The Trash and Treasure Market at Jalan Bunga Raya alongside the historic Melaka River is a hive of activity on the weekends, a playground for bargain hunters and treasure seekers alike. Set up in 2016 by David Heng, the owner of Discovery Cafe & Guesthouse, which is located on the same street, the indoor flea market is open only on the weekends, and operates from 10am to 5pm.

“I initially rented four warehouses along the river for my personal use,” reveals Heng, an avid collector of antiques.

“Being in the hospitality and tourism industry for more than 18 years, I noticed that Melaka lacked a proper flea market that allowed traders and collectors of collectible items to gather in one space, exchange ideas and sell their merchandise. So, I converted one of the rented warehouses, which were originally rice storehouses, into the indoor Trash and Treasure Market.”

Heng sub-divided the 3,000 sq ft floor space into individual lots leased out to vendors selling all sorts of interesting goods, from antiques and vintage items, to old periodicals and other knick-knacks.

“This is an additional tourist attraction where visitors can pick up unique souvenirs as a memento of their time in our beautiful heritage city,” says the 53-year-old Melakan native.

Such is the success of the flea market that Heng then established an outdoor night market in December 2017. The industrious promoter of Melakan history and heritage is currently working on developing a “living museum” that will take visitors back in time by incorporating trades of the yesteryears such as a traditional barbershop and a Hainanese coffee shop.

Trash and Treasure Market:
3, Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka City, Melaka
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Contact: (012) 298 3834

This story first appeared in EdgeProp.my live! magazine. Download a FREE copy of live! magazine here.

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