectacular views of the nearby streets or gardens below, depending on where they are located within the city. In Malaysia, UNESCO has named Malacca and above all George Town, the latter being the capital of the island of Penang, as a World Heritage Site, also and perhaps above all thanks to the neighbourhoods where Sino-Portuguese architecture stands out. In these cities the most obvious features of these houses are the large windows, often equipped with decorative grilles or shutters to keep out the sunlight and at the same time allow air to pass through; the large verandas that offer shade; the brightly coloured walls decorated with painted ceramic tiles; the wooden balconies adorned with intricate carvings; the high ceilings supported by intricately carved wooden posts or beams; the sloping roofs made of red clay tiles arranged in elaborate patterns reminiscent of those of temples throughout Southeast Asia. Inside these dwellings can be found large courtyards surrounded by galleries filled with antiques collected over the generations, as well as luxurious furniture made from local hardwoods such as teak and rosewood which further enhance the value of the dwelling. The historic center of Malacca is a unique testimony to the history and culture of this region. Sino-Portuguese buildings with centuries of history are still standing, but they are threatened by urban development projects and it is precisely to preserve this cultural heritage that the government and UNESCO are working together to restore some of these structures and preserve the original ones. Restoration work has been carried out on some structures so that they can once again be appreciated in all their former glory, while others have remained intact, giving visitors an idea of what life was like when settlers arrived here centuries ago . Sino-Portuguese style houses began to be built in Thailand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There too it was an architectural synthesis resulting from the meeting of the distinctive traditional styles of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, whose traders found their meeting point mainly in Phuket Town. Here they are still part of the local landscape, and you can walk in the shade of their arcades wandering back in time between Thalang road, Dibuk road, PhangNga...

The post Origin of Sino-Portuguese houses appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Sino-Portuguese houses are a unique architectural style found in Southeast Asia. These houses have an interesting history and a cultural significance, which makes them an important part of the region’s heritage.

The Sino-Portuguese house style began in the 16th century when Portuguese traders started trading in Southeast Asian countries. The prolonged contact between the two different cultures led the locals to be inspired by the construction techniques of their new visitors, incorporating many elements into their designs and creating a unique hybrid between Asian and European styles, which is still seen today .

Today these houses are highly sought-after for their historic value and aesthetic appeal; they often serve both residential purposes and commercial activities such as shops or restaurants within their premises, and in some cases they can be preserved through maintenance efforts which help to keep this distinctive aspect of regional culture alive for future generations to appreciate.

Sino-Portuguese houses are one of the icons of Southeast Asian cultural and historical heritage, with a significant presence in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. These houses are characterised by their unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences, as their name suggests, and represent a synthesis of the two cultures that have contributed to their design and development.

On the one hand we find the Chinese influence which is evident in the traditional elements of the southern Chinese style, such as the layout of the interior spaces and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. On the other hand, the Portuguese influence is visible in the use of Baroque elements, such as interior decorations, stained glass windows and carved wooden doors.

These houses are much more than just homes: they represent a bridge between two cultures and a testimony of the past, offering a unique experience to visitors who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this fusion of different cultural traditions and influences. With their charm and historical significance, these Sino-Portuguese houses have become real treasures for local communities, who continue to care for them and preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.

The origins of Sino-Portuguese architecture can be traced back to the 16th century, when merchants from East Asia and Europe began trading with each other along what was then known as the Spice Route. Over time, their interactions became more frequent and they began to incorporate aspects of each culture into their designs, thus creating an entirely new architectural style that combined features such as curved gables or decorative columns associated with European Baroque styles with ornate tiles similar to those used by southern Chinese buildings during that period.

Today Sino-Portuguese houses are very popular throughout Southeast Asia. This is not only because they represent a practical testimony of the encounter between East and West, an encounter that left something that is still worth admiring, but also because of the beauty, practicality and originality of the buildings that have left us, which highlight local craft traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation and enriched during the colonial era.

Although the style of Sino-Portuguese houses basically represents a unique architectural style, that is to say that concept of home and shop typical of that culture that is easy to find in predominantly Chinese cities such as Phuket or George Town, there may be differences from city to city.

In Singapore, for example, Sino-Portuguese style houses are predominantly found in Chinatown. They are typically two or three stories high and feature intricate details such as red brick walls, ornate window frames, ornate balconies, and colourful tile roofs. These features give these buildings a distinctive look from other types of housing in Singapore. Inside these homes one can find spacious living areas with large windows that allow natural light to enter the rooms, while offering spectacular views of the nearby streets or gardens below, depending on where they are located within the city.

In Malaysia, UNESCO has named Malacca and above all George Town, the latter being the capital of the island of Penang, as a World Heritage Site, also and perhaps above all thanks to the neighbourhoods where Sino-Portuguese architecture stands out.

