Exotic Beauty of Malacca

Malacca - a city with contrast, rich in culture, diversified in it's population is one place in Malaysia you would not want to miss when visiting this tropical country. The multi-cultural society, where most people have already mastered at least 2 other foreign languages besides their own mother-tongue is even more pronounced here than anywhere else in Malaysia. Descendants of Dutch, Portuguese and the British made up a fair proportion of this exotic city. Reminders of past colonialism can be found everywhere, in historical buildings, cathedrals, clock towers, windmills, restaurants, foods and they even have their own Portuguese Settlement.

This historical city south of metropolitan Kuala Lumpur is unique. Residents who are descendants of the Portuguese and Dutch are categorized as "Prince of the Land". or "Bumiputra" a description accorded to local Malays and the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak of East Borneo. It is a privilege to be bumiputra and they are proud of it.

The city of Malacca has been conferred a World Heritage status by UNESCO and rightly so too. It took them years to lobby for this title. Why it matters so much is that now historical sites and buildings in Malacca are safe guarded by the UNESCO heritage guide-lines and not permitted to be demolished. Take for example The Christ Church of Malacca was built in 1753 more than 250 years old. Taking it down would be such a shame for it may happen if Malacca is not a UNESCO Heritage site.

One can enjoy taking a relaxing cruise down the Malacca river and admiring this historical beauty or take a casual stroll down Jonker's Walk. If you are looking for priceless souvenirs from the far east, here is where you are likely to find them. Artifacts made from wood taken from the tropical forest, the hand-made crafts of the locals or the beautiful hand printed batiks, whatever you are looking for is all along Jonker's Walk. Or you may want to try some local cuisine instead. If you have ever tried chicken rice at some other far-away destinations or maybe at your local Chinatown, you will find the chicken rice here are rather unusual. Your rice are served in the form of a "rice ball", like meat balls.

The last place in Malacca one should see is A' Formosa. Those who have kids will find this place entertaining. They have a chicken farm, an animal Safari, Tudor style bungalows and even a "Cowboy Town". The main attraction comes on at night where they have spectacular fireworks display, a "Cowboy and Red-Indians" show and parade of animals. There are many other nice places I have yet to discover but I am sure none will ever top this one.