Tuesday 17 May 2011

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

http://j-travel.blogspot.com/2010/04/cheng-hoon-teng-temple-and-kling-mosque.html

The Cheng Hoon Teng temple ( 青云亭;  "Temple of Green Cloud" ) is  a Taoist Temple, located at No. 25 Jalan Tokong, Melaka Town. It is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia.The richly decorated Cheng Hoon Teng temple covers an area of 4,600 m2.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ChengHoonTeng.jpg

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Melaka-Qing-Yun-Ting-2152.jpg

Featuring a magnificent main gate along Jalan Tokong, the Cheng Hoon Teng temple consists of a complex of several prayer halls, with a large main prayer hall dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. Additional smaller prayer quarters were added later. One of these is dedicated to the Taoist gods of wealth, longevity and propagation, while another houses ancestral tablets.


 http://j-travel.blogspot.com/2010/04/cheng-hoon-teng-temple-and-kling-mosque.html

One of the most dramatic features of Cheng Hoon Teng temple is the seven-metre red flag-pole facing the left wing of the main prayer hall, which houses the remains of two of the three Kapitans who contributed to the construction of the temple. Across the road is a traditional opera theatre, which forms a part of the Cheng Hoon Teng temple complex.

The building conforms to the principles of feng shui. The complex is laid out to ensure a view of the river and high ground on either side.


 http://j-travel.blogspot.com/2010/04/cheng-hoon-teng-temple-and-kling-mosque.html

This temple was built in 1645 by Kapitan Lee Wei King with building materials imported from China, Cheng Hoon Teng served as the main place of worship for the local Hoklo (Hokkien) community. The main hall was built by Kapitan Chan Ki Lock in 1704 and was rebuilt in 1801 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong, who contributed to the aesthetic and magnificent structural additions of the building.

In 1962, then abbot Seck Kim Seng ordained Houn Jiyu-Kennett, a Zen nun from England and the future founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, at this temple.

In 2003, Cheng Hoon Teng was awarded a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration.

(From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheng_Hoon_Teng)

Baba And Nyonya Heritage Museum



 http://www.cityknown.com/Cities/Attraction.aspx?AttractionID=2258


  http://goseasia.about.com/od/malaysiastopattractions/ss/melaka_walking_tour_2.htm



 http://triptomalaysia.blogspot.com/2011/01/baba-nyonya-heritage-museum-malacca.html


This building is typical of the 19th century Baroque-style homes of wealthy Chinese families. Furnished with Chinese, Victorian and Dutch designs, this longish residence has an interior that opens into a courtyard that admits sun and rain. This museum was the ancestral home of three generations of a Baba and Nyonya family and is situated along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

Opening Hour: 10.00 am-12.30 pm
                        2.30 pm-4.30 pm
Admission fee: RM 8 Adult, RM 4 Child
Tel: 06 2831273

Maritime Museum


  
 http://www.haiwaiyou.com/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=2065



http://asmaliana.com/blog/2008/02/27/maritime-museum-flor-de-lamar/



 http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com/maritime-museum.html


 The Maritime Museum is housed in a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese vessel that sank off the coast of Melaka. The museum has pictorial displays of the history of Melaka, beginning from the Sultanate of Melaka in the 14th century to the pre-independence era. Inside the museum are models of ships, authentic maps, charts and old iron chests that were once used to store precious cargo.

Moving from Melaka Tourist Information Center and walking at the pathway between Samudera Medan Handicraft Shop and Melaka River for less than 10 minutes, you will reach the famous Maritime Museum Standing in front of the museum, you will first be surprised by the magnificent structure of the museum and later, redefine the common way you perceive a museum as nothing more than a normal building. 

The structure of the ship is actually a replica built according to the former Portuguese ship named “Flor De La Mar”. Centuries ago, the ship which carried a vast amount of Melaka treasures was on the way back to Portugal. However, accident happened and caused the ship to sink off the coast of Melaka. The construction of the museum according to this former Portuguese ship started in year 1990 and was opened to the public in 1994 after being officiated by Malaysia former Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir. 

Apart from showing the significant history of Melaka Maritime, Maritime Museum also showcases the different eras that Melaka has gone through, from the Melaka Sultanate era, to Portuguese era, Dutch era to British era. With different flags, statues and illustrations representing each era, you will realize that history is no longer a series of boring lessons. 

Visitors are not allowed to go into the museum by wearing shoes. You can choose to put your shoes at the shoe rack provided at the entrance door or put them into a plastic bag provided by the museum and carry it with you to the museum. 


Opening hours 

9am - 5:30pm (Monday to Friday)
9am - 9:00pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Tel: 06 2830926

RM 3.00 for adult
RM 0.50 for children


(From: http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com/maritime-museum.html)

St Paul Church

http://www.haiwaiyou.com/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=2065

Built by Duarte Coelho, a Portuguese Captain in 1521 AD, the church was formerly a chapel for the Portuguese and it was named as “Nosa Senhora” - Our Lady of the Hill. Although these valuable ruins have been standing on top of the summit of St. Paul Hill in Melaka for centuries, the strong and thick bricks still remind one of the magnificence architecture of the chapel. 

