Malacca to continue luring tourists and refurbishing existing facilities
Twenty-ten has been a year where the historic state of Malacca lived up to its reputation for creating history with some cherishable moments.
On the upside, the state marked several occasions that were worthy to make it into the record books.
We played host to the Sukma XIII bi-annual games in June at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Krubong.
Some 6,500 athletes and several thousand officials gathered here from all over the country for the games which launched with much pomp and circumstance.
Though spectator turnout was not as enthusiastic, the games produced several new records and the setting up of the Malacca Sports Institute.
On a side note, local lass and wushu exponent Chai Fong Ying did the state and country proud when she became the first athlete to bag a gold for Malaysia at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China recently.
Then, there was the novel but controversial idea of setting up the country’s first school for pregnant teens in Jasin by the state via the Malacca Islamic Religious Council.
The school was to house and provide care and education for pregnant teens, married or otherwise.This resulted in much debate prior to its opening on Sept 17.
However, the decision to set up the school was justified when 10 teens stepped forward to enrol with the hope of delivering their babies while continuing their studies.
Since October, several of the students had successfully delivered their babies and also managed to patch things up with their families.
The crowning moment for Malacca came on 20.10.2010 at 2010hrs when it was declared a developed state by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
It was the achievement of a decade of planning and hard work by all.
Although having achieved and surpassed the yardstick used by Paris-based Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation to gauge the developed status of a state, there were some quarters here who pointed out the declaration was a self proclamation by the state.
The year started off with the debacle involving the ‘Eye On Malaysia’ at Taman Kota Laksamana next to the Malacca River. The year began on the wrong turn for the 62-meter high ferris wheel on Jan 7 when it became entangled in legal tussle.
The ferris remained idle and in a limbo for almost 10 months before it was finally dismantle by its Belgian owners on Oct 1 and carted off.
Another unfortunate incident involved the city’s RM15.9mil monorail line developed as a tourist attraction to complement the rehabilitated and beautified Malacca River.
Barely two months after its grand launch, the monorail grounded to a halt.
The China-made monorail line, spanning 1.6km along the river, ran in to technical and mechanical problems, causing much embarrassment to the operators.
Nevertheless, Malacca can take pride as being the nation’s top tourist destination with over eight million visitors for 2010.
This status has brought much economic benefit to the state and is set to grow over the coming years.
To cement this success, the state needs to get the recently extended and refurbished RM190mil Melaka International Airport fully utilised.
At present, the airport is managing flights to Sumatra and the occasion chartered flights.
It is likely the top New Year’s resolution for the state is to prove to the Federal Government the airport would not end up becoming a white elephant in 2011.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Portuguese settlement folk gear up for national Xmas do
Portuguese settlement folk gear up for national Xmas do
It’s brisk business for shops selling Christmas decorations ahead of the national Christmas celebration at the Portuguese Settlement here on Sunday.
Residents have been snapping up decorative pieces and lights to deck their homes in preparation for the weekend festivity in their village.
Wholesaler Abby Gan Siew Bee said sales of Christmas accessories and lights were up between 20% and 30% over the past month, compared with the corresponding period last year.
“Many residents from the settlement come to my shop to buy lighting and other Christmas frills for their homes.
“They want to make their homes impressive with colourful trimmings to welcome the grand celebration,” she said yesterday.
Gan, whose family has been in the decor business for 20 years at Jalan Bunga Raya, said their shop stocked up a large variety of items to ensure their regular customers were able to find what they needed for the Yuletide season.
“We offer more than 200 varieties of Christmas-themed decorations.
“Sales have been good despite customers being more thrifty,” she said, adding that Christmas tree decorations, lighting and soft toys were among the hot items.
Tan Kia Boon, 33, who runs a shop, also in Jalan Bunga Raya, said his business picked up about a week ago with shoppers making final preparations for the celebration.
Meanwhile, village Regedor (headman) Peter Thomas Gomes said the 1,200-strong community in Ujong Pasir were all excited to welcome the grand celebration on Sunday.
He also said the village development and security committee spent some RM20,000 to deck the village for the celebrations, adding that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam presented RM10,000 from the state government for the festive preparations.
Gomes said that more than 20,000 visitors, including foreign tourists, had come to the village to view the Christmas decorations and lighting.
-News courtesy of The Star-
It’s brisk business for shops selling Christmas decorations ahead of the national Christmas celebration at the Portuguese Settlement here on Sunday.
Residents have been snapping up decorative pieces and lights to deck their homes in preparation for the weekend festivity in their village.
Wholesaler Abby Gan Siew Bee said sales of Christmas accessories and lights were up between 20% and 30% over the past month, compared with the corresponding period last year.
“Many residents from the settlement come to my shop to buy lighting and other Christmas frills for their homes.
“They want to make their homes impressive with colourful trimmings to welcome the grand celebration,” she said yesterday.
Gan, whose family has been in the decor business for 20 years at Jalan Bunga Raya, said their shop stocked up a large variety of items to ensure their regular customers were able to find what they needed for the Yuletide season.
“We offer more than 200 varieties of Christmas-themed decorations.
“Sales have been good despite customers being more thrifty,” she said, adding that Christmas tree decorations, lighting and soft toys were among the hot items.
Tan Kia Boon, 33, who runs a shop, also in Jalan Bunga Raya, said his business picked up about a week ago with shoppers making final preparations for the celebration.
Meanwhile, village Regedor (headman) Peter Thomas Gomes said the 1,200-strong community in Ujong Pasir were all excited to welcome the grand celebration on Sunday.
He also said the village development and security committee spent some RM20,000 to deck the village for the celebrations, adding that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam presented RM10,000 from the state government for the festive preparations.
Gomes said that more than 20,000 visitors, including foreign tourists, had come to the village to view the Christmas decorations and lighting.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday, December 24, 2010
Malacca Radio Frequencies
One FM 88.1
Suria FM 88.5
IKIM FM 89.5
Era FM 90.3
Mix FM 91.1
Suria FM 88.5
IKIM FM 89.5
Era FM 90.3
Mix FM 91.1
Lite FM 92.2
Hitz FM 93.0
Fly FM 94.0
Klasik FM 93.6
Best 104 FM 94.8
Sinar FM 96.0
Nasional FM 96.6
Traxx FM 97.4
988 FM 98.2
Zayan 98.9
THR 99.7
Ai FM 100.4
Hitz FM 93.0
Fly FM 94.0
Klasik FM 93.6
Best 104 FM 94.8
Sinar FM 96.0
Nasional FM 96.6
Traxx FM 97.4
988 FM 98.2
Zayan 98.9
THR 99.7
Ai FM 100.4
Melaka FM 102.3
Minnal FM 103.3
Hot FM 104.3
MY FM 106.4
Melody FM 107.3
Minnal FM 103.3
Hot FM 104.3
MY FM 106.4
Melody FM 107.3
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Malacca-Dumai ferry project should take off
Malacca-Dumai ferry project should take off
The Riau Administration in Indonesia had asked the Malacca government to speed up the Malacca-Dumai roll-on-roll-off (ro-ro) ferry project.
Riau Province deputy governor II Emrizal Pakis said the project was approved nearly a year ago but until now the state has yet to start the jetty project.
“I feel Tanjung Bruas is more suitable for the ferry service than Kuala Linggi as originally proposed. Kuala Linggi is saddled with tide problems,” he said after visiting the Tanjung Bruas port.
Emrizal, who was heading a 35-member delegation, was on a two-day visit to Malacca.
The delegation attended a dinner hosted by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.
Emrizal said the Riau Administration had built the physical infrastructure for the project, including building a jetty at Dumai costing Rp55mil and approved ro-ro ferries which could carry 48 cars.
The ro-ro ferry takes about six hours to travel between Dumai and Malacca compared to one hour and 50 minutes by a passenger ferry at present while flights from Malacca to Pekan Baru takes about 45 minutes. — Bernama
-News courtesy of The Star-
The Riau Administration in Indonesia had asked the Malacca government to speed up the Malacca-Dumai roll-on-roll-off (ro-ro) ferry project.
Riau Province deputy governor II Emrizal Pakis said the project was approved nearly a year ago but until now the state has yet to start the jetty project.
“I feel Tanjung Bruas is more suitable for the ferry service than Kuala Linggi as originally proposed. Kuala Linggi is saddled with tide problems,” he said after visiting the Tanjung Bruas port.
Emrizal, who was heading a 35-member delegation, was on a two-day visit to Malacca.
The delegation attended a dinner hosted by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.
Emrizal said the Riau Administration had built the physical infrastructure for the project, including building a jetty at Dumai costing Rp55mil and approved ro-ro ferries which could carry 48 cars.
The ro-ro ferry takes about six hours to travel between Dumai and Malacca compared to one hour and 50 minutes by a passenger ferry at present while flights from Malacca to Pekan Baru takes about 45 minutes. — Bernama
-News courtesy of The Star-
Jusco
1. Jusco Melaka Shopping Centre
Leboh Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka
Phone 06-2324899/06-2314929
Fax 06-2332988
Business Time
10:30am - 10:30pm
2. JUSCO Bandaraya Melaka
No.2 Jalan Legenda,Taman 1 - Lagenda,75400 Melaka
Phone 06-2829389
Business Time
(Mon - Sun) 10.00am-10.30pm
-Info courtesy of Jusco.com.my-
Leboh Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka
Phone 06-2324899/06-2314929
Fax 06-2332988
Business Time
10:30am - 10:30pm
2. JUSCO Bandaraya Melaka
No.2 Jalan Legenda,Taman 1 - Lagenda,75400 Melaka
Phone 06-2829389
Business Time
(Mon - Sun) 10.00am-10.30pm
-Info courtesy of Jusco.com.my-
Taming Sari Revolving Tower
See Malacca from the Taming Sari Revolving Tower. Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka. The 110m-tower seats 66 people at a time, taking them on a 7-minute ride (1 min for the ascent, 5 minutes on top and 1 min for the descent) offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the historic city and the coastline. Do it after taking a stroll of the town, and it will give you a whole new perspective of Malacca.
Admission Fees for MyKad Holders: RM10 for adults, RM5 for children below 12 years old, and RM7 for senior citizens above 55 years old. Admission Fees for Visitors without MyKad: RM20 for adults, RM10 for children below 12 years old, and RM17 for senior citizens above 55 years old.
Operating hours: every 30 min on the hour and half-hour, 10AM to 11PM daily
-Info courtesy of wikitravel-
Admission Fees for MyKad Holders: RM10 for adults, RM5 for children below 12 years old, and RM7 for senior citizens above 55 years old. Admission Fees for Visitors without MyKad: RM20 for adults, RM10 for children below 12 years old, and RM17 for senior citizens above 55 years old.
Operating hours: every 30 min on the hour and half-hour, 10AM to 11PM daily
-Info courtesy of wikitravel-
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
State expects to woo a million sports tourists
State expects to woo a million sports tourists
The state is eyeing a 10% increase or one million tourist arrivals next year through sports tourism, said Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam.
To achieve the target, Mohd Ali added the state should organise at least 34 international and national sports events next year.
