Historic Malacca - Reviving Old Memories 2

The old Malacca Club became a historic venue where the signing of Declaration of Independence was penned here by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister. It's now known as the Independence Memorial.

The old godown turned restaurant and muzeum.

From Taming Sari Tower we walked down the road where there was once a godown, now has become a muzeum and a restaurant. This is the road I used to take after school. Next to it is the Maritime Muzeum, an interesting muzeum which housed a number ship replicas. It also exhibits maritime history of Malacca in 7 eras.

At the Maritime Muzeum or Muzeum Samudra, Melaka.

1. The famed Malacca Sultanate in 15 Century to 1511.

2. The Portuguese 1511 - 1641.

3. The Dutch 1641 - 1795.

4. The British 1795 - 1941.

5. The Japanese 1941 - 1945.

6. The British again 1945 - 1957 Malaysia independent.

7. Independenet Malaysia 1957 - till now.

The Maritime Muzeum or Muzium Samudra is built modeled after the Potuguese galleon (Flora De La mar) which sank in Straits of Malacca on 26 January 1512. The ship carried a great number of Malacca treasure plundered by the Portuguese but the valuable treasures were lost at sea. This is a good reminder to us all who love this country that once we lost our political power, we were nothing - a wake up call to the Malays.

I went looking for the old library which was adjacent to the main Stadhuys building, just below St.Paul's Hill. It is still there but has become the Architectural Muzeum of Malaysia. However fresh memories flooded my mind where I spent a number of hours browsing through books and did my homework there. The library then had limited number of reference books and it was not even airconditioned. But it was heaven to me. Walking up the hill to the Stadhuys, I am glad the State Government is taking good care of these historical buildings. The Victoria Fountain is still there and the place has become so attractive with colourful trishaws waiting for tourists.

Meeting place for locals and tourists at the Melaka Clock Tower.










The old Melaka Clock Tower.

The colourful trishaws waiting for tourists.

Juriah at the old Victoria Fountain near the Clock Tower, Melaka.

The replica of the original 15 century Malacca Sultanate Palace or the Kesultanan Melaka is an awesome wooden complex built with not a single nail used. The building comprises of 7 enclosed porches and sharply sloping roofs. The design is based on the description from the Malay Annals or the Sejarah Melayu. Inside the palace is the history of the Malay Sultanate which came alive. All young Malaysians, regardless of race should go there and read the history so that they realise the reality and be humbled by it.

The main entrance of the Malacca Sultanate Palace.

Nearby is the Malacca fortress, A' Famosa. I remember when I was in school, I used to see a tunnel in the remains of the fortress. Legend has it that the tunnel connected St.Paul's Hill with St. John's Hill in Ujong Pasir. But now the tunnel is sealed and cannot be seen anymore, more for safety reason.

The Malacca fortress or the A'Famosa or the Porta de Santiago with St. Paul's Hill as background.

Portuguese cannon.

We climbed St. Paul's Hill just behind the fort. this was the place where I used to meet boyfriends or girlfriends. The windy hills made it a relaxing place to sit and chat. Bear in mind that dating at that time was a very innocent event in open environment. I bought a water colour painting of Malacca clock tower from the artist, Johari at RM30, a very reasonable price. You can find him there peddling his beautiful paintings which could be a good present for friends or family members.

The water coulour painting by the artist, Johari, at St. Paul's Hill.

The Dutch cemetry on St. Paul's Hill.

According to history, Parameswara, the prince of Palembang who was ousted out by Majapahit in 1389, ran to Temasik (Singapore) Muar and Bertam Ulu in Melaka. While hunting, he sat leaning on a tree where he witnessed his strong hunting dog was kicked into the river by a tiny mouse deer. Then he asked the name of the tree. It was Melaka. Hence he named the state he ruled as Melaka. The Melaka trees are still planted adorning the city.

Actually the historic places in Malacca are mostly centered around Banda Hilir. The big football field has gone, replaced by modern buildings. From the old Malacca Club, a short distance away you can walk to the replica of Malacca Sultanate and pay RM 2 for entry. Just outside the palace, there is the fort and St.Paul's Hill. You can descend St.Paul's Hill either at the fort or at the Library. If you descend the hill at the fort, then a short walk will let you see the rest of the Stadhuys which mostly housed muzeums. There is the Melaka trees where an old plane of the Airforce as exhibited - Twin Pioneer CC MK 1 donated by the Malaysian Airforce. I remember very well the old Hongkong and Shanghai Bank where my former nextdoor neighbour in Tg. Keling (Bang Saleh) worked faithfully until he retired-only as a peon! The bank gave him only a bicycle which he treasured and looked after so well. He was a very loyal worker but was never offered a better post inspite of his long service.

The old Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.

Around this area where you can find the clock tower, crafts, information, art galery, old church etc. In fact from here, you can walk to Jongker Street to see the antique shops, the old Kg. Hulu mosque and other attractions. Getting on foot is easier than driving as parking place is not easy to find especially during holiday seasons. I didn't visit the part across the river but will do it the next time when opportunity knocks.

Malacca, Sleepy Hollow no more!