Malaka- Malaysia-2010

While we were in Port Dickson we took a taxi ride back to the historical city of Malaka as we had been unable to visit it as we sailed by. 

In 15th century Melaka was the greatest trading post in SE Asia under the Melaka Sultanates, trading spices with China, India, Siam (Thailand) and Indonesia. Therefore the Portuguese, Dutch and British were very interested in conquering Melaka. However, in 1824  Stamford Raffles (the founder of Singapore)  took contol of Melaka for the British. Despite this, evidence of  each countries' presence can be seen today in the old section of the city.  

The Town Square is often referred to as Dutch Square because Dutch built Christ Church and Stadthuys. 


(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Christ Church

Rickshaw Melaka Style

Note the Replica Ship in Background

St Paul's Church was built in 1521 by the Portuguese.

Inside the Ruins of St Paul's  

Fran at the Wishing Well in St Paul's

The A'Famosa Fortress was built by the Portuguese in 1512 but was later destroyed  and then reconstructed in 1607 by the Dutch.

The Ruins of the A'Famosa Fortress

Cultural Museum

This character thought Tom looked like Crocodile Dundee and insisted on having his photo taken with Tom especially because the chap had taken Dundee for a ride in this very same rickshaw!

Tom and Friend

This replica ship  of a Portuguese ship is part of the comprehensive Maritime Museum which also includes the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum.

Flora de la Mer

These young Muslem girls insisted on having there photo taken with Tom! In fact everywhere we go the kids like to have photos taken with us but usually it's Tom's photo they want! This was inside the Maritime Museum.

Tom and Friends Again!

Chinstown is across the river and is as fascinating as only a Chinatown can be with twisting streets, antique shophouses, ancient temples and mosques.

Famosa Restaurant

The stunning Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar Moorthi Temple dates from 1781 and is dedicated to the Hindu diety Vinoyagar. It has a mutli-tiered  roof.

Hindu Temple

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the one of the oldest ChineseTemple in Malaysia and is absolutley stunning.

Chinese Blacksmith

All Set for the Tourists!

Back to the Town Square.

We had a very enjoyable day and would recommend a visit to this facinating historical town. We were thrilled when our taxi driver arrived on time to pick us up to take us back to Port Dickson. In fact the driver even helped us to get fuel for Hamamas even though it is usually impossible to buy fuel in "jerry cans" in Malaysia.