Malacca, it's a beautiful town

by Peter
(Sitiawan, Malaysia)

In 2010 I cycled from Johor Bharu to Sitiawan, my hometown. On the way I had a stop in Malacca. It was not my first visit to Malacca. In 1992 and in 2004 I have visited Malacca too. However, that was never on the bicycle.

What was it like in 1992? At the time Malacca was less touristy, a lot of the now newer shopping areas did not exist but the old town was the old town, and beautiful.

With the Stadthuys I felt quite home too (it's Dutch and so am I)

In 2010 I came back. The first problem I had was to reach the city center! Sound stupid but despite being now World Heritage, there were hardly any signs directing me. Basically I had to work with my memory!

It took me a bit but reached finally the city center with China Town and the city square with the Stadthuys, Christchurch and Clocktower.

I found a hotel and started wandering through the old town leaving the bicycle in the hotel. I couldn't help but compare Malacca with Penang. Both cities have similar background.

Here and there I just got in a cafe for a drink or some food. It was really enjoyable. Despite the modernization of Malacca, the old city center was relatively untouched.

I went up to St. Paul's, had a view over the city, and wondered how it could be already 18 years since the first time I had visited. Time flies in some ways, but in the old town of Malacca, it seemed time had come to an almost stand still. It was a beautiful experience.

Here is more about my bicycle journey from Johor to Malacca