Whether you are a backpacker or an ordinary tourist, if the way you roll isn’t much all about beaches and mountains, and you can settle for a historical trip, then a trek around the small state of Melaka (alternatively Malacca) in Malaysia is for you. It is first founded in 1400 AD when a Sumatran prince arrived in the country after being banished from Temasik (a.k.a. Singapore). Being a hot spot for spice trade, Melaka, Malaysia attracted a bunch of conquerors from the Portuguese (1511), the Dutch (1641), and the British (1826). Malaysia finally claimed independence in 1957.
As you may gather, Melaka, Malaysia has a rich history and culture that are best met face-to-face. Here are a few recommended places to visit there, should you be up for the trip.
Melaka Heritage Trail
The state’s colonial past is very rich and most definitely adds to its natural allure. In the Melaka Heritage Trail, there is the Dutch trail where the remnants of the state’s Dutch and British era stand in the form of Christ Church. It was built without using any nails in the Dutch era, but is taken over and reinvented as the Anglican Church when the British took over. There is a rather odd placement of a weathercock on top of it, too. Entrance is fee but fees may be charged should you want to take photos of the church’s interiors.
Melaka Zoo and Night Safari
The Places to visit Melaka Zoo and Night Safari is an ideal place most especially if you are visiting with kids. Children will definitely enjoy the sights within the zoo’s premises as it is enclosed with alluring greens that evokes a real rainforest. You can imagine the effect that this brings to the visitors and to the animal themselves. It feels like you are one with nature. The entire zoo is very spacious and offers a great choice of species to learn more about, including: wildebeests, Malayan gaur, iguanas and tapirs. They also have a nice aviary and an amusing Orang-utan.
Palau Besar, Melaka
Here is a site that will satisfy your sight and historical cravings. Or even more.
A large island, Palau Besar is infamous for its IslÄmic tombs and gravestones that for many years have been a preferred pilgrimage site among Islams. Sultan Al Ariffin Syeikh Ismail, a known Islam prophet in 1400AD, is buried around the island. There are a lot of news of information about Melaka that you will learn during your visit in the island. There is a small museum covering just that. And after a long day of trekking and cultural/historical studying, you deserve to pamper yourself by dipping in the clean, beach waters.
Make sure that you drop by the Elves’ Village on your way though, and as you walk, absorb all the odd rock formations that are around the island. Speaking of which, you may also enter a cave of Gua Yanos, a site that is said to have been a venue for practice of mysticism and silat, a type of Malaysian martial arts.