“If possible, we should play host to an average of three sports events every month,” he said at the launch the 2010 National Taekwondo Championship here recently.
A total of 114 taekwondo exponents from Malaysia and Indonesia were vying for honours at the two-day competition.
Malacca received 7.8 million tourists between January and November this year and is expected to woo 10 million tourists by the year-end compared to 8.9 million last year.
Speaking on a separate matter, Mohd Ali said a sports institute would be set up in Malacca in January to improve the quality of sports and sales of sports goods in the state.
The institute will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing two sports stores, which will be opened by the state and Malacca Stadium Corporation at the Hang Jebat Stadium and Digital Mall, Jalan Hang Tuah, he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
The state is eyeing a 10% increase or one million tourist arrivals next year through sports tourism, said Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam.
To achieve the target, Mohd Ali added the state should organise at least 34 international and national sports events next year.
“If possible, we should play host to an average of three sports events every month,” he said at the launch the 2010 National Taekwondo Championship here recently.
A total of 114 taekwondo exponents from Malaysia and Indonesia were vying for honours at the two-day competition.
Malacca received 7.8 million tourists between January and November this year and is expected to woo 10 million tourists by the year-end compared to 8.9 million last year.
Speaking on a separate matter, Mohd Ali said a sports institute would be set up in Malacca in January to improve the quality of sports and sales of sports goods in the state.
The institute will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing two sports stores, which will be opened by the state and Malacca Stadium Corporation at the Hang Jebat Stadium and Digital Mall, Jalan Hang Tuah, he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Monday, December 20, 2010
A sweet smell lingers on in Malacca
A sweet smell lingers on in Malacca
It was a historic moment for the state to have its very own Sutra perfume which was launched by the Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor last Wednesday.
Featuring two fragrance, the Sutra series was produced as a a joint-venture between Tropical Bioessence Sdn Bhd (TBESB), a subsidiary of Melaka BioTech Holdings Sdn Bhd and Charabot SA from France.
TBESB managing director Mohd Khairil Said said the two fragrance, Sutra Heritage and Sutra Glory were made from extracts from two common local flowers found here.
“Extracts from the Frangipani and Michelia Champaca flowers are used to produce the perfume. We worked for eight months to produce the fragrance,” he said at the launch of the products at Philea Resorts & Spa in Ayer Keroh.
He said the Eau De Parfume (EDT) comes in 75ml bottle with a retail price of RM99 per bottle, which would be distributed by Sutra under its range of products in Malaysia and Europe. At the launch, Rosmah was presented with a bottle of the respective perfumes.
Also present during the launch were Prime Minsiter Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and his wife Datin Seri Asmah Abd Rahman.
-News courtesy of The Star-
It was a historic moment for the state to have its very own Sutra perfume which was launched by the Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor last Wednesday.
Featuring two fragrance, the Sutra series was produced as a a joint-venture between Tropical Bioessence Sdn Bhd (TBESB), a subsidiary of Melaka BioTech Holdings Sdn Bhd and Charabot SA from France.
TBESB managing director Mohd Khairil Said said the two fragrance, Sutra Heritage and Sutra Glory were made from extracts from two common local flowers found here.
“Extracts from the Frangipani and Michelia Champaca flowers are used to produce the perfume. We worked for eight months to produce the fragrance,” he said at the launch of the products at Philea Resorts & Spa in Ayer Keroh.
He said the Eau De Parfume (EDT) comes in 75ml bottle with a retail price of RM99 per bottle, which would be distributed by Sutra under its range of products in Malaysia and Europe. At the launch, Rosmah was presented with a bottle of the respective perfumes.
Also present during the launch were Prime Minsiter Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and his wife Datin Seri Asmah Abd Rahman.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Malacca overtakes Penang as tourist destination
Malacca overtakes Penang as tourist destination
Malacca has overtaken Penang as tourism destination attracting some 8.9mil tourists throughout last year.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in the same period Penang had only managed to draw 5.96mil tourists.
“The statistics speaks for itself. Tourists arrival in Penang has dropped from 6.3mil in 2008 according to the statistics from our research division.
“Penang has good accessibility and a lot of products. The state government must play important role in this,” she said after a soft launching of Penang Hill funicular train upgrading project at Penang Hill lower station in Air Itam Saturday.
She said with a total of 191 flights from 12 international airlines flying into the city weekly Penang has a good potential of becoming the country’s leading tourist destination.
The state, she said, should put more initiative to have more well-trained tourist guides, especially those who were well-informed about Penang heritage and history.
“These guides and restaurant employees should be able to tell the stories behind the heritage buildings. This way, we can give the tourists an added value to the services provided,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Malacca has overtaken Penang as tourism destination attracting some 8.9mil tourists throughout last year.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in the same period Penang had only managed to draw 5.96mil tourists.
“The statistics speaks for itself. Tourists arrival in Penang has dropped from 6.3mil in 2008 according to the statistics from our research division.
“Penang has good accessibility and a lot of products. The state government must play important role in this,” she said after a soft launching of Penang Hill funicular train upgrading project at Penang Hill lower station in Air Itam Saturday.
She said with a total of 191 flights from 12 international airlines flying into the city weekly Penang has a good potential of becoming the country’s leading tourist destination.
The state, she said, should put more initiative to have more well-trained tourist guides, especially those who were well-informed about Penang heritage and history.
“These guides and restaurant employees should be able to tell the stories behind the heritage buildings. This way, we can give the tourists an added value to the services provided,” she said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Malacca heritage buildings will be repainted
Malacca heritage buildings will be repainted
Quality paint worth RM2.5mil will be used to spruce up heritage buildings located within the historic city’s Unesco World Heritage Site core zone.
The project is a collaboration between paint manufacturer Akzonobel and the Malacca Museums Corporation (Perzim) to repaint part of the old city and several well known historical monuments.
Perzim chairman Datuk Hamdin Abdollah said RM250,000 worth of paint a year will be used to repaint 26 buildings located in the city’s core heritage zone.
Painting it red: Staff of the Malacca Museums Corporation are busy painting the Stadthuys – By CINDY TAN / THE STAR
“The project will start with the repainting of the 17th Century Dutch Complex or Stadthuys,” he said, during of the launching of the repainting project here recently.
He said the project would also cover several places of worship located in the heritage zone.
“We are very happy Akzonobel has stepped forward to help preserve the heritage buildings in Malacca by giving them a new coat of paint.
Besides paint, they gave free consultation on the type of paints and how to carry out the painting job,” he said.
New coat: The Stadthuys is one of the 26 buildings that will be repainted.
He assured due care would be given to heritage concerns and the repainting would take into account appropriate colours and safe use for the old building.
“Akzonobel has pledged to donate the paints for the next 10 years,” he said, adding that the buildings would be repainted twice over the next decade.
Malacca City was listed as a heritage city under Unesco’s World Heritage Sites on July 7 in 2008.
Last year, the Jonker Walk Committee initiated a RM400,000 project to repaint some 139 18th century Dutch-styled homes located along Jalan Hang Jebat or more popularly known as Jonker Street.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Quality paint worth RM2.5mil will be used to spruce up heritage buildings located within the historic city’s Unesco World Heritage Site core zone.
The project is a collaboration between paint manufacturer Akzonobel and the Malacca Museums Corporation (Perzim) to repaint part of the old city and several well known historical monuments.
Perzim chairman Datuk Hamdin Abdollah said RM250,000 worth of paint a year will be used to repaint 26 buildings located in the city’s core heritage zone.
Painting it red: Staff of the Malacca Museums Corporation are busy painting the Stadthuys – By CINDY TAN / THE STAR
“The project will start with the repainting of the 17th Century Dutch Complex or Stadthuys,” he said, during of the launching of the repainting project here recently.
He said the project would also cover several places of worship located in the heritage zone.
“We are very happy Akzonobel has stepped forward to help preserve the heritage buildings in Malacca by giving them a new coat of paint.
Besides paint, they gave free consultation on the type of paints and how to carry out the painting job,” he said.
New coat: The Stadthuys is one of the 26 buildings that will be repainted.
He assured due care would be given to heritage concerns and the repainting would take into account appropriate colours and safe use for the old building.
“Akzonobel has pledged to donate the paints for the next 10 years,” he said, adding that the buildings would be repainted twice over the next decade.
Malacca City was listed as a heritage city under Unesco’s World Heritage Sites on July 7 in 2008.
Last year, the Jonker Walk Committee initiated a RM400,000 project to repaint some 139 18th century Dutch-styled homes located along Jalan Hang Jebat or more popularly known as Jonker Street.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Weekend in Malacca
Weekend in Malacca
WHAT is synonymous with road trips? Food hunts. And what is synonymous with Malaysia? Food – and each state has its own special cuisine.
On a weekend trip to Malacca recently, I decided to update myself on the tea-time treats available in this Unesco heritage-listed city. I found out that while there are many new establishments around, it’s good business as usual for three hawkers who have been plying their humble trade for decades.
Grandpa’s curry puff
After working as a sales clerk for years, Jean Tan decided to quit and take over her family’s curry puff business which was started by her grandfather, Tan Joo Chin, 40 years ago. The business was then run by her father, Tan Meng Ho. The curry puffs are huge and bursting with their curry and potato fillings. Tan also sells red bean and yam puffs. “My customers like the variety and the fact that the puffs are filling. Some even have them as a meal,” she says.
This writer can vouch for that. After having the red bean and yam puffs, which cost RM0.80 and RM1 respectively, I was puffed out. The red bean puff is sweet and the yam is savoury. Grandpa’s curry puffs are available at Restoran Yung Lai Siang along Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai, from 7am to 4pm.
Bukit China Soya Bean House
Spoiled for choice: There are 20 versions of tau fu fah at Bukit China Soya Bean House.
During previous trips to Malacca, I always headed for the original stall on Jalan Temenggong, which is manned by 70-year-old Tan Whi Hui. This third-generation business, which specialises in ginger juice tau fu fa, was passed down to him by his father 60 years ago. Many have raved about the smoothness of the soya bean curd served here, complemented by the homemade hot ginger juice.
Tan’s son, Jack, opened the first Bukit China Soya Bean House on Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/17 a year ago. He serves 20 versions of the tau fu fah and 100 types of dishes. A bowl of ginger tau fu fah at Tan’s stall costs RM2. The price at Jack’s Jalan Kota Laksamana outlet is RM2.20.
“The ginger juice takes hours to make and is a very tedious process,” says Jack’s wife, Shirley Ho. “It’s actually made at our small family factory nearby. The ginger has to be cleaned, peeled, sliced and refrigerated before it is boiled.”
The ginger juice is subtly pungent and does not drown out the smooth taste of the curd.
There’s also a Michael Jackson here. A mixture of soya bean milk and black cincau (grass jelly), a glass of this cold refreshing beverage can quench anyone’s thirst on a humid day.
