MALACCA IN PICTURES – Melaka, Malaysia

Malacca. It’s one of those names, like Rangoon, Timbuktu and Mandalay that conjures up the glory days of the British Empire, when chaps went about in safari suits and pith helmets, swishing malacca canes. Travelling to Malacca should involve a steamer, a bullock cart and leather suitcases.

Since the old town is so small, everywhere is walkable, but riding in a beca (trishaw) is a joyride.

They've painted every old building 'heritage' red and white. This is the old Dutch Christ Church.

Shophouses along Jonker Street become a busy market at night

Santiago Gate is all that's left of the old Portuguese fort. The British demolished the rest.

Not old, but the reconstructed Forbidden Gardens of the reconstructed Sultan's Palace are the nicest place in town.

Old houses (and run-down) houses along the Melaka River

Most people were excited to see this girl miming playing this Chinese instrument in the street. Was she famous or just pretty? No-one could tell me.