Basic HTML Version
FireFlyz | 31
What’s in a Name?
Popular legend claims that the name
‘Melaka’ was bestowed on the place
by founder Parameswara, the last Raja
of Singapura, who was attracted to the
town due to its strategic location on the
narrowest strip of the Malacca Straits. The
story goes that Parameswara was resting
under a tree when he watched one of his
own hunting dogs threaten a mouse deer.
The deer retaliated, pushing the dog into a
river, and Parameswara decided it was an
omen and founded his empire on the very
spot. He named the town after the Melaka
tree he was sitting beneath at the time.
Venice of the East
Melaka passed through various European
hands during its history, with all powers
attracted by the port’s position on the
trade route. The Portuguese, Dutch and,
finally, the British took control of the port
during its history, leaving their mark in the architecture
of the buildings that still stand. The Europeans dubbed
Melaka ‘Venice of the East’, charmed by its neat houses
and buildings clinging to the river banks.
Raffles saved the day
The preservation of some of the colonial architecture
can be credited to Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the
founder of Singapore, who stepped in to prevent the
British demolishing the Portuguese-built A Famosa fort in
1807. The British were babysitting Melaka for the Dutch
while their allies dealt with a French invasion in Holland.
The British feared that the Dutchwould soon take the port
back and threaten their own power in the Straits, so they
tried to weaken the city, but were curtailed by Sir Raffles!
Portuguese parties
Despite having lost control of Melaka back in 1641,
the Portuguese influence is still felt in the town as
descendants of the original settlers remain. Visitors
can get a taste of this cultural heritage by joining in the
fun at various annual festivals such as the Festa Santa
Cruz, marked by a candlelight procession, and Intrudu,
a water festival celebrating the beginning of Lent (the
Catholic fasting period).
Rice in the round
While many flock to eat Melaka’s famous chicken rice
balls, few know why this traditional globe of goodness
sprang up in the riverside town. According to a local
legend, a mother, who was left struggling to feed her
children when her fisherman husband was detained for
fishing in Indonesian
waters, started selling
chicken rice at the
docks. As the workmen
never had much time
for meals, she decided
to roll the rice into balls
to make it easier for
them to eat. Business
took off and by the time
her husband returned,
the rice balls were all
the rage. The couple
set up shop in Melaka
town under the name
Hoe Kee and their de-
scendants are selling
rice balls to this day!
Museum mania
Melaka has more museums per square mile than any other place in Malaysia, making
it a haven for those seeking to add cultural and historical depth to their visit. One of
the most highly regarded museums is located in the historical Memorial Hall, which
was built by the British in 1910 and is the site of the announcement of Malaysia’s
independence in 1957. Appropriately, this museum tells the history of Malaysia and
Melaka, but there are plenty of other places that also offer a glimpse of the past. The
Museum of Literature, the Maritime Museum and the Baba and Nyonya Heritage
Museum are just three on a list that could keep you occupied for a week!
Cheng Hoon Teng is the
oldest functioning temple
in Melaka
The many temples of Melaka
have intriguing statues and
architecture