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.

Geography
The state of Melaka, aptly named Bandar Bersejarah (Historical City), is located on the south-west coast of Peninsula Malaysia facing the Straits of Melaka, sandwiched between the states of Negeri Sembilan and Johor. It is the second smallest state in Malaysia covering an area of approximately 1,658 square kilometres.

The State of Melaka is divided into three districts, namely, Alor Gajah, Melaka Tengah and Jasin. The capital, also named Malaka, was for a period in the 13th to 14th century a great bustling trading point for traders from around the world. Today it remains a remarkable city full of historical and cultural relics. The Melaka town centre is relatively small easily accessible by foot, trishaw or bicycle.

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 ships from China, India, Europe and Arabia flocking there to trade in exotic wares like spices and silks, gold, tea, opium, tobacco and perfume.

Melaka’s came and fortune drew the attention of many including expansionist Europeans with the Portuguese becoming the first to conquer it in 1511, and subsequently in 1641, to the Dutch. In 1795, the English took control of the empire to prevent it from falling to the French when the Netherlands was captured during the French Revolution. It was returned to the Dutch in 1818 under the Treaty of Vienna but was later exchanged by the British for Bencoleen in Sumatra. From 1826 it was ruled by the English East India Company, which also controlled Singapore and Penang under the Straits Settlement administration. It eventually became part of Malaya and subsequently Malaysia, which was officially declared independent of British rule in 1957. Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, proclaimed the nation’s Independence at Padang Pahlawan in Bandar Hilir, Melaka, on Feb 20, 1956.
Today Malaka's population of slightly more than half a million people (713,000 in 2005) is a fascinating mix of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Portuguese descendants, Straits-born Chinese (Nyonya and Baba), Chittys (descendants of Indians who intermarried with local women) and Eurasians (mainly blend of Portuguese and Dutch with locals).

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 the terminal is a pleasing blend of traditional Malaysian and modern motifs.

Internally, it is serviced by a good network of roads leading to every corner of the state. You can easily find adequate public transportation to travel around. A ride on the colourful trishaws with their blaring music is a must in the city centre.

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 Stadthuys
Built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch governors and their officers, the Stadhuys displays fine Dutch architecture. Preserved in its original structure and form it now houses the Historic and Ethnography Museums.

Culture Museum / Melaka Sultanate Palace
Situated at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill the Cultural Museum, also known as the Istana, or Sultanate Palace, is a replica of a 15th Century Malay palace. The wooden structure houses artefacts, prints, photographs and drawings that represent the historical and cultural heritage of Melaka’s Malay Sultanate and the various communities from the period.

Light and Sound Show
A novel way of being introduced to the history of Melaka would be to watch the light and sound show at Bandar Hilir, Padang Pahlawan. Significant events in Melaka’s history are re-enacted by means of lights, narrative, dialogue, music and sound effects that injects almost real-life drama into events.

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 tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Straits Chinese or Baba and Nyonya are descendants of Chinese migrants who came to Melaka eons ago. They adopted much of the Malay customs and cultures and some intermarried with locals over the years forming a brand new unique cultural blend of their own. The public can view heirlooms unique to their heritage at this private museum.

Cheng Ho Culture Museum
The Museum displays artifacts related to the famous Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho who traveled from China to Melaka in the 15th Century. The artifacts of items related to Cheng Ho and the Ming Dynasty include crockery, coins, the Cheng Ho Well, clothing and a replica of Cheng Ho’s ship.

Portuguese Square
The Portuguese Square, located within the Portuguese Settlement, is also referred to as ‘Mini Lisbon’. The central courtyard houses several restaurants and souvenir stalls, and also cultural performances during the weekend.

Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street)
Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street, is known among antique collectors as one of the best places to hunt for bargain priced antiques. In addition to priceless relics you can enjoy the ambience of one of the many narrow-fronted restaurants which serve the tasty and spicy Nyonya cuisine.

Mini Malaysia / Mini Asean
The theme park gives visitors a taste of the culture and lifestyles of Malaysians and of those in neighbouring ASEAN countries. It houses replicas of traditional houses of the 13 states of Malaysia as well as the typical abodes of ASEAN countries.