In these cities the most obvious features of these houses are the large windows, often equipped with decorative grilles or shutters to keep out the sunlight and at the same time allow air to pass through; the large verandas that offer shade; the brightly coloured walls decorated with painted ceramic tiles; the wooden balconies adorned with intricate carvings; the high ceilings supported by intricately carved wooden posts or beams; the sloping roofs made of red clay tiles arranged in elaborate patterns reminiscent of those of temples throughout Southeast Asia. Inside these dwellings can be found large courtyards surrounded by galleries filled with antiques collected over the generations, as well as luxurious furniture made from local hardwoods such as teak and rosewood which further enhance the value of the dwelling.

The historic center of Malacca is a unique testimony to the history and culture of this region. Sino-Portuguese buildings with centuries of history are still standing, but they are threatened by urban development projects and it is precisely to preserve this cultural heritage that the government and UNESCO are working together to restore some of these structures and preserve the original ones. Restoration work has been carried out on some structures so that they can once again be appreciated in all their former glory, while others have remained intact, giving visitors an idea of what life was like when settlers arrived here centuries ago .

Sino-Portuguese style houses began to be built in Thailand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There too it was an architectural synthesis resulting from the meeting of the distinctive traditional styles of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, whose traders found their meeting point mainly in Phuket Town. Here they are still part of the local landscape, and you can walk in the shade of their arcades wandering back in time between Thalang road, Dibuk road, PhangNga road, Yaowarat road and Krabi road.

Sino-Portuguese buildings were designed to fit the tropical environment, but also to ensure comfort within their walls; features such as large shuttered verandahs allowed for ventilation, while keeping out heat and humidity. The structures themselves were typically two or three stories high, with ornate balconies on each level and decorative columns that could be viewed from outside the house itself. Inside these homes were large courtyards surrounded by rooms filled with intricate wood carvings and colourful paintings depicting scenes of daily life of the time, all for a one-of-a-kind architectural experience unlike any other in the world!

Today these houses remain popular tourist attractions in all South-East Asian countries where they are present, thanks to the contribution of two cultures that have let themselves go to a certain form of permeability, leaving us with the testimony of a unique architecture which, as far as I know, has no equal in the rest of the world.

Images by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)

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]]> Visit Malacca https://asianitinerary.com/visit-malacca/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=visit-malacca Sun, 06 Sep 2015 15:49:01 +0000 http://asianitinerary.com/?p=21652

