There are many history-based tourist attractions in Melaka. Relics such as temples, bridges, ancient buildings, forts, places of worship and others in full can be found in Melaka. These sites stretch of the city’s history that so many ancient relics are lucky to be maintained until now. Poyyatha Sri Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is a testament to the legacy of old centuries. Visiting this temple is one of the best things to do in Melaka as well.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple 

The temple is located at Harmony Street, precisely on Jalan Goldsmith adjacent to other historical buildings. This temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia, lying alone in Jalan Harmoni not without cause. It creates harmony among fellow citizens and religious followers in this region that despite different rarely dissents or dispute because of the feeling united and competitiveness appreciated among others.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple Melaka was built precisely in 1781 on land given by Kapitan Thaivanayagam Chitty. Construction of the Temple of Sri Poyyatha is to be dedicated to Lord Vinayagar, also known as Ganesha. Ganesha is the elephant-headed god with the body of a man and his four.  This god is renowned for his extraordinary wisdom. Ganesha is also known as the god who can grant any wish asked by people who request them.  People come to ask cure and heal of their ailment. They ask for prosperity and success, happily married lives and children.

The architecture and the aura of the temple offer few of the mesmerizing sights in Melaka. You will be able to see adornments and décor associated with the Hindu teachings. At the back of the altar you will see a statue of the authoritative god, Ganesh. The side altar is dedicated to the father and the mother of Vinayagar, and his younger brother the Lord Muruga. You are allowed to trace the trail for the sake of existing buildings here, along with all its contents that are still preserved despite being centuries old.

Many religious festivals are usually held here as the Datuk Chachar Festival and also Masi Magam. If you happen to visit here coincided with the celebration of the festival then of course will come to feel the happiness and festivities. The temple building is heavily influenced by the architectural of the Netherlands as seen from the entrance, walls, dome and roof of the temple.

The temple still maintains the bond between Hindus in Melaka. Not only the people close around the temple visit it regularly, those who live far away from the temple also try to take the time to visit. If you are searching for things to do in Melaka, then visiting Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is highly recommended.

It is one of the recommended places to visit in Melaka for the followers of Hindu religion also for the tourists to explore more of this oldest temple in Melaka. If you have visited the temple, feel free to share your insights by adding comments below.

Address: Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opened: 1781
Primary deity: Ganesha

With churches, mosques, ancient buildings, sandy white beaches, and exotic resorts, there are plenty of activities tourist can do in Melaka. Beside these traditional tourist attractions, Melaka also houses something different to complete your vacations. Cafes! Yes, cafes in Melaka are bespoke of their individuality that attracts everyone and The Baboon House Melaka is one of such cafe in the town.

The Baboon House Melaka

Baboon House is also one of those cafes in Melaka that is known for its unique ambience and décor. Read on to know its highlights.

Features

The Baboon House is located on the Historic Jonker Street in Melaka and aims to invigorate the Malay hospitality with the American culinary appetite. The original baboon interiors, artistic adornments, dense garden inside the café, sunbathing turtles, and the naturally lit dining area will give you the feeling of having food in the jungle. Instead of being given on the table, Baboon House Melaka has table d’hôte menu in the reception area and you have to choose what you will eat on the way to your table.

This is a café-cum-art gallery that welcomes you with warmth and affection. Its green space and the sunlight will run down relaxation in your body after you come here marching through the crowded and narrow streets of the island. The place is so quiet and calm that you may enjoy a little alone time by reading a book, checking out the arty-crafty stuff on its walls, or just reflecting upon your whole time there.

Specials

Baboon House serves, perhaps the best burgers in Melaka. Their burgers and sandwiches are homemade with chicken, pork, and beef. The portions are quite bigger to fulfill your appetite than many other burger joints around. They also serve creamy Vietnamese drip-coffee and freshly baked muffins on weekends to pick up while you may resume your Jonker Street adventure.

Amongst quite a range of burgers, their Baboon Beef Burger is a must try. The burger will entice your taste buds with tender and juicy beef patty, marinated with delectable sauce that brings out the fragrance of American beef patty along with a hint of spice. The Oriental Chicken burger, served with onion rings and wedges is something to devour at once. You will surely not like to share your Baboon Green Salad once you bite it. It is a complete treat, wickedly topped with strips of chicken and pork bacon.

Related Article: Western Food in Melaka

Café is not considered to be completed without drinks and coffees. The Baboon House Melaka has a decent list of drinks ranging from smoothies and fresh juices, to alcoholic beverages and coffee. Every tea and coffee comes with a piece of Danish cookie as a sweet gesture. If you want to quench your thirst then you must go for their icy cool mango smoothie.

With affordable burgers, tempting drinks, free Wi-Fi, and friendly service, the Baboon House Melaka is a quaint café with tranquil ambience, that makes it one of the Melaka attraction not to miss. If you have visited Baboon House in Melaka and would like to share your experience, please do so by adding comments below.

