July 09 Melaka River Walk

8am  We had our breakfast in one of the Kopitiams along Tengkera, Melaka and journeyed for a Melaka River walk which took approximately one and a half hour to complete.

Malacca City River:

Malacca City River, a waterway of time,

A thread that weaves through the city's prime,

Its current a chronicle of the past,

Of sultans and traders, of ships that did last.

Its banks are alive, with memories to share,

A pulsing energy, that's everywhere,

The smell of spices, the sound of song,

The laughter of children, a city life strong.

The river flows on, a source of local pride,

A tribute to a city that has survived,

Its bridges and temples, a sight to see,

A lasting reminder of history.

But now the river is changing its pace,

A new chapter unfolds, with a smile on its face,

The riverfront revitalized, a place of peace,

For locals and tourists alike, to find release.

So here's to the Malacca City River, our pride and our joy,

A treasure to cherish, a beauty to enjoy.

History of Malacca River

The Malacca River has a long and rich history dating back to the 15th century when the city of Malacca was established as a major trading port. The river was an important transportation route for goods and people, and its strategic location helped make Malacca a center of commerce and prosperity.

In the early days, the river was used for fishing and as a source of drinking water. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all used the river as a hub for trade and transportation, and its banks were lined with warehouses, docks, and wharves.

In the 20th century, the river became increasingly polluted and its banks were heavily urbanized, leading to the river's degradation. However, in recent years, the Malacca City Council has undertaken efforts to revitalize the river and its surroundings, turning the area into a new waterfront development with parks, promenades, and cultural attractions.

Presently, the Malacca River is a popular destination for tourists, and its rejuvenation has helped boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents. While the river may have changed over the centuries, its importance as a cultural and historical landmark remains intact. 

        History of Malacca as the Lingua Franca of Southeast Asia. 

Malacca, a city located in present-day Malaysia and is about 14 kilometers in length, played a crucial role in the history of Southeast Asia as a "lingua franca". This refers to the use of a common language for trade and communication between different ethnic and linguistic groups.

In the 15th century, Malacca was established as a major trading port and attracted merchants from around the region and beyond. To facilitate trade and communication, Malay became the lingua franca of the city and the surrounding region. The Malay language, which was widely spoken in the area, was adopted as a common language for trade and diplomacy. This made Malacca an important center of commerce and helped to promote the spread of the Malay language and culture throughout Southeast Asia.

As Malacca rose in prominence, it became a hub for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Southeast Asia, South Asia, China, and the Middle East. This led to the growth of a cosmopolitan society in the city and the development of a unique cultural identity.

The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all colonized Malacca in the 16th to 18th centuries and continued to use Malay as a lingua franca for trade and diplomacy in the region. Despite the political changes that took place in Malacca over the centuries, the use of the Malay language as a lingua franca continued, and it remains an important part of the city's cultural heritage.

Today, Malay is still widely spoken in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia, and its use as a lingua franca remains a testament to the lasting influence of Malacca as a center of trade and cultural exchange.