Isn’t it nice to reconnect with our loved ones, exchange laughter and endless conversations that we haven’t had for a long time? Well, my family and I embarked on a return trip to Malaysia, my home country, earlier this year.
Having lived abroad for some time, we were all looking forward to coming back and catching up with friends and family. This was also during Chinese New Year, a time when we celebrate, party and eat!
With great anticipation and excitement in the air, I didn’t even sleep an eye before leaving for the airport at 4am. Three hours later, with our passports ready to go, we boarded the bustling flight, where we were warmly greeted by crew members from the Australian and later Malaysian airline. They stood out for their exceptional kindness. As the plane came to life, it signaled our departure to Malaysia.
As the night sky was slowly descending when we arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, we hired a taxi to go home. Along the way, I was captivated by the hundreds of small red lanterns that dotted the street, giving off an authentic Chinese New Year atmosphere. Despite the jet lag, I stayed awake, mesmerized by the various shops, street markets, and stunning architecture that lined the road. It was surreal that we were already in Malaysia.
At the same time, I was also glad that we had a couple of days to rest and settle in before visiting our relatives in Melaka.
Our first destination in the historic state was Jonker Walk. It was absolutely amazing with loads of food stalls selling all kinds of Malaysian snacks and food like otak-otak, a delicious fish cake with aromatic spices, mindless noodles, asam laksa and popiah, just to name a few. If you want to take a piece of Melaka home with you, a plethora of souvenir stalls offered timeless and traditional pieces, while the statue of Datuk Dr. Gan Boon Leong, the ‘Father of Bodybuilders in Malaysia’, made for a memorable photo opportunity.
Located near the vibrant Jonker Walk is the Tan Kim Hock Produce Centre, which also has a restaurant. This fine establishment serves up a delicious Nyonya ABC (a kind of parfait) that is sure to delight your taste buds. With its elaborate split-level design and unique clear glass floor offering a glimpse into pre-war architecture, Tan Kim Hock is a Melaka must-see.
Later, we went to the Stadthuys, or the Red House. This place is important for many reasons, one of which is that it was built for the Dutch governor when they colonized Malaysia. Currently it serves as a museum and displays the rich history of Malaysia.
A Famosa is another iconic attraction that you should not miss. It is some of the oldest remaining European architecture in Asia, built by the Portuguese centuries ago to protect themselves from their opponents, which I think explains the winding structure as you enter.
For a breathtaking view of the Strait of Malacca, go up to St. Paul’s Church. Inside the ruins, you’ll find well-preserved engraved tombstones, while outside, a statue commemorates Saint Francis Xavier, a renowned Catholic missionary to Southeast Asia.
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