Unlike many famous
cities in Malaysia, there is a plethora of attractions within a two –or-three
hours drive of Melaka, making it mystical – and majestic – yet simple to
venture beyond the multi faceted bustling streets.
Melaka
is a surprisingly small state after Perlis and Penang. Despite being a small
state, Melaka has grown rapidly in the past few years with tourism as the main
economic sectors.
It
has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only destination that
has many thronging by over the weekend for good sumptuous authenticated food,
variant entertainment and a getaway for relaxation. The city is has developed
into a commercial and economic centre, yet it has retained its pleasant charm.
In
Melaka as in elsewhere, the street names tell their own stories. The streets in
Melaka are some of the oldest in Malaysia. Heeren Street and Jonker Street which
derived their names from the Dutch, from most of these streets the names can
only be traced back to the British era. Then there is First Cross Street,
Second Cross Street, Blacksmith Street, Goldsmith Street and Harmony Street.
Each street is unique to its offerings to visitors.
Here
you experience ambience and peace that seem light years away from the intensity
of the capital city, with accommodation options ranging from exclusive
five-star resorts to low-cost basic beachside huts and cottages. City hiking,
shopping and just plain lazing about are de riguer, with food and cultural
attractions to match. Ask any local resident or tour guide to suggest a must-visit
destination in Melaka, and chances are extremely high that he will answer with
a firm tone, speaking out one of these names - Jonker Walk, Jonker Street or
Jalan Hang Jebat (First Cross Street).
The
city’s famous Jonker Street is just one of many “must-see” highlights. The
centre street of Chinatown – was once renowned for its antique shops. However,
over the years it has turned to clothing and crafts outlets as well as cafes.
The best part of Jonker Street is the night market on Fridays and Saturdays
that sells everything from tasty treats to cheap keepsakes to keep visitors
entranced for several days.
In
any case, they have some very interesting wares to offer – intricately carved
various decorative items very rare and unusual. They are perfect little gifts
to bring back for your family and friends. The warm and welcoming nature of the
folk makes it a safe place to wander around town on your own, and shopping is a
joy. Most shops here are family run. Shopkeepers don’t get mad, if after
enquiring and haggling over prices, you still don’t buy anything. They will
just throw you a smile hoping you would come back again someday. Don’t try that
in KL’s Chinatown (known as Petaling
Street).
Just
adjacent to Jonker Street is the notable 8 Heeren Street,
one of the few remaining examples of what a typical early shophouse or
residential abode of Melaka between the mid 17th to the late 19th century. As
no other town in Malaysia is as old to showcase anything similar, 8 Heeren Street
represents something that is unique to Malacca which is open to the public. We
can see that it served not only as a shop, but also home, stable and animal
yard, all at the same time. Also, known as the “Melaka’s Millionaires’ Row”,
many local straits born especially the Baba and Nyonya, dwell among these
streets.
Parellel
to the famous Jonker Street, there is a street which has three coexisting
places of worship: Kampung Kling Mosque,
Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese Temple,
and Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar
Moorthi Hindu Temple. It is Jalan
Tokong (tokong means temple in Malay) and also known
as the “Street of Harmony” by the locals, showing the harmony amongst the
people in Malaysia.
Stroll
through the streets of Melaka, and visitors cannot help but notice the delightful
palate of exquisite flavours on a variety of culinary combinations and
delicacies from all over the places especially made from the heart and into
your satisfying break basket. The renowned Jonker Street has it all to offer. The
famous Hainanese chicken rice/chicken rice balls just right at the mouth of Jonker
Street and beside Hard Rock Cafe,
the sweet and savoury traditional rice dumpling – the “Nyonya Chang”, steamed sweet
retreat of “Putu Piring” and freshly baked Pineapple Tarts, also the oozing and
overpowering “Onde-onde” that just melts in your mouth as well as the pungent,
rich and well flavoured Baba Low’s
Nyonya Laksa at Heeren Street. Also other good stuff that you
might miss out if you’re late are the popular Noodle Soup stall in Jalan
Tengkera (opposite BAM and Wesley Church) that has been in existence for
decades, the tasty stir fried “oh chien” – fresh oysters in Sin Yin Hoe Coffee Shop,
at First Cross Street, the boastful Naan and flavourful Tandoori at Pak Putra
and lastly the not to be missed “sate celup” at the Capital Satay
catered to tourist and more locals.
At
the roadsides, people can be seen busy spotting for its cultural attractions
and unique building architectures, partaking in activities like
dancing classes, Chinese classical instrumental shows, karaoke sessions and a
multi-variety of live performances. This narrow antique street has certainly turned
into a live touristy cultural street illuminated with brightly colourful lights
to attract tourists with its lively night markets on weekends.
Also,
only at Melaka can we get to experience a leisurely ride on a colourful,
flashing musical trishaw or “Beca Melaka” that continues to preserve the
tradition of providing trishaw services to tourists as well as help promote the
state's tourism industry. Anyone towards Jonker Street is unlikely to miss the The OrangUtan House.
It was established in 1992 as the studio-gallery of Charles Cham
in Melaka, Malaysia. Today, it is one of the most recognisable buildings in
Malacca and a must-see for all who visit this World Heritage City.
So
by all means make a beeline for Melaka and experience the wonderful shopping,
entertainment, history and culture it offers.
