MY-735999

Still on my list of must visit places, here's a postcard of Malacca, which was an important base for Portuguese expansion in the East Indies in the 16th century.

Historically, Jonker Walk was a center of trade, where Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian merchants exchanged goods, fostering a unique blend of cultures that is still evident in the architecture, food, and traditions found here today.

 

MY-735999, sent by Lee.

The traditional shop houses along the street have been preserved and adapted, housing antique shops, art galleries, and local eateries, many of which feature colonial-era designs that reflect both Chinese and European influences.

For the community, Jonker Walk remains a place of shared identity—a living tapestry of Melaka’s past and present. It brings together people from all walks of life, from locals enjoying a stroll through its streets to tourists immersing themselves in Melaka’s rich history and cultural offerings. Today, Jonker Walk continues to be a vital part of Melaka’s cultural landscape, bridging the old with the new and offering visitors an authentic experience of the city’s heritage. - in: https://discovermalaysia-unesco.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * April '26

I was still missing one card to have the 4 cards of  the MFS April, and it finally arrived in June.

 

 Tanya always sends me churches. I've quite a few church cards from Belarus in my favs but I've never seen this one before.

The catholic Church of Saint John the Baptist is located in the village of Mscibava. It stands as a prominent architectural landmark in the village, which boasts a rich, centuries-old local history dating back to the Middle Ages.

www.papersisters.de

Ni Hao! Happy Postcrossing from China, even thought Karissa sent the card from USA. That's really not important, this is a new HP in my collection. 

About 1,4 billion people call the Peoples Republic of China home. The combination of a long history and traditions and a very modern presence makes it an exciting place to discover. The Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and iconic Giant Panda are just some ambassadors. Chinese New Year celebrations continue for days and are held all over the world. 2026 marks the Year of the Horse.

I believe that my very 1st card of China was a card of this lake, Erhai. Xinyi said it is a UNESCO site but it actually is part of the Dali-Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark, which in turn is on the UNESCO Tentative list.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Plateau,’Erhai Lake is the second largest lake in Yunnan Province and the seventh biggest freshwater lake in China, by area and water storage. Formed in a rift depression, Erhai Lake has been known since ancient times as the "flawless jade among mountains" due to the color and clarity of its waters.
Stretching 42 kilometres from north to south and 3.9 kilometres from east to west, it covers an area of more than 250 square kilometres, with the deepest point reaching 21.5 metres.
In Dali, locals regard Erhai Lake as their ‘mother lake.’ Hence why it is so important in the region and an unmissable tourism spot. - in: https://www.visityunnanchina.com

 

I'm more likely to find myself on a beach taking sunset photos than lying on the sand sunbathing. 

If beaches are your weakness then Malaysia should sit right at the top of your vacation wish list. Malaysia’s east coast is a great destination for getting a dose of reliable, relaxing sun, sand and sea. This corner of the country, separated from the frenetic trading ports of the south and west by dense jungle, has its own distinct culture, rooted in traditional fishing and farming. Just under an hour by plane from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu is a bustling modern town with several laid back beach resorts dotted along the nearby coast, including one of our absolute favourites: Tanjung Jara. Even though this coast has its fair share of mass tourism, it's a great place to come if you want some simple, slower-paced beach bliss. - in: https://www.selectiveasia.com

This card was sent by Beatrice.

Beaches in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a diverse array of islands, from world-class diving spots to laid-back tropical retreats. But to avoid ruining a trip to any Malaysian beach, is probably better not visit the east coast of the country between November and March, which is the period of the monsoon season.

Yacine Collection

MY-94072, send by Dybb.

Malaysia's beaches are noticeably different from those in other parts of the world. They are often less differentiated from the shoreline than those of the Caribbean, for example, tending instead to be almost nestled up against the lush forests that this nation is famous for. The color palette is different as well golden sands and emerald waters imbue Malaysian beaches with an air of succulent sweetness that isn't found in the cool whites and blues of many western strands. 

