As we had a few days until our flight to Myanmar, we went to spend the weekend in Malacca (Melaka). It is Malaysia's most historic city, both before and after colonization. Before the arrival of the Portuguese, towards the 16th century, Malacca was already the center of the Malay world. Then Portuguese, Dutch and English left their mark. It is understandable because from this territory the Strait of Malacca is controlled, forced passage of merchandise ships between the main Asian powers. And of course, Chinese influence is also felt in its streets and buildings. For example, him Cheng Hoon Teng, it is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, and we find it here.
We were lucky because on the weekends when night falls they cut the central street of the Chinatown neighborhood and put up a trinket market and a lot of food stalls: grilled fish, dumplings, skewers, rice and noodles, milkshakes, juices, and Sooooo sweet! Following the tradition of records, here they have the nyonya (typical pineapple cake) largest in the world.
Upon arrival at Jonker Market another record man receives you ... the one who breaks the most with the strength of his fingers. Talk a lot and break little ... at least without judges in front.
Here a lot of sounds are mixed: modern music that comes out of the CD booths, shouts of the vendors proposing your product at a price “very cheap for you”, a group of children who take classes in traditional Chinese music, or karaokes that are formed in the middle of the square as a central attraction of the party, or inside a temple in a more collected way. But if there is a sound par excellence in the nights of Malacca it is that of the rickshaws full of lights and flowers, and with the latest dance theme coming out of their speakers.
There is also time to relax, you can get lost in the streets of the center that are lit at night with red lanterns or stroll along the bank of the sungai river. Of course, at night it is super romantic, with lights and atmosphere of the film ... but during the day it is when reality is revealed ... IT IS FULL OF HUGE LIZARDS! I thought I saw even a dragon of Comfortable ... hehe.
We are running out of time in Malaysia, for now, we will return more calmly to visit the islands, nature reserves, their tea plantations, and perhaps the Malaysian Borneo. Now another great adventure awaits us ... Myanmar!
→ Here we leave you everything to see and do in Melaka
USEFUL INFO
Transport:From KL the most effective way is with the bus, since the train is not direct. You leave the TBS station, to get there it is best to take the Shuttle Bus from Puduraya (Chinatown) 2RM station. There are many companies that arrive in Malacca, the cheapest is Metrobus, and it costs RMB 9.20 one way. The bus is very good! The return must be taken at the Malacca station, it costs the same. Once there, you can take the urban bus No. 17, which for 1RM will take you to the city center.
Accommodation:Chinatown is full of cheap accommodations. We stayed at the L'Armada Guesthouse for RM 40 per night in a double room with fan, shared bathroom and wifi. There are better rates but we are very comfortable, both with Uan who works there, and with the facilities.
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