Historical Melaka

I think this is called the Sri Poyyatha Vinagagar Moorthi Temple - it is just 20 m from my hostel

As you know, I am a nut for history – love it, can drown in it, can’t get enough of it.  I think that’s why I didn’t get much out of Langkawi as it was really just a beach – resort kind of experience, not historical.  So I am wading in bliss through the history of Melaka.  Melaka was made a UNESCO World Heritage City due to its 600 years of history, in 2008.  Melaka was established in 1403 and was an important trading post in Malaysia’s early history attracting traders from all over the world.  I am sure my father would have passed through here during his National Service.

The river, just two blocks from my hostel, reminds me of places like Venice or Amsterdam

The first thing I did was to do a walking tour of the river as it is just full of things to see.  A boardwalk has been built along its entire length to the ocean in this area.  With the slight breeze of the water, it is a bit of a respite from the heat of the day.  My only complaint – due to the heat and the sun, I could only spend so long wondering the river, the streets and the sights.  I can’t believe I am complaining about the heat, since I have chosen to follow warmth, but if it was 10 degrees cooler, I could explore much more.

The only blemish - hid behind dangling lights along the boardwalk which at night are lit and cover you from noticing, are some slums - Kampung Java. If you can see, in the back there is a man doing his laundry

But I did my best to cover as much of the historical river as possible.  There were so many pictures to take, so much to see.  I was in heaven.

The Prince of Palembang fled his country in 1400 and came to the Melaka River and started a settlement.  What is now known as St. Paul’s Hill was one of the reasons he chose this smaller river since it gave a clear view of the surrounding area making it a strategic location.

Stairs leading up to St. Paul's Cathedral on - where else but - St. Paul's Hill

By 1409 the Melaka River became a centre for trade between the Far east to the Middle East and Europe.  Due to the success of the river, it attraced the Portoguese in 1511, followed by the Dutch in the 1600’s and then the British who all conquered and colonized Melaka.  Many of the buildings currently along the river were built during the British rule ontop of the ruins of Dutch, Portoguese and Malaccan Sultanate era.  The Chinese tiled roofs and stone buildings, one of which I am staying in, are the heritage architecture being maintained and perserved.

St. Paul's Cathedral with the Lighthouse infront which was built during British rule. The Cathedral was built in 1521.

What I love about this historial centre is the variety of architecture and the fact that the buildings have been protected.  There are neat little alley ways and hidden gems in cracks and corners.  Along the streets are the tinkers and tradespeople – mostly Chinese – making tin pots and ratan furniture.  These are not big stylised production houses, but are small little enclaves.  The front of the building opens and there they sit in amongst their materials, generally on the concrete floor, industriously working with their hands and tools.  No machinery here – just human machinery.

"If I were a carpenter, and you were a lady, would you follow me anyway, would you have my baby. If a tinker was my trade, would you still love me ..." (Al Stewart). The wares of a tin maker hang outside his shop. I have now seen how these things are made by hand.

Although I have another day here, and I am meeting up with my acquaintance from Gabriola – Cat – for dinner, I could easily spend a couple of weeks here exploring and getting involved in the local crafts.  Lessons learned for the next time.  Besides, how can I go wrong with an exceptionally clean and private room for all of $8/day.  Ah – now I know why people come to Asia – it is so inexpensive to live.

These well-dressed bicycle rickshaws are everywhere. When in service they usually have music blaring from speakers and things spinning and flashing.