The result is that these beaches impart a very different sensation, a sense of languid peace and a distinct feeling that the division between land and sea is less a sharp line than a smooth continuum. - in: http://malaysia.tourism-asia.net

MY-22554, sent by Muhamad.
Another day in a Malaysian island paradise where de blue sky float above the emerald green waters of unspoiled beaches.

Batu Caves - Malaysia

I got my 1st card of the Batu Caves in 2015, depicting the Thaipusam festival, which is celebrated every year between January and February. 

Last week, I've received a 2nd card from there. Kristiina, a girl from Finland, was on a 6 weeks solo trip in Asia, and sent the card on travel mode. 

Just ten kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves stand as one of Malaysia’s most iconic cultural and spiritual symbols. This fascinating natural site, nestled along the Gombak River, offers much more than a geological spectacle. It is a true living sanctuary of Hindu tradition, rich in history, spirituality and color

MY-726020, sent by Kristiina.

The Batu Caves have a captivating history that begins in the 19th century. Originally, these natural caves were exploited for their limestone and guano (bat droppings, used as fertilizer). In 1891, Indian merchant K. Thamboosamy Pillai had a vision of transforming these caves into a shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory. Today, this site has become the largest Hindu shrine outside India. 

The entrance to the site is marked by the imposing statue of Hanuman, the monkey god, who watches over this sacred place from a height of 15 meters. Visitors then undertake an ascent of 272 steps, at the top of which sits a 43m golden representation of Lord Murugan, inaugurated in 2006. This icon, one of the tallest in the world, symbolizes the harmony between masculine and feminine energies and embodies divine wisdom.
The caves themselves are a true masterpiece of nature. In 2018, their walls were decorated in bright colors, sparking both admiration and controversy. Although some purists have criticized these additions for their impact on the historic authenticity of the site, many visitors appreciate this new visual splendor. 

The Batu Caves become a focal point of activity each year during the Thaipusam festival (...). This Hindu religious festival commemorates the gift of a spear by the goddess Parvati to her son Murugan to defeat the forces of evil. Thousands of worshipers take part in a procession from Kuala Lumpur, carrying “kavadi”, decorated wooden or metal structures, often attached to the body by hooks or needles. These acts of extreme devotion demonstrate the faith and spirituality of the participants. Visitors are always welcome, provided they respect local customs. - in: https://terra-cultura.com

Mulu National Park - Malaysia

It has been more than 2 years since I posted cards from Malaysia. I got 2 cards from there in the last weeks but these two are actually quite old, got them more than 10 years ago. One is an official and the other was sent by Ilyani in 2009 and it was my 1st card of the national park, a UNESCO site since 2000.

 

Photo credits: Sarah Waugh, Jan Castley, J Satem, B Wan Ullok © Perkata

MY-169142, sent by Nurul. 

From top left: forest lined rivers, the Pinnacles, Pagoda flowers, Deer Cave and layered tropical forest.

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Nature’s most spectacular achievements and the ‘Jewels in the Crown’ of Sarawak’s expanding network of national park. It is also the largest national park, covering 544 sq km of primary rainforest; which is crass-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams. Mulu is dominated by three mountains – Gunung Mulu (2,376 m), Gunung Api (1,750 m) and Gunung Benarat (1,858 m). Yet many of Mulu’s greatest attractions lie deep below the surface. Hidden underneath the forested slopes of these mountains is one of the largest limestone cave system in the world. 

This system, a breath-taking natural wonder, contains a number of record breaking caves. With the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber), and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave), it is not surprising that Mulu is now world-famous. Over 200 Km of cave passages have been surveyed but this is thought to represent just 30-40% of the actual total.
The oldest of Mulu’s caves started to form about 5 million years ago when sideways earth movements resulted in the formation of both limestone and sandstone mountains, lying side by side. Millions of years of heavy rain and the action of rivers and running water carved out the vast subterranean system that exists today. The weathering process still continues; dripping water creates new rock features, limestone is slowly worn away, and underground rivers carve and sculpt the caves, transporting limestone debris to the cave mouth or redistributing it within the system.
Although Mulu is the synonymous with caves, the ‘Mulu experience’ is not limited to underground attractions; above ground there is plenty to and do. The is covered in rich primary rainforest and offers a whole range of nature-based activities. There are some excellent jungle treks and mountain hikes, including the challenging trek to view the Pinnacles – 45 meter high, razor sharp limestone spikes that sit majestically on the slopes of Gunung Api. - in: https://www.mulunationalpark.com

