Well, Taiwan had just been a short stop-over – and it was time now to move on. I made my way out to the Taoyuan Airport in the early Monday morning for a 9am flight over to Malaysia. I arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in the afternoon and was lucky enough to be in time for an immediate jump on a bus for Malakka, about two hours South of the capital.

I spent the next two days discovering the history of town. Malakka is strategically located right at the Malakka Strait and as such has always been a port for trading and exchange, drawing in people from across the region – a true melting pot of Malay, Indian and Chinese culture … and eventually European, with the Portoguese making their forceful way in during the early 16th century. Portuguese rule lasted for about a hundred years, with the Dutch then taking over. Given political developments in Europe the Britsh came in in the 19th century, who – after a short time under Japanese occupation during WW2 – finally released Malaysia into independence  in 1957.

All of that history can still be seen in  Malakka – the remains of the old Portoguese fort and church, houses of the Dutch magistrate, various places of worships (mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples) … plus the walk along the Malakka River, nicely illuminated at night and lined with bars and restaurants. Overall a worth-while stop and one that I have had on my bucket list for quiet some time now.