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Bandar Hilir

History is the soul of Malacca and the portal to its timeless, exotic beauty. The Town Square is easy to find, but just in case the taxi driver does not know where it is, try asking for Dutch Square, the Tan Kim Seng Clock Tower, Queen Victoria's Fountain or the Stadthuys—because all are within eyeshot of each other. Even harder to miss is the gradient of colors-all a similar tint of red—which makes the whole scene look like an unfinished oil painting. Close by, the revitalized European architecture of Christ Church and the Malaysia Youth Museum cry for attention through tactical use of fresh color. Together they form an unwitting homage to the pomp of ancient empires. The ruins of St Paul's Church lie up a flight o f stairs behind the Stadthuys. Saint Francis Xavier was ennobled and enshrined here, while the Dutch made it a graveyard for their compatriots. Today, saints, martyrs, and St Francis Xavier's Statue all share boundless views from the top of St Paul's Hill, gazing out across the Straits of Malacca. Along both banks of the Malacca River, small, handmade huts on stilts can be seen as an example of a traditional fishing village. The area and its livelihoods seem untouched since the 15th century. For views of the famous delta, head for the Iguana Riverfront, Restoran Mahligai, or No. 2 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, where a cold beer complements a day of sightseeing perfectly.