Niah Caves - Malaysia

A few weeks ago UNESCO added new sites to the World Heritage List. I was lucky to already have 4 of these newly classified sites and over these last weeks, I've received more cards. This one was sent by SL.

With the classification of The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex, Malaysia has now 5 sites on the WHS list. 

This complex of colossal, interconnected caverns is located near the west coast of Borneo Island at the centre of Niah National Park.  It contains the longest known records of human interaction with rainforest, spanning at least 50,000 years, from the Pleistocene to the Mid-Holocene periods. The rich archaeological deposits, prehistoric rock paintings and boat-shaped burials found at the northern edge of the massif illustrate biological and human life during this time, and contribute greatly to the knowledge of human development, adaptation and migration in southeast Asia, as well as in a global context. Local communities still observe an ancient tradition of molong – ‘take only what you need’— when harvesting guano and valuable edible bird’s nests from the caves. - in: https://whc.unesco.org

 

The Great Cave at Niah is truly spectacular both in terms of its enormous size and historical significance. The mouth of the Great Cave is 60 metres high and 250 wide and its floor area covers 10.5 hectares. The cave is accessed from the park HQ by a 3.1 km jungle trail and plankwalk. Archaeological excavations can be see on the left of cave mouth.
From the cave mouth a passage leads to a large chamber at the back known as the Padang. Here rock formations are illuminated by shafts of light that the shine though holes in the cave roof. Beyond the Padang is a dark passage called Moon Cave (Gan Kira).

The Great Cave has a long history of human settlement. In 1950s and 1960s Niah was the focus of intense archaeological research with excavations led by Tom Harrisson, the curator of the Sarawak Museum, and his wife Barbara. The Harrissons and their team found evidence of long term human occupation and burial. Earthenware, ornaments, bone tools and food remains were found in the caves. Their most notable find was a human skull. 

The skull was found in 1958 in the West Mouth of the Great Cave. The skull belonged to an adult female. Radiocarbon dating of the charcoal found at the same level of the dig, suggested the skull was 40,000 years old. This made it the oldest modern human fossil known at that time. - in: https://borneoadventure.com

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - June '23

 It also took a few more months to get all the June's cards. One of them had to be resent.

 

Amami-Ōshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island is a Japanese UNESCO site added to the WHS list in 2021. I already had a card of the Okinawa Island and now Tomoko sent me this one with Amami-Ōshima and Tokunoshima Islands.

The islands have been separated from the continent and other landmasses for millions of years, and therefore harbor a significant number of endemic and rare animals and plants, including the Iriomote leopard cat, the Amami rabbit and the Okinawa rail.
Amami Oshima attracts with its beautiful beaches dotted along its coastline with white sand and clear, warm waters, as well as for its mangrove forest and several unique animals and plants.
Located south of Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima is visited for its relatively uncrowded beaches and its style of bullfighting, as well as the annual Tokunoshima Triathlon. - in: https://www.japan-guide.com

 

This is not my 1st card of this castle in Malaysia but this card, sent by Jessie, shows a much better view of the castle. 

Kellie’s Castle is perched on top of a hill in Batu Gajah, Perak. Built in 1915 by Scottish planter, William Kellie-Smith,  who arrived in Malaysia in 1890. Smith married his Scottish sweetheart, Agnes, and brought her to Malaysiaa in 1903, and they were blessed with a daughter named Helen and a son, Anthony. 

