As promised, let’s continue reminiscing my Malacca trip. You can read my previous posts here:
Malaccan Memories: My Solo Trip to Melaka Part1
My First Solo Travel: Malacca and Singapore
Malacca is a touristy place. I can’t blame people for coming here, both for culture and of course, food trip. If you want to experience Malacca, come here during weekdays though some shops close but it is ok.
And just like in any destination, you have to wake up early to capture good shots. I did wake up “early” but the sun doesn’t rise until almost 7am in Malaysia. As soon as darkness escaped Malacca, I was out ready to explore the city. Fun day starts!
Staying in hotels in Malacca like Hangout @ Jonker is a big advantage. I just walked out of the door, passed by Hard Rock Cafe and crossed Tan Kim Seng Bridge to Dutch Square.
Dutch Square was all mine!
Took lots of photos with my Nikon DSLR and phone. There were only few locals at the square. The Malaccans I saw were heading for work as well as maintenance people to make sure top attractions in Malacca are in good shape before tourists come to flock.
Dutch Square is the cultural center of the city with its trademark red color, hence nicknamed by tourists as ” Red District”.
It was my birthday and my main goal was to visit a Catholic church. Here is St. Francis Xavier Church. The saint came to Malacca and used this port city as his bastion in spreading the faith in the Orient.
After praying the rosary, I went back toward Dutch Square and explored Malacca before tourists start coming.
I went to the riverside. A very cool place to chill especially in the afternoon, but I love the feel of the joggers and locals doing their usual morning routines. Some were talking to me with a smile in Chinese 🙂
I think one of the best things to do in Malacca with kids is the Malacca River Cruise..
The Melaka Malay Sultanate Water Wheel. Only a replica, yet a reminder of how flourishing international trade was in Malacca with 84 dialects and languages spoken.
The Middleburg Bastion, complete with cannons. My kids, especially my eldest love cannons and yes, we often visit forts.
The Crane, an important machine during 15ht-16th Century Malacca
Beside The Crane is the Tourism Office of Malacca. If you need help, drop by. They are very friendly. Malacca’s tourism officer was the only person who knew right away that I’m from the Philippines. 🙂
It was already 11am and I need to enjoy Malacca food. Off I went back to Jonker Street. Oh yes, I dropped by at my hotel, Hangout Hotel to refill my water bottle. haha.
My birthday lunch..Malacca’s famous chicken rice balls, roasted chicken and iced tea. I should have ordered roasted duck – very cheap.
Then I took the time to shop for pasalubongs ( gifts and souvenirs). I love those trinkets at Jonker Gallery and food from Tan Kim Hock Product Center. I bought cookies, durian, and coconut dodol, and lots of coffee. They were so good that my own family consumed most of them – nothing left for friends. 🙁
I also tried the famous durian cendol – like halo-halo. I find it too sweet.
I went back again to Hangout Hotel ( just adjacent) to leave my loot. Off I went to Cheng Ho Museum.
Malacca is home to many museums, but with limited time, I chose my father’s favorite explorer – Cheng Ho. I will write a separate entry about Cheng Ho Museum. A must and I found myself tearing up with their impeccable display (only history buffs can relate. haha!).
After the museum, I went to Jalan Kota. It is lined with museums and top attractions of Malacca. The scourging sun was already punishing me so I took refuge to this shaded area with Malacca’s colorful beca ( trisikad, tuktuk or rickshaw). I even chatted with the drivers. Feeling local! 😀
And went to the end of the Jalan Kota – Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum. The structure is gorgeous! Inside, you will learn Malay culture, weapons, trade, costumes, and even a glimpse to the royal court.
Beautiful place. Wish to stayed longer, but it was already 2 pm and I need to head back to Singapore.
Along the street is another famous attraction – A’Formosa or Porta de Santiago.
and in front is the Proclamation of Independence Memorial.
There are many attractions that I failed to visit like St. Paul’s Church Ruins, Stadthuys and many more. But that would serve as my next Malacca itinerary.
Hope you enjoyed this post!
Thanks for reading!
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