As Melaka was colonised by the Dutch from the hand of Portuguese in 1641, the fate of this former Portuguese chapel had been significantly changed. It was being used by the Dutch as a temporary praying place before their own church – the Christ Church was being completely constructed. Since that, the Dutch has renamed the Portuguese Chapel from “Nosa Senhora” – Our Lady of the Hill to St. Paul Hill. 

When the Dutch’s Christ Church was completed, St. Paul Hill no longer played its role as a praying place and the Dutch turned it into a burial ground and graveyard. Several monumental tombstones, with Dutch words engraving on it were leaning against the wall in the church. The tombstones and the graveyard nearby were places for the Dutch to mourn their ancestors while they settled down in Melaka centuries ago. 

In front of the church stood a huge pearl-white statue - the status of St. Francis Xavier. 27 years after Duarte Coelho built the church, Don Albuquerque, the Archbishop of Goa in India handed the church to the Society of Jesus. St. Francis Xavier, as the pioneer Catholic Missionary that time was appointed to receive the title on behalf of the society in 1548.

(From: http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com/st-paul-church.html)
  Statue of St. Francis Xavier in front of St Paul Church, Malacca. 

  http://dann-eyes.blogspot.com/2009/05/saint-francis-xavier-statue-melaka.html 

 http://erikuworld.blogspot.com/2010/03/malacca-city-part-1.html
 
 http://ash-box.blogspot.com/2010/10/trip-to-melaka.html

Christ Church

http://www.haiwaiyou.com/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=2065
 
http://amieyalen.com/2010/06/08/the-roadtrip-malacca/
 

When the Dutch took over Melaka from the hand of the Portuguese, they built several buildings for their own purposes. This church was built as a place of worship as they did not have any church for themselves apart from the small chapel built by Portuguese on St. Paul Hill. Like St. Paul Church, this church is one of the most attractive heritage in Melaka that has gone through several stages of change under the governing of different colonials. 

Located at Jalan Gereja (or known as Church Street), the church is painted in coral red with huge white cross at the middle. It is the most distinguished one among adjacent buildings that are also painted in similar red colour. Surrounded by beautiful landscape with greeneries and flowers, you will probably feel like visiting a vintage church somewhere in Europe! 

(From http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com/christ-church.html)

Stadthuys


Photos copied from http://www.fun-travel-malaysia.com/Stadthuys.html

The Stadhuys is known for its red exterior and clock tower near the traffic circle in its vicinity.

The Stadthuys ( an old Dutch spelling, literally meaning " town hall" ), also known as the Red Square is the most imposing relic of the Dutch rule in Melaka. It features salmon red walls,heavy wooden doors and wrought-iron hinges.Once the official residence of the Dutch governors and their officers, it now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography. The Stadthuys was built in 1645 and is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. Next to it is Christ Church, a Dutch Reformed Church that was constructed in 1753.

Opening hours:
(Museum of History and Ethnography)
9.00 am-5.30 pm (weekday)
9.00 am-9.00 pm (weekend)
Admission fee: RM5 Adult. RM2 Child
Tel: 06 2841934

Monday 16 May 2011

Porta De Santiago




Photos copied from



Photos copied from


The Portuguese admiral, Alfonso d'Albuquerque, built Porta De Santiego or A' Famosa in 1511. However, this fortress was badly damage during the Dutch invasion in 1641. Fortunately, Sir Stamford Raffles, a British official, intervened in 1808 and saved what remains of A' Famosa today. This famous landmark is located near St. Paul's Church.

Admission is free.
Tel: 06 2883599

Sunday 15 May 2011

Jonker Walk / Jonker Street





Photos copied from jackchua90.blogspot.com










Jonker Street or Jalan Hang Jebat is interspersed with antique shops selling an interesting array of authentic artefacts and relics. Some date as far back as 300 years and can be found among a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history and mystery. Located in the older section of the city, Jonker Street is popular among bargain hunters and antique collectors. There are sample numerous hawker food at the stalls along the street.

Tel: 06 284 8282
Jonker Street Weekend Night Market
Opening hours: 6:00 pm-12.00 am ( Friday-Sunday )



Melaka River






Before sunset


 Night View of Melaka River



Melaka River Cruise

The 45- minute Melaka River Cruise passes through the downtown area where you can see old warehouses, shop houses, bridge and Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village. The return trip passes wharves down river. Booking for cruise along the Melaka River can be made at the quay behind the tourist information centre.

Opening hour: 9:00 am-11 pm ( depending on water level )
( board at Taman Rempah and Dataran Sungai Melaka )
Fare: RM 10 Adult, RM 5 Child
Tel: 06 281 7322/3