CHRIST CHURCH MELAKA

Christ Church  built by the Dutch when they took possession of Malacca from the Portuguese, it's one of Malacca’s most defining structures. Situated along Jalan Gereja (also known as Church Street) it is an instantly recognizable brick-red building with a huge white cross at the top. Sitting opposite the Stadhuys, Christ Church was built in 1753 to celebrate a century of Dutch occupation. The interior of the cathedral has 200 year-old handmade pews, decorative fanlights and plaques that honour Dutch soldiers and locals.

Christ Church Information

Christ Church is located near to Malacca’s Chinatown centre. Across the bridge from the Jonker Street, it is one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in the Stadthuys area. A lot of colourful trishaws (You can pay to ride it) and directly opposite is the Historical Museum and Ethnographical Museum.
The area is stepped in Baba Nyonya culture with opulent ‘Baba merchants’ houses and elegantly-conserved Nyonya restaurants that line the constricted roads. Christ Church is small – once inside, right beside the front doors there is a long table with brochures and religious paraphernalia for sale set up. There are about ten rows of pews before the main altar and the whole place has old light fixtures and plenty of worn-but-well-kept tiles.

Dutch occupation

Besides its commemorative purpose, Christ Church was constructed due to the fact that when the Dutch first conquered Malacca, they had no place of worship other than St. Paul’s Church, a small chapel built on St. Paul Hill.

Later on, when the British took over Malacca they added a weathercock and bell to Christ Church and transformed it from a Protestant church into an Anglican one. Entrance into the basilica is free; it is not a big building and the interior is dark yet cosy, with dark polished wooden pews that face the altar and large timber crucifixes that hang on the walls. Meanwhile, outside the church is a beautiful collection of potted plants and a colourful group of trishaws lined up for tourists.

Christ Church Melaka

• Address: Jalan Kota Melaka, Melaka

JONKER WALK STREET

Everything You Need To Know About Jonker Street

Jonker Street – the centre street of Chinatown – was once renowned for its antique shops. However over the years it has turned to clothing and crafts outlets as well as restaurants. The best part of Jonker Street is the night market on Fridays and Saturdays that sells everything from tasty treats to cheap keepsakes.

 

A street in Chinatown with many antiques, textile and handicraft stores as well as galleries. On weekend nights the street is closed for traffic and turns into a lively night market

Jalan Hang Jebat, or Jonker Walk is it commonly known, is a street in historical Chinatown of Melaka starting just across the river from the Dutch Square. Jonker Walk is flanked on both sides of the road with heritage houses dating back up to the 17th century. At that time, rich Baba Nonyas (also known as Perankans, descendents of 15th - 16th century Chinese immigrants marrying local Malay women) lived and did their business here.

Today, the street houses many shops selling antiques, textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs (similar to what you can find at Central Market in Kuala Lumpur). On the weekends, starting Friday night at 6pm, the road is closed off for traffic and turns in a very crowded night market. The famous Chicken Rice Ball dish can also be found here, just opposite the start of Jonker Walk near the bridge.

Opening Hours Jonker Walk Night Market:
Friday, 6-10pm
Saturday & Sunday, 11am-10pm

Jonker Walk at night


it can get really crowded on weekends in the evening as stall are set up on the street


on weekends, karaoke sessions are being held at the Chinese stage


there are several food stalls at the end of Jonker Walk where Jalan Hang Jebat meets Jalan Tukang Emas (here a Sushi stall)