As we had a few days until our flight to Myanmar, we went to spend the weekend in Malacca (Melaka). It is the city with the most history in Malaysia , both before and after colonization. Before the arrival of the Portuguese, around the 16th century, Malacca was already the center of the Malay world. Later, the Portuguese, Dutch and English left their mark. It is understandable since from this territory the Strait of Malacca is controlled, an obligatory passage for ships carrying goods between the main Asian powers. And of course, the Chinese influence is also felt in its streets and buildings. For example, the Cheng Hoon Teng is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, and we found it here.
We were lucky because on weekends, when it gets dark, they close off the main street in Chinatown and set up a trinket market and loads of food stalls: grilled fish, dumplings, kebabs, rice and noodles, milkshakes, juices, and lots of sweets! Continuing with the tradition of record-breaking, here they have the largest nyonya (typical pineapple cake) in the world.
As soon as you arrive at Jonker Market, you are greeted by another record-breaking man… the one who breaks the most coconuts with the strength of his fingers. He talks a lot and breaks very little… at least without any judges in front of him.
Here, a lot of sounds come together: modern music coming from CD stands, shouts from vendors offering you their product at a “very cheap for you” price, a group of children taking traditional Chinese music classes, or karaoke that forms in the middle of the square as the main attraction of the party, or inside a temple in a more intimate way. But if there is one sound par excellence in the nights of Malacca, it is that of rickshaws full of lights and flowers, and with the latest dance track coming out of their speakers.
There is also time to relax, you can get lost in the narrow streets of the center that are lit up at night with red lanterns or walk along the banks of the Sungai River . Of course, at night it is super romantic, with little lights and a movie atmosphere… but during the day is when reality is revealed… IT IS FULL OF HUGE LIZARDS!! I thought I even saw a Commodus dragon… hehe.
We are running out of time in Malaysia, but for now we will return at a more leisurely pace to visit the islands, the nature reserves, the tea plantations, and perhaps Malaysian Borneo. Now another great adventure awaits us… Myanmar!
→ Here we leave you everything to see and do in Melaka
USEFUL INFO
Transport: From KL, the most efficient way is by bus, as the train is not direct. You leave from TBS station, to get there the best way is to take the Shuttle Bus from Puduraya (Chinatown) station 2RM. There are many companies that go to Malacca, the cheapest is Metrobus, and it costs 9.20 RM one way. The bus is very good! The return ticket has to be taken at Malacca station, and costs the same. Once there, you can take the city bus number 17, which will take you to the city centre for 1RM.
Accommodation: Chinatown is full of cheap accommodation. We stayed at the L'Armada Guesthouse for RM40 per night in a double room with a fan, shared bathroom and Wi-Fi. There are better rates but we were very comfortable, both with Uan who works there and with the facilities.
