Buzz
My son calls Melaka (Malaysia) the city of charm. Partly because of the harmonious pronunciation, but mainly because there we never ceased to wander from dawn till dusk.
Traveling to Melaka – the city of charm
From LCCT airport (Kuala Lumpur), we easily bought bus tickets to travel to Melaka (also known as Malacca). My son was thrilled to hear a man on the bus to the old town speaking Vietnamese, despite the many Vietnamese living and working in Malaysia.
After about two hours of driving, we arrived at the central bus station. From here, taking bus number 17, we passed by the red square Stadthuys, the pink heart of Melaka.
Nestled on both sides of the river bearing the same name flowing into the Malacca Strait, Melaka is the oldest city in Malaysia. Its tumultuous history has brought forth a diverse and colorful cultural tapestry, blending the essence of many ethnicities.
In the past, Melaka was once a colony of Portugal, the Netherlands, England, and was a bustling commercial port on the spice route in the 15th century with the presence of merchants from China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and other European countries.
Today, the imprint of history is still clearly visible in the center of the old town, where the Malacca River flows gently into the sea with the west bank - the 'multicolored painting' and the east bank - the 'European footprint'.
The multicolored painting
The west bank of the Malacca River is completely different from the east bank of an ancient Europe where the Chinese community resides, creating a unique painting with the perfect combination of Islamic, Hindu, and Baba Nyonya cultures.
At first glance, it seems complicated. But when you step out to explore, you will be amazed.
Jalan Hang Jebat (or Jonker Street) is the most famous street among many streets contributing to the painting of the east bank. All tourists visiting Melaka tourism know this street, especially on weekend evenings.
During the day, the street is lined with antique shops, old-fashioned goods stores decorated with typical Chinese motifs such as mythical creatures, spells, and lanterns.
Wandering on the street, you still feel a tranquil, slow atmosphere enveloping the rows of old, adjacent houses facing the street.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, Jalan Hang Jebat turns into a night market, where street vendors gather tightly on the street with goods filling the sky and the ground, and a culinary paradise imbued with traditional style, especially unique dishes with the Baba Nyonya imprint.
Cheng Hong Teng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and is a typical example of southern Chinese temple architecture with the imprint of master craftsmen from Fujian and Guangdong.
Strolling through Cheng Hong Teng in the early morning when there are few people here praying in the faint incense smell is a worthwhile experience.
The temple is intricately decorated and majestic, serving as a sacred space for generations of Chinese people to entrust their faith throughout the ups and downs of 400 years of history.
The interesting thing is that this Buddhist temple is located on Jalan Tukang Emas street along with two other temples of the Islamic and Hindu faiths. Among them, the Kampung Kling Mosque, built in 1748, is the oldest mosque in Malaysia.
Located at the intersection of Jalan Tukang and Jalan Lekiu with its prominent tall white temple tower, Kampung Kling is a combination of East-West design with materials from both Europe and Asia, creating an aesthetic whole reflecting multicultural influences in Malacca.
In 1781, the Indian community also marked its presence in Malacca with the oldest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia - the Sri Poyyatha Moorthi Temple.
The temple was built by Thavinayagar, the leader of the Chitty people, worshipping the elephant god with a simplified architectural style, contrasting with the complexity of other Hindu temples, always featuring multi-tiered roof towers with intricate and diverse decorations.
I noticed the difference of the temple by the fragrance spreading on the street. The Chitty people are friendly, hospitable, and willing to invite strangers to the temple to participate in prayers and share offerings.
If Jonker Street confuses many tourists or even tires them out with its noise and crowds, visiting this Hindu temple will bring a wonderful sense of tranquility.
Located on Jalan Tun Tan Chen Lock street with three adjoining houses of similar architecture to many others in the Chinese old town is the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.
This is the gateway to explore the cultural values and lifestyles inherited by the Baba Nyonya community and families - descendants of the first Chinese immigrants to the Malacca region who married native Malaysians.
The Malacca River – Venice of Asia
Stretching along the river dividing the city into east and west banks are quaint and romantic cafes.
Like many other tourists, I strolled along the two riverbanks without feeling tired, until I realized I had walked too far from the starting point, I crossed the bridge and continued to wander in the opposite direction.
Along the river are boat docks, and many lazy people choose to explore the 'Venice of Asia' by buying boat tickets for a leisurely journey up and down the waves.
Quite leisurely and comfortable, the slow boat takes passengers past old buildings, visits impressive murals, and observes the life of the locals.
Boats run on the river both day and night, but it's best to choose the sunset time to feel the peace and romance of the river.
By Thuy Tran/Tuoi Tre News
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourDecember 12, 2017
