The Melaka Gateway project once promised a state of the art cruise ship terminal, and aspirational living with stunning views overlooking the Straits of Melaka. In November 2020 the Malaysian government brought a halt to the whole scheme.
The Gateway was to be constructed on reclaimed islands, but because the project missed deadlines the plug was pulled. In a bizarre situation ninety-nine percent of the project that was completed remains empty and the biggest building, perhaps it was going to be apartments or a shopping mall, remains uncompleted – abandoned.
The Floating Mosque overlooking the Straits was here long before the project began, it dates back to 2006 and was the reason we set off on a forty-five minutes walk in thirty-two degree heat! The abandoned streets and buildings were an added bonus. As we reached the end of the road almost to nowhere there are big billboards with artists impressions, the new town and port looked amazing.
We wandered the empty streets, walking down the middle of roads, that have been named and signposted, but remain deserted. In a grassy field it looks like the builders used to enjoy a game of football in their dinner hour or after work, a set of goalposts made of scaffolding poles the giveaway sign. What looks like a bus station has been left to decay.
We reach the mosque and the security guy brings us the garments we need to wear. I get away with a sarong type skirt, Alison has to fully robe up, including a head covering that flows down covering the chest area. For once the sun is in the right position and we are able to get some good photographs. They call it the floating mosque as it is built on stilts, seemingly hovering just above the water. We are able to wander around the outer corridors, but can only look into the prayer hall itself.
With mission accomplished we make our way back, and do find some sign of life! The attractive looking commercial centre has the odd restaurant and shop open, maybe looking to feed the curious visitors who are roaming around bemused at how much money has obviously been spent… yet all for nothing.
Oldest On the Bus 