Rediscovering Melaka (Malacca) by Junn Abriza

It is told that a Sumatran prince, named Parameswara, was credited with the founding of the city and naming it Melaka.

A popular account puts the Prince as out hunting one day and while resting under a tree, one of his dogs cornered a mouse-deer or 'pelandok'.

The mouse-deer in its defense attacked the dog and even forced it into the river-water. Parameswara was so taken up by the courage of the mouse-deer that he decided on the spot to establish a city on the ground he was sitting on. Thus, Melaka or Malacca was born. Many claimed that the prince took this name from the 'Melaka' tree that was shading him.

As time went on, Melaka grew bigger and bigger and became more and more prosperous. Parameswara, incidentally, was the first Malay prince to become a Muslim and inevitably, Islam became the religion of Malays in the Peninsular (now West Malaysia).

The prince known as Iskandar Shah died in 1424. During his rule, Melaka progressed into a booming international trading post, luring over Javanese, Indian, Arab and Chinese sea-merchants.

1^st day at ARENA
Last year, February 3, I visited my sister who is one of the three singers of the band Zynchro at the Arena Bar in Melaka. I went with two friends, Jawel and Jessie and spent Chinese New Year at Arena. A lot of friends say that it’s the most popular bar there. The music was excellent, the DJ rocks and the place was full of energy. My sister was able to reserve a table for us before we arrived, so it was not hard for us to get settled. A case of Heineken priced at a holiday price of 300 Malaysian Ringgit, usual price is RM250

On the second  day, we went to Kuala Lumpur,   stayed for another night before I went back again to Melaka to see it in day time, my friends returned to Singapore.

Third Day at JONKER STREET:

Accompanied my sister’s friend Nikka, I walked the streets of Melaka to shoot photos.  The Night market was very colorful, mostly Chinese dominated. Century old houses converted to shops add to cultural atmosphere.  You can see a lot of antiques shops, souvenirs shops selling clog sandals, lanterns up to old coins and other handicrafts.

Food is cheap! Don’t miss “lok-lok”, street foods on sticks (from pork, squid balls, fish, veggies, tofu, and many more) that are cooked by immersing it in boiling oil or water. I particularly like Kangkong on stick. Eat and cook anything at your own pace, just don’t lose the sticks, it is to be counted for your bill. The sticks are also color coded; some priced at 1.00RM, some are 1.25 or 1.50 RM. Don’t miss Jonker. 

TOY MUSEUM. I chanced upon this hidden toy museum along Jonker Street. If you are a toy fan or bringing kids on your trip, a visit here is a must. The museum displays classic collections such as vintage tin toys, Voltes V and other robots made of plastic, classic movie action figures like Bruce Lee, handmade dinosaurs, and even Michael Jackson’s souvenirs.

Later that day, my mother came to Melaka with her cousin Belen and friend Nita. We met at my sister’s place and went to Arena to watch my sister and her band perform.

4^th Day, RED SQUARE.  I became a “tourist guide” for my mom and tita’s in Melaka to which I am still a stranger. 

We went to The Dutch Square, it is called Red Square because all the surrounding buildings are painted red.  Located opposite the Melaka River, it is one of the most picturesque spots for postcards, which was formerly the center of Dutch administration. 

Among these eye-catching buildings, Stadthuys is the largest building of them all. In  Dutch, it literally translates as 'town hall' and pronounced as 'stat-highs'. It was built between 1641 and 1660 as the residence for Dutch Governor and his deputy.

Next to Stadthuys is Christ Church. Christ Church was built in 1753 by the Dutch and is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. Once you enter, the Last Supper painting made of glazed tiles is visible over the altar. The ceiling of the church is the most notable feature, where the beams are over 15 meters long, and each was made from a single tree.

From Melaka Tourist Information Center and walking at the pathway between Samudera Medan Handicraft Shops and Melaka River we walked for about 10 minutes and reached the famous Maritime Museum. Standing in front of the museum, you will first be surprised with the magnificent structure of the museum and later, redefine the common way you perceive a museum as nothing more than an ordinary building.

A lot of paintings, dioramas, and other historical items can be seen inside.

Apart from showing the significant history of Melaka Maritime, Maritime Museum also showcases the different eras that Melaka has gone through, from the Melaka Sultanate era, to Portuguese era, Dutch era to British era.

 We then head for the Ruins of St. Paul’s Church. It was formerly a chapel named ‘Our Lady of the Hill’ by the Portuguese. The Dutch later renamed it ‘St. Paul’s Church’. On the way up the hill is the original fort built by the Portuguese when they arrived in 1511. They called it A Famosa.

At 5pm, after a lot of goodbyes to friends and families, I went directly to the bus station to go back to Singapore. Back to work!