CULTURAL HISTORY OF MALACCA
Malacca gained significance during colonial rule along with Penang and Singapore providing access to hinterland becoming the heart of commercial activities. In the last century, it faced a downturn with Singapore becoming the centre of trade and shipping the region. Malacca has a lot of appeal for tourists as it carries marks of various occupations ranging from French, Portuguese and British each leaving its distinct mark on the culture, architecture and history of the area.
For tourist keen on exploring the history of the region, Malacca offers an ideal opportunity to explore a large number of museums, historical building and forts. The rich historical past of the region with remnants of French and Portuguese culture, Malacca offers a great destination for travellers interested in visiting historical building and museums.
The Malacca city has a mix of the population with Chinese migrating from south China establishing Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainanese and Haka culture and traditions.
The streets of Malacca City are decorated with a beautiful mural celebrating the rich cultural history of the region. A walk through the old town is a great way to experience the beautiful street design and architecture of the shophouses and administrative buildings and cathedrals.
FOOD OF MALACCA
Early Chinese settlers married local women and created a unique culture called Baba Nonya where Baba stands form man and Nyonya for women. This culture introduced its own variation of cooking, handicrafts and porcelain. The woman in Konya restaurants cook and men serve. The servings are small and food is impeccable and unique Nonya restaurants.
During your stay in Malaca explore Indian and Nonya food to experience authentic flavours of the region. Baba House in Malacca offers an insight into Nonya Culture and lifestyle of Baba Nonya people.
RICKSHAW RIDES IN MALACCA
Rickshaw ride from Dataran Palawan to Jonker Walk. Enjoy the music of your choice while taking a ride on richly decorated rickshaws on popular kids themes. Rickshaws have become somewhat iconic landmarks for Malacca. You can stopover on the way to enjoy Menara Taming Sari Revolving Tower.
UNESCO DECLARED HERITAGE AREA OF MALACCA - Jonker Walk Area
The heritage area of the city includes historic Jhankar walk with plenty of cafes, hawker food cafe and arts and hand-craft shops. Jonker walk is quite popular with tourists and full of life in the evening where you can try local desserts and delicacies of the region. A number of interesting antique and craft shop line both sides of the Jonker Walk start from the Tourist Office near Studhueys.
For people interesting in continental food, Hard Rock Cafe and a number of modern cafes are located near the entrance of the Jonker Walk.
SHOPPING MALLS IN MALACCA
Dataran Pahlawan and Makota Parade Malls are located next to each at a walking distance from the Jonker Walk. Dataran Pahlawan Mall is high-end shopping, modern fast food joints, cafes and speciality stores.
A Heritage walk along the Dataran Pahlawan Mall displays locally manufactured items including souvenirs, crafts, clothing, batik etc. Hattan Mall is a new edition to the area with a number of modern shopping options, clothing stores, fashion outlets and toy stores.
Makota Parade food court is a nice place to enjoy a quick meal. If you are travelling with kids Kidzania is a great place for kids to enjoy a number of amazing activities. Get your kid's picture painted on the ground floor or enjoy a relaxing massage, Makota Malls offers a number of services in one place.
As the evening sets in the street is transformed into a street market with a number of stall selling local food delights, grilled foods, ice-creams and souvenirs. The nights a get steamy and hot and it is always a good idea to slip into one of many cafes including the famous Geographer Cafe.
Some of the best hotels in town including Majestic Hotel Malacca and Hotel Equitorial Malacca offering cooking classes as part of the accommodation package. Majestic Hotel Malacca is one of the premier hotels.
HOTELS IN MALACCA
The best thing about visiting Malacca is the affordability of 4-5 Stars hotels in the city. The prices are quite cheap as compared to those in Kuala Lumpur and other cities of Malaysia.
I have stayed at Shoreline Residence (Serviced Apartments) with a number of indoor attractions for children including a water park, swimming pools, jumping castle, sky views, Aquarium etc.
Bayou Lagoon Park Resort and A'Famosa Resorts have water parks on-premises that make them very attractive options for family holidays.
Hotels combined Melaka
Conclusion
Malacca is a must-visit destination if you are keen on exploring the rich cultural history of Malaysia as well as enjoy the authentic local cuisine of the region. The popular beach resort town of Port Dickson is located at one hour drive from Melaka. If you have more time to yourself, staying at Port Dickson is a great option for a weekend getaway.
