Travel Guide to the State of Melaka, Malaysia – Ancient Heritage in a Nutshell
The State of Melaka with its capital Melaka (Malacca) is probably Malaysian’s state with the most exciting heritage and culture, named the historical state Negeri Bersejarah. The city Melaka was founded by Parameswara a prince from Indonesia and during the times of the Dutch VOC it was once known as the Venice of the East
History of Melaka
The strategically located port of Melaka, harboring at the Straits of Malacca brought most history to this district. When the spice trade flourished in the early 1500′s and 1600′s the Dutch, Portuguese, British and Sumatran all left their footprints in Melaka, and their heritage can still be found all over the area.
Melaka City offers much more to the tourist than just a day wobble, there is so much to see and to discover, enjoy many fruitful days in and around this shapely city. Plentiful well maintained historical buildings, temples, churches and a real fort, a maritime museum with a life size Portuguese galleon, enough to make ones mind wander back to ancient times and feel how live in a community like Melaka was lived. Jonker street is a true shoppers delight. Every tourist should at least once be transported by a Trishaw, it’s an absolute treat.
Tourist Attractions
The North and center of the State offer even more variety for the traveler, A Reptile Park, Fish World, Gadek Hot Springs, Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN, Crocodile and Butterfly Farm, Melaka Zoo and Durian Tunggal Recreational Park and lots of endless scenery and lavish landscapes.
A’Famosa resort & Water World is named after the Portuguese fort in Melaka City. It offers the only Animal Safari in Malaysia, from an open truck the visitors are able to get up close and personal with tigers, lions, giraffes and ostriches, The bumpy jungle track and crocodile river make this an exciting part of the visit. The day would not be complete without visiting the Wild Wild West show where cowboys and Indians battle in an idyllic setting. A’Famosa further offers a golf club and a micro light flying club & sports center. The resort offers various degrees of luxury whether the traveler wants a room, condominium or private villa to ensure a comfortable vacation.
In the South of Melaka State close to the border of Johor the Melaka Traditional House can be found.
Melaka Foods
Melaka is the region where special foods developed over centuries, Dodol a sticky sugar and coconut substance which is eaten as a dessert, Asam pedas (sour and hot curry) normally eaten with white rice (nasi putih)
Melaka is also home to the Straits Chinese Nyonya and Baba communities, which are traditional Chinese descendents married into the Malay culture they introduced many new spices and cooking styles to the place, which later spread all over the country. There is a special museum called Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum located at Tun Tan Cheng Lock street in Melaka City.
Melaka Islands
Just of the coast of Melaka City two small islands can be found, Ideal weekend get-a-ways. Pulau Besar the larger of the two is a small but hilly island with lush greenery to be found everywhere. The Japanese occupied the island during the Second World War, and some reminders still can be found. By boat the Pandanusa resort with its 18 hole golf course can be reached, boats leaving from the Umbai Jetty or the Melaka Town Jetty. More basic accommodation can be found at Pulau Upeh, where chalets close to the beach offer freedom and tranquility. During the day snorkeling, swimming and fishing are enjoyable and pleasant past times.
Melaka is a wonderful state to travel around, less then 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur a pleasant daytrip, the traveler will find exhilarating views and enjoyable moments of relaxation when becoming one with Melaka’s nature.
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