The historical site of Malacca has finally been listed as World Heritage Sites with a much sought after

listing by nations across the globe. The recognition will see historical and cultural properties in both cities to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Malaccas Early History Melaka City was formed in the beginning of the 15th century by the Melaka Sultanate and became a prosperous entrepot city in the early part of the 16th century. In its early, glorious days, Melaka essentially played the role of an entrepot or a city that was made for merchandise, as described by Tome Pires. Malacca is a small, friendly city that with many eye catching sights and attractive modern establishments. It is easy to go around on foot or trishaw exploring the many places that make Malacca unique. As we explore and travels, well learn about the rich heritage and history that has shaped the landscape and left a mark on Malaysias cultural lifestyle. The city of Malacca is a mix of old and new, historical establishments and old shops stand side by side with shopping complexes and modern offices. Beyond this, we could also explore other cultural places engage in recreational activities such as golf and jungle trekking.

Introducing Malacca History of Kampung Morten Kampung Morten Urban villages located in town centres can be found in most cities. However, picture perfect villages with well preserved and maintained buildings, beautiful landscaping and neat layouts are extremely rare. Kampung Morten started out as a Malay village in early 1920s and takes its name after Joseph Frederick Morten, then Commissioner of Land in Malacca. Over the years, it has evolved into a model village which attracts tourists, both local and foreign, all year round. Strategically located along the historic Melaka River, it is one of the must see tourist attractions in Melaka. For the first time, the Melaka State Government is offering tourists a chance to stay in this historic village authentic refurbished traditional Malay house.

Strength Beside the Melaka River Cruise. Kampung Morten is a riverine Malay village beside the Melaka River. Heading towards the sea, the river passes through of Malacca and the many settlements situated along the riverbanks. Visitors will be charmed by the unique Malay houses that are built in the traditional way. Jambatan Kampung Morten. The lovely decorated bridge that we passed under leads to the little village of Kampung Morten. Once it was wood, then metal and now it renovate wholly into a concrete bridge. The bridges along the Melaka River were very important for serving as the main communication medium in the past. Malay Village Despite the years, Kampung Morten is the only Malay village in this historic city to have maintained its custom and traditions. The villages houses were built according to the Malay design of having long roofs and tile covered stairs made from stone. Intricate wood carvings could also be found at the verandah of these houses. Various flowery plants usually decorate the lawn at these houses. This has made Kampung Morten a truly unique tourist destination hence it is no wonder that this village is famous worldwide. Visitors to Kampung Morten would be welcomed by neatly lined Malay traditional houses and a walk through this village could turn into one the down memory lane. In 1988, the state government passed a gazette that placed Kampung Morten as a traditional Malay village of heritage significance and turned it into a tourist attraction. Now, modern multi-store buildings and the beautiful Melaka river that has undergone an imageuplifting programme flank the village. For tourists who opt for the Melaka River Cruise, a boat ride that snakes along a four-km stretch of Sungai Melaka, they would be in awe after witnessing the charming and tranquil Malay houses at Kampung Morten. The only village in the city. Notice the intricate artwork at the bridge. Kampung Morten is a heritage village and it is a chance to experience first hand, the living heritage and traditional culture of the Malays in Melaka. The location of the village is also perfect for tourists. Located at the buffer of the core heritage zone (Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage City, it is a literally a stones throw from many historic sites and attractions. Visitors can also walk along the Melaka Rive which is famous for its own history and the iconic Melaka River Cruise. A walk at nigh is highly recommended as the river is beautifully lighted up.