Cendol Bukit China
Can you imagine yourself tucking into a nice, chilled serving of cendol by a cemetery? Eerie as it may sound, Mohd Zaid Abdullah’s stall still draws in the customers despite his location at Bukit China, which is the site of some 12,500 old graves. Mohd Zaid has been doing business at the same location for the past 22 years. “I open during the day from 10am to 6pm so there is nothing scary about eating here,” he says, laughing.
Mohd Zaid, 42, from Batu Berendam, not only sells cendol but also mee rebus, rojak and mee rojak. Each bowl of cendol costs RM1, which is obviously cheap.
Mohd Zaid keeps his stall, sited under a tree, clean. Most of the time, there is a good breeze there so customers can enjoy their cendol, or whatever food they have ordered, in comfort. Mohd Zaid says he took over the family business from his father. “It may seem a bit disturbing at first being near a cemetery but my customers are fine with it,” he says.
Ismail Malik, 52, a retiree who has been Mohd Zaid’s customer for years, says he enjoys the experience. “It’s quite funny when I tell my relatives and friends who are not from Malacca about eating near a cemetery. I have even brought some of them here. As long as the food is good, I have no qualms about the location,” he chuckles.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
WHAT is synonymous with road trips? Food hunts. And what is synonymous with Malaysia? Food – and each state has its own special cuisine.
On a weekend trip to Malacca recently, I decided to update myself on the tea-time treats available in this Unesco heritage-listed city. I found out that while there are many new establishments around, it’s good business as usual for three hawkers who have been plying their humble trade for decades.
Grandpa’s curry puff
After working as a sales clerk for years, Jean Tan decided to quit and take over her family’s curry puff business which was started by her grandfather, Tan Joo Chin, 40 years ago. The business was then run by her father, Tan Meng Ho. The curry puffs are huge and bursting with their curry and potato fillings. Tan also sells red bean and yam puffs. “My customers like the variety and the fact that the puffs are filling. Some even have them as a meal,” she says.
This writer can vouch for that. After having the red bean and yam puffs, which cost RM0.80 and RM1 respectively, I was puffed out. The red bean puff is sweet and the yam is savoury. Grandpa’s curry puffs are available at Restoran Yung Lai Siang along Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai, from 7am to 4pm.
Bukit China Soya Bean House
Spoiled for choice: There are 20 versions of tau fu fah at Bukit China Soya Bean House.
During previous trips to Malacca, I always headed for the original stall on Jalan Temenggong, which is manned by 70-year-old Tan Whi Hui. This third-generation business, which specialises in ginger juice tau fu fa, was passed down to him by his father 60 years ago. Many have raved about the smoothness of the soya bean curd served here, complemented by the homemade hot ginger juice.
Tan’s son, Jack, opened the first Bukit China Soya Bean House on Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/17 a year ago. He serves 20 versions of the tau fu fah and 100 types of dishes. A bowl of ginger tau fu fah at Tan’s stall costs RM2. The price at Jack’s Jalan Kota Laksamana outlet is RM2.20.
“The ginger juice takes hours to make and is a very tedious process,” says Jack’s wife, Shirley Ho. “It’s actually made at our small family factory nearby. The ginger has to be cleaned, peeled, sliced and refrigerated before it is boiled.”
The ginger juice is subtly pungent and does not drown out the smooth taste of the curd.
There’s also a Michael Jackson here. A mixture of soya bean milk and black cincau (grass jelly), a glass of this cold refreshing beverage can quench anyone’s thirst on a humid day.
Cendol Bukit China
Can you imagine yourself tucking into a nice, chilled serving of cendol by a cemetery? Eerie as it may sound, Mohd Zaid Abdullah’s stall still draws in the customers despite his location at Bukit China, which is the site of some 12,500 old graves. Mohd Zaid has been doing business at the same location for the past 22 years. “I open during the day from 10am to 6pm so there is nothing scary about eating here,” he says, laughing.
Mohd Zaid, 42, from Batu Berendam, not only sells cendol but also mee rebus, rojak and mee rojak. Each bowl of cendol costs RM1, which is obviously cheap.
Mohd Zaid keeps his stall, sited under a tree, clean. Most of the time, there is a good breeze there so customers can enjoy their cendol, or whatever food they have ordered, in comfort. Mohd Zaid says he took over the family business from his father. “It may seem a bit disturbing at first being near a cemetery but my customers are fine with it,” he says.
Ismail Malik, 52, a retiree who has been Mohd Zaid’s customer for years, says he enjoys the experience. “It’s quite funny when I tell my relatives and friends who are not from Malacca about eating near a cemetery. I have even brought some of them here. As long as the food is good, I have no qualms about the location,” he chuckles.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Friday, August 6, 2010
Merry time in Malacca
Merry time in Malacca
MALACCA: Malacca’s month-long celebration to mark its second anniversary inscription as a Unesco World Heritage Site culminated in a colourful grand finale at Kampung Morten here on Saturday evening.
The nostalgic event at the traditional Malay village was graced by Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.
The evening got off to a rousing start with both villagers and tourists alike participating in a host of activities including savouring the traditional cuisines offered to guests.
Mohd Khalil who arrived at 9pm, was accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and other state leaders who went for a walkabout to visit the homes and greet villagers.
Aimed at capturing the experience of a traditional village life, the nightly celebration featured several local games such as Batu Sembat, Congkak, Dam Haji, Dam Besar, Sepak Takraw and Capteh, including cultural dances, musical performances and food preparation demonstrations and tasting.
A joint effort by the Malacca government, the Historic City Council, Heritage Department and the local communities, the festival attracted more than 1,000 visitors.
British tourist Mike Grey, 28, said he was impressed with the way leaders and villagers enjoyed themselves and the festival was an eye-opener towards Malacca’s living heritage.
Japanese tourist Miya Tanaka, who was there with her Australian partner Russell Anderson, 34, said they felt lucky to be in Malacca at a time when many events were taking place in conjunction with the celebration.
“We came across the festival by chance when we were strolling and taking pictures along the Malacca River pedestrian walk. The atmosphere is great with everyone celebrating,” said Tanaka, 29, adding they enjoyed nasi lemak the most especially the spicy sambal.
Located along the Malacca River, Kampung Morten was established in the late 1890s and is home to about 100 homes belonging to Javanese descendants who settled in Malacca during the 1400s.
Kampung Morten was declared a heritage village under the state’s Preservation and Conservation Enactment in 1998 with the famous well-preserved Villa Sentosa as one of its main attractions.
-News courtesy of The Star-
MALACCA: Malacca’s month-long celebration to mark its second anniversary inscription as a Unesco World Heritage Site culminated in a colourful grand finale at Kampung Morten here on Saturday evening.
The nostalgic event at the traditional Malay village was graced by Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.
The evening got off to a rousing start with both villagers and tourists alike participating in a host of activities including savouring the traditional cuisines offered to guests.
Mohd Khalil who arrived at 9pm, was accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and other state leaders who went for a walkabout to visit the homes and greet villagers.
Aimed at capturing the experience of a traditional village life, the nightly celebration featured several local games such as Batu Sembat, Congkak, Dam Haji, Dam Besar, Sepak Takraw and Capteh, including cultural dances, musical performances and food preparation demonstrations and tasting.
A joint effort by the Malacca government, the Historic City Council, Heritage Department and the local communities, the festival attracted more than 1,000 visitors.
British tourist Mike Grey, 28, said he was impressed with the way leaders and villagers enjoyed themselves and the festival was an eye-opener towards Malacca’s living heritage.
Japanese tourist Miya Tanaka, who was there with her Australian partner Russell Anderson, 34, said they felt lucky to be in Malacca at a time when many events were taking place in conjunction with the celebration.
“We came across the festival by chance when we were strolling and taking pictures along the Malacca River pedestrian walk. The atmosphere is great with everyone celebrating,” said Tanaka, 29, adding they enjoyed nasi lemak the most especially the spicy sambal.
Located along the Malacca River, Kampung Morten was established in the late 1890s and is home to about 100 homes belonging to Javanese descendants who settled in Malacca during the 1400s.
Kampung Morten was declared a heritage village under the state’s Preservation and Conservation Enactment in 1998 with the famous well-preserved Villa Sentosa as one of its main attractions.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Movie Treat
Movie treat
To mark Malacca historic city’s second anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Department of Broadcasting will be screening Cinta Stiletto at 9pm in the field near the Taming Sari Revolving Tower today. For details, call 06-2345 661.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
To mark Malacca historic city’s second anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Department of Broadcasting will be screening Cinta Stiletto at 9pm in the field near the Taming Sari Revolving Tower today. For details, call 06-2345 661.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Friday, July 30, 2010
Expensive taxi rates irk transport user
Expensive taxi rates irk transport user
I TRAVEL regularly from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur.
Every Friday, I rush home to Malacca by bus and reach Malacca the earliest at 10.30pm.
Sad to say the local bus service does not operate at that time.
My house is about less than one km from the Malacca bus station.
After alighting from the bus, I am often approached by taxi drivers and on two ocassions when I asked how much would it cost to my house which is one km away, the answer was a whopping RM15. This is ridiculous.
So, more often than not I walk home, which takes about 15 minutes.
My questions is, why has the Malacca state government not considered improving the public transport?
Does not the Government notice the fact there are no bus services at around 10.30pm?
Should it not be a logical conclusion that people still need public transport at that hour?.
The relevant authorities should also conduct an inspection on taxi drivers who charge extorbitant amounts for short distances.
Taxi drivers like these at the Malacca Central Station give the state such a bad name. I am in fact very frustrated with the attitude of these taxi drivers. I hope a solution can be found soon for people like us who rely on public transport.
-News courtesy of The Star-
I TRAVEL regularly from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur.
Every Friday, I rush home to Malacca by bus and reach Malacca the earliest at 10.30pm.
Sad to say the local bus service does not operate at that time.
My house is about less than one km from the Malacca bus station.
After alighting from the bus, I am often approached by taxi drivers and on two ocassions when I asked how much would it cost to my house which is one km away, the answer was a whopping RM15. This is ridiculous.
So, more often than not I walk home, which takes about 15 minutes.
My questions is, why has the Malacca state government not considered improving the public transport?
Does not the Government notice the fact there are no bus services at around 10.30pm?
Should it not be a logical conclusion that people still need public transport at that hour?.
The relevant authorities should also conduct an inspection on taxi drivers who charge extorbitant amounts for short distances.
Taxi drivers like these at the Malacca Central Station give the state such a bad name. I am in fact very frustrated with the attitude of these taxi drivers. I hope a solution can be found soon for people like us who rely on public transport.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Visa free for Malaysia
No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for employment).
No visa is required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required, except for nationals Brunei and Singapore.
Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.
For national of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
For national of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
No visa is required for a stay of less than one month for nationals of all ASEAN countries except Myanmar. For a stay exceeding one month a visa will be required, except for nationals Brunei and Singapore.
Nationals of countries other than those stated above (with the exception of Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.
For national of Israel, visas are required and permission must be granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
For national of Republic of Serbia and Republic of Montenegro, visas are required without permission granted from Ministry Of Home Affairs.