Renowned as a historical city, Malacca is recognized as the smallest state in Malaysia. According to history, Malacca was founded by Parameswara who was a Srivijaya nobleman from Palembang who ruled Malacca between 1400 and 1424. Legend wants Malacca to be named after the fruit-bearing Malacca tree (in Malay, Pokok Melaka) under which Parameswara took shelter during an unusual incident: according to the Malay Annals, legend has it that the king saw a mouse deer outwitting his hunting dog into the water when he was resting under the Malacca tree. He thought this boded well, remarking, ‘this place is excellent, even the mouse deer is formidable; it is best that we establish a kingdom here’. Today, the mouse deer is part of modern Malacca’s coat of arms. Parameswara’s kingdom lasted for 110 years before falling, in 1511, to the Portuguese under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque. Malacca was a strategic base under the Portuguese for 130 years before falling into the hands of The Netherlands in 1641. However, the Dutch government in Malacca did not last long as they were more interested in Indonesia, and due to this, they handed over Malacca to the British through the British-Dutch alliance in 1824. Between 1826 and 1867, Malacca was ruled by the British East India Company before became a British Colony. Afterwards, in 1946, it became one of Straits settlement, together with Singapore and Penang. After all, following the dissolution of the colony, Malacca became part of a Malaya Union before it became Malaysia in 1963 with the entry of Borneo’s Sabah and Sarawak. Thanks to its long history, Malacca was declared a historic city in 1989 by Malaysia‘s fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad. With this interesting history, Malacca should be placed as one of the must visit destinations in your list, and this is because Malacca is not only rich in historical values, and especially the historical buildings left by each kingdom that ruled the state, but also rich in traditions, culture and food. Believe it or not, visiting Malacca is like travelling back to the past and have a glimpse at the city’s golden age. Today, when we talk about Malacca, we list plenty of places to visit, places that will feed your travel hunger and your historical instincts. Let me recommend a few Malacca attractions to those who are keen to visit this amazing city. A visit to Malacca must include A Famosa, known as Porta de Santiago. This is a Portuguese fortress that was built in 1511 and it is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. It is located in the middle of Malacca, downhill of St. Paul’s Church, which is now only a crumbling whitewashed gatehouse. At the beginning, the Portuguese built the fortress to defend the city against foreign invasion. It is believed that Alfonso used 1,500 slaves to construct it. Apart from A Famosa, you can also visit Christ Church. The building is easy to access and easy to spot thanks to its pinkish color. The building was made out of red-brick in 1753 to celebrate a century of Dutch occupation. Also located in the middle of town, Christ Church is indeed a very popular destinations in Malacca. This area is where the extensively decorated trishaw park offering their fares. Try them if you want to have the real Malacca feel. Along the way, you will also encounter St. Paul Hill, also known as Malacca Hill. This hill connects you to the summit of St. Paul’s Church through the stairs provided. Originally, this church was built by Portuguese nobleman Captain Duarte Coelho to express his gratitude to the Virgin Mary for saving his life during a storm at sea. It is for this that that the original structure was called Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of the Grace). Even though some of it has been in ruins due to time decay, it is still standing proudly on the hill. Inside the ruins of St. Paul Church is a decaying stone interior, tombstones belonging to Dutch nobility including that of Pedro Martins, and tombstones of five members of the Velge family who died within 20 days of each other during the diphtheria epidemic of 1756. Right opposite the church is a marble statue of St. Francis Xavier, built in 1953, and from the church you can have a great view of Malacca. Walking downhills, you will find plenty of souvenir stalls. Not far from St. Paul Church is the Malacca Maritime Museum Complex, a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Malacca on its way back to Portugal. This complex consists of a sailing vessel, a museum of the maritime history of Malacca and a museum of Malaysia‘s post-independence naval forces. Opened to public since 1994, this museum can be visited from 9:00 am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am to 9:00pm during weekends. Taming Sari Tower, known as Menara Taming Sari, is the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia. This tower has started its operations in April 2008. With its height of 110 meters, this tower is capable to offer a 360-degree panoramic view of Malacca town and beyond. The tower was named after the mythical weapon Keris Taming Sari, said to possess mystical powers by Malay legendary warrior Hang Tuah. It is for this reason that the tower structure’s design follows the shape of the keris, with the peak of the tower resembling its hilt. I was amongst the 80 passengers that were taken in the tower for about 7 minutes and I can say it was the best experience ever. I love the scenery the Taming Sari Tower offers. For those who will try this attraction, do not forget to take your camera along. Have you ever wondered how it feels to be on an Italian gondola? The Malacca River Cruise along the Malacca Strait sails for 45-minutes and gives you just that. The river cruise took us to Kampung Morten, past Malacca town and the many settlements and bridges along the riverbanks. I also had the chance to...

The post Visit Malacca appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

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Renowned as a historical city, Malacca is recognized as the smallest state in Malaysia. According to history, Malacca was founded by Parameswara who was a Srivijaya nobleman from Palembang who ruled Malacca between 1400 and 1424. Legend wants Malacca to be named after the fruit-bearing Malacca tree (in Malay, Pokok Melaka) under which Parameswara took shelter during an unusual incident: according to the Malay Annals, legend has it that the king saw a mouse deer outwitting his hunting dog into the water when he was resting under the Malacca tree. He thought this boded well, remarking, ‘this place is excellent, even the mouse deer is formidable; it is best that we establish a kingdom here’. Today, the mouse deer is part of modern Malacca’s coat of arms.

Cato in Malacca

The author in Malacca

Parameswara’s kingdom lasted for 110 years before falling, in 1511, to the Portuguese under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque. Malacca was a strategic base under the Portuguese for 130 years before falling into the hands of The Netherlands in 1641. However, the Dutch government in Malacca did not last long as they were more interested in Indonesia, and due to this, they handed over Malacca to the British through the British-Dutch alliance in 1824.

Between 1826 and 1867, Malacca was ruled by the British East India Company before became a British Colony. Afterwards, in 1946, it became one of Straits settlement, together with Singapore and Penang. After all, following the dissolution of the colony, Malacca became part of a Malaya Union before it became Malaysia in 1963 with the entry of Borneo’s Sabah and Sarawak. Thanks to its long history, Malacca was declared a historic city in 1989 by Malaysia‘s fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad.

With this interesting history, Malacca should be placed as one of the must visit destinations in your list, and this is because Malacca is not only rich in historical values, and especially the historical buildings left by each kingdom that ruled the state, but also rich in traditions, culture and food.

Walking to St Paul Hill

Walking to St Paul Hill

Believe it or not, visiting Malacca is like travelling back to the past and have a glimpse at the city’s golden age. Today, when we talk about Malacca, we list plenty of places to visit, places that will feed your travel hunger and your historical instincts.

Let me recommend a few Malacca attractions to those who are keen to visit this amazing city.

