A' Farmosa - inside the fort Photo

Photographer’s Note

Hi friends in TE,

Visiting the historic Malacca has always been pleasurable. There are so many things to see and my three days intended stay in 2007 stretched to five days.

Besides the ruined church on the hill, those Portuguese masters also left behind a solid fort gate at the base of the hill in Melaka. Now, you may know this famous symbol of Melaka as A' Farmosa but that is as far removed from the truth as Melaka is from Timbuktu. The gate is called Porta de Santiago. Though nothing more that a ruin with a modern cannon, it's still worth taking a look. You'll want to see this after listening to this interesting story that connects the fort with the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles!

In 1808, Porta de Santiago was nearly lost forever to history as orders were given by the British Governor of Pahang to demolish it, along with the fortress at the mouth of the river. Unfortunately for the locals ( and luckily for us ), their spades, picks and crowbars were useless against a fortress which reportedly had walls fifteen feet thick! But before they could use gunpowder, Stamford Raffles stepped in and saved what tourists can see today! Thanks to him, we can see the grand construction of the fort and the Dutch logo that the sods imprinted on the Portuguese fort after seizing control.

www.virtualtourist.com

Thanks for viewing!

windosil, trekks, cfreire, shevchenko, lrw1966, stego, skippy007 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

emka (21179) 2009-05-23 23:51

Hi Jusni, interesting view of this ruin. Beautiful composition wuth the view of modern houses far away.

regards

Malgorzata

windosil (768) 2009-05-24 2:52

Hi, Jusni,
What a superb photo! Large areas with various textures in related tones of orange, pink and slate. In contrast, small areas with even smaller detail in green and white. An interesting breaking of the overall symmetry is given by the central window (though that is not your doing, of course). And an interesting note. Thank you,
Winifred

trekks (14262) 2009-05-24 3:49

hi Jusni

3 days in Melaka was more than enough for me previously but now, I concur with your decision of 5 days because they are too many details to be subject for photography than meet the eye. For example, even shooting the fort itself can take at least 2 days if we are serious about the effects, like sunrise, noon, evening and the in-between times.

I have stood inside this place many times but never really knew how to appreciate it more than the eye view and this presentation is a good one to show how one can look at different angles to the same wall and old relic. Very well portrayed sharp detail and texture of the wall, as if it is a huge piece of chocolate. It can also become abstract subjects in many ways only imagination can bring. I am not sure if warm light will reach this wall at all but you seem to have enjoyed the available light to capture this one.

Good work and something reminds me that I must return here again one day.

tfs, bill

cfreire (11647) 2009-05-24 7:26

Hi Jusni
Another interesting shot about old architecture framed with creative. Beautiful textures and colors. Well done. Regards, Consuelo

aadilj (17950) 2009-05-24 22:08

Hi Jusni, I like the colours of the etxtures and the way they have been captured with such sharpness and clarity. the impact of this composition is lovely

vmf-214 (1622) 2009-05-24 22:59

Hi Jusni,

Yes interesting POV of the old ruins, Nice lighting really brings out the texture on the old wall of the church. Good sharpness and clarity too, Great job Jusni.

Regards
Jason.

syrus_persia (2140) 2009-05-25 1:19

Salam Jusni
I love all the light!!! Beautiful image of architecture. Good detail and I like the crop. TFS

cyrus

shevchenko (9858) 2009-05-26 23:23

Hi Jusni,
Clear to show the old wall,
creative pov to include partly of the foreground arch,
good shoot.
Ally

lrw1966 (1630) 2009-05-27 10:12

Jusni, Hi:

Wonderful composition of amazing architecture with very educational notes. Very nicely done.

Congratulations.
Larry

azaf1 (15541) 2009-05-27 15:18

Hi Jusni

I've been quite busy lately and I almost missed this very nice documentary about the place. The note is very informative and the picture really brings the grandeur of the fortress.

Have a good day and TFS
Argiris

stego (22350) 2009-05-27 17:12

Hi Jusni,

It looks like a very difficult place to photograph, because of the light and the angles, but I think you did a wonderful job. We can see clearly the interesting texture of the wall, apparently made of brick, stone and plaster. I like to see the signs of the new town framed by the empty door.

I thought that "A Famosa" (the famous one) or "A Formosa" (the beautiful one) - "A'Farmosa" seems to be a mix of the two words was the nickname of Malaca itself.

Regards,
José

claire526 (1261) 2009-05-30 21:35

hello, great shot. I like the perspective and the raw colors. :)

skippy007 (6957) 2009-06-02 2:55

Hello Jusni, Interesting image ,enhanced by your equally interesting note. Lucky these type of buildings are still standing for all to admire & a reminder of our past & not demolished as some people would have it. The light would have been difficult but you managed it well, the inclusion of the new city through the door opening is a good idea creating interest & contrast between the old & new. thank you. Well done.
Regards
Santo
I went back to look at Bill's photos, I saw the one where he got you, sunset in Kuching. nice one.