South East Asian Trips

Malaysia is fast becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations in South Asia. The country is renowned all over the world for its engaging natural wonders and innumerable entertainment options. Popular destinations in Malaysia are numerous; here you can see places that are replete with natural wonders and boasting of rich cultural and historical heritage. At the same time, you can also see places in the country that epitomizes modernity and boast of all the modern props present in the developed countries. Overall, Malaysia is a unique country that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity and is a treat for every tourist visiting the country. Melaka, Malaysia is one of the major tourist destinations of the country and can aptly said to be the embodiment of the quintessential essence of Malaysia.

It is one of the few cities of the country where you can witness a spectacular blend of the traditional and the modern. The whole city can be divided into two broad divisions; one that reflects the bygone heritage and the other, which is boasts of all the latest and modern props. There are several areas in the city like the Waterfront area the Town Square, which are characterized by numerous historical and cultural monuments and other remnants of the tumultuous past of the city. Some of the historical monuments and buildings that can see while touring the city are The Stadthuys, St. Paul's Church, Muzium Rakyat (People's Museum), Proclamation of Independence Memorial, Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, Jonker Walk, St John's Fort, Portuguese Square, Tranquerah Mosque, Maritime Museum, Tun Teja's Mausoleum, Jasin Museum and Alor Gajah Museum.

Melaka is a paradise for nature lovers. While visiting the place do not forget to check out the numerous beaches and islands of the region. Some of the avant-garde beach destinations of Melaka are Pulau Besar, Pulau Upeh, Tanjung Kling / Pantai Kundor and Tanjung Bidara. A visit to these places will allow you to be mesmerized by the spectacular long sandy beaches, which are renowned for their fascinating natural beauty.

Melaka is also a haven for the wildlife lovers. You can embark on wild life and safari tours here and see a wide array of animal and plants of the Malaysia as well as the world. A'Famosa Resort is the most popular safari and wildlife destination of the region.

Melaka is an interesting blend of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and is considered Malaysia's most historic city. It was once the most important trading port in the region but is now little more than a sleepy backwater. Ancient-looking junks still sail up the river, imbuing the waterfront with a timeless charm, and the city remains full of intriguing Chinese streets, antique shops, temples and nostalgic reminders of the now-departed European colonial powers.

The most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka is the massive pink town hall, Stadthuys, built between 1641 and 1660. It's believed to be the oldest Dutch building in Asia and displays all the characteristic features of Dutch colonial architecture (read incredibly weighty doors and pleasant louvred windows). The building houses government offices and an excellent Ethnographic Museum, which highlights aspects of local history and culture. The imposing ruins of St Paul's Church, built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, stand in a beautiful setting atop St Paul's Hill. It was regularly visited by St Francis Xavier, who was buried here for a short period before being transferred to Goa in India. The church fell into disuse when the Dutch arrived, but is still surrounded by old Dutch tombstones. The Brits, with great sensitivity, used the church as a gunpowder store.

For those who prefer their religious architecture to be a little more colourful, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in the old part of the city is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. It was founded in 1646, and all of the materials and all of the artisans who built it were imported from China. The old part of Melaka is a fascinating area to wander around, and this is where you'll find many of Melaka's famous antique shops; a stroll along Jalan Hang Jebat will pass the best of them.