Visa for Malaysia (2)
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 3 Months
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria (Vienna)
Bahrain
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kirgystan
Kuwait
Kyrgyz Republic Lebanon
Lienchestien
Luxembourg
Morocco
Netherland
Norway
Oman
Peru
Poland
Qatar
Romania
St Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Yemen
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 1 Month
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Barbados
Belarus
Benin
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Chad
Chile
Costa Rica
Equador
El Savador
Estonia
Gabon
Georgia
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea Republic
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Macao SAR
Macedonia Madagascar
Maldova
Mauritania
Mexico
Monaco
Mongalia
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Yemen
Panama
Paraguay
Portugal
Russia
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Slovenia
Sudan
Surinam
Tajikistan
Togo
Ukraine
Upper Volta
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zaire
Zimbabwe
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 14 Days
Iran (90 days)
Iraq (30 days)
Libya
Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
Palestine (30 days)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Yemen
Syria (30 days)
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria (Vienna)
Bahrain
Belgium
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kirgystan
Kuwait
Kyrgyz Republic Lebanon
Lienchestien
Luxembourg
Morocco
Netherland
Norway
Oman
Peru
Poland
Qatar
Romania
St Marino
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Yemen
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 1 Month
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Barbados
Belarus
Benin
Bolivia
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cape Verde
Chad
Chile
Costa Rica
Equador
El Savador
Estonia
Gabon
Georgia
Greece
Guatemala
Guinea Republic
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong SAR
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Macao SAR
Macedonia Madagascar
Maldova
Mauritania
Mexico
Monaco
Mongalia
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Yemen
Panama
Paraguay
Portugal
Russia
Sao Tome & Principe
Senegal
Slovenia
Sudan
Surinam
Tajikistan
Togo
Ukraine
Upper Volta
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zaire
Zimbabwe
Countries That Require Visa For a Stay Exceeding 14 Days
Iran (90 days)
Iraq (30 days)
Libya
Macao (Travel Permit/Portugal CI)
Palestine (30 days)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Yemen
Syria (30 days)
Visa for Malaysia (1)
Countries That Require Visa
Afghanistan (Visa With Reference)
Angola
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo Democratic Republic
Congo Republic
Cote D'Ivoire
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong (C/I or D/I)
India
Liberia
Mali
Myanmar (normal passport)
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Serbia & Montenegro
Taiwan
United Nations (Laissez Passer)
Western Sahara
Commonwealth Countries That Require Visa
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Ghana
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Afghanistan (Visa With Reference)
Angola
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo Democratic Republic
Congo Republic
Cote D'Ivoire
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Hong Kong (C/I or D/I)
India
Liberia
Mali
Myanmar (normal passport)
Nepal
Niger
Rwanda
Serbia & Montenegro
Taiwan
United Nations (Laissez Passer)
Western Sahara
Commonwealth Countries That Require Visa
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Ghana
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Entry requirements for Malaysia
To enter Malaysia, a visitor should fulfill the following conditions:
i. Passport or Travel Document
Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travelling to Malaysia.
Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport.
Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad.
Holders of Travel Documents such as Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage, Permanent Residence Certificate must ensure that their return ability to the country of origin is assured.
The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry.
ii. Fulfill visa requirement
A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.
Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.
iii. Valid return travel ticket and sufficient funds
A visitor is also required to proof his financial ability to stay in Malaysia and a confirm ticket to a third country.
iv. Not a prohibited person
Any person classified under Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 will not be allowed to enter Malaysia even though he/she is in possession of a valid Passport or Travel Document, Visa, travel ticket and sufficient funds.
v. Complete in the arrival/departure card
A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazette entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative office abroad or travel agencies.
A visitor must present his/her passport together with the duly completed arrival / departure card to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.
-Info courtesy of Malaysian Immigration Dept-
i. Passport or Travel Document
Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national Passport or internationally recognized Travel Document valid for travelling to Malaysia.
Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document which is recognized by the Malaysian Government must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport.
Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad.
Holders of Travel Documents such as Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage, Permanent Residence Certificate must ensure that their return ability to the country of origin is assured.
The documents shall be valid, for more than six (6) months from the date of entry.
ii. Fulfill visa requirement
A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.
Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.
iii. Valid return travel ticket and sufficient funds
A visitor is also required to proof his financial ability to stay in Malaysia and a confirm ticket to a third country.
iv. Not a prohibited person
Any person classified under Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 will not be allowed to enter Malaysia even though he/she is in possession of a valid Passport or Travel Document, Visa, travel ticket and sufficient funds.
v. Complete in the arrival/departure card
A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazette entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative office abroad or travel agencies.
A visitor must present his/her passport together with the duly completed arrival / departure card to the Immigration officer on duty and he/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.
-Info courtesy of Malaysian Immigration Dept-
Air Entry Point
Pejabat Imigresen Lapangan Terbang Melaka
1st floor, Bangunan Pejabat-pejabat Pelabuhan Melaka, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka
1st floor, Bangunan Pejabat-pejabat Pelabuhan Melaka, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka
Sea Entry Point
Pejabat Imigresen Pelabuhan Melaka (Malacca State Immigration Dept.)
1st floor, Bangunan Pejabat-pejabat Pelabuhan Melaka, Jalan Merdeka
75000 Melaka
1st floor, Bangunan Pejabat-pejabat Pelabuhan Melaka, Jalan Merdeka
75000 Melaka
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Wantan Noodles
Wantan Noodles 
Kedai Makanan & Minuman Wantan Mee
40, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (formerly Heeren Street)
Open 7.30am to 2.30pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
THIS is one of the earliest wantan noodle stalls in Malacca, having opened before 1957. Locals used to call it the “Ah Mah Cheh wantan meen”, as it was run by an ah mah cheh, a Cantonese maidservant with a Manchu-style pigtail. Upon her return to Hong Kong in 1998, the stall was taken over by her nephew’s wife, Madam Chen. The Malaccan-style wantan noodles are tossed with a vinegary chilli sauce and topped with lard fritters, giving the dish its distinctive spicy, tangy flavour. The gummy noodles are consistently good, and the thick local coffee here is good too.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Festa San Juan
Portuguese community light candles to herald Festa San Juan
Every year during the latter part of June, the Portuguese-Eurasian homes at the Portuguese Settlement, Praya Lane and Kampung Banda Hilir have little white candles lit on verandas, balconies and atop picket fences as twilight sets in.
These numerous mini flames herald the Festa San Juan (Feast of St John the Baptist) which falls on June 23.
This year’s feast celebration which is part and parcel of the week-long Festa San Pedro (Feast of St Peter, the patron saint of fishermen), was launched by Ronald Gan, assistant chairman of the Banda Hilir constituency development committee at the Medan Portugis sited within the 80-year-old Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir.
Following an Eucharistic religious service at the settlement community hall, a small bonfire was lit at the square and members of the Irmaos de Igreja (Brothers of the Church) lighted their wicker torches. They then walked to all homes in the settlement lighting up little white candles set on fences and gates at sunset.
According to the settlement’s regedor (headman) Peter Gomes, the ritual of using lighted candles to observe the feast was adopted from the Portuguese when they occupied Malacca from 1511 to 1641.
“St John the Baptist is described as the forerunner evangelist prior to the coming of Christ. Hence, the lighted candles signify this saint who led the way during the time of pagan communities,” he explained.
In the early 1950s and 1960s, when Praya Lane and Kampung Banda Hilir witnessed a large number of Portuguese-Eurasian families moving to the area and with fishing as a dominant livelihood, the residents wore green pyjamas on the night of the feast day while during the day their children were all dressed in similar coloured clothing.
It is said that green represented the community’s innocence, purity and rejuvenation. It is also believed that when St John was beheaded, children who visited his tomb were dressed in green and carried lighted candles in homage.
Former long-time Praya Lane resident Anthony Fernandez, 67, recalled that in the old days a mini food fair and the performance of the popular ‘Branyo’ (a traditional Portuguese song-dance routine similar to Malay ronggeng) were the main highlights.
“However, with many of the Portuguese-Eurasian Catholic residents moving out of Praya Lane and Kampung Banda Hilir from the early 1970s onwards, the feast day celebration is somewhat diluted.
“Later, the Portuguese Settlement took over organising the festival and combined it with the San Pedro festival, which eventually got listed on the state tourism calendar.” said Fernandez, who now lives in Banda Hilir.
Another practice of the feast day still adhered to until today is the making of Kanjee Munggu, a sweet delicacy made from mung beans. This sweets is only made on the feast day and is eaten in Portuguese-Eurasian households at tea time.
Notes from the book Survival Through Times, authored by the late Portuguese cleric Fr M.J. Pintado who served and lived in Malacca from the late 1950s, state: “At the height of the Portuguese occupation of the state, the feast of St John the Baptist was observed in grand fashion. A prayer service was then held at the chapel atop St John’s Hill, located midway between Praya Lane and the Portuguese Settlement where hundreds would gather to pray and feast in picnic-like atmosphere until the late hours of the night.”
-News courtesy of The Star-
Every year during the latter part of June, the Portuguese-Eurasian homes at the Portuguese Settlement, Praya Lane and Kampung Banda Hilir have little white candles lit on verandas, balconies and atop picket fences as twilight sets in.
These numerous mini flames herald the Festa San Juan (Feast of St John the Baptist) which falls on June 23.
This year’s feast celebration which is part and parcel of the week-long Festa San Pedro (Feast of St Peter, the patron saint of fishermen), was launched by Ronald Gan, assistant chairman of the Banda Hilir constituency development committee at the Medan Portugis sited within the 80-year-old Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir.
Following an Eucharistic religious service at the settlement community hall, a small bonfire was lit at the square and members of the Irmaos de Igreja (Brothers of the Church) lighted their wicker torches. They then walked to all homes in the settlement lighting up little white candles set on fences and gates at sunset.
According to the settlement’s regedor (headman) Peter Gomes, the ritual of using lighted candles to observe the feast was adopted from the Portuguese when they occupied Malacca from 1511 to 1641.
“St John the Baptist is described as the forerunner evangelist prior to the coming of Christ. Hence, the lighted candles signify this saint who led the way during the time of pagan communities,” he explained.
In the early 1950s and 1960s, when Praya Lane and Kampung Banda Hilir witnessed a large number of Portuguese-Eurasian families moving to the area and with fishing as a dominant livelihood, the residents wore green pyjamas on the night of the feast day while during the day their children were all dressed in similar coloured clothing.
It is said that green represented the community’s innocence, purity and rejuvenation. It is also believed that when St John was beheaded, children who visited his tomb were dressed in green and carried lighted candles in homage.
Former long-time Praya Lane resident Anthony Fernandez, 67, recalled that in the old days a mini food fair and the performance of the popular ‘Branyo’ (a traditional Portuguese song-dance routine similar to Malay ronggeng) were the main highlights.
“However, with many of the Portuguese-Eurasian Catholic residents moving out of Praya Lane and Kampung Banda Hilir from the early 1970s onwards, the feast day celebration is somewhat diluted.
“Later, the Portuguese Settlement took over organising the festival and combined it with the San Pedro festival, which eventually got listed on the state tourism calendar.” said Fernandez, who now lives in Banda Hilir.
