Photo of the Day A Famosa- Malacca

Malacca Malaysia

Malacca Trishaws

The trishaws in Malacca are loud, from a visually as well as aurally. They are over decorated and often inflict pain to the passenger's ear with loud music of the driver's choice. But this post is actually not to malign them, but rather to sing their praise.

We have visited Malacca before, walking around in the heat (which for some reason always seems to be more oppressive in Malacca than Singapore) and always said no to the Trishaw drivers offering to ferry us around for a fee.

Perhaps it was the memories of the cheats that call themselves Tuk Tuk drivers in Thailand, but we never gave the poor Trishaw drivers their due. What I found however was a very pleasant surprise.

The Trishaw drivers in Malacca are polite, honest and they are perfect for those quick trips that are FAR TO HOT to walk. The rate is between 10-20 Ringgit for just about anywhere in town (more often 10RM). Trust me, these were some of the most welcome and enjoyable rides around Malacca. Well worth the fee and the kids (and Jeff) loved them. Oh and by the way, while you can't tone down the decorative elements of the Trishaw, you can have them turn off the music.

Maritime Museum in Malacca

Originally posted October 2008

I really like Malacca, it is a fun city with great food and the history is enough to keep me coming back for more. It is funny, but the more I travel, the more fascinated I am by the history of the place.

We have not been back to Malacca since this post, but plan another trip in the near future. It is only a 3 hour bus ride from Singapore in an airconditioned coach.








This time we stayed at the Hotel Equitorial. We did a "free and easy" package with a travel agent here in Singapore which means you book your hotel and transport through the agent and often can get better deals than if you booked by yourself. The total cost of the package was around Sing $150.00/person which included bus fare, 2 hotel rooms for 3 nights.

The best part about the hotel is its proximity to St. Pauls, the Stadhyus and Declan's favorite Museum, The Maritime Museum.















The Maritime Museum is housed in a replica of a 18th century Portuguese ship which was sunk off the shore of Malacca. The Museum shows the history of Malacca and its importance as a Maritime center dating back to the 14th century through the British occupation. While the museum was okay, it was frankly better for an 8-10 year old I would venture, but the fact that it was in a big giant ship was enough for Declan (and Kiera found it pretty cool too!)

Hours: Daily (closed Tuesday) 9-6
Entry fee a very inexpensive RM2 for adults and .50 for kids

Malacca Slide Show

Originally Posted November 2008
I have been playing with Picasa 3. And I am newly in love with the movie maker function. What a fun way to sort through 400 pictures, find the best ones and make a short video. I offer now for you the first of what I hope to be many mini-slide shows from the places I travel!


Malacca