I have had a fascination for History since childhood and I am one of those who would love to chose a museum tour over beach walk any-day. Getting into dates and being charmed by intriguing history thrills me. So when Malaysia Tourism took us to Melaka after the three days fun in Kuala Lumpur, I was more than happy. And I would say Melaka is absolutely wonderful. I loved the small and big intricate historical charms of the city.
Melaka is situated one and a half hour away from Kuala Lumpur by car. The UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka thrives on rich history that dates back to 600 years in the past. Its unique and ancient buildings create a lot of interest for the eyes of the travelers. Different shapes, sizes and architecture speak of tradition and culture of different communities that came here in the past. Since Melaka was an important trading post, along the historic Straits of Malacca, it charmed traders from all over the world. The Portuguese, Dutch, British, Chinese came, conquered, thrived and contributed to its customs and cultures. In its quaint and peaceful roads, one feels an excitement in experiencing the historical Melaka.
Our guide, Jeevan told us more about Melaka. He said that Melaka was first discovered by Parameswara, a young Hindu Prince who later moved to Singapore.
Before my blogpost about the Museums, National Sultanate of Malacca, Dutch Square, Porta Santiago and many more places of interest in Melaka, I wanna write about the Jonker street/Walk that has an interesting influence of colonial rule period on Melaka. Now it has array of antique shops of artifacts and relics.
Jalan Hang Jebat, also known as Jonker Street has colorful houses which date back to 17th century. We also learnt that Jonker Street is popular for getting hand on big bargains and antique collections. I was tempted to go for Souvenir shopping here. The tempting cuisines, the street food and souvenir shopping are the highlights of Jonker Street.
Jonker Walk was turned into a touristy cultural street on 19th June 2000. It was a great step by the Malaccan government as it helped the locals and tourists to know about the multi cultural facets of this place.
Jonker Walk, Jonker Street or Jalan Hang Jebat
The grand gate at the start of the street welcomes one to a colorful and interesting walk. Three girls/bloggers (Ragini, Vaisakhi and I who went together to Malaysia) can never be more excited if left to explore a shopping arena. Of course girls love shopping but for a change I loved it because it wasn’t a mall neither a cluttered street but a artistic market. Unlike the other china towns that I have seen, this one had influence of European culture. The narrow and wide streets, cute small and big shops and side cafes looked very impressive. We were curious and in no time we started walking further.
Also, this Chinatown is renowned for its antique shops, clothing and craft outlets. More, pineapple tarts and durian puffs are famous here. Durian cendol is another delicacy not to be missed if you are here. Even local food is great.
JONKER WALK!!
I loved the peacefulness here offered by the Malacca’s oldest dwellings. Life here seemed free of freaking rush and madness. We could make out that most of the people live in the upper part of the buildings and have converted the lower levels into shops, hotels and restaurants. Home and business is closely placed for them. Cars are parked on one side of the road and people close their business on time. There is no city like madness. I imagine a lovely life in there.
Jonkers street (Melaka Tengah) makes a great treat for a traveler’s lenses. As a blogger, I tried to make the best of this opportunity. I clicked to capture everything as real as possible.
The collage below has four different buildings of the Jonker street.
The Chinese restaurant on the upper left looked absolutely inviting. The building in the sky blue color stands attractive. The building dated 1961 speaks of its history and mystery and its connection from 17th century. Sixty 3 Heritage is no less a warm hotel. Both side of the Jonker street had impressive architecture that was different than the usual plain buildings that exist in the city and each one spoke of tradition and culture. Personally, I noticed the street reflected more of Chinese-Malay influence.
I loved clicking the close quarters and the intersections at the different turns. Red house facing the green house looked as below.
The souvenir shops were vibrant, brightly lit and colorful. I bought a bookmark, some earrings and magnets from the shop below. The Buddha stupa shone smug and beautiful right at the entrance of the shop.
Wish I had a art shop like ORANGUTAN. How cool is the name and the shop too!
I loved the artistic touch to the walls, architecture, roads and to the whole place.
There exists Harmony street on Jonkers Walk. It is called so because it sets an example that how different schools of religions and place of worship can co-exist closely. Here, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (Chinese temple), Kampong Kling Mosque (Muslims place of worship) and Sri Vinayagar Temple (Hindu temple) are situated along the same street within a span of a kilometer. Impressive, isn’t it?
When we visited the Chinese temple, we met a group of school children who were enjoying their outdoor picnic.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (Chinese temple)
(Below) Thats me in the inside of the Chinese temple. It was beautifully decked up and shone bright in golden. Jeevan, our guide told us about the temple that it was one of the Chinese praying places which helped people of the community in need. Whenever someone sought help, the temple was the first place they would come for and they were helped with food and stay.
Kampong Kling Mosque
Sri Vinayagar Temple (Hindu temple)
We loved praying in all these places of worship. Never ever had I visited three different kinds on the same day. It was indeed a great day and fun walk through a fascinating and one of its kind lane. I only have one thing to say that no matter which religion and culture one belongs to, all places of worship have bountiful of positive vibes.
On weekends, the night market vibrates in here. Since we were in Melaka on Monday and Tuesday, thus we could only cover the Jonker street during the daylight and early evening. I also saw a permanent stage at the end of the street. Jeevan told us that its purpose was for holding local activities involving art and dance performances. I can definitely say now that Melaka trip can never be thoroughly complete until you come around Jonkers Walk.
My exploring around the Jonker street was very insightful and informative.
Hope you enjoyed my post on it.
HAPPY TRAVELING! HAPPY EXPLORING!
What an experience it is.. Liked your pics. I had heard a lot about Melaka and now curious to explore it 🙂
I loved it absolutely. You must visit it.