The last time i was in Melaka was when i was in standard five. It was a school trip and I remembered having to sleep on tables in a classroom of a school. In the middle of the night i fell, landed myself on a chair before falling to the ground. Thank god i didn't break any bones. I was too sleepy, i don't think my pain nerves even responded. i got up on the table again and continued sleeping. Crazy days!
Now after 14 years, i returned to the land where our country's history started, Melaka. The city centre was extremely small. No offense though. I was looking at the Melaka map before reaching there. It gave me an impression that the city was quite big. I took the width of the Melaka river in the map as a reference to how big the city centre was. It was afterall the river that for centuries the ships from all over the world stopped by for trading. I assumed it was a big long river. When i finally saw the river up front, i was confused. How could ships all over the world maneuver in this big 'drain'. For me its too small to be called a river.
Anyway, the city was so small you wont get lost because it's like a merry go round. All the roads were one way street and very narrow. Big cars for once in streets of Melaka didn't seem glamour or luxury anymore. Instead they were view like an elephant in the nest of ants. I stayed a wee far from the town because the thought of cramming with crowds of people annoyed me especially in a weather like Malaysia. Having stayed 2 nights there were more than enough. We got so bored after finish checking out the town, we end up in the cinema. Cinema rates were lower than KL but slightly higher than Penang. Explored Dataran Pahlawan Shopping Mall and all i can say is the building is not made for human. It's so long and flat you wish you never park your car at the south of the building after you walk all the way up north. Tiring and confusing.
Anyway let's see the famous buildings and site we visited.
The first stop was St. Peter's Church because it's beside the hotel i stayed in.
An old building in front of St. Peter's Church. I think it used to the the church itself before they constructed a new building behind to replace it. There's people living in it now because i saw clothes hanging around through the windows.
St. Peter's Church. People came, walk around the church and left. We walk 3 to 4 rounds before we decided to leave. There's nothing special about the church. It's closed to the public unfortunately but you can walk around the compound though.
An angel guarding the church
Next we went to Jonker Street. A place to experience the food and culture. There will be a night market every weekend starting from 5.30pm. If you ever park your car at jonker street, be wise to move it before 5.30pm or your car will be clamped and be fined. We didn't know until we saw people started setting up their stalls. Moved our car just in time but we had to squeeze our car through swarms of people and stalls. It was a close call.
The difference of Jonker Street on a weekday. No crowds and cars.
Temple Street. One street that define One Malaysia. The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Kampung Kling Mosque and Sri Poyatha Temple all on the same street. Fast track to learn the religions in Malaysia is to visit this street.
At the end of Jonker Street, there's this shop that sell everything clogs. Somehow this big clogs caught my eyes and we went in to explore. The boss was scary because i wasn't allowed to take pictures in the shop. The shop was featured before in the star newspaper because of it's unique clogs. Bought a massage clogs from them at a price higher than normal. felt cheated.
Upper up on Jonker street, there's a Hokkien association that is open to public. Check out the door, floor and everything to get a picture of how our great grandma's house look like.
The famous river cruise. Look at the 'drain'. Was asked by the lobby boy if i took the river cruise to see the whole city. I prefer walking around.
I drove passed St. Francis Xavier's church around 10 times during my stay in Melaka. Anyhow the road will lead you back here. Is it a sign that i should go to church? LOL. There was service on that day which explained the amount of cars parking in front of the church.
Melaka is under UNESCO heritage list and I am proud of it. Wonder if Penang has sign like this.
There's this part of Melaka where all the buildings were painted red. Interesting small shops at the red buildings varies from coffee shop to traditional clothes shop.
One of the red building consist of the famous Crist church. It's a must photo spot to prove you are in Melaka.
The clock tower is also a famous photo spot.
Behind the Christ Church was this alley where small stalls sell everything about Melaka or more.
I was standing at the entrance of stadhuys over looking jonker streets. Its a little dangerous looking at how people cross the road. One guy was taking photos while crossing the road.
Its easy to spot a trishaw from afar. Just follow the sound of Lady Gaga's song blasting and you are sure to see one coming your way.
Passed by this a few times, I just need to get down and check it out myself. What a big ship doing on land. Turn out it was a museum. I thought it was The Ship, the restaurant. The same one in penang. LOL!
Quay side. Walk along the quayside area at night. Not much to see but i think it's a place for couples to hang out. Saw a lot there. It is where frol de la mar is situated and also the river cruise port.
A water mill spotted at the quay side.
River cruise at the quay side
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