Malacca City is in southwestern Malaysia. Jonker Street, the main thoroughfare of Chinatown, is famous for its antique shops, shoe shops, delicious food, and night market. We left our boat at the marina and split the cost of a rental car with our friends, Wayne and Debbie. We were excited to explore Malacca. During our visit, we came across unique bicycles known as Trishaws. If you enjoy loud pop or rock and roll music, you can rent one of these colourful vehicles, which is popular with kids. Some Trishaws are adorned with flashing lights and stuffed animal dolls.
The riverwalk is mostly concrete, and the river is crossed by frequent bridges. Some of the riverbanks are very touristy, with bars and restaurants. We only visited Malacca during the day; at night, the bridges and banks are lit up. We walked past the Eng Choon Association a well-maintained heritage building that served as a clan association for early Chinese immigrants. Another attraction you come across is an unusual statue. It portrays Gan Boon Leong, Malaysia’s most successful bodybuilder, who was born in 1937. He clinched numerous bodybuilding accolades, including Mr. Asia and Mr. Universe titles. He is referred to as the ‘Father of Bodybuilding in Malaysia’, and in honour of his contributions to Melaka, the city has erected several golden statues of him. These statues have become popular for photographs, and you can see why.
Our trip to Jonker Street was a shopping adventure like no other. The street, a treasure trove of souvenirs, shoes, and quirky ornaments, was a delight to explore. I couldn’t resist the temptation and ended up with a quirky ornament and several pairs of shoes. Among my favourite finds was a mosaic mirror light, a unique piece that I carefully packed for our journey back to Australia. Its safe arrival was a testament to the memories we made in Malacca, a city that never fails to surprise and delight