Address: Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 China Town, Melaka, Malaysia
Visit their FourSquare Page

The Games We Used to Play

By: Fatini Idris

Kids are too attached to their gadgets these days. There’s nothing wrong with it – iPads, smartphones, even gaming consoles provide great entertainment and can be useful educational tools when used correctly and with close adult supervision. When I see my niece playing with her dad’s iPad, I can’t help but reminisce about the times in my childhood when my free time was spent playing outdoor games with my friends, and I wonder if there will come a time when a generation in the future may not know about gasing, konda-kondi or teng-teng. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and remember the games, and maybe it’ll inspire you to take your kids out and play them like you used to:

Gasing 1

Known in English as spin-top, gasing is a popular game among Malay youths, especially boys. There are many other versions of gasing in Malaysia alone – let alone the world – but a simple one as pictured above is the most popular. The top is usually made of wood or iron, and a long string is wrapped around the top halfway from the bottom where the tip is, towards the middle of it. To play, the player throws the top on a flat ground where a large circle is drawn on and make sure that the top lands into the circle. Other players will then join in, and the one with the longest spinning gasing wins the game.

Gasing

Another version of the game involves one player trying to strike out another player, by throwing their gasing to move their opponent’s top out of the circle. You can play with just one other person, or as many as 10 others. There’s no set rule when it comes to the number of players… it’s all about making the most of your time.

Konda-kondi

Konda Kondi 1

This game looks simple, but looks can be deceiving! The game reportedly has Indian origins, and to play, you need to have a sharp mind and be quick on your feet. There are actually several ways to play the game, although the requirements are similar: players are divided into two teams (offensive and defensive), it is usually played on a clear field, and two sticks are required; a long one of about 2 – 3 feet in length to flick and a shorter one of about 6 inches. A small hole is dug in the ground to place the smaller stick to be flicked and flung by the longer stick.

Konda Kondi

One of the common methods to play is to have a player of the offensive team to flick and fling the smaller stick as far as he can using the long stick. The long stick is then placed inside the whole, while the players of the defensive will try to catch the short stick before it hits the ground, and throw it back to the long stick in the hole. If it hits the stick, the offensive player is out, but if the smaller stick lands right across the longer stick, the whole offensive team is out, and the roles between the two teams will reverse thus giving the defensive team a chance as the offensive.

Tarik Upih

Tarik Upih

It’s like sledding, but instead of using sleds during winter time, we play it by using palm fronds all year round. It requires at least two players – one to sit on the frond, and the other to pull the frond on its other end. You can make a competition out of it by racing with another duo, and whoever crosses the line first is considered the winner. The game is usually played in the rural or suburban area and it’s a rarity to see them being played in the city. So on’t miss the chance to play if you come across it!

Chapteh

Chapteh or sepak bulu ayam in Malay is a popular game in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The game requires dexterity, and tests your ability to balance and keep the chapteh in the air for as long as you can by kicking it upwards using the heel of your foot.

Chapteh 1  Chapteh

Usually played in a small group, players are judged individually on the number of kicks they make. The players agree on a winning tally of kicks before the game starts, and the first person in the group to reach that tally, or the player with the highest score in the group, is considered the winner.

Ketinting

Ketinting or teng-teng is another traditional game that can also be found in other parts of the world, such as in the USA, where it is known as hopscotch. The two basic features of the game are the square boxes drawn on a flat surface (either by using chalk or drawing up the soil), and the players’ jumping skill. It is usually played by two or more players.

Ketinting 1  Ketinting

To play, the first player must throw their gundu (a small item that is used as a ‘marker’ in a game; in this case, it’s usually a pebble) on the first box. If you miss it, your turn will be void, and the next person takes their turn. If it lands, you then hop on one leg on each boxes except where the gundu lands on – meaning that, if it lands on the first box, you must skip across it. You can land on both feet when you’re at the ‘home’ or the last box, and make your way around back to the beginning on one leg, picking up your gundu when you reach it. The next player will then take their turn. As the game progresses, you must aim your gundu at the next number, until it reaches the ‘home’ box.

There are many other traditional outdoor games that I did not mention here, and some may have already been forgotten. Why not we take our time to teach our little ones these simple games, and make it into a fun activity for the whole family? It’ll be a great bonding experience, while at the same time preserving a slice of our heritage.

 

Overview
getting-around-melaka2

As any other historical city, Malacca is very interesting, original and special. It offers delicious local cuisine, amazing attraction places and many astonishing photo shoot points. No matter how curious or eager you can be, this state will fulfill your whims. If you choose Malacca as your tourist destination you won’t be disappointed. As soon as you reached this city, don’t waste your time, just find a conveyance and explore, learn, eat, drink, have fun and feel Melaka.

Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or in a group, the best way to get around the prime of Malacca is on foot. First of all visit Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum and Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum. These 2 places will tell you everything about Malaccan history. It is very important to know its past. The good part about Melaka is almost 70% of the major attractions are within 1km radius. There is no better way to have a good feel about Melaka by walking. It’s also a good free way to burn calorie without too exhausted.

If you are running out of time, rent a bicycle or join a cycling tour group. Some hotels offer bicycle rental for their guests. Each corner in Malacca denotes history, but at the same time, it is a modern city. The drawback of cycling within the city area is there is limited tracks for bicycle so sharing roads with cars and buses may become a bit dangerous. Also, do take note that some attractions in the hill side like St. Paul’s Hill are not reachable in bike.

