Beautiful and Amazing Melaka in Malaysia

Often described as "sleepy", Melaka is actually humming. The old Malaysian spice port that hovers midway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore lures hordes of travelers drawn by its rich mix of shopping, food and history. 

Melaka is awash with ethnic eateries, quirky boutiques and colonial relics resulting from countless invasions. The relics that most catch the eye are the shocking-pink church and administrative buildings constructed by the Dutch during their day.

Then there are the temples. Melaka has tons, of all denominations: Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Sikh, Taoist -- you name it, you got it. In particular, the Taoist temples are stunning, festooned with murals.

While you gawk, perhaps munching a crunchy barbeque sun-dried squid morsel, watch the traffic, which is atrocious. You are better off on three wheels -- a floral musical trishaw, say. Or why not hop on a cruise?

Here are five suggestions to help you maximize your Melaka experience. 

1. River cruise
Melaka's nickname, the Venice of the East is a bit of an embellishment. Still, Melaka has a picturesque and historic river running through it.  

Every bridge tells a story. For instance, at the original site of Chan Boon Cheng Bridge, Japanese occupation soldiers placed the heads of their decapitated victims, it is said. 

In real life, the most monstrous sight you will see is the monitor lizards that drowse on the banks, intensifying the town's aura of oddity. The cruise lasts 45 minutes and costs 10 ringgit.

www.tourism-melaka.com/MelakaRiverTourBookingForm.html

2. Portuguese Galleon

Flor de la Mar (Flower of the Sea) was a Portuguese galleon that sank off the coast of Melaka en route to Portugal, laden with loot plundered from the port. 

Melaka's replica galleon serves as the centerpiece of a maritime museum built in 1990. The offbeat museum, which features dioramas, stands at Quayside Road (Jalan Merdeka) at the mouth of Melaka River. Admission: Adults 3 ringgit, children 1 ringgit.

3. Jonker Street
Set in the heritage section of town, Jonker Street hosts a bazaar and generally serves as the stage for the sale of every item imaginable. Seashell wind chimes vie for attention with charms, ethnic traditional food, antique copper coins and clogs. The street will appeal to curiosity seekers of all stripes.

 Just be aware of SUVs and scooters shooting down the street, which is narrow and remember to have medical insurance. If you want to shop in peace, try the vast expanses of the shopping parade that runs along the new part of town, (http://www.tourism-melaka.com/MelakaRaya.html) an attractive aircon-served refuge from the heat that permeates much of Malaysia.

4. Stadthuys Town Hall
Built by the Dutch in 1650, Stadthuys Town Hall, aka the Red Square, is said to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. The home of a Museum of History and Ethnography (five ringgit entry fee), the Stadthuys "practically forms its own streetscape", notes orientalarchitecture.com. 

Melaka's most unmistakable landmark, the Stadthuys, is also the main tri-shaw station, if you fancy rolling around in gaudy floral style.

 5. Bukit China Chinese cemetery

The largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside mainland China, Bukit China stands on the fringes of town. The cemetery might seem a strange place to recommend over heavyweight mainstream venues like the Cheng Ho museum and the town's signature ferris wheel, Eye on Malacca.  

 But Bukit China is special. Said to be the oldest and largest traditional Chinese cemetery outside China, the rolling wilderness dates back to the Ming dynasty. 

Expect great views and walks. The resident dogs you see may look dodgy, but are mostly harmless: if in doubt, throw a couple of pebbles their way.

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