Another practice of the feast day still adhered to until today is the making of Kanjee Munggu, a sweet delicacy made from mung beans. This sweets is only made on the feast day and is eaten in Portuguese-Eurasian households at tea time.
Notes from the book Survival Through Times, authored by the late Portuguese cleric Fr M.J. Pintado who served and lived in Malacca from the late 1950s, state: “At the height of the Portuguese occupation of the state, the feast of St John the Baptist was observed in grand fashion. A prayer service was then held at the chapel atop St John’s Hill, located midway between Praya Lane and the Portuguese Settlement where hundreds would gather to pray and feast in picnic-like atmosphere until the late hours of the night.”
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Local Malay Delicacies
Local Malay delicacies, worth trying:
* Asam Pedas, the signature dish of the state. A very hot and mild sour curry which accompanying white rice. Normally eaten during lunch and dinner.
* Sambal Belacan, a side dish, super spicy.
* Cencaluk, can be found sold along the roads near Klebang Beach. Made of fermented krills. A bit weird tasting for those who are not used to it.
* Lemang, glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, sold on the side of the road to Teluk Mas
* Ikan Bakar, head to Umbai, Pernu or Serkam for a dinner of fresh caught grilled fish and crustaceans.
* Kuih Udang, you can find this popular tea time dish in Alor Gajah town. The sauce is nice too.
* Kuih-muih, traditional cakes and deserts like dodol, wajik, lempok, inang-inang, gula melaka and many more are sold in shopping mall at Bandar Hilir, Klebang Beach and kampung area throughout the state.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
* Asam Pedas, the signature dish of the state. A very hot and mild sour curry which accompanying white rice. Normally eaten during lunch and dinner.
* Sambal Belacan, a side dish, super spicy.
* Cencaluk, can be found sold along the roads near Klebang Beach. Made of fermented krills. A bit weird tasting for those who are not used to it.
* Lemang, glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, sold on the side of the road to Teluk Mas
* Ikan Bakar, head to Umbai, Pernu or Serkam for a dinner of fresh caught grilled fish and crustaceans.
* Kuih Udang, you can find this popular tea time dish in Alor Gajah town. The sauce is nice too.
* Kuih-muih, traditional cakes and deserts like dodol, wajik, lempok, inang-inang, gula melaka and many more are sold in shopping mall at Bandar Hilir, Klebang Beach and kampung area throughout the state.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Out of town attractions
Outside town
* Geok Hu Keng Temple - Located at the junction of Klebang and Jalan Pokok Mangga, about 3km from town centre. This temple has a history of 130 years. Managed by local communities, the temple was incorporated under the management of Cheng Hoon Teng in 2000. Major celebrations - 3rd day of Chinese New Year, Hien Tian Siong Teh's birthday on 3rd day of 3rd lunar month and the birthday of Geok Hu Tai Chong on 29th day of 6th Lunar Month. To get to the temple, you may hop in any of the Patt Hup Buses and stop slightly opposite the temple or you may take Town Bus No 18 which stop beside the temple.
* Kampung Morten - a village of traditional houses, it is on the west bank of the Malacca River.
* Recreational Forest Ayer Keroh - The 359 ha (887 acre) Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest was opened on April 17, 1984 and offers visitors peace and tranquility within its cool green surroundings.
* Melaka Zoo - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town. The second biggest, one of the best, if not the best, zoo in Malaysia. Even better than the National Zoo. The zoo is in a reserved forest where the animal enclosures more resemble the animals' natural habitat. The trees within the zoo compound provide ample shades for visitors during hot and sunny days. There is a lake in the zoo. Admission for adults RM 7 (daytime 9am - 6pm), RM 10 (nighttime 8pm - 11pm)
* Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town, about 1 km from Melaka Zoo between the Zoo and toll plaza. It has full-size reconstructions of typical houses from all 13 Malaysian states and all the members of ASEAN. There are daily cultural shows at 11 am and 2 pm. Admission for adults - RM 12, open daily 9am to 6 pm.
* Padang Kemunting Sea-Turtle Sanctuary - Located in Pantai Padang Kemunting beach, about 28 km from Melaka Sentral. You can see the most beautiful sea-turtle in the world, The HAWKSBILL TURTLE. Relax to the sound of the Straits of Malacca as the are lots of kampong type of resorts (budget) for you to choose. Admission for adults - FREE, open daily 10am to 4pm. Close on Monday and Malaysia Public Holidays.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
* Geok Hu Keng Temple - Located at the junction of Klebang and Jalan Pokok Mangga, about 3km from town centre. This temple has a history of 130 years. Managed by local communities, the temple was incorporated under the management of Cheng Hoon Teng in 2000. Major celebrations - 3rd day of Chinese New Year, Hien Tian Siong Teh's birthday on 3rd day of 3rd lunar month and the birthday of Geok Hu Tai Chong on 29th day of 6th Lunar Month. To get to the temple, you may hop in any of the Patt Hup Buses and stop slightly opposite the temple or you may take Town Bus No 18 which stop beside the temple.
* Kampung Morten - a village of traditional houses, it is on the west bank of the Malacca River.
* Recreational Forest Ayer Keroh - The 359 ha (887 acre) Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest was opened on April 17, 1984 and offers visitors peace and tranquility within its cool green surroundings.
* Melaka Zoo - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town. The second biggest, one of the best, if not the best, zoo in Malaysia. Even better than the National Zoo. The zoo is in a reserved forest where the animal enclosures more resemble the animals' natural habitat. The trees within the zoo compound provide ample shades for visitors during hot and sunny days. There is a lake in the zoo. Admission for adults RM 7 (daytime 9am - 6pm), RM 10 (nighttime 8pm - 11pm)
* Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town, about 1 km from Melaka Zoo between the Zoo and toll plaza. It has full-size reconstructions of typical houses from all 13 Malaysian states and all the members of ASEAN. There are daily cultural shows at 11 am and 2 pm. Admission for adults - RM 12, open daily 9am to 6 pm.
* Padang Kemunting Sea-Turtle Sanctuary - Located in Pantai Padang Kemunting beach, about 28 km from Melaka Sentral. You can see the most beautiful sea-turtle in the world, The HAWKSBILL TURTLE. Relax to the sound of the Straits of Malacca as the are lots of kampong type of resorts (budget) for you to choose. Admission for adults - FREE, open daily 10am to 4pm. Close on Monday and Malaysia Public Holidays.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Other tourist sites in Malacca
Others
* Portuguese Settlement - Here is where the descendants of the Portuguese who conquered Malacca in 1511 live today. The settlement, located just southeast of the city centre, consists of tidy rows of mostly wooden houses leading up to the Portuguese Square (Malay Medan Portugis) and Hotel Lisboa (sorry, unlike its Macau namesake, there is no casino here) on the waterfront. The people here may look Malay but peer into their houses and you'll see the characteristic altar with status of Jesus and Mary perched high on their walls. Quite a few still speak Cristao (or Cristang), a Portuguese patois. There are also many restaurants for you to sample Portuguese fare. The most interesting times to visit is during Intrudu - usually in February - when the you'll get a Songkran-like drenching with buckets of water thrown at you; Festa San Pedro to commemorate the Feast of Saint Peter in June, where there are processions, cultural shows and general merry-making; and Christmas when the whole settlement is decked in decorative lights. Getting there/away: Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 (destination "Ujong Pasir and Bandar Hilir") from Melaka Sentral will bring you right into the Settlement.
* St John's Hill and Fort. Malacca's other fortress located on top of St John's Hill in Bandar Hilir, south of the city. Pretty views of the surroundings from the top. Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 passes by this fort.
* King's Well - Legends have it that Hang Liu was a Chinese princess from the Ming dynasty who was sent to Malacca to wed Sultan Mansor Shah in the 15th century when the Malacca Sultanate was at its zenith. She had 500 followers who were all settled on Bukit China, which means Chinese Hill, and this well, at the foot of the hill, was where they got their water.
* Poh San Teng Temple - This temple is located at the foot of Bukit China and next to the King's Well, was founded in 1795 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong as a graveyard temple. The main deity is Fu-te Zhen Shen. the temple was built to allow the descendants of those buried on Bukit China to conduct prayers to their ancestors away from the heavy rain and strong winds.
* Bukit China - Bukit China is the one of the largest Chinese cemetery outside of mainland China. Graves can be found here that go back to the late Ming dynasty (mid 17th century). The earliest grave found so far dates to 1622, but unfortunately many graves were exhumed during the British occupation of Malaysia. Bukit China is a famous jogging spot for the locals and jogging tracks are available all over the hill. When you climb on top of the hill, you will have a nice view of the town.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
* Portuguese Settlement - Here is where the descendants of the Portuguese who conquered Malacca in 1511 live today. The settlement, located just southeast of the city centre, consists of tidy rows of mostly wooden houses leading up to the Portuguese Square (Malay Medan Portugis) and Hotel Lisboa (sorry, unlike its Macau namesake, there is no casino here) on the waterfront. The people here may look Malay but peer into their houses and you'll see the characteristic altar with status of Jesus and Mary perched high on their walls. Quite a few still speak Cristao (or Cristang), a Portuguese patois. There are also many restaurants for you to sample Portuguese fare. The most interesting times to visit is during Intrudu - usually in February - when the you'll get a Songkran-like drenching with buckets of water thrown at you; Festa San Pedro to commemorate the Feast of Saint Peter in June, where there are processions, cultural shows and general merry-making; and Christmas when the whole settlement is decked in decorative lights. Getting there/away: Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 (destination "Ujong Pasir and Bandar Hilir") from Melaka Sentral will bring you right into the Settlement.
* St John's Hill and Fort. Malacca's other fortress located on top of St John's Hill in Bandar Hilir, south of the city. Pretty views of the surroundings from the top. Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 passes by this fort.
* King's Well - Legends have it that Hang Liu was a Chinese princess from the Ming dynasty who was sent to Malacca to wed Sultan Mansor Shah in the 15th century when the Malacca Sultanate was at its zenith. She had 500 followers who were all settled on Bukit China, which means Chinese Hill, and this well, at the foot of the hill, was where they got their water.
* Poh San Teng Temple - This temple is located at the foot of Bukit China and next to the King's Well, was founded in 1795 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong as a graveyard temple. The main deity is Fu-te Zhen Shen. the temple was built to allow the descendants of those buried on Bukit China to conduct prayers to their ancestors away from the heavy rain and strong winds.
* Bukit China - Bukit China is the one of the largest Chinese cemetery outside of mainland China. Graves can be found here that go back to the late Ming dynasty (mid 17th century). The earliest grave found so far dates to 1622, but unfortunately many graves were exhumed during the British occupation of Malaysia. Bukit China is a famous jogging spot for the locals and jogging tracks are available all over the hill. When you climb on top of the hill, you will have a nice view of the town.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Tourist Sites in Heritage Area
Heritage area
* Stadthuys - completed in 1660. Nowadays, it houses the historical museum. This is one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the east.
