Melaka / Malaysia - 21.Oct.2006

It’s too boring to stay in Singapore over the whole weekend.
We have decided to do a little trip to Melaka in Malaysia. It’s about 150km from Singapore and one day should be enough to see all the tourist sights.

Melaka is located on the Strait of Melaka, one of the most important shipping routes between Europe and Asia. In the 14th century it was just another fishing village but under the Melaka sultanates it became a wealthy trade centre.

In 1511 the Portuguese took the city. But the period of Portuguese strength was short-lived. Melaka passed into Dutch hands in 1641 and Dutch rule was held for around 150years. In 1824 Melaka was permanently ceded to the British.

The city especially the older part is heavily influenced by the colonial time. European architecture, castles and churches gives us an impression of being somewhere in good old Europe.

This is the model of a Portuguese Nau. During its time the Nau served as a vessel for trading and warfare.

This is on the way back. Better think twice if you really want to rob this atm machine while it is filled up. Look at the police officer.