What Surprises Are Inside Malacca’s Museums?

Melaka packs a lot of history into a small, walkable area, so I tried to see as much of it as I could in one day: a revolving tower, three museums, the old Dutch fort walls and square, and finally Jonker Street after dark. Everything in this episode sits within a short walk of the Malacca River, which makes it an easy day on foot, heat and all.

Melaka was the first city in Malaysia that I explored outside of Kuala Lumpur. I chose it because of its history. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of St. Augustine, Florida—a small city rich in history and with plenty of stories to tell.

I started at Menara Taming Sari, Malaysia’s first gyro tower. The viewing cabin rotates as it rises, giving you a full 360° look over the city and the river. It’s a good way to get your bearings before you start walking.

From there it’s a short walk to Muzium Samudera, the maritime museum built around a replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar. Nearby, the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum and the Royal Malaysian Customs Museum cover the naval and trade history that made Melaka so important. I expected to breeze through the museums, and one of them turned out to be a lot more fun than I thought.

The Customs Museum was the one that surprised me. I didn’t expect much going in, but it was really interesting to see all the different items they’ve seized over the years.

One practical tip: Muzium Samudera requires you to take your shoes off and involves a bit of climbing around, so if you’re not the most mobile, you might want to pass on that one. Either way, comfortable shoes that you can slip off easily will serve you well.

It was while exploring these museums that I met my friend Shum. We had been crossing paths all morning at the different museums when we finally struck up a conversation. That chance meeting led to a meaningful friendship in Malaysia.

Shum and I later went on a two-week road trip across Malaysia that you can watch in upcoming episodes. He has introduced me to his family and friends, as well as tons of different cultural and dining experiences that I wouldn’t have tried otherwise.

Shum is a proud Malaysian who enjoys showing off his country. It shows. I joke with him that he should be an ambassador.

Walking on, you reach Middelburg Bastion, what’s left of a 17th-century Dutch fortification at the river’s edge. A few minutes later comes Dutch Square, the red-painted heart of colonial Melaka, with Christ Church, the Stadthuys and the clock tower.

I finished at Jonker Street Night Market as it got dark. The lights along the river give the whole area a relaxed feel, even with crowds out enjoying the evening and decorated trishaws rolling past with their stereos blaring. Take a $100 bicycle, decorate it with a Hello Kitty theme, then add $300 worth of lights and a $500 stereo, and you’ve got yourself a solid business. Of course, I kid, but there are certainly tons of them rolling around.