There are several bridges crossing the river. One bridge in particular has an interesting, but horrible, story. During a time when the Japanese occupied Malaca, they placed the heads from the vicitims they beheaded at the foot of this bridge. Just a little reminder for the locals to stay in line.

Malaca is a Malaysian town with the city split by the Malaka River . The river was at one time dubbed the "Venice of the East" by European seafarers.

I changed from the long-distance bus to the local bus and soon arrived at "Red Square". It is near "Chinatown" in Malaka and there are museums, a church and other buildings all colored red. The square is just across the river bridge and is the center point for touring Malaka.

At one time the river was lined with boats anchored to pituresque piers, but now restaurants line the river. The movie "Entrapment" starring Sean Connery shows one of the restaurants along the river.

You can take the scenic boat ride down the river on a 45 minute trip. You reach an old Malay settlement that is classified as a national heritage site. The people still live in the 'old lifestyle', which makes the village like a living museum.

Said to be the birthplace of Malaca, the Melaca River runs for 10 km . The Sumatran prince built his palace on the east-bank of the river, just at the foot of St. Paul's hill, in the 1400's.

Malaca was a valuable seaport in the early centuries and the King of Portugal sent his men to make a trade agreement with the ruler of Malaysia. In 1509 the Portuguese arrived and at first were treated very kindly. The Portuguese were Christian and the Malaysians were Muslims. Soon the muslims convinced their rulers that the Christian Portuguese were there for trouble. The war began with Portugal eventually taking control of Malaca.

A Portuguese ship carrying rich cargo sank in the river near Malaca on November 20, 1511, damaged heavily by a storm.

There is a replica of the ship on the banks of the river in the old town of Malaca, now. I went to see the massive ship. I toured the decks, several stories high, then went down some steps. To my surprise the lower decks of the ship had been converted into a very nice museum .

There are some photos I took as I wandered around town and some of the famous "Jonker Street". I am staying right in the middle of this area. It's apparently known world wide by serious antique  dealers and collectors. Besides the antiques there are shops and food stalls of every variety along the street which is closed to traffic on weekends. You can hardly walk through the crowds strolling along looking at the merchandise or tasting the different Malaysian foods. The photos in this entry of Jonker Street were taken on an early morning walk, not during the active time for the street.

Notice the weapon the policeman is carrying in one photo. They set up road blocks sometimes and show their seriousness by carrying these weapons!