Malaysia, Malacca

We were supposed to go to Malacca on the first Pelican. And then on the second. Each time we decided to do something else. And it almost happened this time as well. Luckily, almost. In the end we pushed ourselves and went just before Japan. And what a good decision it was!

Malacca is a small town about two hours drive south-west of KL. It is known to have been a Portuguese colony and it shows. Lovely architecture, still a little bit of that European feel to it. Such a shame British destroyed the old walls. But still enough to see and enjoy. Only problem is that a lot of people actually do come here and the town has turned into a mini Disneyland (we are taking boat rides, stalls, pirate ships... the full shebang!). To be fair, it happens to anything that gets its name on UNESCO World heritage list... Reason to move further afield and explore newer sights: like the floating mosque. Actually, mosque built on the stilts. So indeed, we did venture (in spite of almost unbearable heat – we were practically melting!), but the views were worth it.

But let’s not forget the main reason why one comes to Malacca. To eat! So, you should really go there on Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening. This is when pretty ordinary and relatively drab main street becomes a food market. And we were on the hunt for perfect Nonya laksa (sort of spicy, coconut noodle soup – yum). And as a bycatch we found some of the best sweets we have ever had. And lots more… not just food wise. We saw to weirdest karaoke we have ever seen in our lives! Open market, large speaker and plethora of locals (mainly over 60 to be honest) doing their best. Which was not that good at all. And when we say it’s bad, then it is really bad…

Two days passed really quickly and with a little bit of a regret that we stayed so short, it was time to fly east. To the land of the rising sun – Japan!

Before you go, more pictures (and best ever karaoke clip) here.