A visit to Malacca must include A Famosa, known as Porta de Santiago. This is a Portuguese fortress that was built in 1511 and it is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. It is located in the middle of Malacca, downhill of St. Paul’s Church, which is now only a crumbling whitewashed gatehouse. At the beginning, the Portuguese built the fortress to defend the city against foreign invasion. It is believed that Alfonso used 1,500 slaves to construct it.

St Paul Catheral

St Paul Cathedral

Apart from A Famosa, you can also visit Christ Church. The building is easy to access and easy to spot thanks to its pinkish color. The building was made out of red-brick in 1753 to celebrate a century of Dutch occupation. Also located in the middle of town, Christ Church is indeed a very popular destinations in Malacca. This area is where the extensively decorated trishaw park offering their fares. Try them if you want to have the real Malacca feel.

Along the way, you will also encounter St. Paul Hill, also known as Malacca Hill. This hill connects you to the summit of St. Paul’s Church through the stairs provided. Originally, this church was built by Portuguese nobleman Captain Duarte Coelho to express his gratitude to the Virgin Mary for saving his life during a storm at sea. It is for this that that the original structure was called Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of the Grace). Even though some of it has been in ruins due to time decay, it is still standing proudly on the hill. Inside the ruins of St. Paul Church is a decaying stone interior, tombstones belonging to Dutch nobility including that of Pedro Martins, and tombstones of five members of the Velge family who died within 20 days of each other during the diphtheria epidemic of 1756. Right opposite the church is a marble statue of St. Francis Xavier, built in 1953, and from the church you can have a great view of Malacca. Walking downhills, you will find plenty of souvenir stalls.

Maritime Museum Complex

Maritime Museum Complex

Not far from St. Paul Church is the Malacca Maritime Museum Complex, a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Malacca on its way back to Portugal. This complex consists of a sailing vessel, a museum of the maritime history of Malacca and a museum of Malaysia‘s post-independence naval forces. Opened to public since 1994, this museum can be visited from 9:00 am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am to 9:00pm during weekends.

Taming Sari Tower, known as Menara Taming Sari, is the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia. This tower has started its operations in April 2008. With its height of 110 meters, this tower is capable to offer a 360-degree panoramic view of Malacca town and beyond.

Malacca River Cruise

Malacca River Cruise

The tower was named after the mythical weapon Keris Taming Sari, said to possess mystical powers by Malay legendary warrior Hang Tuah. It is for this reason that the tower structure’s design follows the shape of the keris, with the peak of the tower resembling its hilt. I was amongst the 80 passengers that were taken in the tower for about 7 minutes and I can say it was the best experience ever. I love the scenery the Taming Sari Tower offers. For those who will try this attraction, do not forget to take your camera along.

Have you ever wondered how it feels to be on an Italian gondola? The Malacca River Cruise along the Malacca Strait sails for 45-minutes and gives you just that. The river cruise took us to Kampung Morten, past Malacca town and the many settlements and bridges along the riverbanks.

I also had the chance to walk along Jonker Street to witness myself the beauty of the architectural heritage of the various kingdoms who have ruled Malacca. Amongst the relics that caught my eyes was Baba and Nyonya heritage. In the past, Jonker Street was recognized as the antiques centre street of Chinatown. As time has passed by, it has turned into an area for clothing and crafts outlets as well as restaurants. However, the best part of it for me was the night market, which operates every Friday and Saturday night.

And how did Malacca get its name?

And how did Malacca get its name?

Located not far from Taming Sari Tower there is a park where a collection of old means of transport no longer in use, from bullock carts to trains and airplanes, are exposed. If you admire means of transport from different eras, this is the place you must visit.

A few steps away from St. Paul Church is the Dutch Governor’s Museum – Muzium Yang Di-Pertua Negeri – which was formerly the house of the Dutch Governor of Melaka, built somewhere in 1641. This museum displays various artifacts, personal items, portraits, costumes and other official regalia of the Melakan Governors from the Dutch times to present. The building opens to public daily except Monday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission fee for this museum is 5 Malaysian Ringgit for adults and 2 Malaysian Ringgit for children.

The Dutch Governor Museum

The Dutch Governor Museum

Visiting Malacca’s amazing tourist attractions will not be enough. I encourage you to indulge on local delicacies like chicken meat balls on rice, a delicious dish with an amazing taste. Walk along Jonker Street and you will find it in plenty of eateries. And for those keen to try Portuguese signature dishes, don’t hesitate to visit the Portuguese Settlement, located a couple of kilometers outside of Malacca city centre, in an area known as Ujong Pasir. It is home to a small community of around 1,000 people who descend from early Portuguese settlers. The famous food there is seafood, I had the devil curry, which I found mesmerizing.

This is all I can share about Malacca for now. Enjoy your trip to this amazing town!

For the version in ITALIAN language of this article, click HERE!

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