Jewel of the Straits

Melaka was founded in 1402 by Parameswara, a Raja from Temasek

(Singapore) who was fleeing an invasion by the Majapahit empire. He 
quickly established Melaka as an international port and drew traders 
from as far as China. And because of its strategic location, it was an
important stopping point for admiral Zheng He's expedition fleet.

    

Over the next six centuries, Melaka would be ruled by the Portuguese, the 

Dutch and the British. They left behind many forts, churches and buildings 

which survived to this day. Melaka was declared a World Heritage City by 
the United Nations in 2008.

To me, Melaka is one of the most interesting places in South East Asia and 

I wanted to photograph its people and those who have come to experience 

its culture and history.