* Christ Church - this church was built between 1741 and 1753. It replaced a Portuguese church, which was shattered. Bricks were shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands. On the floor of the church you will find Dutch tombstones. It is the oldest protestant church in Malaysia. On the altar you will see sacramental silverware, still bearing the Dutch coat of arms. Open: 0830-1700 Mon-Sat, free admission; photography is forbidden
* Dutch Square - Beautiful square around Christ Church and the Stadhuys. On this square you will find the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, it looks Dutch, but it is not. It was built in 1886.
* Porta de Santiago - You will find this remains of the old Portuguese fort A Famosa on Jalan Kota, around St Paul's Hill. What you can see nowadays is a mostly Dutch reconstruction, bearing the VOC coat of arms.
* St Paul's Church - take a path up the hill and it will lead you to this church. It was originally built in 1521, by the Portuguese. It became a fortress in 1567, until 1596. After the Dutch siege it became St Paul's, before it was known as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of Annunciation). It has been used as a burial ground for the Dutch. You can still see the tombstones, along the walls of ruins of the church.
* Muzium Budaya/Sultanate Palace - Below the hill you will find this museum (Melaka Cultural Museum). It is a reconstruction of the istana of the sultan Mansur Shah. It was built in 1985. It is open daily from 9AM to 6PM except on Tuesdays, and on Fridays from 1215-1445. Entrance fee: RM 2
* UMNO Museum, Jalan Kota (between the Islamic Museum and the Muzium Rakyat) - museum about the United Malays National Organisation.
* Malay and Islamic World Museum, Jalan Kota (beside the Porta de Santiago) - it also currently houses a Museum of Torture (European medieval period) for a limited duration on the ground floor.
* Stamp Museum, Jalan Kota (sandwiched between the Muzium Rakyat and the Malay and Islamic World Museum)
* Youth Museum/Melaka Art Gallery, Jalan Laksamana, beisde the Christ Church. The Youth Museum is on the ground floor, the Art Gallery on the second level. You can have a bird's eye view of Dutch Square from a window on the second level. Open Wed to Sun 9 am - 5.30 pm; combined admission for adults - 2RM
* Malaysian Navy Museum, across the road from the Maritime Museum
* Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum. Tel: +60-6-2831233. Opening hours: 10:00-12:30, 14:30-16:30. Closed on Tuesdays - Step back in time with a visit to this museum which is an actual Peranakan heritage town house and is a great example of Peranakan culture. It is on Heeren Street (now known as Tun Cheng Lock Street). The entry fee is RM8 per person and everyone has to follow a guide-led group. Photography is forbidden. Open Wed to Mon 1000-1230 1400-1630
* Jonker, Heeren and adjacent streets - This is the residential heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, with its narrow winding streets, beautifully decorated houses, tiny shops, temples and mosques. The whole area is undergoing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists mushrooming everywhere. However, the area still has a lot of atmosphere and is worth having a look around. One of the streets in this area is Harmony Street (officially Temple street or Jalan Tokong), so called because it contains the prayer houses of Malaysia's three main faiths - the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese temple, the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.
* Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. 25, Jalan Tokong. Tel: +60-6-2829343. Opening hours: Morning to 7PM - Oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and has an inscription dating 1685 commemorating the deeds of by Kapitan China Li Wei King.
* Masjid Kampung Hulu - built in 1728, it's one of the oldest functioning mosques in Melaka together with Masjid Kampung Kling and Masjid Tengkera (Tranquerah), Jln Tengkera see the mixed architecture of Chinese, Javanese and Arab on the minarets and the roofs.
* Yeetea house - 22 Jalan Laksamana, Famous Local tea shop selling a range of tea from China and Taiwan as well as offering tea ceremony classes.
-News courtesy of Wikitravel-
* Stadthuys - completed in 1660. Nowadays, it houses the historical museum. This is one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the east.
* Christ Church - this church was built between 1741 and 1753. It replaced a Portuguese church, which was shattered. Bricks were shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands. On the floor of the church you will find Dutch tombstones. It is the oldest protestant church in Malaysia. On the altar you will see sacramental silverware, still bearing the Dutch coat of arms. Open: 0830-1700 Mon-Sat, free admission; photography is forbidden
* Dutch Square - Beautiful square around Christ Church and the Stadhuys. On this square you will find the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, it looks Dutch, but it is not. It was built in 1886.
* Porta de Santiago - You will find this remains of the old Portuguese fort A Famosa on Jalan Kota, around St Paul's Hill. What you can see nowadays is a mostly Dutch reconstruction, bearing the VOC coat of arms.
* St Paul's Church - take a path up the hill and it will lead you to this church. It was originally built in 1521, by the Portuguese. It became a fortress in 1567, until 1596. After the Dutch siege it became St Paul's, before it was known as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of Annunciation). It has been used as a burial ground for the Dutch. You can still see the tombstones, along the walls of ruins of the church.
* Muzium Budaya/Sultanate Palace - Below the hill you will find this museum (Melaka Cultural Museum). It is a reconstruction of the istana of the sultan Mansur Shah. It was built in 1985. It is open daily from 9AM to 6PM except on Tuesdays, and on Fridays from 1215-1445. Entrance fee: RM 2
* UMNO Museum, Jalan Kota (between the Islamic Museum and the Muzium Rakyat) - museum about the United Malays National Organisation.
* Malay and Islamic World Museum, Jalan Kota (beside the Porta de Santiago) - it also currently houses a Museum of Torture (European medieval period) for a limited duration on the ground floor.
* Stamp Museum, Jalan Kota (sandwiched between the Muzium Rakyat and the Malay and Islamic World Museum)
* Youth Museum/Melaka Art Gallery, Jalan Laksamana, beisde the Christ Church. The Youth Museum is on the ground floor, the Art Gallery on the second level. You can have a bird's eye view of Dutch Square from a window on the second level. Open Wed to Sun 9 am - 5.30 pm; combined admission for adults - 2RM
* Malaysian Navy Museum, across the road from the Maritime Museum
* Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum. Tel: +60-6-2831233. Opening hours: 10:00-12:30, 14:30-16:30. Closed on Tuesdays - Step back in time with a visit to this museum which is an actual Peranakan heritage town house and is a great example of Peranakan culture. It is on Heeren Street (now known as Tun Cheng Lock Street). The entry fee is RM8 per person and everyone has to follow a guide-led group. Photography is forbidden. Open Wed to Mon 1000-1230 1400-1630
* Jonker, Heeren and adjacent streets - This is the residential heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, with its narrow winding streets, beautifully decorated houses, tiny shops, temples and mosques. The whole area is undergoing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists mushrooming everywhere. However, the area still has a lot of atmosphere and is worth having a look around. One of the streets in this area is Harmony Street (officially Temple street or Jalan Tokong), so called because it contains the prayer houses of Malaysia's three main faiths - the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese temple, the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.
* Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. 25, Jalan Tokong. Tel: +60-6-2829343. Opening hours: Morning to 7PM - Oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia and has an inscription dating 1685 commemorating the deeds of by Kapitan China Li Wei King.
* Masjid Kampung Hulu - built in 1728, it's one of the oldest functioning mosques in Melaka together with Masjid Kampung Kling and Masjid Tengkera (Tranquerah), Jln Tengkera see the mixed architecture of Chinese, Javanese and Arab on the minarets and the roofs.
* Yeetea house - 22 Jalan Laksamana, Famous Local tea shop selling a range of tea from China and Taiwan as well as offering tea ceremony classes.
-News courtesy of Wikitravel-
A week of fun and celebrations
A week of fun and celebrations
The week-long traditional annual festivities of Festas San Juang and San Pedro is set to get underway at Malacca’s Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir tomorrow.
Besides the usual festivities, organisers of the event are looking at putting up a large TV screen to allow local football fans to catch the FIFA World Cup matches, in particular if Portugal makes it to the later stages of the competition.
Regedor (village headman) Peter Thomas Gomes said preparations were underway at the village which has 1,200 residents to welcome more than 50,000 visitors who are expected to flood the village during the festivities.
“Besides the usual traditional ceremonies and cultural performances by local dance troupes, we are planning to get sponsors to help set up large TV screens to allow visitors to catch the World Cup matches live,” he said at a press conference recently.
The annual celebrations were held at the village to mark the Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 23 and the Feast of St. Peter, the patron saint for fishermen, on June 29.
Besides the boat decoration contest, he said cultural performances, kebaya competitions, live performances by local bands and popular Portuguese-Eurasian singers from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Singapore would liven up the festivities.
Apart from the customary Eucharistic Celebration conducted at the village’s community hall tomorrow at 5.30pm to mark the Feast of St. John the Baptist, there will also be the bonfire lighting ceremony with blessed candles adorning homes of residents.
Another Eucharistic Celebration will be conducted at the hall on June 29 (5.30pm) to mark the Feast of St. Peter, followed by the traditional blessing of the decorated fishing boats.
The festivities will be officially declared open by the Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob at 9pm on June 26 at the village’s Portuguese Square.
Gomes lamented on the lack of funding from the state and authorities concerned with tourism and heritage, despite the festivities being listed as a state and national level tourist calendar event.
He noted funding for the festivities from the authorities had stopped in 2003 with the organisers having to rely on sponsorships and donations.
Gomes later accepted a RM40,000.00 mock cheque from Calvin Siow, the area sales manager of Guinness Anchor Marketing Sdn. Bhd, the main sponsor.
-News courtesy of The Star-
The week-long traditional annual festivities of Festas San Juang and San Pedro is set to get underway at Malacca’s Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir tomorrow.
Besides the usual festivities, organisers of the event are looking at putting up a large TV screen to allow local football fans to catch the FIFA World Cup matches, in particular if Portugal makes it to the later stages of the competition.
Regedor (village headman) Peter Thomas Gomes said preparations were underway at the village which has 1,200 residents to welcome more than 50,000 visitors who are expected to flood the village during the festivities.
“Besides the usual traditional ceremonies and cultural performances by local dance troupes, we are planning to get sponsors to help set up large TV screens to allow visitors to catch the World Cup matches live,” he said at a press conference recently.
The annual celebrations were held at the village to mark the Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 23 and the Feast of St. Peter, the patron saint for fishermen, on June 29.
Besides the boat decoration contest, he said cultural performances, kebaya competitions, live performances by local bands and popular Portuguese-Eurasian singers from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Singapore would liven up the festivities.
Apart from the customary Eucharistic Celebration conducted at the village’s community hall tomorrow at 5.30pm to mark the Feast of St. John the Baptist, there will also be the bonfire lighting ceremony with blessed candles adorning homes of residents.
Another Eucharistic Celebration will be conducted at the hall on June 29 (5.30pm) to mark the Feast of St. Peter, followed by the traditional blessing of the decorated fishing boats.
The festivities will be officially declared open by the Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob at 9pm on June 26 at the village’s Portuguese Square.
Gomes lamented on the lack of funding from the state and authorities concerned with tourism and heritage, despite the festivities being listed as a state and national level tourist calendar event.
He noted funding for the festivities from the authorities had stopped in 2003 with the organisers having to rely on sponsorships and donations.
