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Melaka, often dubbed "The Historic State" of Malaysia, is a city rich with history, heritage and culture. This historical city centre was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008.
One of the best ways to explore Malacca city is by foot, so, imagine my delight when I found out that The Majestic Malacca (where we stayed) offers a guided walk passing through prominent landmarks in Malacca, complimentary to its guests. The guided walk is available at 10am and 5pm daily (except Wednesdays). You should definitely make time for this, as you will learn lots of fascinating facts about this 600-year coastal port.
After a hearty breakfast, we gathered at the hotel lobby and met Rohayu, our tour guide for the morning. Guests are advised to wear sturdy shoes as the tour takes 2 hours, so there will be a lot of walking involved. And don't forget your sunblock and water as it will be very hot too. A hat/cap/umbrella might come in handy too.
This walk is suitable for kids 5 years old and above (so long as they do not mind the long walk and love adventures). They will get to learn about the history of Malacca as well as see lots of beautiful architecture and buildings along the way such as the colorful Peranakan homes and the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia.
The infamous Kampung Jawa Footbridge - built during the Dutch period and is nicknamed the "Ghost Bridge".
Chinatown area which a wholesale street
Next we arrive at Jalan Hang Kasturi, also known as "tofu street". Here you will find colorful Baba Nyonya houses and houses made using blocks from Upeh Island as well as Dutch bricks (which are long and thin).
The Pernakan homes are very distinctive and colorful.
Example of a home built using Dutch bricks
Here, you will be able to find three of the oldest religious buildings in Malaysia Jalan Tukang Emas, also known as Harmony Street to the loclals. The Hindu temple was built in 1781, Muslim mosque in 1872 (using British tiles) and the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia was built here in 1645. Apparently all the ornaments that you see here are painstakingly made by hand, and it took 700 monks and 171 years to complete. Broken porcelain is used to make the decorate figurines you see on the roof of the temple.
Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple
Masjid Kampung Kling
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - Malaysia's oldest Chinese temple serving as main place of worship for the Hokkien community.
Pernakan handmade beaded shoe
Fine, hand-sewn beadwork by Mrs Lim of TS Lim Trading
A Nyonya kebaya
Stopped for a refreshing cendol at Bibik House Cendol
The Red Square - these majestic crimson buildings are some of the oldest colonial Dutch buildings left in South East Asia.
St. Francis Church, one of Malacca's treasures. This Neo-Gothi church was constructed by a French priest, Father Favre in 1849 and is named after St. Francis Xavier, the famous Catholic missionary who visited Malacca on several occasions. Standing directly in front of it, you will see that it leans to the right.
Check out our review of The Majestic Malacca here. You can also see our walk captured on video on our Instagram account.
Location: The Majestic Malacca, 188 Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia. (Parking is available on-site)
Tel: 06-289 8000
Website: http://www.majesticmalacca.com/
GPS Coordinates: 2.201959, 102.252130
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