Today, I went on a day trip about 90 miles east of KL to Melaka.
Malacca (Malay: Melaka, dubbed "The Historic State" ) is the third smallest Malaysian state. It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Straits of Malacca.
Being right on the water, many countries have wanted to control Melaka in the past.
| Incorporated into | Date |
|---|---|
| Malacca Sultanate | approx. 1400 |
| Portuguese Empire | 1511 |
| Dutch Empire | 1641 |
| British Empire | 1824 |
| Straits Settlements | 1826 |
| Crown Colony | 1867 |
| Japanese occupation | 15 January 1942 |
| Malayan Union | 1 April 1946 |
| Federation of Malaya | 31 January 1948 |
| Malaysia | 16 September 1963 |
To see the most of the city and learn the history we took a trishaw. For an hour we rode around on this very colorful three wheeled bike. Many where decorated with flowers and the favorite accessory of many of the drivers seemed to be anything with Hello Kitty! Some had loud music blaring, but our driver was very chatty instead.
Our driver/pedaler had quite the personality and he said this was a VIT…Very Important Tree.
Monument for the white mouse deer
Fort Santiago
The state crest
The various colours are the colours of the Federation of Malaysia and indicate that the State is part of the Federation. The star and crescent stand for Islam, the religion of the State.The five keris represent the five famous warrior of old Melaka. Whose names are Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir, and Hang Lekiu.
The Malacca tree is the tree from which the State derives its name.The two mousedeer supporting the shield serve to recall the incident involving the mousedeers which led the first ruler of Melaka who was sitting under the Malacca tree to choose the site and found the city.
The State motto reads: 'UNITY IS STRENGTH'
It was a fun day trip and now I know a little more about the history of Malaysia.
Life is Good when you can learn about where you live!!!