Workers were brought in from India to build the opulent mansion, and bricks and marbles were imported from the country as well. However, things began to take a tragic turn when Smith died of pneumonia in 1926, during a short trip to Lisbon, Portugal. Following his sudden death, the construction of the castle was suspended. Agnes eventually sold the castle to a British company, Harrisons and Crosfield. It was then abandoned and became a historical site years later. - in: https://www.malaysia.travel  

 

 Immagine de Giancarlo Gasponi

I've recently realized how slow Italian mail service can be. The cards that I've sent from Italy in the beginning of this month, took about 3 weeks to arrive to their destinations in Europe but for Susanna things were a bit worse. Some of the cards she sent in June got lost and she resent a few, including this one. I only noticed a few days after getting the card that she used a matching stamp. 

The ‘Spanish steps’ in Rome, built in Rococo style between 1723 and 1726, are the steps that lead from the Piazza di Spagna square to the French monastery church Trinita dei Monti (built between 1502–1587). There are 135 steps and three different terraces, referring to the Holy Trinity (the Trinità). The top of the stairs near the Egyptian obelisk offers a beautiful view. - in: https://romesite.com

www.papersisters.de

In June Lara visited the small country of Liechtenstein and sent this card that was still missing in my HP collection.

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a micro state in Europe, just covering 160 square kilometers. It is the smallest country in the world with two borders - in the East with Austria, in the West with Switzerland. Situated between the Rhine and the Alps, it is with its capital Vaduz well worth a visit! - in: https://www.papersisters.de

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR * February '23

Cards from England, Malaysia, Russia and Belgium.

 

 I've heard about Bath's Royal Crescent but I didn't know there were other crescents in the city. There are 7 crescents in Bath and this card sent by Nan, shows 4 of them.

* One of the most visited and photographed places in the world, the Royal Crescent consists of 30 terraced houses laid out in a 150 metre crescent, close to the centre of Bath. Designed by John Wood the Younger, and built between 1767 and 1774, it is among the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the UK, and listed Grade I. Particularly in combination with the Circus, designed by John Wood the Elder and accessed through Brock Street, the Royal Crescent is the jewel in Bath’s architectural crown;

* Designed by John Palmer, Lansdown Crescent, completed in 1793. The buildings have a clear view over central Bath, being sited on Lansdown Hill.
The crescent comprises 20 houses, each originally having four floors together with servants’ quarters in the basement. It is arranged as a concave crescent, and is flanked by Lansdown Place West and Lansdown Place East, both convex crescents;

* Norfolk Crescent was built between c.1793 and c.1822 the original design was by John Palmer, but minor alterations were later made by John Pinch.
The Georgian terrace includes numbers 1 to 7, which have been converted into flats known as Cumberland House, and numbers 8 to 18 consecutively. Each has five storeys (basement, ground floor, piano nobile, second floor and attic) and the central portion has 6 Ionic pilasters;

* Camden Crescent was built by John Eveleigh in 1788; it was originally known as Upper Camden Place. The houses are of three storeys, with attics and basements. - in: https://discoverbath.co.uk

 

Built between 2004 and 2009, the Tuanku Mizan Zain al-Abidin Mosque, also known as the Putrajaya Iron Mosque, was designed in a distinctive architectural style that was largely inspired by German and Chinese architectural influences. What distinguishes it the most is the absence of a minaret and the fact that it was built mostly of steel. 

The mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers at one time. 

card sent by Jessie from Malaysia.

 

Beautiful snowy view of the Holy Trinity-St Sergius Lavra, the largest monastery in Russia. Now it is the home for 300 priests. It is considered the symbol of Russian Orthodoxy. The present monastery complex includes 45 buildings and monuments. They were created during the 15th – 19th centuries and represent different periods and styles of ancient architecture. - in: https://www.advantour.com

Card sent by Nadezhda.

Photo: Christian Collet

I love cows but I know nothing about their breed. Lara got me googling about cattle breeds in Belgium. These are either Belgium White Blue, since the second half of the 19th century, this unique breed has been Belgium’s national pride or Charolais, one of the largest, oldest meat breeds in the world, originally from France.

MY-574911

Before this official that I received a few weeks ago, the previous official from Malaysia arrived in... 2017!! 

