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Malacca is located on the southwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia and covers an area of 658 square kilometres. A state with a wealth of history, Malacca was founded in 1400 by Parameswara, an exiled Hindu prince from Sumatera. It became a great trading emporium and thrived as a port-of-call for many a ship and merchant from China, India, Arabia and South America. It was colonised by the Portuguese in 1511 (for 130 years), the Dutch in 1641 (for 154 years) and the British in 1824 (until independence in 1957). Malacca also came under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. After World War II, the proclamation of Malay Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the country's first Prime Minister, was made at Padang Pahlawan Bandar Hilir (Warriors' Field), in Malacca on 20 February 1956.
The history of Malaysia to say the least, begins in Malacca. It is evident throughout the state and may be seen in landmarks such as Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - the oldest Chinese temple in the country built in 1646, Hang Li Poh's Well built in 1459, the 600-year old Tranquerah Mosque and Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum. You can also browse along Jonker Street for antiques; some as old as 300 years. Take a snapshot of the Dutch-built Stadthuys and Christ Church. Or you can catch a glimpse of the ruins of St. Paul's Church and the gateway to A Famosa fort. Do not miss the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum dedicated to the descendants of noble Chinese who adopted much of the Malay culture into their own, and see priceless heirlooms from these 'Straits Chinese'. A wealth of history is around every corner just waiting to be discovered.
More than a historical state, Malacca boasts of two charming island resorts; as well as beautiful beaches at Pulau Besar,Pulau Upeh, Klebang, Tanjung Bidara, Tanjung Kling and Pantai Kundur.
Proclamation of Independence
Memorial
The A Famosa is
the most photographed subject next to the Stadhuys. It is indeed
the hallmark of Malacca. It was built by the Portugese as a
fortress in the year 1511. During the Dutch invasion, it suffered
several structural damages. Sir Stamford Raffles was the one who
saved the fortress in 1808 and the picture above depicts the
remains of A Famosa today.
This farm is one of the world's most comprehensive butterfly and insect farms with well over 200 local species including rare ones namely Raja Brooke and Birdwing. They also feature a collection of more than 400 insect specimens.
The church is a
testimony to Dutch's architectural ingenuity as it stands exactly
as it has always been since 1753. The church's handmade pews,
ceiling beams constructed without joints, Brass Bible, tombstone
written in Armenian and "Last Supper" in glazed tiles
should be taken note.
Quality products such as batik, canes, bamboo, ceramics and other wares are carefully selected as exhibits based on workmanship and design are promoted by this handicraft promotion centre. You can purchase the products as souvenirs which are made by local craftsmen. The archive corner in the centre is made to enlighten visitors on the subject local handicraft. The centre is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm everyday except public holidays.
Perhaps 'Mini Lisbon' would be the right phrase to infer strong affinity to Portugal. The square is located within the Portuguese Settlement and is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours.
The temple was named after a fish that miraculously saved the admiral's ship from sinking after it had been hit by a storm enroute to Malacca from China and it's dedicated to Admiral Cheng Ho. Preventing the ship from taking on water, the fish mysteriously placed itself against a damaged hull.
The former club house of Malacca Club was built in 1912 and now houses invaluable exhibits of the country's struggle leading to the Independence. Relics, manuscripts, video tapes, films and slides are a few forms of exhibits here.
'Flor De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Malacca on its way to Portugal is what this museum is constructed after. The ship was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts to revive its symbolic significance to Malacca's heritage with its hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca.
Visitors can get a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th century to the Portuguese era, the Dutch era and the British era at the museum. During the height of its maritime hegemony, foreign ships that had once called at the port of Malacca are exhibited.
Built in 1459 by the followers oF Hang Li Po, the Chinese princess who married the Sultan of Malacca, the well never dried up during days of old and was the only source of water supply during great droughts. The Dutch enclosed it with stout walls in 1677 to maintain its ultimate right to the well. It has been turned into a wishing well and it is said that those who throw coins into it will return to Malacca time and again.
