Melakas history as a trading port is fascinating and well documented but sadly few buildings have survived and attempts to restore the historical buildings have not been a success. We arrived at dusk and found our hostel. We literally walked in, said hello to everyone, and the walked out as we joined a group that was just about to head to the night market in town. The night market was an extensive, temporary (only on weekends) market filled with plenty of trinkets, food and live line dancing. The night market was excellent but the highlight for us was Mods cafe. A local, who had spent too much time in Melbourne (is that possible?) had made a coffee shop that included some great Vespas and an immaculately restored combi van and the best coffee that we have had so far on P2P.

On the western side of Malaysia, from North to South is an excellent freeway. I am in India as I type this and it has been the best road we have seen so far. You can do a very reasonable 130kph and people keep left so there is no frustration, crowding or anger. The driving in Malaysia has been the best we have seen since leaving Australia.