| Malaysia is best known for its well preserved | | | | Nyonyans. |
| culture and heritage. This is why Melaka earned its | | | | A short walk and you will find yourself face to |
| place in the coveted UNESCO world heritage sites. | | | | face with Malaysian's oldest Buddhist temple that |
| Melaka or Malacca is Malaysia's oldest historical city | | | | is fully functional despite its age, the Cheng Hoon |
| and one of the most popular tourists' spots in the | | | | Teng or Green Cloud temple. Religiously activities |
| world today. | | | | are held here everyday. Further along is the |
| The town of Melaka is small and compact. You | | | | oldest mosque in Malaysia, the Kampong Kling |
| can visit all of its interesting sites just by walking | | | | Mosque that was built with Sumatran influence in |
| down the narrow streets lined with specialty | | | | 1748. Kampong Kling Mosque still remains as the |
| shops and century-aged houses. With combined | | | | central of the Malay community. |
| effort from the Melaka Tourist Information | | | | Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar temple is the oldest Hindu |
| Center and American Express Foundation, they | | | | temple in Malaysia and one of the firsts. This |
| developed the Melaka Heritage Trail that will bring | | | | temple is dedicated to Vinayagar, a deity who is |
| tourists to the right places just by following the | | | | known to remove obstacles. Now, when you see |
| map. Melaka Heritage Trail is like a walk back in | | | | the famous bright red building, you will know you |
| time for tourists. This map is made simple with | | | | are still right on track. This old protestant church is |
| easy-to-follow diagram and descriptions of each | | | | called Christ Church and it is situated in Dutch |
| suggested site. | | | | Square. It is said that there are tombstones |
| When visiting Melaka, stop by at the Melaka | | | | underneath the church. Masses are regularly |
| Tourist Information Center first, to pick up your | | | | conducted here in different dialects to cater to its |
| map and for best tips on how to maximize your | | | | multi-lingual congregation and one should not miss |
| visit to this ancient town. The center is located | | | | the clock tower that was built in 1886. |
| right at the heart of old Malacca. Your trail will | | | | Going around, you will see the St. Paul's Historical |
| start here and should end here as well. There are | | | | Complex which houses three of Melaka's oldest |
| 10 major stops, not to mention your "side-stops" | | | | buildings. At the foot of St. Paul's Hill, you will find |
| to interesting shops and spots along the trail. So, | | | | the former residence of Dutch governor built in |
| here it is, enjoy! | | | | 1650. This building is hard to miss since it was |
| Your first stop is to the site where Melaka history | | | | painted red. Right up the top of the hill is the St. |
| started and took shape, the Malacca River. This | | | | Paul's Church where you can also see the |
| river was once a busy, major port playing an | | | | magnificent view of Malacca Strait. On the other |
| important role in the spice trade but now it is only | | | | side is the surviving gate of A Famosa called |
| used for tourism purposes. Because of this port, | | | | Porta de Santiago which was built in 1512. |
| Melaka had been colonized by foreign blood so | | | | Stumble upon Malacca Sultanate palace on your |
| many times. Melaka River Cruises are also offered | | | | way back. This is a fairly new building if compared |
| in this area. At the eastern bank of this river, you | | | | to those in site since it is a replica of the original |
| can find 15th century Hindu Prince Parameswara's | | | | palace. It is now home to Malacca Cultural |
| palace. | | | | Museum. Your last stop will be the Malacca Club or |
| Explore the world of Baba Nyonya heritage or | | | | the Proclamation of Independence memorial. This |
| Peranakan culture with your next stop. This | | | | trail will lead you back to Melaka Tourist |
| culture began with inter-racial marriages between | | | | Information Center, ending your journey through |
| the Chinese settlers and native Malay women in | | | | this fantastic and rich culture of Melaka. After |
| Melaka. The Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock is the "rich | | | | visiting the important sites, feel free to roam |
| people" lane where houses are designed | | | | around for some more. |
| exquisitely with blends of Dutch and Chinese | | | | Nowal has been a freelance travel writer and |
| influences. You can also find Baba Nyonya | | | | photographer for almost 10 years now. His |
| Heritage Museum in this side of the street where | | | | expertise lies in Asia Travel Guides. Find out more |
| guided tours are held upon request. Check out the | | | | about his recent travel guide of two historical |
| miniature shoes, intricately designed, in display. | | | | destination of Malaysia. |
| They were used by foot-bound female of Baba | | | | |