malacca diaries

last sunday we went to Malacca with the in-laws, who were in Malaysia for Eid. the only time I went to Malacca before this trip was for Recharge Global Gathering, but to my surprise the area where Global Gathering took place was actually out-of town from Malacca. The central city of Malacca actually took us another few kilometres. We strolled around the “UNESCO historical city” (seriously, they put those banners EVERYWHERE), walking along Jonker Walk. Jonker Walk is the haven for antique-lovers, and most probably one of the most famous tourist sites in Malacca. I suppose pre-departure excitement is not recommended when you go there, cos in the end, the things i found wasn’t up to what i was hoping for. (or maybe i should learn to differentiate between ‘antique’ and ‘vintage’)

strolling around Jonker Walk. Nothing really worth buying except pineapple tarts and those antique recorders which cost RM9,000 a pop

after a tiring and sweat-drenching walk along Jonker Walk (which ended in disappointment and eating curry noodles midday during fasting month) we saw an array of colorful flowered becaks waiting along those historic red buildings near the street. Apparently we could ride on them and get a tour around Melaka city, and visit a number of its main tourist points. So we each hopped on a becak and enjoyed the afternoon breeze while sightseeing.

the colorful becaks which makes me feel like a hindustan couple on a ‘just married’ cart hahaha

we originally took a half hour tour, but midway we decided to extend the trip to the one hour tour. last time i rode on a becak was ions ago, and the closest resemblance to it might be the tuk tuk i rode on in Cambodia. And funnily enough, the becak ride was far more interesting than shopping at Jonker Walk. I got to act like a tourist for a day and take pictures at random tourist sites…like the Portugese Ship, Afamosa Fort, Hang Jebat Mouseleum and of course… Red Square (not to be confused with Moscow’s Red Square)

kampungan. hehe.

red square

History mentioned that Malacca was built by Parameswara, the Hindu prince from Palembang and apparently a descendant of Alexander the Great. Throughout the decades it attracted a variety of cultures by becoming one of the most busiest business ports in Asia, and was colonized by a number of countries namingly the Portugese, Dutch, and British.
anyway, the trip was interesting and the least expected part of the trip was what made it enjoyable =)