Malacca, Malaysia : a historical site on maritime trade

We have been to Malaysia many times for business and leisure.  The City of Malacca has long captured our interests.  Until recently, we are able to visit it for the first time.  

The Malacca Strait is one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world.  The City of Malacca is strategically located in the strait.  Before the development of Singapore into an international trading port, Malacca held the key position on the maritime trade between Asia and Europe.
   

(Houses along the Malacca River with modern hotels around)

Portuguese first forced its way into Malacca in the fifteenth century.  Malacca became its beachhead of Asian trade and its stepping stone to secure its holding of Macau in China.  After a century and half, Dutch took over Malacca and then Sumatra.  British was a late comer. Instead of Malacca, British took Penang and Singapore as its anchorages for Asian trade.  For those who are interesting in the Portuguese maritime trade can read Boxer, C. R.. Portuguese conquest and commerce in Southern Asia, 1500-1750. Hampshire, UK: Ashgate Publishing Ltd., 2002.

(Ruins of Portuguese fort - Porta de Santiago)

(Christ Church built by Dutch over the site of a Portuguese church)

Similar to other Malaysia cities, Malays, Chinese and Indians are the three major races living in Malacca.  Early Chinese immigrants married local brides and adopted local customs.  This community formed the Peranakan culture with interesting fusion of local and Chinese customs and food.  In Malacca, there is also a small community of Euroasians of Portuguese decent. 

(Building of colonial time in the street of Malacca)

Maritime trade is no longer the main economic activity for Malacca.  Tourism has already taken its position.  Next time you are in Malacca.  You can spend two to three days touring around the city in leisure.