Short history on Malacca (you can read all about it should you wish by clicking on the link) - founded in approx 1390; it is culturally rich due to the colonization by various forces - the Portugese, Dutch, British and Japanese. The Straits of Malacca was once one of the most important ports in the world, bridging merchants from the east and the west. What is left in this small town now consists of rich architectural designs from all the abovementioned colonies. The Baba and Nonya heritage stems from this small town and many who live here are from the Baba and Nonya descent.
AmazingMelaka.com has all the details you'll need when planning a visit here. Though, should any of you make a trip out here, I will be doing the planning.
Christ Church - 18th century Dutch architecture - the oldest functioning Protestant church in M'sia; trishaw (am quite upset about the current tart-like decorations on them. They were great as they were - simple, classic, old) ; souvenir stands; the famous Chicken Rice Balls which originated from Malacca
Baba and Nonya heritage buildings. The Baba and Nonyas are also known as the "Straits Chinese" (or Peranakan). They can either be of Chinese descent who have adopted much of the Malay culture or they stem from mixed marriages of the Chinese and Malays. The architectural details on these buildings are beautiful. The building interior is very long, with an open courtyard in the center. Most of these buildings along Jonker Street have been turned into antique stores, restaurants, etc...
ps: Try NONYA Restaurant at 61 N. Raymond Avenue in Pasadena if you're feeling adventurous. It's a pretty chic restaurant with zen-like interior that serves good Nonya food. The lamb with scallion pancake appetizer is a must. Even the sambal is pretty tasty.
Chinese Temple along Jonker Street (a must visit street - especially if you're antique hunting)
Going to the museum; Siew Li & Nava tells us what NOT to do at a museum - flip the pages of a 200 year old manuscript; Nava says they must have gotten the idea for the rice balls from these mini cannon balls.
This is "The Bridal Chamber of Baba Community". It is breathtakingly colourful - although am not sure if I can ever sleep in peace with such vibrant colours surrounding me. Very important - we noticed that the green curtains have divided the chamber in two sections - the inner section for two people and the outer section for one. Any guesses as to why?
A bird sampan; this thing is called The In-Law Box - I have no idea what it's for but I'm sure it must be from some Chinese culture I am not aware of - perhaps this is a box (looks more like an urn) for presents and such used to bribe one's in-laws with; The Royal Press - located along Jonker Street
The A'Famosa Fort - Portugeese fortress built in the 1500s after the arrival of Alfonso d'Albuquerque and his fleet; one of oldest European architecture left in Asia
(read about the Malacca Fort)
Jonker88 (you guessed it, located at 88 Jonker Street) is NOT to be missed. This is a museum/dessert cafe in a Baba Nonya style house. The seating areas are located in all three sections of the house. We chose to sit in the open courtyard and got to enjoy the slight drizzle of rain. The ambiance is great and they even play French and English oldies while you enjoy your bowl of ice kacang and cendol.
Baba Durian Cendol (the BEST ever! @ Rm2.70, that is USD75 cents) and Mango Ice Kacang
By the way, durian is that green spiky fruit which you will either love or hate. I, of course, love it.
2 comments:
Monkies:
--i live here. of course I'm sure!
--what do you put in the box then when you are pissed at them??
--i didn't receive the tee shirt till last week!
--no, i don't have a malay name, but you could make one up if you like
--you didn't comment on the Baba Nonya Bed Chamber!
Melissa- I miss you. I remember the time you took us all to Nonya's for Chinese New Year. It was so friggin good I wanted to cry. And then there was the all-knowing Brian Pargac sharing his "dragon wisdom".
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