There are many mosques in Malaysia due to Islam being the official religion. However, one of the most, if not the most, unique mosque in this country is the Crystal Mosque. The uniqueness of this mosque has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia. The mosque is located in the Islamic Heritage Park in Wan Man Island off Terengganu. The mosque took two years to be built from 2006 until 2008 and was only opened to the public on 8th February 2008 by the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

 

MY-574911, sent by Aisha.

The uniqueness of the mosque comes from its interesting exterior. The mosque is coated with steel, glass and crystal which are the three main materials in the development of this magnificent piece of architecture which gave it its name. Its sleek and modern look is reflected off the river surrounding the mosque. The illumination from inside the mosque also makes it look like the glass domes are shining. The Crystal Mosque is able to accommodate up to 1,500 worshippers at a given time and also made its name internationally for its beauty. - in: https://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com

Kek Lok Si Temple - Malaysia

Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.
Comprising a series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples and beautifully-landscaped gardens, this national icon was built in 1890 by Beow Lean, a devout immigrant Chinese Buddhist. The ten-acre site was purchased in 1893 and the initial temple structure was built on the summit of He Shan.

The complex is a cornerstone of the Malaysian Chinese community.

 

 

 Kek Lok Si is both carved into the rock face as well as perched atop the slopes of Air Itam. The main attraction here is the impressive pagoda of Rama VI and at the centre of the complex, the seven-storey, 30-metre high tower is acknowledged as the ‘face’ of Kek Lok Si.
Topped with a Burmese crown, Ban Po Thar – the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda – displays a collection of alabaster and bronze Buddhas and has a Chinese octagonal base while its middle tiers are of Thai design.

 

Additionally, there’s a three-storey shrine with a large Buddha icon that was donated by King Bhumibol of Thailand. - in: http://www.penang.ws

These cards have been sent by SLLiew and Lyan. 

Monthly Fav. Surprise RR - February' 20

I'm going back in time to finally show the MFS RR cards from February. It took me all this time to post them because the card from Malaysia only arrived a few weeks ago. 

© concept by Postcardsmarket.com

Switzerland has an area of 41.285 km², a population of 8.211.700 and its de facto capital is Bern.

Unique: 

* Best best in the world to be born - According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Quality of Life Index;

* Infraestructure and Environment - Electricity generated in Switzerland is 56% from hydroelectricity and 39% from nuclear power, resulting in a nearly CO2 - free electricity - generating network:

Famous:

* Tallest dams in Europe - Hydroelectricity is the most important domestic source of energy in the country;

* Resort Facilities - The world's fanciest skiing and winter resorts are in Switzerland;

History;

* Armed Neutrality - oldest neutral country in the world, 1815;

* Foundation Date - Celebrated on 1 August 1291: oldest surviving written document of an alliance between Url, Schwyz and Unterwalden, the founding cantons of the Old Swiss Confederacy.

New Flag of the World sent by Grace.

papersisters

Edith is saying Hallo from the Netherlands with this new card to the Happy Postcrossing from... collection. 

The Netherlands has an area of 41.548 km² and a population of 16.979.120. 

Amsterdam canal houses are one of the most recognizable architectural features of the country. 

Even more famous than the canal houses, are these Dutch painters, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. 

Genever and poffertjes are some famous products but my favorite, missing on the card, are stroopwafels. Love them!!

Photo: Ingmar Muusikus

Singa Village in Karula Upland. 

Karula National Park is located in Valga and Võru Counties. It was created to protect the nature characteristic of Estonia, to promote an ecological lifestyle and to revive the South Estonian country culture.

Card sent by Ella. 

C. K. sent this card in early February but it only arrive in July!! 

Kapas Island is an island located about 6 kilometers east of Marang, Malaysia. It measures roughly 1.5 by 2.5 km. Its name, Pulau Kapas (Malay for cotton island), refers to the island's white beaches. The island has tropical jungle, clear seawater, white sand beaches and coral reefs in the surrounding waters. It is promoted as a "diving and snorkeling paradise". - in: wikipedia