Day 89 - Malacca, Malaysia

Thursday 5th April

Strategically located along the Straits of Malacca, the city of Malacca (Melaka) is the 2nd smallest state in Malaysia. A former old spice centre for Eastern and Western traders, Malacca boasts a colourful history forged by Malay Sultans, European powers (conquered by the Portuguese in 1511 overthrown by the Dutch in 1641 and then by the British in 1795 lasting until 1957) and multi-cultural communities. Each of these impressive historical eras has left their own indelible heritage and influence. The birthplace of the nation’s history and cultural remnants of its long and illustrious past are well preserved. This can still be seen today earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008.

Anchored today, well off shore, a very shallow bay.

A shambolic effort at tendering everyone ashore mainly using local boats, all the trips were late starting and some tempers rather frayed from other passengers.

Once we had got ashore joined our tour bus and after a few minutes drive reached the first stop at the Portuguese Gate.  On the journey we were passed by numerous very colourful and frequently accompanied by very loud music trishaws plying for trade.

Malacca tree and fruit

Next stop was the Floating Mosque, which can hold 10,000 worshipers! 

Then a tour round Chinese Hill with Chinese and Buddhist cemeteries up the hill, and Muslim cemeteries down the hill.

On again to Dutch Square, Bangunan Stadthuys.  The location of a clock Tower and the Dutch Governors residence.

Governors House

A short walk to catch the boat for a cruise up and down the river. 

This seems to be the centre for evenings mostly, restaurants etc, plus some historic buildings and living museums with the occasional Monitor Lizard, huge, in the water or on the banks, NO swimming here, apparently.

Next up a rotating viewing tower, the Menara Taming Sari for panoramas over the city.  Interesting that from up here it just shows how small an area we have covered, the coach must have been going round in circles.  

Though at these temperatures, 33 degrees this afternoon and high humidity walking might not be such a good option.

Back to ship by tender, we had little delay but later there were many delays and frustrations.

Back in time for afternoon trivia and to catch up on doing the laundry, the laundrette always a hotbed of gossip and can be liable to cause the occasional punch-up when there are not enough machines.