Melaka

Melaka : Historically Magnificent

Abundantly rich in history and folklore and a delightful blend of people and cultures Melaka is undoubtedly one of the most popular states among visitors to Malaysia. Back in the 15th century, Melaka was the largest port in South-East Asia and coveted by many. It experienced Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Islamic influences that have all contributed to it now being a place rich in culture and fascinating tales. Physical manifestations of its illustrious past are evident in a surfeit of marvellous old buildings, historic temples, wonderful galleries and antique shops. Besides its many cultural, traditional and natural attractions, Melaka also provides quality healthcare, education and even MICE facilities. You can never be bored in the Historical City of Melaka.

History

According to historical records, an exiled prince from Sumatra named Parameswara, discovered Melaka, in 1396. As the story goes, he sought sanctuary in a humble fishing village and decreed that a city be built where he stood. He named it Melaka after the Melaka tree. Melaka which commands a central position on the Straits of Melaka flourished as a port between East and West, with merchants and shi...

Getting There & About

There is an excellent road network that leads from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur (147 km away) and Singapore (245 km away). Melaka has no train station but has an airport located at Batu Berendam. Melaka Sentral, located in the suburb of Bandar Peringgit is Melaka's transportation hub, connecting interstate buses and taxis from every corner of the peninsula as well as domestic services. The design of t...

Heritage Discovery

A Famosa (Porta de Santiago) The most well known historical building in Melaka is its famous fort A Famosa which stands next to the Stadthuys. It was built by the Portuguese Admiral, Alfonso d’ Albuquerque in 1511 as a fortress. It sustained severe structural damage during the Dutch Invasion, but timely intervention by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808 saved what remains of it today. The Stadt...

Arts & Cultural Exploration

Culture Bukit Cina Bukit Cina (Chinese Hill) was the official settlement of the Chinese entourage that arrived with the Princess Hang Li Poh, sent to Melaka by the Emperor of China to marry the Sultan to seal diplomatic relationships between Melaka and China. The entourage stayed on in this settlement until the Portuguese Occupation in 1511. The site is today a Chinese cemetery with many of the t...

Religion

Christ Church Build sometime in 1753, Christ Church bears testimony to Dutch architectural ingenuity. Of interest would be the church’s handmade pews, ceiling beams constructed without joints, the Brass Bible, a tombstone inscribed in Armenian and a depiction of The Last Supper in glazed tiles. St Francis Xavier's Church Built in 1849 by the French Reverend Farve, the Gothic-towered church is d...

Coasts & Beaches & Cool Retreats

Pulau Besar The island which covers only around 16sq km was the burial ground for early traders and missionaries, and also a base for the Japanese Army during World War II. It is now a resort which features swimming, fishing, picnicking and snorkelling among its many activities. Pulau Upeh Pulau Upeh is a quiet getaway for those wishing to get closer to nature. It is also where you c...

Eco-Adventures

D'Paradise Tropical Fruit world and Aboriginal Village The D-Paradise Tropical Fruit World and Aboriginal Native Village, a world – class eco-agricultural tourism park, is a delightful mix of orchard, garden, animal sanctuary and cultural centers. It is home to the World’s largest collections of tropical, landscaped gardens spread over 168. It is also a sanctuary for endangered species housing...

Culinary Delights & Shopping

Melaka is well-known for its Baba & Nyonya style spicy cooking as well as its Portuguese or Eurasian Food. The very famous chicken curry debel, sometimes called "curry devil", is a must as well as the well marinated Baked fish and crabs in tomato and chilli gravy, are some of the Portuguese favourites you can find at the Portuguese village. Other local favourites include the "satay celup" - sk...