"More than a Historical Town - Home to... " a Melaka Travel Page by Audrey118

My husband and I love to drive to Melaka. Every couple of months we hit the PLUS (North South Expressway) to Melaka - if you drive fast it takes 1 1/2 hours, but my dear husband takes it to a snailpace much to my annoyance.

The drive is pleasant, albeit nothing exciting. Malaysian Highway is ultra good - nothing but a darn straight highway. I however like to caution all drivers to slow down as we approach Ayer Keroh (pass Alor Gajah exit) as it gest just a bit windy here. There are lots of wind indicators to caution drivers of strong wind and if you are dirivng a small car like Malaysia's Perodua Kancil you may just as well float!!!

Our travel to Melaka is made even more pleasant as one of our client happens to own the Renaissance Hotel. Each time we visit the hotel which now is managed by the Marriott Group we get special rates. Becos of our familiar faces, we often chit chat with the staff at he club floor lounge. It is so hospitable and after all these years we are very good friends.

The Renaissance hotel is well located in the city, about 10 minutes or so to walk to most tourist attractions (very close to Bukit Cina) and also to my favourite street Jonker street

Jonker street has lots of old pre war shophouses, worth taking note is some of the old window frames, old doors, and also tiled front wall. There are some exquisite homes - you can visit one turned into a museum - Baba Nyonya museum and see how the rich lived in such ornate homes.

Many of these shops are now antique shops while many are turned into cafes.

I particularly enjoy the evenigns during the weekend - there is this nightmarket, fondly known as Jonker Walk. It is not a big market, but one with character. The locals come out and sell all kinds of stuff
sometimes you just wonder why they can even consider selling certain stuff but occaissionally there are some stalls that sell novelty handmade craft, some nice homemade snacks.

Being a real food junkie, I normally snack all the way along the Jonker street and all the way back to the hotel!!!!

And now I have discovered the yummiest nyonya laksa....and you really MUST try it...go to 31 Hereen St...the back portion near the carparks....you will not miss the place...it gets a bit crowded...great for brunch!!!

First time tourist to Melaka must not miss out the following tourist attractions (many you can get to see by foot but please take along a hat, some sunblock and lots of drinking water):

* The red Dutch buildings, the Christ Church and the museum near the Christ Church

* Walk along the Jonker Street and cross the bridge where the Melaka river - look out for Hereen House or visit Baba House

*eat chicken rice balls unique to Melaka

*St Paul church which was visited by St Francis Xavier and the A Farmosa gate and also the mock up Sultanette house

*if you are into temples and other places of worship then go to the goldsmith and temple streets - along the heritage walk

* go to Bukit Cina and see the Hang Li Po well

*if you want food away from the tourist area then head of to Melaka Raya - so many restaurants that locals go to and no that far