Leaving KL today for Malacca. Another World Heritage site, situated on the southern peninsula coast. It was named by a Sumatran Prince after the melaka tree. It is now a thriving city known for its historical buildings, antique shops and night market.
Full day in Malacca, the first stop being the Chinese cemetery and Poh San Teng Temple which was the final resting place for many Chinese who braved the seas to seek their fortune in Malacca.
Then into Malacca town and onto Millionaires Row and to Baba Nyonya Heritage museum, one of the finest houses on the street and has been owned by the same family for generations.
The inside was ornately decorated and filled with family pictures and treasures. The house dates from 1886 when three older houses were combined to create a grand home.
Then a walk through the town to Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, with a powerful smell of joss sticks throughout.
Taoism, Confucianisn and Chinese Buddhism are given equal status here.
Through the town
After a Chinese banquet lunch we took a ride down the Sungai Melaka river. Lovely colourful houses, shops and restaurants.
A short drive to Red Square and the 18th century Christ Church, built by the Dutch in 1753 to mark the centenary of their rule over the city.
The aptly named Red Square
Bit of a climb from Red Square to St Paul’s Hill and the Church of St Paul. Great views from the top including a view of our hotel for the night.
On the way down we spotted a young monitor lizard
At the bottom of the hill was Porta de Santiago, saved from complete demolition by Sir Stamford Raffles. It was one of the four main gateways into the fortress. Built in 1512 by the Portuguese viceroy.
Finally to our hotel and a very welcome dip in the pool.
