Outside the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
I realized that my trip to Melaka would be far different from my previous one several years ago. This time, I have more control over my time and I would be able to walk as I please – one of the perks of traveling solo. I decided to follow on of the do-it-yourself guided tour in Melaka’s historic center. The walk focuses mainly on the Chinatown side, though it does go on across the river. On of the first impressive structures I came upon is the Baba Nonya Hiertage Museum.
Some terms one would come to know when visiting Melaka are Peranakan, Baba and Nonya. The Peranakan is the common term for the ethnic Chinese born in what is now Malaysia and Singapore. In an effort to assimilate into the local Malay culture, the peranakan people adopted certain customs, most notably fashion as this is typically what stands out about them. The Baba is the name for a male Peranakan, while the Nonya is the term for a female Peranakan.
Impressive Facade of the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Peranakan culture has come to shape much of Melaka’s culture and identity, so I was a bit interested to see what is so interesting about them. The Baba Nonya Heritage Museum is the an impresive little shophouse converted into a museum. The thing about this museum is that it is private, which means that you cannot just enter the place anytime. The gate is normally locked and you need to ring the doorbell to let them know you want to enter. There is an entrance fee of MYR 8.
Unfortunately, at the time of my visit. Visitors were not allow at that time since it was lunch break up until 2:30. I’m afraid I don’t have time to come back and visit this museum but I needed to drop it. I have heard a lot of good reviews about the museum and I would want to visit this place again when I am in Melaka. Hopefully, this time there would be someone to open the door for me.
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