Villa Sentosa Within the village itself, the house of one of founders of Kampung Morten, Othman Haji Muhammad Nor, has been converted into a living museum and named Villa Sentosa. These treasures are kept in the house which was built in the year 1920 and has on display household items, pictures,

memorabilia and furniture which hark back to a bygone era. At a glance, not many would be able to notice that among these pastoral abodes, there is a residence that stresses the Melaka heritage that dates back to more than half a century. Nine generations of Othmans descendants have stayed in this house and the occupants have also maintained the villas traditions. Villa Sentosa, is also dubbed The Living Museum by many tourists and was turned into a sort of personal museum on Dec 11, 1991. A descendant of Othmans, 58 years old Abdul Rahim Hashi, now runs the villa. When speaking to Bernama recently, Abdul Rahim said Villa Sentosa exhibits a unique interior design apart from having a collection of Malay traditional wear, musical instruments, and antique furniture. Family possessions Visitors to the villa would come to know about the family members of Hashim Abdul Ghani, the father of Abdul Rahim, through photographs and pictures placed on the walls of the wedding room. Abdul Rahim said the room had been used for 20 weddings of Othmans descendants. Meanwhile, at the villas sitting room, a family tree illustration provides visitor with information on whom in Othmans family. Fourteen windows provide the villa with a profuse infusion of fresh and cool air; hence the house needs no fans and air-conditioners. This villa also exhibits a traditional Malay wedding dais; bathed in yellow colour as well as various Malay wedding attired that aged some 20 years apart from the other traditional wedding paraphernalia. There is also a room decorated like that of a Malay wedding room during the old days of the Melaka sultanate. Among other exhibits are a gong believed to be two centuries old, a 100-year-old cupboard and ceramics. Also present are 80-year-old Quran and English-Arab dictionary published in 1926. There is also a glass cabinet that display antique cameras. This villa also greets visitors with its collection of the 50s era record apartment from an assortment of time-honoured weapons like the tekpi (trident) as well as ancient crockery from conteries like China, England, Italy and France. Cultural Show In an effort to promote Villa Sentosa, they will also be a cultural show that incorporates the dongdang saying and joget lambak. The show is held once a month told by Abdul Rahim. He said that there is no entrance fee for visitors to the villa and his family members would be ever willing to provide information to anybody who requests it. However, there is a donation box for people to contribute to make contributions for the family which will be used to make repairs and refurbishment to the villa. Villa Sentosa is opened to visitors daily from 9am to 6pm except on Friday where it is accessible for tourists between 2pm to 6pm. Homestay Homestay is a traditional practice in many industrialised countries, especially in North America, Australasia and Bratain. It is comparable to bed and breakfasts, but even less formal. A homestay property is a non-commercialized, pivate residence that accommodates paying guest who enjoy staying in the comfort and security of a family home for an extended period of time, usually months

rather than days. It is a safe, affordable means of housing popular amongst international students, interns, travelling professionals and adult visitors from other countries, who are looking to experience and lean about local lifestyle and culture. Homestay is not specifically a niche tourism segment, but rather a type of accommodation that is used by tourists when staying at a destination and pursuing other purposes of visit. One of the neighbouring houses located in Kampung Morten. Almost all the houses in Kampung Morten are well preserved and in immaculate condition. For visitors who have never stayed in a traditional wooden house, the experience can be quite unforgettable. This is because a house built with wood emits sounds. It responds to the movement of its inhabitants. For example, when you walk on the wooden verandah, it will creak. It is also not possible to climb a wooden staircase silently. Some people may say this is unnerving but others may relish the experience especially when this is an antique building with its own heritage and history. Figure: The steep wooden staircase leading to the loft. The loft is directly under the zinc roof Figure: A view of the wooden anjung or verandah Villa Meriah Kampung morten This Villa is located in a traditional Malay village in Malacca, which provides charming accommodation with a flat screen cable TV and free Wi Fi in the entire property. It offers a tour desk and laundry services. The villa is a 5-munite walk from the Melaka River Cruise and 10 munite by car from Jonker Walk. Villa Meriah Kampung Morten provides car rental facilities for guests who wish to explore the region on their own. Equipped with dark wood furnishings, the homely rooms are spacious and equipped with air conditioning. They are fitted with tea/coffee making facilities and en suite bathrooms. Some rooms have private balconies. Guests can request for laundry and luggage storage services. Free public parking is available at a nearby location.

Weakness An authentic traditional Malay house in a urban heritage village.

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