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DRIVING HOLIDAY
221
February15
Checking into the poshest
joint in town
Around three and a half hours after
setting off, we were pulling up to The
Majestic Malacca – our haven for the
next two days. A lavish private mansion
in the 1920s, the hotel oozes history and
glamour. From the original porcelain tiling
and teakwood fittings to intricate artwork
and authentic antiques, the building has
been beautifully preserved to reflect the
heritage that Malacca is famous for. While
it’s been expanded to house 54 suites,
you’d struggle to work out where the
old architecture ends and the new part
begins (although the pretty pool and fully
equipped gym are a bit of a giveaway).
The bedrooms themselves are
stunning – everything is in dark teak,
with a plush four-poster bed, a chaise
longue and a roll-top bath that ensures
everyone feels like a Peranakan princess
for the weekend (even you, lads).
Exploring the sights
The serenity of The Majestic Malacca is
a much-needed contrast to the bustling
streets outside. You can easily reach
the heritage area by walking along the
waterside, which is where most of the
action is. Chinese junks and tour boats
zip along (prepare to wave at multiple
tourists!), chilled-out bars line the river,
and string lights are all over the place.
I adored the shophouses – each one
decorated with a different design, often
to reflect what’s being sold inside.
Flowers, cakes, fishing scenes and
more are colourfully slapped across
entire buildings, creating an interesting,
light-hearted effect as you stroll along.
Malacca’s significant history as a
spice trading port began centuries ago
with the arrival of a Sumatran prince.
Through the years, the city has been
dominated by foreign powers including
the Portuguese, Dutch and British,
each culture leaving its mark on the
well-preserved town. How do I know
all this? I took The Majestic Malacca’s
walking tour, which wound through
fascinating backstreets that we would
never otherwise have found.
Tourists cruise up and down
the river on cute junk boats
Doing our best posh
voices during The Majestic
Malacca
’
s afternoon tea