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Malacca is located on the south-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It covers an area of 658 sq km. The state was founded by an Sumatra Prince name Parameswara, in 1400. It thrived as a port-of-call to many a ship and merchants from China, India, Middle East and South America. Steeped in history, 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 experienced Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. After World War II, anti-colonial sentiments bred in the country among the nationalists, the result of which was the proclamation of Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, at Padang Pahlawan Bandar Hilir, Malacca on 20th February 1956. Malacca's population is it fascinating polyglot of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Straits-born Chinese, Portuguese descendants and Eurasians. Malacca, the capital city, features an interesting blend of architecture of its former rulers. Most of Malacca's sights are located conveniently within each other. Walking is the best what to do sightseeing or hire a trishaw for about RM25 for a half day tour. Bargain before you get into one.
Hang Li Po's Well
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.
Hang Li Po's Well
Stadthuys
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.
Porta de Santiago (A Famosa)
The Porta de Santiago is part of a fortress (A Famosa) built by the Portuguese in 1511. It was damaged by the Dutch during an attack, who then repaired it in 1670 and renamed it 'VOC'. A Dutch V.O.C. emblem can be seen embossed above the gateway.
A Famosa
St. John's Fort
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.
St. Paul's Church
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.
Malacca Sultanate Palace
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.
Malacca Sultanate Palace
St Francis Xavier's Church
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.
Christ Church
Of Dutch architecture, this salmon-coloured Church was built in 1753. The pews are original, dating back 200 years and are handmade. Old tombstones laid on the Church floor are inscribed with Armenian script. There is also a collection of antique silver vessels bearing the Dutch coat-of-arms.
Air Keroh
Fifteen kilometers 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.
Tranquerah 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.
A traditional house at Mini Malaysia
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).
Butterfly Farm
One of the world's most comprehensive butterfly and insect farms with well over 200 local species including rare ones, namely the Raja Brooke and Birdwing. There is also a collection of more than 400 insect specimens.
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.
A baba Nyonya Family
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.