Beyond the Dot, Malaysia, On a Little Street in Malacca

On a Little Street in Malacca

Malacca or Melaka in Malay is the capital city of Malacca state in Malaysia. Easily accessible by road from Singapore, it’s always crowded with tourists from Singapore and locally. Once a thriving Portuguese colony, it’s now a historical town with UNESCO World Heritage status. Besides the Portuguese ruins, the other centre of attraction is Jonker Street.

Jonker Street is the main street in Malacca’s Chinatown. It turns into a weekend market on Friday through Sunday. Lined on both sides by street stalls and conservation shophouses housing art galleries, restaurants, pubs and souvenir shops, you will never get bored. Many smaller side streets branch off from Jonker Street and make for interesting exploration. I made a visit to Malacca on the way back from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore in December 2014.

There's a lot of commercial construction in Malacca now. I guess it won't look historical in the next few years.
I stayed at the Equatorial Hotel. It’s reasonably priced and the location’s convenient with the main attractions within walking distance. This is the view from my room’s balcony. There’s a lot of commercial construction in Malacca now. I guess it won’t look historical in the next few years.
As I walked to Jonker Street, I passed by this small area.
As I walked to Jonker Street, I passed by this small area with a conserved plane and rail car.
Old Portuguese ruins.
Old Portuguese ruins.
Chinatown just across the river.
Chinatown just across the river.
An old Portuguese fort that guarded the river mouth.
An old  fort that guarded the river mouth.
The famous church and square.
The famous red church and square (Stadthuys). This is Dutch by the way. The Dutch defeated the Portuguese in Malacca in 1641 and ruled until 1798.
And now I'm at the start of Jonker Street.
And now I’m at the start of Jonker Street.
It gets very crowded and you are jostling with people back to back. Watch out for pickpockets and thieves.
It gets very crowded and you are jostling with people back to back. Watch out for pickpockets and thieves.
There are many street stalls selling all kinds of knick knacks.
There are many street stalls selling all kinds of knick knacks.
Chinese wooden clogs. I doubt anyone wears them now. People mainly buy them as decorations.
Chinese wooden clogs. I doubt anyone wears them now. People mainly buy them as decorations.
You can shop from day till night.
You can shop from day till night.

Besides the main Jonker Street, there are many smaller side lanes that run perpendicular from it. These are considerably less crowded and offer more interesting finds than the usual souvenirs and touristy stuff.

A restaurant and pub with hidden courtyard just off the main thoroughfare. I didn't try this place, but I would on the next visit.
A restaurant and pub with hidden courtyard just off the main thoroughfare. I didn’t try this place, but I would on the next visit.
My dinner place. This place is off the main street.
My dinner place. This cafe is off the main street and offers a quiet and cozy setting.
I met this guy who was sitting there and playing his guitar. He's a Canadian student who is waiting to enter university. He worked for 1 year to save up for a 6 months holiday in South East Asia before starting school. Best of luck mate!
I met this guy who was sitting there and playing his guitar. He’s a Canadian student who is waiting to enter university. He worked for 1 year to save up for a 6 months holiday in South East Asia before starting school. Best of luck mate!
Cat in a box.
Cat in a box. A hidden scene in one of the small shops.
You will see many decorated trishaws offering rides to tourists. It costs RM25 per trip.
You will see many decorated trishaws offering rides to tourists. It costs RM25 per trip. They are brightly lit with loud pop music blaring from on board sound systems.

Getting There

Many buses run from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. Otherwise you can drive there easily. Take the NS Highway and exit at Ayer Keroh toll. The market is only open on Fridays and weekends so time your visit accordingly.

Published by

Edwin Tan

Citizen of Earth.

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