Malacca, Malaysia
Perched midway in the Straits of Melaka,
Founded by Parameswara in 1396 who named his sultanate after the "Melaka" tree, Melaka has provided the stage on which the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English played their roles in shaping history.
Today, Melaka posesses a charm that is all its own. Hail a trishaw for a ride along little streets that wind through a colourful mishmash of architectural styles. Cruise along Melaka river, then walk along hillocks that have tales to tell, of warfare and treachery, romance and heartbreak.