Melaka

MELAKA  

"Historical State"

Lying between the states of Negeri Sembilan and Johore on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the historical city of Melaka was an important trading post in Malaysia's early history and attracted Asian, Chinese and Indian traders from the region.

Founded by a refugee prince named Parameswara, Melaka rose to become a powerful nerve centre of trade between East and West. Its trade of spice, gold, silk, tea, opium, tobacco and perfumes attracted the attention of colonial powers from the West and Melaka was later governed at various times by three colonial rulers the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Some parts of the city still retain an old-world charm in the legacy of buildings and architecture left by Melaka's past rulers.

The local population reflects an engaging inter-cultural heritage of customs, cultural practices, festivals and variety of cuisine.

Particular attractions include the Portuguese Settlement, the Dutch Stadhuys government buildings, Porta de Santiago and the Baba-Nyonya ancestral homes in the heart of the city.

CULTURES

• Sepak Raga / Sepak Takraw

The phrase ‘alive and kicking’ takes on an entirely new meaning when transplanted into the world of Sepak Takraw. An exciting spectator sport from Malaysia, the traditional games from Malacca as well requires acrobatic skills and agility from the players. Kicks form the crux of the game, hence the word " Sepak " or to strike with the foot.

Forming a circle to kick, shoulder or head a rattan ball to the opposing players, similar to current volleyball drills played the early game. The objective was to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. To add pizzazz to the otherwise mundane and ‘tame’ ball game, varying styles of sending and receiving the ball were created. Thus the dazzling display of acrobatic twists, turns and body swerves came into being.

• Baba Nyonya (Peranakans)

Babas and Nyonyas are Melaka's straits-born Chinese or Peranakans (meanging "born here") whose lineage traces back hundreds of years when their descendents arrived and inter-married with the local women. From these mixed marriages evolved a unique culture which retains Chinese customs and Malay traditions.

The Babas and Nyonyas introduced unique furniture, porcelain and chinaware, dress style and delicious food to be found only in Melaka. The Nyonya women dress in sarrong kebaya with Malay decorative brooches and intricately designed jewelry of silver and gold.

ATTRACTION PLACES

A' Famosa

A Famosa is a Portuguese fortress located in Malacca, Malaysia. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.

Jonker Street

Jonker Street was like 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 restaurants. The best part of Jonker Street is the night market on Fridays and Saturdays that sells everything from tasty treats to cheap keepsakes.

Tanjung Bidara Beach

Tanjung Bidara commands a magnificent sweep of the state's coastline, and its beach is very popular among locals as well as foreigners. Amenities include parking lots, children's playgrounds and food stalls. Located between Melaka and Port Dickson, it is quiet and well away from the main road, and though the water is murky, the sandy beaches are pleasant and there is abundant greenery. The main beach is at the Tanjung Bidara Beach Resort, where there are also food stalls.

LOCAL DISHES

Ikan Bakar

Asam Pedas

Onde-Onde