Malacca - Portuguese & Dutch Remnants Pt 4

3 - 6 June 2015

Well, a visit to Malacca city is not complete without stopping at the Red Square aka Dutch Square; obviously named because of the number of buildings painted red around the square.  It seems the Dutch buildings were originally white but the British had them painted red. 

Clock tower built by a Chinese Kapitan during British rule

The Red Square, built in 1650, was the administrative capital of the Dutch.  It housed the then city hall of the Dutch, called the Stadthuys (pronounced as 'stat-highs' meaning town hall). The Stadthuys was the office of the Dutch Governors and then followed by British Governors for almost 300 years and apparently it is the oldest remaining Dutch building in Asia.  The Malacca government has converted the Stadthuys into a museum which now houses Malacca's most important historical journey and ethnography artifacts. 

That is a fountain named after Queen Victoria in front of the Stadthuys

The Christ Church built in 1753 by the Dutch still stands here.  It is said to be the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia.

History tells us that the Stadthuys was built on the ruins of the Portuguse fort.  As you climb up the St Paul Hill, you will see a Dutch graveyard.  The British later used it as a burial ground for its army officers and spouses.

As for the Portuguese, the only traces that remain is the A Famosa fort and that too, only a small gate.
The Portuguese stayed in this fortress for 130 years.  There are also some ruins (which was accidentally uncovered in 2006) of the Portuguese fortress on the banks of Malacca River.

Porta de Santioga - the only remaining gate of the Portuguese fort - the rest was demolished by the British

View from St Paul's hill

For most Malaysians, we do not have any idea of Portuguese or Dutch rule in Malacca.  All that history books tell us is that they came, conquered, ruled, were either defeated or left.  How was Malacca like during their rule, we do not know.  These buildings, I am sure, have seen history happen, and they remain an important link to that era.  The other proof of their existence are the descendants of the Portuguese for which there is a Portuguese settlement in Malacca but none of the Dutch.   Besides that, there is the use of Portuguese and Dutch words in the Malay language, 

Malacca's Submarine Museum Pt 3

3- 6 June 2015

On our last day in Malacca, we decided to stop at Klebang, to see Malaysia's one and only submarine museum. The museum was opened to public in Dec 2011.  The decommissioned SMD Quessant from France stands proud on Klebang beach.

This is a must see especially if you go with children.  Entering a submarine, checking out the gadgets and mind-boggling machines can be fun and educational.  Unfortunately, there was no guided tour to explain the equipment or the workings of a submarine.  But beneath the submarine, there is a video show of the setting up of the museum in Klebang.  There is an exhibition of all Malaysian submarines too.  Visitors are provided chairs to sit and view the video.  Sitting under the submarine with cooling fans around while watching the video was cool.

the entrance point

No,this is not a ghost although he comes close - this is a replica of the crew in the dining area inside the submarine

For my children, this was the highlight of the visit to Malacca.