After performing at the NUS Culture Centre in Singapore we took a bus North to Malacca in Malaysia which is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malacca has a long and interesting history. It was the home of the Malay Sultan before being overthrown by the Portuguese in 1511, then the Dutch in 1641 and then the British in 1826. This predominantly Islamic town is an exotic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures. We stayed at the historic Majestic Hotel built in the 20s on Jalan Bunga Raya near the river that weaves through the old city. Walking into the Majestic from the humid 33 degree heat feels like walking into an old movie. One feels Bogart or Ingrid Bergman could be sharing a drink in the café just to the right of the entrance. As you arrive you are greeted with a refreshing drink and a cold towel. The ceiling fans, period furnishings and clawfoot tub all make one feel as you are back in time. Outside the lively and noisy city is a pleasantly assaults your senses as you wak the narrow lanes careful not to be run down by a pedal tuc tuc.
After performing at the NUS Culture Centre in Singapore we took a bus North to Malacca in Malaysia which is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malacca has a long and interesting history. It was the home of the Malay Sultan before being overthrown by the Portuguese in 1511, then the Dutch in 1641 and then the British in 1826. This predominantly Islamic town is an exotic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures. We stayed at the historic Majestic Hotel built in the 20s on Jalan Bunga Raya near the river that weaves through the old city. Walking into the Majestic from the humid 33 degree heat feels like walking into an old movie. One feels Bogart or Ingrid Bergman could be sharing a drink in the café just to the right of the entrance. As you arrive you are greeted with a refreshing drink and a cold towel. The ceiling fans, period furnishings and clawfoot tub all make one feel as you are back in time. Outside the lively and noisy city is a pleasantly assaults your senses as you wak the narrow lanes careful not to be run down by a pedal tuc tuc.