The Stadthuys is the salmon-coloured building of Dutch architecture. Believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East (circa 1641 and 1660). The Stadthuys now houses the Malacca Museum.
St. John's Fort lies atop St. John's Hill, 3 km from Malacca town. The fort was constructed by the Dutch, during the third quarter of the 18th century but was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John. It is interesting to note that the gun embrasures of the fort face inland and not towards the sea. This was to counter attacks the enemy from the hinterland and not from the sea.
Built by a Portuguese Captain by the name of Duarte Coelho, the chapel was turned by the Dutch into a burial ground for their nobel dead and renamed it St. Paul's Church.
Situated at the foot of St. Paul's hill, the wooden building is a replica of the Malacca Sultanate's Palace. The design is based on the description of the palace from the 'Malay Annals'. The palace houses the Malacca Cultural Museum.
Of Gothic architecture, the Church was built in 1849 by a French priest, Rev. Farve in dedication to St. Francis Xavier. St Francis Xavier was known as the "Apostle of the East", who spread Catholicism in South-East Asia during the sixteenth century.
Fifteen kilometres east of Malacca is Air Keroh, a vast tract of forest reserve with numerous attractions. There are resort accommodation within the reserve. Attractions include:
Recreational Forest
A serene setting of tropical forest, it has been left untouched to enable visitors to experience nature at its best. Trees are labelled. Routes are marked.
The Malacca Zoo
The open-concept zoo sprawls over 22 hectares and has been rated as one of the best in Malaysia. It is home to 44 species of wild animals, including the almost extinct Sumatran Rhinoceros.
Tranquerah Mosque
Architecturally, this mosque is very unique. Instead of minarets, a pagoda has been built in its place. The mosque itself is somewhat pyramid shaped instead of dome shape as in Moorish type mosque.
Reptile Park
Opposite the zoo is the Reptile Park, which is home to about 1,000 snakes from over 32 Malaysian species.
Mini Malaysia
The traditional houses at Mini Malaysia represent the architectural styles of the 13 states of Malaysia. They house various works of arts and crafts inherent of each state. Attractions include weekly cultural show and traditional games.
Mini ASEAN
A unique theme park conceived as a summary of the prominent cultural elements of the countries that make up the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Crocodile Farm
One of the largest in the country, there are more than 100 species of crocodiles here in this natural environment.
Malacca Fish World
The complex is an interesting place to take a glimpse at the underwater world in its natural setting.
Portuguese Settlement
Located 3 km from Malacca town this Portuguese settlement dates to 1930. Inhabitants are Eurasians of Portuguese descent.
Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum at No. 48 and 50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock is the ancestral home of three generations of a Straits-born Chinese Baba family. The building is now converted into a museum to preserve a unique legacy of the Babas. The Babas combine Chinese and Malay culture, a throwback to early Chinese settlers marrying local Malay women. Over the years, a distinct culture called the Baba Nyonya or Peranakan culture emerged. Guided tours are between 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm.
Sound and Light Show
Step back in Malacca's past! An hour-long Sound and Light Show is presented at Padang Pahlawan, Bandar Hilir, at 8.30pm (Bahasa Melayu); 10.30pm (English). Admission: RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.
The Sound and Light Show brings to life Malacca's 600 years of history.
Boat Rides
Boat rides are available from the jetty for a trip on Malacca River.
Fee is RM5.00 per trip for 45 minutes.
Time of Departure: 10.00am, 12.00 noon, 2.00pm, 4.30pm
Beaches and Islands
Tanjong Kling : 15 km north of Malacca town.
Tanjung Bidara : 35 km north of Malacca town.
Pulau Besar : 4 km from Malacca. To get to the island, take a bus or a taxi to Umbai Jetty. Boats leave hourly to the island. Accommodation is available on the island.
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