— witsandnuts

Archive
2010 Yearly archive

Continued from [the monkeys and fireflies of Kuala Selangor] [Putrajaya] [Malacca at a glimpse] [A Famosa and Saint Paul Church] [Taman Rama-Rama and its tortoises]

Mini Malaysia

To visit Mini Malaysia was one of the random suggestions given by our guide while on our way to the heritage-rich Malacca. Considering that we “overtimed” in Taman Rama-Rama (from our 30 minutes intended visit turned to an actual 2 hours), “Do we still have time? Is it worth it?”, I asked. Before he can even respond, I inquired further and pre-concluded, “Why is it called Mini Malaysia? Is it a village showing the more traditional side of Malaysia or is it a museum showcasing miniatures of interesting places in Malaysia?” He simply replied, “You will like it.”

Mini Malaysia gate
(Do not miss our very own – the Philippine flag)

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Tortoise in Taman Rama Rama, Malacca, Malaysia
Tortoise in Taman Rama Rama, Malacca, Malaysia

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Butterfly Farm, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Our visit to Taman Rama-Rama (Butterfly Park) was not planned. It was randomly suggested by a local as well as the other attractions en route to Malacca. Since we still have an extra hour (so we thought), we allocated 30 minutes for this. But upon seeing the butterflies feeding through the pineapples (I did not know they seriously like it), I knew we would stay longer.

Butterfly Park, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

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Continued from [the monkeys and fireflies of Kuala Selangor] [Putrajaya] and [Malacca at a glimpse]

A Famosa (“Kota a Famosa” or “The Famous”)

A Famosa Porta de Santiago, Malacca, Malaysia

A Famosa was a fortress built in Malacca during the Portuguese occupancy. However, upon Dutch invasion and its subsequent hand over to British, its destruction was set. It was almost demolished when Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, intervened when he visited Malacca. Thanks to his passion for history, the Porta de Santiago (small gate) remains– from the used to be four major towers.

A Famosa, Malacca, Malaysia

The fortress is not only popular among tourists, but especially to students who integrate lessons on field. During our visit to the equally interesting Mini-Malaysia (details on separate entry), we noticed a number of gradeschool students, too.

Porta de Santiago, A Famosa, Malacca, Malaysia

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Continued from [the monkeys and fireflies of Kuala Selangor] and [Putrajaya]

Malacca, Malaysia
(The Christ Church is said to be originally painted white. However, this and the neighbouring Stadthuys building was painted red in 1911 and this distinctive colour scheme has remained the hallmark of Malacca’s Dutch-era buildings. It is the oldest surviving Dutch church building found outside the Netherlands.)

Where to find one of those graciously decorated bicycle rickshaws in the world? In Malacca. The moment I saw this corner, I told myself that this third smallest state in Malaysia definitely deserves a re-visit.

Malacca, Malaysia

Even without the very detailed checking of history, the architecture within Malacca can tell you about its yesteryears. Take for example its town hall, popularly known as Stadthuys or Red Square. It mirrors the Dutch invasion for almost 183 years. In reference to the above photo, the structure to your right is said to be the oldest remaining Dutch historical building which now serves as the Museum of History and Ethnography.

Malacca, Malaysia

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