Seeking Baba Nyonya Trails from the City Malacca! by Fiona Loo

When the Chinese traders arrived at the Malay Peninsula, the first stop is Malacca. It is at Malacca that has the deepest roots of the Peranakan society. Then from Malacca, the culture was exported to Singapore and Penang.

So, we decided to venture down to Malacca in search of Peranakan trails in the city. 

In groups of three, Kasie, Evelyn and I set out to Malacca early in the morning! 

(Too bad Shona can't make it because she was in Penang)

After reaching Melaka Sentral, we took town buses to the city.  

We got down at the Stadhuys (Red Square) and posed for a few shots.

After that it is time to start exploring for the Peranakan trail!

Cross the Malacca river and you will reach Jonker street. 

The Malacca River was once an important trade route in the 15th century. 

Many of the Baba-Nyonya shop houses adopt the Straits Eclectic style of architecture, combining Eastern and Western elements. They adopt full length French windows with a pair of full length shutters. Some of the window or door panels are beautifully carved to symbolize the wealth and status of the owner in the society. The houses are known for being long on length too!

Baba-Nyonya houses' structure have an opening in the middle courtyard. In tropical countries like Malaysia, it is believed that the houses were designed to relieve the heat and humidity of the weather. 

While there are also some poorly maintained Nyonya houses that eventually deteriorate after decades.



Unlike Baba Nyonya shop houses, the normal Chinese shop houses are more simple in architectural design. The left wooden shutter was put down and normal daily business was conducted there.

Walking along the streets, we found several old Baba Nyonya shop houses that is well-maintained and is still conducting business nowadays.

We came to a Nyonya house modified into a dessert shop, of which it is famous of its "Nyonya cendol" dessert. Cendol is a cooling dessert made of shaved ice, red beans, coconut milk, and 'gula melaka', and is a favorite for most Malaysians. 

The front, middle, and back hall is filled with tables and benches, and the shop owner had filled the shop decorating with antiques, preserving some Baba Nyonya design in the shop.

Other than that we stumbled upon a library open for the public in a Baba-Nyonya shop house too! It was spacious and cozy and we had spent the evening reading and relaxing there. The middle courtyard opening was decorated delicately. 

As we walked down the streets, we notice a handful of guest houses that attract tourists by serving Nyonya food and having a Peranakan house interior design. 

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

Inside, it is like reliving a real Baba Nyonya house. The detailed architecture of the house will amaze art lovers. If you have some time to spend in Malacca, remember to take some time to stop and have a look at the rich Baba Nyonya culture.