Published on Feb, 2024
We weren't sure if we could fit Melaka in to our brief stay in KL but decided to do it and could book easily via the friendly staff at Hotel Stripes. Our hosts were Michelle and David who were very pleasant and well informed. Almost too much to recount here - they first took us to Merdeka Square which we might otherwise have missed for lack of time and then on to Melaka itself, stopping off at historical religious sites including the Hang Li Po well, the Portuguese settlement and some parts of the more modern Melaka before heading into the old town to see the world heritage site with its Portuguese, Dutch and British elements and taking in a river cruise which gave a different perspective. We also visited an excellent museum which explained the role of the Chinese admiral Zheng He in the emergence of Melaka. An amazing explorer and individual who should be better known, so thanks David and Michelle. We took a little time on our own to soak in the atmosphere and explore the shops before heading back to KL with great memories and photos.
For me it was a trip down memory lane as I had lived in Melaka as a child so knew some of the history and Michelle could adapt her approach to give me new information. The town had changed dramatically since my time but I could identify enough of the old Melaka I knew to leave with a warm glow of remembrance of fond family memories and formative experiences.