Jonker street

Jonker Street is one of the most visited places in Melaka and there is no doubt that this is the busiest area especially over the weekends or school holidays. Throngs of visitors from all over visit this lively street famous for it's culture and heritage. The best possible way to enjoy visiting Jonker Street would be to walk around this historical area which is in the core zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, traditional trishaws (becas) can be hired to take you on a nostalgic journey through this historical site.

Traditional Chinese Lantern outside a home

Jonker Street has always held a special charm in terms of the diverse European-Asian culture and heritage at this city once known to the world as Malacca. The renown street houses some of the countries oldest heritage buildings dating back to the 17th century. Architecturally influenced by the Portugese and Dutch, you will see an beautiful eclectic mix of cultures through this entire area.

Antiques and collectibles at Jonker Street

While Jonker Street caters mostly to tourist, art aficionados are also seen here as some of the best antique curios and furniture are traded here. On the main street which is called Jonker Walk, quite a number of antique galleries or art houses are found well spread throughout the area. Walk-in customers would know that the prices are well inflated to the unknown buyers while bargaining or haggling is a common practice here. So do not be afraid to try your bargaining skills but do be realistic about it.

Peranakan Museum of Melaka

While most of the action is on Jonker Street, if you walk one street behind, you will find Heeran Street which is also known as the Millionaires Row. It is here that you will find the world famous Baba Peranakan Museum of Melaka. A fee applies to visit this unique museum while the architecture is absolutely astounding. This would be the best place for you to explore if you want to find out more about the amazing Baba-Nyonya Culture and Heritage of Melaka.

If you love the classic eclectic architecture, do inspect some of the buildings along Heeran Street as well. While the roads are very narrow, please be extra careful when walking along these streets. Old buildings don mix architecture from the Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese era while they are clearly shown throughout the buildings here. Looking closely you can see the fine detailed work some of them carry. Colours standout on the engravings and carvings of these pre-war buildings. Architectural works from the Utilitarian era all the way to Art Deco are found along this majestic street. 

Beautiful architecture along Jonker Street

As most of the shophouses are intermediate, you can step into some of the five foot ways of the premises encountering some really amazing architecture workmanship. I took the picture above at one of the streets here in Melaka where neighboring units were divided with a circular hole in the walls. 

As Melaka (Malacca) was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 2008, the government has been paying a lot of attention to the core zone here. Many of the centuries old buildings have been given a beautiful make over especially on the facades. While most of the original businesses have faded away, new ones are seen popping up monthly. Lots of guesthouses and boutique hotels have also taken over some of the beautiful shoplots while cafes and souvenir shops seem to be the popular choices around Jonker Street.

But when you take your time and walk around Jonker, you will notice that some of the original businesses are still operating here. Most of them are well maintained as you can see from some of the pictures and the best time to witness them in action are on weekdays during office hours. They close on weekends so you would be missing it if you go during that time.

As most of the old buildings are public owned, some of them have chosen not to do anything thus you see the original structures, paintwork and signages which in turn gives the place lots of character. Sometimes I keep an eye out for these type of buildings during my walkabouts here at Jonker.

Famosa Chicken Rice Ball

While Jonker Street is famous for its architecture and heritage, food is also one of the popular choices here. A good variety of local food can be found along Jonker Street while most tend to source for the famous Peranakan or Nyonya food here. A number of them can be seen along the streets here. Another must-eat local delicacy is the Chicken Rice Balls. There are about four shops that sell this unique dish that can be only found in Melaka so choose wisely on which shop you patronise.

Jonker Dessert Cafe - Interior

Another unique must-stop food place is the famous Jonker Dessert Cafe cum museum located along Jonker Street. This experience is something every traveler should try here. Famous for the Baba-Nyonya deserts and food, you will not be disappointed here. I make it a point to stop here every time I visit Melaka for my fix of Shaved Ice (Ice Kachang).

reference:

http://blog.malaysia-asia.my/2010/07/jonker-street-in-melaka.html