How to spend a day in the Historic City of Malacca

If there’s one place that I’d like to visit all over again and for a longer period of time then Malacca would be it. 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.

It’s got a certain colonial charm and you’ll marvel at how well the old architecture that has been preserved and does not clash with 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 right 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 tell a lot about the history, tradition and culture of Malaysia.

The Malaysia Youth Museum proudly displays the contribution by the local youth in their country’s progress and development. There is also an art gallery on top with an impressive collection. Also, do make a point to visit the Christ Church built in 1753 – the best part being all these places are at the town centre and at walking distance.

Go for a boat ride on the Malacca River; you can buy your passes for the boat ride in advance. The seats on the boat 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.

They have 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. While the boat gently chugged on the water, I started relaxing in tune with the rhythmic movement of the boat gently gliding over the waves.

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.