Malacca, Malaysia: A Real-Life Geography Textbook Adventure

When you hear "Malacca," you might first think of the Strait of Malacca from your school textbooks. Just three hours from Kuala Lumpur, this UNESCO-listed city—once colonized by Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain, and Japan—was also visited five times by the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He during his voyages. 🌅 Strait Mosque (Masjid Selat Melaka) • Golden hour paradise: The sunset here is magical. • Dress code: Remove shoes; women must cover up (robes & headscarves available for RM5 rental). 🏛️ Dutch Red Square (Stadthuys) • Southeast Asia’s oldest Dutch red buildings—your quintessential Malacca photo op! 📸 • Pro tip: Hop on a vibrant trishaw for a fun (old town) tour. 🍢 Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat) • A 300-year-old "Chinatown" bursting with weekend night market energy—think Nyonya snacks, crafts, and durian treats! 🌉 Melaka River Walk • Graffiti, stilt houses, retro warehouses, and riverside cafés—local life at its most colorful. 🕍 St. Paul’s Church Ruins • Built in 1521 by Portuguese nobles, later turned into a Dutch mausoleum. Climb up for panoramic strait views. 🚌 Getting There: • Direct buses from KLIA (2.5 hrs; book via EasyBook). #ArchitectureLovers #HiddenHistories #SlowTravel #MalaccaDiaries