It is traditionally believed that the history of Malaysia began with the founding of Melaka in 1400 by Parameswara, a Sumatran prince. Thereafter, the state flourished under the Melaka Sultanate and eventually became the region's largest emporium, attracting traders from as far as China, India, Arabia and Europe. In the light of its rich historical past, Melaka has been officially declared the "Historical City of Malaysia."
Places of Interest
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A' Famosa The famous Portuguese fortress, A' Famosa, built in 1511, protected Melaka from attacks and was almost completely destroyed after the Dutch invasion. All that remains is the Porta de Santiago and some cannons. Getting there: Located at Jalan Kota, it is a short walk from the Melaka town center. |
| Jonker Street No trip to Melaka would be complete without seeing its antiques and curios, best found in the shops along Jonker Street. In fact, Melaka has many small shops selling just about everything, from handmade shoes to bamboo bird cages at very reasonable prices. |
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| Getting there: Centrally located at Melaka town at Jalan Hang Jebat. It is a short walking distance from the river and easily accessible from any part of town by car or trishaw. | |
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Portuguese Square Portuguese Square is also affectionately referred to as ‘Mini Lisbon.' Located on the Portuguese settlement, it has a central courtyard with several restaurants and souvenir stalls. Residents live in the vicinity in homes on Portuguese-named lanes. Cultural performances are held every weekend. Restaurants are open nightly. |
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Getting there: Located within the Portuguese Settlement area at Ujong Pasi. It's best to take a taxi, which are easily available from the town center. |
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Christ Church At one end of the main square near the Stadhuys is the bright red Dutch reformed church called Christ Church, built in 1753 to replace St. Paul's as the principal place of worship. The pink bricks were brought from Holland and plastered with local red laterite. The ceiling beams were cut from a single tree and have no joints. The handmade pews are originals dating back over 200 years. Above the altar in the central apse is a frieze of the “Last Supper” in glazed tiles. The brass Bible rest dates back to 1773. The British turned it into an Anglican church and added a weathercock and bell tower, but it still has its old Dutch tombstones laid on the floor. |
St. Francis Xavier's Church
Built in 1849 by Reverend Farve, a Frenchman, the Gothic-towered church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. Known as the ‘Apostle to the East,' St. Francis Xavier is well-remembered for his missionary work in spreading Catholicism to Southeast Asia in the 16th Century.
Maritime Museum
This huge replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese seagoing ship, offers pictorial details of Melak's history. Within it are ship models and authentic maps and charts of the times. Old and incredibly heavy iron chests used for precious cargo are also on display.
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The Stadhuys Situated in the Square, The Stadhuys, with its heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges, is the most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka. Built between 1641 and 1660, it is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It is a fine example of Dutch masonry and woodworking skills. |
| Painted in salmon red, it used to be the residence of the Dutch Governors. The Stadhuys now houses the Melaka historical, ethnographic and literature museums. | |
| Trishaw Ride The best way to enjoy Melaka in a slow and laid-back manner is to ride a trishaw. This trishaw will take you through streets and corners of Melaka that you could easily miss out on if you decide to venture out on your own. The trishaw can be rented by an hourly or distance covered basis at The Stadhuys. |
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Tranquerah Mosque
Located in Tranquerah, an area of interesting residential houses, along the road towards Port Dickson, this 150 year old mosque has a square, multi-tiered roof of Sumatran design. The mosque is unique because instead of minarets a pagoda has been built in its place and the main building is in the shape of a pyramid. Within its grounds is the tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johor, who signed the cession of Singapore to Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.
The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
The 'Straits Chinese', also called the Baba and Nyonya, are Chinese of noble descent who have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. Over the centuries, the Baba Nyonya have developed a distinct and highly interesting culture that is unique to Malaysia's west coast, particularly Melaka. The public can view historical artifacts unique to this heritage at a captivating private museum.
Melaka Cultural Museum
Built based on the description and reference to the palace in 'Sejarah Melayu,' or Malay history, the wooden replica houses the Melaka Cultural Museum. Situated at the foothills of St. Paul's Hill, it is the only Malay palace from Melaka's glorious past that was built with such detail and refinement.
For more details on places of interest, please visit www.melaka.gov.my/v3/view_article.php?pageid=1394.
