Malacca

Melaka (Mallaca) was already one of the greatest trading ports in Southeast Asia back when Kuala Lumpur was still a swamp and Penang was yet to become the Pearl of the Orient. The first western rulers, the Portuguese, left their mark on St Paul Bukit (hill), topped by a church built in 1521. They were succeded by the Dutch, who built the Mallaca town square and Stadhuys (1641), a favorite trishaw pick-up spot. In modern times, Melaka has fallen out of favor as a port, becoming a backwater, charming provincial place, where you can find the most kitsch collection of trishaws in Malaysia. Decorated with plastic flowers, sporting a sound system, they turn the narrow streets of Mallaca into a circus parade. With the oldest functioning mosque, Catholic church and Buddhist temple in Malaysia, all within easy walking distance in Chinatown, Melaka exudes a tolerance that makes it a relaxing stop. Melaka City historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.