When you reached Malacca River, try to look for Muara Jetty, which is next to Quayside Heritage Centre. This is the where the river cruise journey starts. In the 45-min sightseeing tour, you’ll cruise past historic buildings, old warehouses(godowns) and graffiti art on the buildings. Melaka River Cruise is one of the best ways to see the city’s beauty. If you haven’t got enough of the river view, pick a restaurant by the river and see how the environment changes color when the sky turns dark.

An unusual transport within Melaka is a trishaw. It is a small vehicle with a pedal and three wheels. You can find them at the Dutch Square. This non-pollute vehicle driver and at the same time guide, will acquaint you with every touristic point in the city.

No doubt a car is the faster way to explore a city. For most visitors who wants to explore Melaka outside the prime city area, hail for a taxi and the driver will take you anywhere you want. If you prefer chartered taxi services, they are available at the end of Jalan Kee Ann. A taxi can carry up to 4 passengers. As most taxi drivers don’t use meter, it is best to negotiate the price before hopping in the taxi. You are being ripped off if a ride less than 5 mins is charged RM15. A personal car is the most convenient vehicle. You have everything you may need at hand, especially when you travel with kids.

Any transport vehicle you choose will help you to explore the beautiful and unique Malacca.


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2 Responses to Getting around Melaka

  1. Anne Liltved says:

    I have tried to find a bus from Malacca to Mersing on July 8, but it seems as if they are all fully booked. Could it still be a chance to find bus transport or do we need to take a taxi (family of five)?

    • Go Admin says:

      You may want to search for the bus availability at Easybook and see if you can secure the seats. If bus transport is not possible, taking a taxi is an option.


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Malacca Malaysia heritage did not remain unnoticed by the appreciating eyes of UNESCO. In 2008, Malacca was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site along with Georgetown Penang. There are plenty of heritage sites, ruins of fort, colonial buildings, temples, churches and old architecture that can be found in Malacca.

History of Malacca Malaysia

Malacca Malaysia was not historically connected to other countries through traded networks alone. In late 1500, there was a huge interest of Chinese emperor in Melaka due to it’s strategical location for trading. The Chinese migrated to Malacca and their inter-marriages with the local Malay people start a new generation known as “Baba Nyona”.

In 1511, Malacca was conquered by Portugese followed by Dutch in 1641. In 1795, Malacca was handed over to British India Company. Later in 1826 it came under British administration and in 1827 it became a British colony. In 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman became first prime minister of Malaysia and in 1957, Federation of Malay was formed.

Malacca Malaysia was built several times and destroyed too. All the rulers have left their footprints in the area which add to the beauty of Malacca. What could not be destroyed was its pure air and walkable land. There is much more to see in Malacca besides the water and parks. The tourists are excited to see the Dutch Square and miles of area.

Cultural Hub

Melaka is culturally similar to Malaysian island Georgetown, on Penang. Thus the two share UNESCO World Heritage status. Melaka touches shipping routes that connects Indian Ocean with the Far East. Malacca experiences monsoonal winds and thus the weather is very pleasant during monsoon season. Historically, visitors came to Malacca from India, Arab, China and Iran for trade purposes. It was a hub of traders for exchanging silk, spices and dyes. Every trader and every nation that came to Melaka added some value in it that enhances its grace till today.

Heritage Sites


You will find many historical buildings while roaming in Malacca like Churches, Ruins of Forts, Palaces, Temples and Graveyards. The Melaka administration has remarkably saved its heritage and apart from destroyed centuries old forts, the Dutch, Chinese, Malay and Muslim buildings are nicely preserved.

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is one such site that offers an insight to the lifestyle, dressing and rituals of the old Chinese Malay people. The Heeren heritage house was a warehouse that today serves as a guesthouse. The Sultanate Palace Malacca is another heritage currently being used as a museum.

There are many other heritage sites which attract tourists including Christ Church Melaka, St. Paul’s Hill, the Stadthuys, A Famosa Fort, St. John Fort, Cheng Hong Ten Temple, St Peter’s Church, Maritime Museum others.

It is also recommended to do one of the activities for the heritage exploration in Melaka:

  • Explore central Malacca on foot
  • Take a trishaw ride
  • Take a Melaka river cruise ride

Read More: Top 10 historical places to visit in Melaka

Popular food in Melaka

Tourists seldom forget what they ate while travelling. You will also collect some great memories of Malay, Chinese and Nyonya food from Melaka. The popular food of Melaka includes Chicken rice balls, Satays, Cellups (local deserts), Coconut shakes, Noodles, Soups and Fried Fish. Melaka people love their half cooked seafood dishes dipped in Satays. The one-bite puffs are great and fabulously fresh confectionery food item of Melaka.

Night life in Malacca

Walking in the street markets of Melaka is best night time activity. You would love the walk in Jonker Street and Jonker walk where you can shop around on the stalls selling things from artifacts to food, clothing and jewelry. This is one of the best places to buy a gift for your family and friends as well.


Photo Credit: Symphonex