We got picked up a 7.45am by a driver from www.wegowithanuar.com a private tour which we booked some time ago from home. It was just for the two of us to be taken down to the historic town of Malacca. The weather wasn't looking the best in Kuala Lumpur before we left but we had to go as it was pre-arranged.
The drive down took just under two hours and the weather had improved. Malacca is on the west coast south of KL. Our driver took us around the town visiting all the sights, museums etc. We finally got away back to KL about 3.45pm for or two hour drive back. We arrived back about 6.45pm. Long extremely hot humid day. We were walking or standing all day apart from the travelling there and back. Like the young ones after a big day got in the car and fell asleep. The heat really gets to you especially in these towns with all the concrete around.
Our first stop was Saint Peter Church built in 1710 Portuguese people with the support and contribution from the Dutch and the Malacca community. After 300 years since the church was built it is still used for religious ceremonies especially weddings. The public contributed to the construction and now help to maintain it and the grounds, even though they are not Roman Catholics.
Looking inside the church.
Then we went on a forty minute river cruise in this boat, covering 9 km along the Malacca rivers to see historical residencies, and traditional villages. A bit of fun. The couple behind PT are from OZ.
Cruising along the river to take in all the historical buildings.
Continuing up river.
These are some of the original oldest buildings which used to be homes but are now all museums.
Above and below we passed under these old bridges.
Continuing along the river, some great old buildings
Another old bridge.
This building is the big new hotel opposite to where we started in the boat. At one stage we had considered to have two nights down in Malacca before we opted for a day trip only. I was looking at staying at this hotel but decided too expensive and too flash for us. Its a lot easier to do day trips from staying at one point. Saves packing up all the time.
Above and below the famous Jonker walk. Shopping street which comes alive at night. Mostly tourists.
A replica of the old water wheel that they used to supply water to the ships.
This is the outside of Baba and Nyonya Heritage museum. We had a 45min tour inside but unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos. It was a huge old home which just went on room after room. 65metres in all from the front of the house to the back. It showed how the families all lived in this beautiful old home. Several generations. Just fantastic. We had lunch at an adjoining restaurant of of a traditional spring roll and some Nyonya Laksa which was very nice. It was of curry flavour with noodles and fish. Proposing to have a Murtabak later this week prior to travelling home.
Peeping through the fence to this magnificent private home.
Now at the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, oldest buddhist temple in Malaysia, built in 1645. The temple was influenced by architectural style and craftsmanship of Southern China. We saw a lot of similar styles as we went through China.
Inside the temple.
Continuing walking through the town crossing over one of the bridges looking up the river.
This is known as the Dutch Square also known as Red Square. which consists of Stadhuys Building, Christ Church and Victoria Fountain. The Stadhuys building to the right was build in 1741 completed 1753, to commemorate the centenary when the Dutch invaded Malacca. Far left is the Christ Church (the Anglican Church) and to the right where the umbrellas are were once cells, but now used for market stalls.
Saint Paul Church. We had to climb 180 steps of St Paul hill. Great in this heat but we made it. Nice breeze up there coming in off the Malacca Straits. Formerly just a small chapel build in 1521 but just a ruin now, but looks good sitting up on the hill.
The statue is Saint Francis Xavier note the left arm is missing . After they made the statue realised that he had lost his arm due to leprosy so they cut it off his statue.
Inside the ruin.
Walking down the other side of the hill we looked down over the Famosa fort constructed in 1512
The front of the Famosa Fort.
A replica of Malacca Sultanate was constructed without using any nails but instead all joins are dovetailed. We were told that east Asian countries only use nails for coffins.
Standing on the steps looking down through the beautiful gardens.
Last stop before heading back to KL was Strait Malacca Mosque built out on pillars over the Malacca Strait, the longest strait in the world. Indonesia is just across the waters 28 neutical miles away.
Great looking building and white against the blue sky looks good.
Through to the other side looking out over the Malacca Strait. That man is PT as photo below.
We weren't allowed in the Mosque without robing up. The things you have to do to look inside. I can't believe we did this.
Inside the Mosque
Looking up into the roof.
Not sure what this was standing beside the Mosque but thought it looked a nice tower.
One our way back to KL and this is what they predict most late afternoons. From nowhere thunder, lightning and very heavy rain. Never seems to last long.
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