Travel> The Historic City of Malacca

Image 1: Take a ride on the rickshaw

Image 2: On a lazy afternoon at Malacca

Image 3: Paper flowers - lifeless, yet beautiful

Image 4: The Historical City of Malacca

Image 5: Rickshaw Stand

Image 6: A busy day at Malacca

Image 7: Take a boat ride through Malacca

Image 8: Traffic

Image 9: The view from the boat

Image 10: Traditional Malaccan architecture

Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi

A place where the balmy breeze works like a lullaby and where the people seem to be on a perennial holiday mood. Right from the time you enter this historic city, Malacca will proudly welcome you with its heritage and natural beauty.

The third smallest state after Perlis and Penang, Malacca has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 8th July, 2007. Start your day early from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to come to Malacca. It'll take you more than two hours from Kuala Lumpur and almost five hours from Singapore by bus or car.

What I liked best about the place is that it reminded me of the yesteryears and how well the old architecture has been preserved complimenting the modern buildings. Apart from an occasional feeling of being in Goa, Malacca will come across as a more clean, green and a well planned city. It is in fact more planned a town than Kuala Lumpur where I had trouble getting a map. There is a tourist information centre at the heart of Malacca, go right there and pick up a map, brochures or speak to the executives to help you out.

Take a walk, a boat ride (a must) or hop on to the old style hand rickshaws typically found in good old Calcutta. Pick up the famous batik printed shirts or skirts, but mind you, bargaining is highly recommended here.

There are quite a few eateries from fancy restaurants to small outlets on the riverside. Go for the continental spread of steak, beer, soup and French fries. Visit the art gallery, its got quite an impressive variety of art work that reveal a lot about the history, tradition and culture of Malaysia. There's a Malaysia Youth Museum that shows how proud they are of the youth who have contributed to their country's progress and development. There is also an art gallery on top which is highly impressive.

Also, do make a point to visit the Christ Church built in 1753. All these places are at the town centre and at walking distance.

A trip on the Malacca River is a must. Buy your passes for the boat ride in advance, they are very comfortable and easy to climb in, so if you're traveling with elderly people, it should be no problem at all to walk in and sit comfortably.

There's a guided tour in English, Tamil and other foreign languages as you cross the houses and important buildings along the Malacca River. The old houses at Malacca have a unique feature - their architecture is absolutely different from others in Malaysia as none of them are built with nails; the houses are fixed into the joints and all made of wood.

Sit on the boat, let the breeze do the work of relaxing you completely and its perfectly okay if you doze off. Pick up souveniers like t-shirts, fridge magnets or little gifts and head back with good memories of Malacca that will always remain with you.