It is recorded in local history that the historical city of Melaka was established in 1400 with Parameswara as its leader, and together with the sea-faring Orang Laut, he and his descendants built Melaka from a port-of-call of choice to the then center of Malay civilization and Islamic learning.
Being strategically located in the Straits of Melaka, it is therefore of no wonder that it is a much sought after prize. Since its establishment, it has been colonised by the Portuguese (1511), the Dutch (1641), the British (1826), the Japanese (1942) and the British (again) in 1946 before achieving Independence as part of the Federation of Malaya (or Persekutuan Tanah Melayu) in 1957.
Today, Melaka is a city full of bustling confidence, combining the old and the new, with industrial parks to house its many manufacturing industries, new and tall buildings sculpting a new skyline for the city, shopping malls for avid shoppers as well as a place to hang out.
Springing up also are hotels and lodging houses, offering a comfortable night’s sleep and wonderful stay in the city for those venturing the streets of Melaka, not to mention new watering holes for the avid tourist, sampling a bit of the life that is Melaka city.
The remnants of history are still evidently there everywhere in the historical city of Melaka, for all to see.
It can be said that history lives on in this city, for there is always something old to see or long forgotten places to visit. And not forgetting the smells and tastes of Melaka!
Worth the trip, I’d say and definitely worth another trip or two, to say the least.
Date : 8 May 2016
