As part of a relaxing experience to help the students kick back from the stress of preparing for their examinations in the upcoming weeks, a group of international exchange students joined the heritage city tour to Malacca on 3 December 2022.

Led by Student Exchange Programme (SEP) Inbound Coordinator Hely Wong, the students were brought to Malacca’s newly-renovated artificial beach called the Klebang Beach, which has become a popular recreational attraction for the general public.

The students also did not miss the chance to try one of Malacca’s signature delicacies, the ‘Chicken Rice Ball’ dish. Aptly named, the fragrant ginger-infused rice rolled into gold-ball-sized bites was served with succulent, tender and juicy roasted chicken. This gastronomic experience was undoubtedly one of the many highlights of this trip for everyone involved. After the meal, the students had the chance to sample a local dessert called ‘Cendol’, made with fresh ‘Gula Melaka’ (a traditional Malaysian version of brown sugar), durian bits and shaved ice.

After that, students visited the myriad of heritage sites scattered throughout Malacca. The group was brought to see the A’Famosa fort, St Paul Church, and the Stadthuys building (the famous red-painted Dutch building). Students were given insights into the early stages of the country’s history, originating from between the 15th-century Malay Sultanate to the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century in Malacca, Malaysia.

The trip ended with a stroll at the famous Jonker street, which cut through a good portion of the city. Throughout the walk, the students also did not miss the chance to learn about the culture which shaped the identity of Malacca, which is the Baba Nyonya culture.