Gomes later accepted a RM40,000.00 mock cheque from Calvin Siow, the area sales manager of Guinness Anchor Marketing Sdn. Bhd, the main sponsor.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Monday, May 31, 2010
Solo Art Exhibition
Solo art exhibition
Local-born artist Allen Tan is holding a solo art exhibition at Malacca Art Gallery (near Christ Church) until June 20. The gallery opens from 9am to 5.30pm. For details, call Malacca Museum Corporation at 06-282 6526.
Local-born artist Allen Tan is holding a solo art exhibition at Malacca Art Gallery (near Christ Church) until June 20. The gallery opens from 9am to 5.30pm. For details, call Malacca Museum Corporation at 06-282 6526.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Get around by bus
By bus
* Malacca Town Bus No 17 (green bus): Melaka Sentral Terminal to the historic core, Mahkota Parade, Melaka Raya and the Portuguese Settlement. The fare from Mahkota Parade to Melaka Sentral is RM 1.50. The last bus from Melaka Sentral leaves at 830 pm, after which you would have to take a taxi which costs 20 RM to Mahkota Parade. Bus 8 goes from Melaka Sentral to Town Square for RM 1.00.
* Malacca Town Bus No 18: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Tengkera and onwards to Pokok Mangga
* Malacca Town Bus No 19: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia). The fare from Melaka Sentral to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia) is around RM 3
* Malacca Town Bus No. 50: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the Mahkota Parade shopping centre and nearby seafood restaurants
* Kenderaan Aziz (red and white): Buses from Melaka Sentral to Muar via Padang Temu also go past the historic core, Mahkota Parade and Melaka Raya
* Panorama Melaka (red and blue): This hop-on-hop-off bus brings tourists to the attractions in town for a flat fee of RM5/day (red bus) and RM2/day (blue bus). Among its fleet are 2 double-decker buses, one with an open top. The bus service runs at 10 minute intervals from 7AM - 12PM.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
* Malacca Town Bus No 17 (green bus): Melaka Sentral Terminal to the historic core, Mahkota Parade, Melaka Raya and the Portuguese Settlement. The fare from Mahkota Parade to Melaka Sentral is RM 1.50. The last bus from Melaka Sentral leaves at 830 pm, after which you would have to take a taxi which costs 20 RM to Mahkota Parade. Bus 8 goes from Melaka Sentral to Town Square for RM 1.00.
* Malacca Town Bus No 18: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Tengkera and onwards to Pokok Mangga
* Malacca Town Bus No 19: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia). The fare from Melaka Sentral to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia) is around RM 3
* Malacca Town Bus No. 50: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the Mahkota Parade shopping centre and nearby seafood restaurants
* Kenderaan Aziz (red and white): Buses from Melaka Sentral to Muar via Padang Temu also go past the historic core, Mahkota Parade and Melaka Raya
* Panorama Melaka (red and blue): This hop-on-hop-off bus brings tourists to the attractions in town for a flat fee of RM5/day (red bus) and RM2/day (blue bus). Among its fleet are 2 double-decker buses, one with an open top. The bus service runs at 10 minute intervals from 7AM - 12PM.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Get in by train
By train
Malacca Town is not served by any railway lines. The nearest railway station is at Pulau Sebang (Tampin), tel: +60-6-3411034, in the Alor Gajah district about 30 km (18 mi) away. The station is on the main Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru line and served by all trains.
To get there/away: Tai Lye No 26 (red, blue and white) goes from Melaka Sentral to Pulau Sebang/Tampin via Alor Gajah. Stop along the main road near the level crossing just before entering Pulau Sebang/Tampin town. The station is about 400 m (437 yd) from the main road. Salira (light blue and yellow) also goes from Melaka Sentral to Tampin via Ayer Keroh and Durian Tunggal. Get off bus at same spot as Tai Lye.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Malacca Town is not served by any railway lines. The nearest railway station is at Pulau Sebang (Tampin), tel: +60-6-3411034, in the Alor Gajah district about 30 km (18 mi) away. The station is on the main Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru line and served by all trains.
To get there/away: Tai Lye No 26 (red, blue and white) goes from Melaka Sentral to Pulau Sebang/Tampin via Alor Gajah. Stop along the main road near the level crossing just before entering Pulau Sebang/Tampin town. The station is about 400 m (437 yd) from the main road. Salira (light blue and yellow) also goes from Melaka Sentral to Tampin via Ayer Keroh and Durian Tunggal. Get off bus at same spot as Tai Lye.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Get around by taxi
By taxi
There are also chartered taxi services available at end of Jalan Kee Ann. These chartered taxis travel within Melaka state and outside Melaka such as to KLIA International Airport, Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. They carry up to 4 passengers at a time. See Tourism Melaka for the official fare chart. Malacca has a really lousy public transportation system, so be ready to get your money ripped off by taxi drivers, even for a 5 minute drive, they sometimes charge you RM15. Most of the taxis in Malacca don't have a metered system, and they often charge according to their likes.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
There are also chartered taxi services available at end of Jalan Kee Ann. These chartered taxis travel within Melaka state and outside Melaka such as to KLIA International Airport, Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. They carry up to 4 passengers at a time. See Tourism Melaka for the official fare chart. Malacca has a really lousy public transportation system, so be ready to get your money ripped off by taxi drivers, even for a 5 minute drive, they sometimes charge you RM15. Most of the taxis in Malacca don't have a metered system, and they often charge according to their likes.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Delima Express Bus Service
Malacca - Kuala Lumpur
Malacca - Johor Bahru
Malacca - Singapore
Online Bus Ticketing
http://www.delima.com.my/
Malacca - Johor Bahru
Malacca - Singapore
Online Bus Ticketing
http://www.delima.com.my/
Get in by bus
By bus
Many long-distance express buses connect Malacca with both Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johor Bahru, Singapore and other parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
All long-distance and local buses now operate from the Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 4.5 km from the historic core of the city. Transportation between Malacca downtown and Melaka Sentral can be done by taxi or local buses.
Many long-distance express buses connect Malacca with both Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johor Bahru, Singapore and other parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
All long-distance and local buses now operate from the Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 4.5 km from the historic core of the city. Transportation between Malacca downtown and Melaka Sentral can be done by taxi or local buses.
Get in by car
By car
Malacca can be accessed from the North South Highway. When coming from the south, drive along E2 and leave the expressway at the Ayer Keroh exit. Alternatively, one can leave the highway at the Simpang Empat exit and proceed through normal road to Melaka. This route will pass through the town of Alor Gajah and now with the new highway (ring road) completed, the trip from Simpang Empat to Melaka will take approximately 20 - 30 minutes by car.
Malacca city is on the Coastal Trunk Road (Federal Route 5), and can be accessed from the Main Trunk Road (Federal Route 1) by turning off at Simpang Kendong or Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. Malacca is 150 km (93 miles) from Kuala Lumpur, 216 km (134 miles) from Johor Bahru, and 90 km (56 miles) from Port Dickson.
Malacca can be accessed from the North South Highway. When coming from the south, drive along E2 and leave the expressway at the Ayer Keroh exit. Alternatively, one can leave the highway at the Simpang Empat exit and proceed through normal road to Melaka. This route will pass through the town of Alor Gajah and now with the new highway (ring road) completed, the trip from Simpang Empat to Melaka will take approximately 20 - 30 minutes by car.
Malacca city is on the Coastal Trunk Road (Federal Route 5), and can be accessed from the Main Trunk Road (Federal Route 1) by turning off at Simpang Kendong or Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. Malacca is 150 km (93 miles) from Kuala Lumpur, 216 km (134 miles) from Johor Bahru, and 90 km (56 miles) from Port Dickson.
Get in
Get in by plane
Underutilized Batu Berendam Airport (IATA: MKZ) (ICAO: WMKM) is located about 10km from Malacca city. As of 2010, the only flights are on Riau Airlines (Office at airport. Tel: +60-6-3174577) five times weekly (no flights on Wednesdays and Fridays) at 1005AM to Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. The flight from Pekanbaru departs at 0730 and comes in at 0920. RM247 one way before taxes.
To get there/away: Any Batang Bus (yellow, cream and red) from Melaka Sentral will go past Batu Berendam Airport. Buses will stop by the main road about 200m from the airport building. Tuahbas No. 65 (blue and white) to Taman Merdeka also goes from Melaka Sentral past the airport via Bachang.
The nearest major airport is Kuala Lumpur's KLIA, about 1.5-2 hours away by car. Transnasional runs about four direct buses daily (RM 21.90), but if you miss them, you'll have to detour via KL or take a taxi (fixed "budget" fare RM145 one way). Malaysia Airlines does not fly to Malacca, but it maintains an office at Lot 1&2, Block A, Ground Floor, Century Mahkota Hotel, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka. Tel: +60-6-2829597.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Underutilized Batu Berendam Airport (IATA: MKZ) (ICAO: WMKM) is located about 10km from Malacca city. As of 2010, the only flights are on Riau Airlines (Office at airport. Tel: +60-6-3174577) five times weekly (no flights on Wednesdays and Fridays) at 1005AM to Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. The flight from Pekanbaru departs at 0730 and comes in at 0920. RM247 one way before taxes.
To get there/away: Any Batang Bus (yellow, cream and red) from Melaka Sentral will go past Batu Berendam Airport. Buses will stop by the main road about 200m from the airport building. Tuahbas No. 65 (blue and white) to Taman Merdeka also goes from Melaka Sentral past the airport via Bachang.
The nearest major airport is Kuala Lumpur's KLIA, about 1.5-2 hours away by car. Transnasional runs about four direct buses daily (RM 21.90), but if you miss them, you'll have to detour via KL or take a taxi (fixed "budget" fare RM145 one way). Malaysia Airlines does not fly to Malacca, but it maintains an office at Lot 1&2, Block A, Ground Floor, Century Mahkota Hotel, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka. Tel: +60-6-2829597.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
History
History
There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of Malacca. According to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city was founded by Parameswara. More likely, he was a Hindu prince and political fugitive from nearby Java. The legend goes that Parameswara was out on a hunt in the region and had stopped to refresh himself near what is now the Malacca River. Standing near a melaka (Indian gooseberry) tree he was surprised to witness one of his hunting dogs so startled by a mouse deer that it fell into the river. Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build the capital of his new kingdom where he stood, naming it for the tree under which he had been resting. Another account says Malacca is derived from the Arabic word Malakat, meaning market. Malacca had a navigable harbor sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits, ample supply of fresh water, enjoyed a prime location relative to the shifting monsoon winds, and had a central location in regional trade patterns, all of which soon made it a prosperous trading town. Its fortunes increased with its official adoption of Islam in the 14th century. The Sultans of Malacca were soon attracting Arab traders from far afield. However, Malacca continued to trade with merchants of all races and religions.
After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai.
The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals,the sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having 6 wives and the fifth was stated to be a daughter of the Ming Emperor. However, in the Chinese chronicles, no such event was recorded.
Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. This marked the start of the formation of a large Eurasian community. The Portuguese turned the city into a massive walled fortress complete with a tower bristling with cannon. It was believed that such fortifications could withstand the encroachments of other European powers eager for a slice of the Asian luxury goods trade.
