I guess peer pressure also works in a good way. In as much as I want to explore downtown KL,something tells me I should also see Malaysia's countryside. Some of my blogger buddies went to Cameron and Genting Highlands,another even went as far as Penang. I didn't want to consume a lot of time on the road so I opted for MALACCA which is only two hours away.
Malacca,also known as Melaka in Malay is located 148 kms South of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.Malacca City, the capital is a UNESCO Heritage site due to the well preserved historic sites,buildings,churches.Being here is like going back in time during the Portuguese occupation of 1511.
Malacca,also known as Melaka in Malay is located 148 kms South of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.Malacca City, the capital is a UNESCO Heritage site due to the well preserved historic sites,buildings,churches.Being here is like going back in time during the Portuguese occupation of 1511.
what to see and do in Melaka
It's a relatively small city and tourism is one of the economic driver of the place. Malacca has a tourism slogan "Visiting Malacca Means Visiting Malaysia".I am very glad I decided to go here.
One thing I noticed is the dominance of red in the buildings especially in the historic center where you can find the CHRIST CHURCH of Melaka, There is a fountain and small park here where tourists usually converge.It's a very busy place.
Melaka is not all red of course,White buildings also abound as well as other colors.One thing for sure, each square mile of the place is a cultural/historical marvel.
RED SQUARE (Dutch Square)
You aint seen Malacca if you miss the Red Square. Here, you see bright, terracotta-red colonial Dutch buildings, built between 1660 and 1700.
SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH
HISTORY AND ETHMOLOPHY MUSEUM
CHRIST CHURCH
Constructed in 1753, the structure reflects original Dutch architecture.
WHAT I SAW IN MALACCA
RED SQUARE (Dutch Square)
You aint seen Malacca if you miss the Red Square. Here, you see bright, terracotta-red colonial Dutch buildings, built between 1660 and 1700.
SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH
It's a historic church building originally built in 1521. It is located at the summit of St. Paul's Hill.
A FORMOSA
It is a Portuguese fortress and is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.
It is a Portuguese fortress and is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.
HISTORY AND ETHMOLOPHY MUSEUM
a good way to understand the history of Malacca.Entrance fee is RM10.
CHRIST CHURCH
Constructed in 1753, the structure reflects original Dutch architecture.
PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE MEMORIAL
" The memorial pays tribute to the indomitable spirit and courage of Malayans in their struggle for independence." It was set up in 1985.
Looking at the TripAdvisor list on WHAT THINGS TO DO in Malacca,
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g306997-Activities-Melaka_Central_Melaka_District_Melaka_State.html#TtD
I could tell that my half day walk around the city wasn't enough to cover all the places of interests.That's good coz that means there's more to look forward to when I come back.I will someday bring my wife here :)
MIDDLEBURG BULWARK
one of the defense system of Melaka during the Dutch occupation
A Famosa sanitary sewer line ruin
THE DUTCH GRAVEYARD
This graveyard was first used at the last quarter of the 17th century. Presently 5 Dutch and 33 British graves are sited within its compound.
MALACCA RIVER
the river makes the city romantic to my eyes.:)
BICYCLE RICKSHAW
......perfect for couples and for lazy people who wants to go around faster.In my case,I walked trough the city.Thinking about it,I would have saved me time if I took the rickshaw instead.Rate isRM40 per hour and they have this list heritage areas where you could be taken to.And they will wait for you too.
CHINATOWN
this is where I had lunch.will blog about it separately soon
HOW I GOT HERE
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g306997-Activities-Melaka_Central_Melaka_District_Melaka_State.html#TtD
I could tell that my half day walk around the city wasn't enough to cover all the places of interests.That's good coz that means there's more to look forward to when I come back.I will someday bring my wife here :)
MIDDLEBURG BULWARK
one of the defense system of Melaka during the Dutch occupation
A Famosa sanitary sewer line ruin
THE DUTCH GRAVEYARD
This graveyard was first used at the last quarter of the 17th century. Presently 5 Dutch and 33 British graves are sited within its compound.
MALACCA RIVER
the river makes the city romantic to my eyes.:)
BICYCLE RICKSHAW
......perfect for couples and for lazy people who wants to go around faster.In my case,I walked trough the city.Thinking about it,I would have saved me time if I took the rickshaw instead.Rate isRM40 per hour and they have this list heritage areas where you could be taken to.And they will wait for you too.
CHINATOWN
this is where I had lunch.will blog about it separately soon
HOW I GOT HERE
I took the bus from TBS (The central bus terminal in KL for Southern Areas)see related post here: http://www.pusangkalye.net/2012/06/impressed-by-terminal-bersepadu-selatan.html
KKKL bus rate was at RM12.20 but I took Metrobus on my way back for only RM9.90.
One you get to Malacca bus terminal, I took the taxi for RM15.
It will cost you less than that if you can persuade the taxi driver
to use the meter.
WHAT I BOUGHT IN MALACCA?
got these fridge magnets for RM10 =130 pesos? (3pcs) plus the wonderful shirt which is only RM17 (around 229php)
KKKL bus rate was at RM12.20 but I took Metrobus on my way back for only RM9.90.
One you get to Malacca bus terminal, I took the taxi for RM15.
It will cost you less than that if you can persuade the taxi driver
to use the meter.
WHAT I BOUGHT IN MALACCA?
got these fridge magnets for RM10 =130 pesos? (3pcs) plus the wonderful shirt which is only RM17 (around 229php)
Some travel blogger compare Melaka to Vigan in Ilocos Sur Philippines.I was asked which is better,but since I haven't explored Vigan during daytime, I can't really compare.I should go back to Vigan. What I like about Melaka though is the accessibility.Though it's 148kms away from the capital,KL,travel usually takes +/-2hours.I was there 1hour,45minutes after leaving TBS.My day tour was cut short coz I had to catch my 6:30pm bus back to Kuala Lumpur to meet my friend Ryan over lunch.:)
Melaka is such a darling,a small city with many eye-catching sights.Both modern and historic.I definitely would love to come back!More specific posts on Malacca coming soon!!!
Melaka is such a darling,a small city with many eye-catching sights.Both modern and historic.I definitely would love to come back!More specific posts on Malacca coming soon!!!
This was part of the KL Blogger Challenge courtesy of Airphil Express and Tourism Malaysia.
Airphil Express now flies to Kulala Lumpur three times a week.
Interesting!
ReplyDeleteMe and workmates are flying to KL in November but I don't think I can do sidetrip to Malacca since we already booked a flight to Penang.
This worth a personal visit.
I enjoyed reading your post as well as other bloggers who also joined the challenge.
whatta cute and lovely choice of color haha
ReplyDeletelove that river and that flowery bicycle
Hey there hope you don't mind checking my blog today I just have something for you
ReplyDeletehappy blogging and have a great day
http://iammecoy.blogspot.com/
visiting Malacca seems to be a visit transported back in time of colonial period of the place. The red buildings are soo eye-catching & picturesque!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to visit the places you shared. I'll be visiting Malacca from 17 to 19 Jan 2013. Thank you for the tips that will make my guiding with five others like a star!
ReplyDeleteDiana from La Creuse France