Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), Malacca

Jonker Street (29 December, 2006)


Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street during the British and Jonkerstraat during the Dutch period, was the name street through Malacca Town, in what is today the core zone of the Malacca Unesco World Heritage Site. One assertion says that jonker is said to mean "junk", referring to the Chinese vessals. However, it may be more true that Jonker is derived from the Dutch word for servant, as opposed to Heeren meaning masters. Hence, Jonker Street was created as a working class neighbourhood while Heeren Street was the reserve of the upper class.

Jalan Hang Jebat was where the different Chinese clans had their clan associations. Among them, the Hokkiens established theirs in 1837, along with the clan associations of the Tan, Lee, and other clans. Most of the shophouses along Jalan Hang Jebat date to the early part of the 20th century, although some goes back to the 19th century.

Every Friday and Saturday night, Jalan Hang Jebat is turned into a pedestrianized zone for the Jonker Walk Night Market. The night market is a mixed blessing for the locals. On the one hand, it brings in activity to the area, on the other, it brought much disruption to the lives of the residents.

Map of Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), Malacca

Sights along Jalan Hang Jebat

Eateries along Jalan Hang Jebat

Businesses along Jalan Hang Jebat

The Jonker Walk Night Market at Jalan Hang Jebat (1 May, 2009)

Getting there

From Dutch Square, cross Tan Kim Seng Bridge and then continue walking straight on to enter Jalan Hang Jebat.

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