Malacca (Melaka) is the most historic and interesting city in Malaysia. Everyone has been here: the Chinese, Portuguese,
Dutch, and then the English. It's a great hodgepodge of Chinese streets and shops with European buildings that will take you back to
the colonial era.
WHAT TO DO:
Drink a lot of water and take it easy. This is one hot place where you'll feel scorched before lunch time.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Don't bother going to any of the beaches. They have become quite polluted and the stench alone should drive you away.
WHERE TO EAT:
The food here isn't as good as in Penang and KL. Jalan Teman is where you can find all sorts of cheap eats. There are some
good Chinese and Indian restaurants on Taman Melaka Raya. On Jalan Hang Jebat, Jonkers Melaka Restaurant is a good place to
get some good Nonya (a hybrid of Chinese and Malaysian) food.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are a lot of guesthouses on Taman Melaka Raya. Nearby is the Kancil Guest House, 177 Jalan Bandar Hilir, one of the
nicest guesthouses I have ever stayed in. The owners are really kind, have a lot of information, and will want to take your
picture to add to their scrapbook. Plus you can help yourself to the kitchen and you're on the honor system when adding to
your tab.
WHAT TO SEE:
Begin your sightseeing in the town center, where you'll see the old Dutch buildings, Stadthuys, the old town hall, and
Christ Church. Nearby are the ruins of St. Paul's Church, which are an interesting place to poke around. Old Malacca and
its Chinese buildings make for a nice stroll.