This is the street where all the shops dealing in Antiques, Curios and Collectibles are found. It was originally called Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat}.
In those days, Heeren Street (the street parallel to Jonker Street) means ‘gentlemen street’ where the Dutch upper class stayed. Jonker street was where they kept their horses and carriage. Maybe they name it in honor of a Mr. Jonker. The Chinese called this street ‘Ji Chang Jie’ which means ‘chicken farm street’ because of the chicken farm and market here in the early days.
Today they still have their similarities where many rich families have their houses in Heeren Street and businesses and associations along Jonker Street. It has the highest concentration of Chinese Associations, antique shops and other cultural establishments.
Jonker Street is turned into a Pedestrian Mall on every Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. Vehicles are not allowed in during these hours, and local residences and shopkeepers set up stalls along the street selling a wide variety of food, cultural items and Souvenirs. Cultural shows, dances and singing are held at the stage. When there is no activity on the stage, ‘Karaoke’ is set up where both tourists and locals can belt out their best numbers.
With the listing of the Malacca Heritage by the UNESCO, Malacca is visited by millions of tourists both domestic and International.