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 dedicated to St. Francis Xavier who was briefly buried here before being moved to Goa in India.

St Paul's Church
Built by a Portuguese captain by the name of Duarte Coelho, the chapel was originally named “Our Lady of the Hill” by the Portuguese. The Dutch turned it into a burial ground for their nobles and renamed it St. Paul’s Church.

St Peter's Church
St. Peter’s Church, built by Portuguese descendents in 1710 is believed to be the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia. The architecture of the Church is a blend of Oriental and Occidental elements.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Built in 1645, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. The design of the eaves which are decorated with mythological figures and animation made from broken glass and porcelain as well as the astounding wood carvings and lacquer work are all astounding.

Sam Po Kong Temple
Dedicated to Admiral Cheng Ho, the temple was named after a fish that miraculously saved the admiral’s ship from sinking after it had been hit by a storm en route to Melaka from China. The fish is said to have placed itself against a damaged hull, preventing it from taking in water.

Kampung Hulu Mosque
Built in 1728 by Dato’ Shamsudin, it is the oldest mosque in Malaysia. Its unique architectural style is not found anywhere else in the country.

Coasts & Beaches
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 can catch a glimpse of the rare Hawksbill turtles.

Cool Retreats
Auyin Hill Resort
Located at Durian Tunggal, the Auyin Hill Resort is constructed based on the philosophy of "Feng Shui" (geomancy). The fascinating garden is based on Chinese mythologies and legends and sports spectacular gateways and pavilions.

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 species such as the Pangolin ant-eater, Konkang koala and Iguanas as well as a rare bird aviary. One of the many ‘must see’ attractions is the unique, authentic ‘live’ Aboriginal Village.

Crocodile Farm
The farm is the largest in the country with more than 100 species of crocodiles, including the rare Albino and hunchbacked species.  The farm has also been beautifully landscaped to provide an environment conducive to the reptiles. The best time to visit would be during feeding times.

Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly Farm has one of world’s most comprehensive butterfly and insect collections with well over 200 local species, including rare ones like the Raja Brooke and Birdwing butterflies. There is also a collection of more than 400 insect specimens. Birds and mammals are also on display within the farm.

Melaka Zoo
Rated as one of the best zoos in Malaysia, the Melaka Zoo, which was established in 1963, is located in Ayer Keroh. Over 44 species of animals from Southeast Asia and Africa live in natural settings providing an enticing destination to discover the animal kingdom at your own pace.

Culinary Delights
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" - skewered raw meat/Vegetables dipped in hot boiling satay sauce to cook and "ikan bakar" - spicy marinated barbecued fish served in grilled aluminium foil or banana leaf. Then there is also the chicken ball rice and oyster omelettes served with spring onions and sweet or spicy paste.

Local desserts worth trying include the "ice kacang", a refreshment made of shaved ice with red beans, nuts, jelly etc, the popular "cendol", which comprises green flavoured jelly and beans served in coconut milk and the "Bubur Cha Cha, a sweet dessert made from steamed sweet potatoes, yam, white beans, tapioca jelly in coconut milk.

Golf
There are a number of excellent golf courses near Melaka including Tiara Melaka, a 27 hole championship course, A Famosa, a 27 hole course located near Alor Gajah, Orna Golf Resort 27 holes or the older Ayer Keroh Golf course. The courses are particularly in demand during weekends and public holidays when it is advisable to make prior bookings.

Entertainment & Shopping
Melaka is truly an antique shopper's paradise. The busy streets of Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), is well known among international antique collectors as the place to find artifacts and authentic antiquities. Situated in the heart of historical Melaka, the Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall is a one-stop megamall featuring a fusion of history with modern everyday shopping and exciting events with a peace of mind.

With its streets lined with houses built in the 17th century, you will experience the unmistakable historical charm that is uniquely Melaka. Other items to look out for are items, which are typically Malaccan in nature include items such as the Melaka Nyonya wooden clogs or beautifully intricate embroidered shoes, bags and apparel.

Tourist Information Centre
Melaka Tourist Information Centre
Jalan Kota
75000 Melaka
Tel: 06- 281 4803