An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Johor Bahru saw the loss much of Malacca's power. In 1641 the Dutch navy put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months. During the siege much of the Portuguese city was destroyed.
Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its former importance although it remained an important part of Asian trade routes.
The A Famosa gate is all that remains of the old Portuguese and Dutch forts. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down the British knew Malacca would be returned to Dutch control. In order to make the city indefensible the city walls were blown down. A last minute intervention by a British officer, the young Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of British Singapore) saved the gate. Shortly after its return to Dutch rule, the Dutch and British governments swapped colonies - British Bencoolen in Sumatra for Dutch Malacca.
Malacca is a center of Peranakan culture. When Chinese settlers originally came to Malacca as miners, traders and coolies, they took local brides (of Javanese, Batak, Achenese, etc descent) and adopted many local customs. The result of this is an interesting mix of local and Chinese cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nonyas by their servants meaning Master and Mistress.
A small group of Eurasians of Portuguese descent continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of Malacca. According to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city was founded by Parameswara. More likely, he was a Hindu prince and political fugitive from nearby Java. The legend goes that Parameswara was out on a hunt in the region and had stopped to refresh himself near what is now the Malacca River. Standing near a melaka (Indian gooseberry) tree he was surprised to witness one of his hunting dogs so startled by a mouse deer that it fell into the river. Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build the capital of his new kingdom where he stood, naming it for the tree under which he had been resting. Another account says Malacca is derived from the Arabic word Malakat, meaning market. Malacca had a navigable harbor sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits, ample supply of fresh water, enjoyed a prime location relative to the shifting monsoon winds, and had a central location in regional trade patterns, all of which soon made it a prosperous trading town. Its fortunes increased with its official adoption of Islam in the 14th century. The Sultans of Malacca were soon attracting Arab traders from far afield. However, Malacca continued to trade with merchants of all races and religions.
After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai.
The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals,the sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having 6 wives and the fifth was stated to be a daughter of the Ming Emperor. However, in the Chinese chronicles, no such event was recorded.
Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. This marked the start of the formation of a large Eurasian community. The Portuguese turned the city into a massive walled fortress complete with a tower bristling with cannon. It was believed that such fortifications could withstand the encroachments of other European powers eager for a slice of the Asian luxury goods trade.
An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Johor Bahru saw the loss much of Malacca's power. In 1641 the Dutch navy put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months. During the siege much of the Portuguese city was destroyed.
Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its former importance although it remained an important part of Asian trade routes.
The A Famosa gate is all that remains of the old Portuguese and Dutch forts. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down the British knew Malacca would be returned to Dutch control. In order to make the city indefensible the city walls were blown down. A last minute intervention by a British officer, the young Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of British Singapore) saved the gate. Shortly after its return to Dutch rule, the Dutch and British governments swapped colonies - British Bencoolen in Sumatra for Dutch Malacca.
Malacca is a center of Peranakan culture. When Chinese settlers originally came to Malacca as miners, traders and coolies, they took local brides (of Javanese, Batak, Achenese, etc descent) and adopted many local customs. The result of this is an interesting mix of local and Chinese cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nonyas by their servants meaning Master and Mistress.
A small group of Eurasians of Portuguese descent continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Getting to know Malacca
Malacca (Malay: Melaka) is the capital of the state of Malacca, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia.
Modern-day Malacca is a vibrant old city that believes its wealth of history. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience; its rich historical background earned it a World Heritage Site designation in July 2008.
-Info courtesy of wikitravel-
Modern-day Malacca is a vibrant old city that believes its wealth of history. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience; its rich historical background earned it a World Heritage Site designation in July 2008.
-Info courtesy of wikitravel-
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sukma games
Sukma games
Members of the public are invited to join in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) baton run today that will begin at 8am at the stage in Jonker Walk to Taman Rempah in Pengkalan Rama. Cultural performances and lion dance will be held before the flag- off. For details, call 06-284 8282.
Art exhibition
Art exhibition
Malacca-born artist Allen Tan is holding a solo exhibition at Malacca Art Gallery (near Christ Church) until June 20. A vintage car exhibition will also be held in conjunction with the exhibition’s opening today at 10am. The gallery opens from 9am-5.30pm. For details, call Malacca Museum Corporation at 06-282 6526.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Malacca-born artist Allen Tan is holding a solo exhibition at Malacca Art Gallery (near Christ Church) until June 20. A vintage car exhibition will also be held in conjunction with the exhibition’s opening today at 10am. The gallery opens from 9am-5.30pm. For details, call Malacca Museum Corporation at 06-282 6526.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Friday, May 7, 2010
Contributors needed!!!
Contributors needed!!!
Hi everyone,
I am looking for contributors to this site. Anyone who lives in Singapore or visit Singapore regularly (or even not so regularly) is welcomed to write for this blog.
Please email me at quekpj(XXXX)gmail.com
Replace (XXXX) with @
Looking forward to any contributions. Thanks!
Hi everyone,
I am looking for contributors to this site. Anyone who lives in Singapore or visit Singapore regularly (or even not so regularly) is welcomed to write for this blog.
Please email me at quekpj(XXXX)gmail.com
Replace (XXXX) with @
Looking forward to any contributions. Thanks!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Charity fun walk
Charity fun walk
Dress in your best for the Fashion Fun Walk on May 1 that kicks off from Mahkota Parade’s main entrance. The registration fee for students and disabled persons is RM5, individual men and women RM25 and teams from NGOs, corporations and school with a maximum of five persons RM300. The proceeds will be donated to the Yayasan Toh Puan Zurina haemodialysis centre. Registration closes on Apr 11 and participants can collect their info packs from April 17 to April 25 at Mahkota Parade’s guest service desk. For details, call06 282 6151 or visit www.hektargroup.com/MahkotaParade/WhatsOn/events_fashionwalk.htm
Dress in your best for the Fashion Fun Walk on May 1 that kicks off from Mahkota Parade’s main entrance. The registration fee for students and disabled persons is RM5, individual men and women RM25 and teams from NGOs, corporations and school with a maximum of five persons RM300. The proceeds will be donated to the Yayasan Toh Puan Zurina haemodialysis centre. Registration closes on Apr 11 and participants can collect their info packs from April 17 to April 25 at Mahkota Parade’s guest service desk. For details, call06 282 6151 or visit www.hektargroup.com/MahkotaParade/WhatsOn/events_fashionwalk.htm
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tortura 2 exhibition
Expo extended
The Tortura 2 exhibition at Bastion House, Jalan Kota, Malacca, has been extended till today. Open on weekdays from 10am to 6pm and 10am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays. Ticketd priced at RM10 for adults and RM5 for children aged 12 years and below. For details, call 06-282 7464 or log on to www.tortura2.com.my
-Info courtesy of The Star-
The Tortura 2 exhibition at Bastion House, Jalan Kota, Malacca, has been extended till today. Open on weekdays from 10am to 6pm and 10am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays. Ticketd priced at RM10 for adults and RM5 for children aged 12 years and below. For details, call 06-282 7464 or log on to www.tortura2.com.my
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Opening ceremony
Opening ceremony
The National Heritage Department will hold an opening ceremony for the Middelburg Bastion in Kota Melaka, Malacca and launch the Puisi Alam dan Budaya : Puisi Warisan Dunia Niah poetry book at Jalan Kota in Banda Hilir, Malacca on April 3 at 8pm. The programme includes cultural performances and poetry recital. For details, call 03-2167 5281/78 or 012-506 4942/012-629 8667 (Rana Dyana / Zaharah Ismail).
-Info courtesy of The Star-
The National Heritage Department will hold an opening ceremony for the Middelburg Bastion in Kota Melaka, Malacca and launch the Puisi Alam dan Budaya : Puisi Warisan Dunia Niah poetry book at Jalan Kota in Banda Hilir, Malacca on April 3 at 8pm. The programme includes cultural performances and poetry recital. For details, call 03-2167 5281/78 or 012-506 4942/012-629 8667 (Rana Dyana / Zaharah Ismail).
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Restored historical landmarks
Restored historical landmarks part of conservation effort
Efforts to enhance Malacca’s city status as a Unesco World Heritage Site will get a boost this April 3 following the opening of two restored historical landmarks here by the National Heritage Department.
After almost four years of painstaking archeological work and research, the Information, Communications, Culture and Arts Ministry will officially open the restored section of the 16th Century Portuguese A Famosa Fort wall and the 17th Century Dutch era Middleburg Bastion next to the Malacca River.
Heritage Commissioner Prof Datuk Zuraina Majid said the restored historical landmark was viewed as part of the government’s preservation and conservation effort to protect its heritage.
The Middleburg Bastion has the potential of becoming a tourist’s attraction.
At the same time, it showcases the state’s effort to preserve and conserve the ruins that have been restored, she said after attending a meeting here on Tuesday.
She added that RM4.5mil was used to carry our archeological work and research on the ruins before it was restored to its present state.
The ruins of the fort wall and the Middleburg Bastion were discovered by chance in late 2006 following plans by the state to develop the Taming Sari revolving viewing tower next to the river.
A stop work order was issued by the National Heritage Department with subsequent archeological dig and research confirming the ruins were part of the ancient fort.
The 1.5km fortress wall encircled the city was built by the Portuguese in the mid 1500s with Middleburg Bastion and Frederick Hendrick Bastion added by the Dutch in the 1600s.
Meanwhile, Zuraina said Information, Communications, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam are expected to attend the opening.
She said that cultural performances including fireworks display would be held to liven up the event which is open to members of the public.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Efforts to enhance Malacca’s city status as a Unesco World Heritage Site will get a boost this April 3 following the opening of two restored historical landmarks here by the National Heritage Department.
After almost four years of painstaking archeological work and research, the Information, Communications, Culture and Arts Ministry will officially open the restored section of the 16th Century Portuguese A Famosa Fort wall and the 17th Century Dutch era Middleburg Bastion next to the Malacca River.
Heritage Commissioner Prof Datuk Zuraina Majid said the restored historical landmark was viewed as part of the government’s preservation and conservation effort to protect its heritage.
The Middleburg Bastion has the potential of becoming a tourist’s attraction.
At the same time, it showcases the state’s effort to preserve and conserve the ruins that have been restored, she said after attending a meeting here on Tuesday.
She added that RM4.5mil was used to carry our archeological work and research on the ruins before it was restored to its present state.
The ruins of the fort wall and the Middleburg Bastion were discovered by chance in late 2006 following plans by the state to develop the Taming Sari revolving viewing tower next to the river.
A stop work order was issued by the National Heritage Department with subsequent archeological dig and research confirming the ruins were part of the ancient fort.
The 1.5km fortress wall encircled the city was built by the Portuguese in the mid 1500s with Middleburg Bastion and Frederick Hendrick Bastion added by the Dutch in the 1600s.
Meanwhile, Zuraina said Information, Communications, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam are expected to attend the opening.
She said that cultural performances including fireworks display would be held to liven up the event which is open to members of the public.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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