First Impressions

If you follow me on Twitter, then you’ve probably already figured out that I’ve been in Melaka, Malaysia for a few days. I’ve gathered lots of information to update and expand my on-line guide to Melaka. It will take me a few days (or weeks) to get it all collated and written, so here’s a brief summary to get things started.

Getting There

Interior of the Transnasional Bus to Melaka

I flew Air Asia into KLIA and planned to go straight to Melaka from the airport. My research indicated that there were few, if any, buses from the LCCT to Melaka, so I was planning to take a taxi. However, on arriving I found there were buses to Melaka at least every two hours, and one was leaving just 10 minutes after I exited customs. The bus turned out to be the nicest intercity bus I’ve ever been on (see photo). I suspect it was actually much more comfortable that a taxi would have been, and at just RM 22 it was definitely at least a fifth the cost of a taxi. If my return trip to Kuala Lumpur city is anything like this, I’ll be hooked on Malaysian buses for sure.

Staying There

I’m staying at the Baba House Hotel in the heritage area. I wanted to be within walking distance to all of the main sights, and there are lots of small hotels and guesthouses in the ‘Chinatown’ heritage area. Baba House is probably not the best, but it’s been good enough for three nights, and the wi-fi is free.

The Sights of Melaka

The historic buildings around St. Paul’s Hill in Melaka, as seen from the Menhara Taming Sari

Melaka gained World Heritage status in 2008, so not much has changed within the heritage area. It seems like there are a lot more museums, but that may just be that I didn’t notice them before. The most notable change is the presence of two large shopping malls just outside the A’Famosa fort, where there were just open fields the last time I visited. The one closest to the hill is mostly underground, but it’s still a bit odd to see the golden arches so close to a World Heritage site.