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Feature: Exploring Malaysia's "Historical City"
Without a doubt, we Filipinos have grand historical sites. For instance, our Calle Crisólogo (Vigan), Fort Santiago (Intramuros), and Cruz de Magallanes (Cebú City) brag the Hispanic heritage we have preserved for more than five hundred years. Sites such as Biak na Bato National Park and Zapote Bridge serve as commemoration of our heroes who liberated us from colonial rule.
It is important that we appreciate our own jewels of history. However, it would be nice if we explore other places having a deep sense of history as well, even if some of those may be "unpopular". Doing so not only expands our knowledge about different countries, but also instills a sense of appreciation of their culture and history. One of those "unknown" places worth exploring is Malacca (or Melaka) City. It does look like a typical city at first, but in reality, it brags a rich sense of history and inter-cultural heritage.
LANDSCAPE. A bird's eye view of a sunny afternoon at Malacca Square. Photo credits: James Tolosa
This city is located in the southwestern coast of Malaysia, near the Strait of Malacca. It was dubbed by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) as a "World Heritage Site" eleven years ago. Founded by Parameswara, a prince who fled from Majapahit Empire, it had attracted Asian traders (Chinese and Indian) and European explorers (Portuguese, Dutch, and British) for about five hundred years. Such foreign influence has remained in the architecture, cuisine, customs, etc. of the Peranakans (local Malaysians).
Here are some tourist landmarks you may consider in your historical trip in Malacca:
1. A'Famosa (Porta de Santiago)
STROLL. Locals and tourists saunter around the former Portuguese fortress. Photo credit: James Tolosa
A'Famosa was built by Portuguese explorer Alfonso d'Albiquerque in 1511. After he overthrew the sultan during that time, he needed a bastion that could protect other Portuguese colonizers and traders. Moreover, this construction was used to validate Portugal's control of the Asian spice trade.
As soon as the Dutch defeated the Portuguese in 1641, the new colonizers decided to renovate the A'Famosa and engrave the coat of arms of the Dutch East India Company on the edifice's gates. However, in 1806, the British nearly demolished the place. A year after, those new colonizers decided to save Porta de Santiago, one of the gates that was not yet completely destroyed.
2. Stadthuys
Stadthuys literally means "city hall" in Old Dutch. Situated in the center of Malacca Square, it is considered to be the "oldest" Dutch building in Asia. It is known for its heavy wooden and salmon red walls. It also served as the office of Dutch governors.
According to a museum guide from the History and Ethnography Museum, "During the British and post-British era, some museums, including History and Ethnography, were established here." The mentioned museum presents the lifestyle and artifacts used by various communities who have resided Malacca.
MARVEL. The History and Ethnography Museum boasts the spectacular architecture of the Stadthuys (left) and statues of the European explorers of Malacca (right). Photo credit: James Tolosa
3. Christ Church
Located near the Stadthuys is an Anglican establishment called the Christ Church. It replaced St. Paul's Church (during that time, a Roman Catholic establishment; now a museum) as the principal place of worship. Striking features of the Christ Church include pink bricks plastered with local red laterite, ceiling beams, a brass Bible, and a frieze of the "Last Supper" in glazed tiles.
When Malacca was administered by the British, they added a weathercock and bell tower near the place. Nowadays, it is governed by the Anglican Diocese of Western Malaysia.
IMPRESSIVELY LOOKING. The Christ Church stands erect with its magnificent, red bricks, weathercock, and bell. Photo credit: James Tolosa
4. Malacca River
Together with the Strait of Malacca, this body of water was one of the main routes of both Asian and European traders. According to a tourist, "If you really want to enjoy the 600 years [and counting] of history of Malacca, better take a cruise along the river."
In fact, there are daily river-boat cruises of the river. Bookings can be made at Taman Rempah, which is near the Stadthuys. With a 45-minute ride, one can see old godowns, fish markets, and other settlements of the Peranakans.
SIGHT. Cruisers enjoy the breathtaking view of the Malacca River. Photo credit: James Tolosa
Other historical landmarks you may consider include the Proclamation of Independence Memorial (a museum having a Mogul-inspired architecture), Flor de la Mar (a replica of a famous Portuguese ship), Jalan Hang Jebat (a street were collectors have sold relics for more than 300 years), and Kampung Mosque.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MALACCA CITY
Aside from touring the aforementioned historical sites, try eating in kopi tiams. Kopi tiams are traditional Malaysian coffee shops that serve local delicacies. You may consider the following appetizing dishes:
• Bandung – a drink made up of condensed milk and rose cordial syrup. Grass jelly is often added to this drink.
• Nasi goreng pattaya – a chicken fried rice wrapped in omelette and glazed with chili sauce. Cucumber, anchovies, and sambal (Malaysian chili paste) are often added to make the dish spicy.
• Kaya toast – a snack filled with organic coconut jam, pandan, and butter. It is often served with teh tarik (Malaysian milk tea), tea, or coffee.
LOCAL FAVORITES. Enjoy the cuisine of Malaysia as you indulge in the (from left to right) bandung, nasi goreng pattaya, and kaya toast. Photo credit: James Tolosa
In addition, be familiar with the slangs the Peranakans use. Some of the most popular ones include lah (used to emphasize verbs), boleh ("can?"), alamak ("wow!"), and geli ("how disgusting!"). Moreover, in informal Malaysian English, the subject may be omitted as seen in the colloquialisms "can?" and "where got?".
Lastly, enjoy the street markets around Malacca. They usually open before early evening and close around midnight. Be sure to have at least 20 Ringgit (about 250 PHP) if you want to shop a lot of items. Vendors usually sell local deserts, souvenirs, clothing, and handiwork.
Avoid pointing items you want with your index finger because such gesture is considered disrespectful among Malaysians. Pointing with your thumb and using the mentioned slangs may increase your chances of successfully bargaining with the vendors.
MARKETPLACE. Locals and tourists pass through the entrance of Pahlawan Walk. Photo credit: James Tolosa
Now that you have been given an overview of the historical sites of Malacca and its heritage, go, and satisfy your wanderlust. Explore those sites, eat in kopi tiams, familiarize yourself with the slangs used, spend your time in the night markets, and be respectful of the culture of the Peranakans. Enjoy your trip on Malaysia's "Historical City"! //by James Tolosa
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