24 hours in Melaka

By LYNN ZUBIR

Melaka always touches me with its bountiful character. Just like the magnificent Red Building that is filled with history and stories, the sights of the Heritage City are breathtakingly enchanting. For some, Melaka’s hubbub is part and parcel of city life but for me however, it is an excuse to seek refuge by admiring the various periods in history, various religions, architecture and atmosphere. In Melaka, no two places look the same.

HOW WOULD I SPEND A DAY IN MELAKA

Allow me to show you the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka. This picturesque little town is a great window into the history of the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The very reason why it is known as the historical state is that you can expect to stumble upon an array of colonial architectures, forts, and churches alongside temples, mosques, funky art stores, and unique clothing shops hidden from view in the most unlikely corners.

If you have a day to spend in the city, you might want to go around discovering the ruins of A’Famosa, St. Paul’s Church, Dutch Square, Bukit China, St. Francis Xavier’s Church, as well as some museums. They are located in the hub of Banda Hilir of which you can spend a day of sightseeing; and you can easily avoid the walking by going around in some overly-adorned trishaws that are ever willing to take you around anywhere in the vicinity.

START YOUR DAY WITH A GOOD BREAKFAST

I must confess that I have a weakness for delicious food. Well, who doesn’t! Here, simple and mouth-watering delicacies can be found on almost every street corner. Take a stroll along Jonker Street and you can find many awesome coffee house offering fabulous coffee. You can easily have the best breakfast there – you just need to pick which site that suits your morning best. No matter where you go for your meal in Melaka, I suggest for you to take a bite out of life and fully enjoy the taste of the local food here. You will not regret it.

Afterwards, you can hop on to Melaka River Cruise. Mornings are a great time to cruise and take pictures as the riverside offers a great view. You can also see an array of restored traditional Melaka houses when you pass by Kampong Mortem. Near the River Cruise boarding area, there is a famous replica of a sunken Portuguese Ship that is also the Melaka Maritime Museum.

Stadthuys is a must-visit place in Melaka. The old Dutch building is located at the Red Square in Laksamana Road along with the Christ Church and the Clock Tower. While you are there, do not forget to drop by at the Museum of History and Ethnography in the building. Also, take a journey back through time at the Baba Nyonya Museum next to the Stadthuys.

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? LET’S TAKE A BREAK

Visitors are spoilt with choices of good and delicious food. I am not surprised when people flock in every weekend, especially from neighbouring states like Kuala Lumpur and Johor, just to eat the famous Melaka Chicken Rice Ball. I fully recommend this delicious meal. Its juicy and tender chicken meat is something that no one should miss.

Whenever I get the chance, I will always take my children to our favourite shop, Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice Ball, at Jalan Melaka Raya 3. Nevertheless, you can also try the variety of noodle soups and of course, the famous Melaka Asam Pedas, Cendol. There are also many Tandoori Naan shops around here.

After lunch, take a 15-minute walk up the hill to visit St. Paul’s Church to burn your calories. Breathe in some fresh air and feast your eyes on the great view of the city. Take an 8-minute walk down the hill to A’Famosa Fort. It is a great place to see how history lives and changes with time.

If you want to experience a 360-degree view of Melaka City, the best way would be to take a ride up on Menara Taming Sari, which is only a 6-minute walking distance from the fort. At 110 metres tall, the revolving tower is a great spot to appreciate the spectacular panoramic view of the whole city.

WRAP UP OF A DAY TRIP

What other way is there than to end your day trip in Melaka if not with shopping! Experience the unique Jonker Street at the heart of the city. Take a stroll and you will find many shops selling antiques and crafts everywhere along the never-ending grid of streets that make up Chinatown. The best part is, there is no traffic on the street other than people walking by shopping souvenirs to bring back home. But be reminded, Jonker Walk only opens during the weekend.

A day trip to Melaka is about freedom and experiencing something unique. You will never run out of places to visit and will always learn something new each time. I spent a lot of time staring at the sky and remarking my good fortune for being able to live in this amazing city. I feel truly blessed.

There is no reason one should not visit Melaka!