Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristLocation & History
Malacca (or Melaka) is the third smallest Malaysian state in terms of land area and is situated in the south of Peninsular Malaysia opposite Sumatra on the Strait of Malacca. Despite it's modest size, Malacca is brimming with character and history: it was the location of the earliest Malay sultanate, which was later abolished when the Portuguese conquered it in 1511. This was the begining of a fascinating colonial legacy still indelible on Malacca's landscape. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor acts as the head of state now, in place of the sultan.
Malacca Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, has an intriguing story of its own. It came to life when a Sumatran prince fleeing his homeland founded a modest settlement on the banks of the river. These humble beginnings were no hinderance and Malacca soon flourished into a major port owing to its strategic location where the Malacca River falls into the Strait of Malacca. The region is otherwise bare of natural resources but has nonetheless forged one of the most unforgettable identities of any settlement in Malaysia. Architecture and culture thrived, and today the area attracts inquisitive and culturally astute travelers. Melaka is also one of the best developed regions of Malaysia and infrastructure and road links with Kuala Lumpur make getting around by car an effective mode of transport, particularly for those who enjoy the freedom to explore.
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Luxury, location and charm abound. Sleek and petite with a healthy pinch of old-world charm. It has to be MalaysiaExplorer.net's recommended top-pick Malacca Town hotel: the Majestic (pictured), awarded for its stellar reputation; quality of service; and beautiful rooms. |
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Melaka as it is called by locals means “The Historical State” and rightfully so because the state is steeped in history with various artefacts of its glorious past dating back over 5 centuries! These relics are to be found dotted about Melaka and tell the story of a colorful colonial legacy still alive today thanks to tourism and the intrigue of visitors.
Central Melaka is the location of Malacca Town, also the capital of the state near the old coastline. The coastline of today’s Malacca has moved farther down to the south than its original location due to land reclamation. The historical city centre of Malacca town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008.
Things to see & do: A-Formosa
When the Portuguese annexed the state, they built a fortress A-Formosa to protect themselves from intruders. The Dutch however wrecked havoc on the fortress when they invaded Malacca. The entrance wall of A-Formosa however still stands tall today on St Paul’s Hill. The Portuguese also built the beautiful church of St Paul’s atop the hill, which later became the resting place for deceased Portuguese, and later Dutch nobles. Particularly noteworthy is the body of St. Francis Xavier, who was temporarily laid to rest in the church grounds in 1553 before being taken to Goa, India. Today the place of St. Francis Xavier's burial is marked by an open, memorial grave.
A replica of the Malacca Sultanate Palace was later rebuilt below St Paul's Hill using accurate descriptions from 'Sejarah Melayu' and 'Malay Annals', recorded in the 1500s. The rebuilt palace is truly one of a kind and is also home to a cultural museum featuring many artefacts reminiscent of the ancient Malay kingdom that once thrived here.
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The Historic Museum
The Historic Museum with its spectacular display of antique bridal wear and assorted relics, stands in the Dutch Square or The Stadthuys on the eastern bank of the Malacca River. The museum was at one point the Dutch Governor's designated home and remains a prime example of Dutch influenced architecture in Malaysia.
Shopping
Within a short walking distance from the Dutch square opposite the Padang Pahlawan is the Mahkota Parade - the largest shopping mall in Malacca. This well equipped mall has 150 odd shop fronts offering just about everything under the sun, all under one roof!
Chinese Relics
History abounds in Melaka and you'll find more at "Chinese Hill" or Bukit Cina, which is home to the biggest Chinese cemetery not inside China itself. Here you'll find many traditional tombs from the era of the Ming Dynasty. Princess Hang Li Poh and her entourage built the cemetery when they settled on the hill. The Princess was a gift to the sultan by the emperor of China. Her entourage also dug a well, which is a major tourism attraction in present day Malacca. It is claimed that the well has never once run dry in all the years since it was built in 1459. Tourists flock to throw coins into this “wishing well”, and the visitors who chuck a coin into it are believed to definitely return to Malacca someday.
Malacca till today shows evidence of its close links with the Chinese culture especially Nyonya culture. 'Straits Chinese' or the Baba and Nyonya as they are known are noble descendants of the Chinese that have adopted and interlinked with much of the Malay culture. Jonker's Street, also called the “street of antiques” is a living proof of Malacca's rich Baba-Nyonya heritage with its rows of well-preserved 17th century houses immaculately constructed with elaborate carvings on its pillars and walls, housing generations of Malaccans.
The Baba and Nyonya cuisine is also a popular cuisine amongst locals and tourists here and is normally served with rich coconut milk. There are numerous Baba & Nyonya restaurants in the town and the suburban areas that are known to be the best not only in Malacca, but also in the South East Asian region.
The Nyonya Heritage is documented in one of Malacca's dedicated museums. Along with the Taoist temple of Cheng Hoon Teng (considered the longest standing Chinese temple anywhere in Malaysia) we round off two other sights well worth seeing. Constructed in 1645 the well preserved temple reveals some breath taking woodcarvings and lacquer work. All around the temple you'll find beautiful intricate adornments carrying depictions of mythological figures, as well as beautiful porcelain and glass decorations. The restoration work on the temple was recognised by UNESCO in 2003. The heritage museum also gives a valuable insight into the rich Nyonya cultural traditions.
Mosques & Temples
Malacca today may have grown and extended beyond these historical sites yet many of these remain sights not to be missed.
One such example is the 17th century, Kampung Keling Mosque, one of the oldest in the country with a 3-tier pyramidal roof, typical of Hindu temple architecture. Elegant Corinthian-styled columns support the exquisitely carved wooden ceiling of this magnificent mosque. The mosque is a beautiful blend of Sumatran and Western architecture.
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On top of our suggestions try visiting the Sam Po Kong Temple; Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple; and the Maritime Museum - which carries priceless treasures salvaged from the doomed 'Flora De La Mar' ship. All these sightseeing destinations give a fabulous insight into the Portuguese supremacy in Malacca.
Dining
The Portuguese Square or 'Mini Lisbon' as it is popularly known in Malacca is the focal point of modern day Portuguese influence, and here you'll find an authentic experience of the colonial legacy. Tourists throng the square to try Portuguese food served up with authentic specialties brought to Malaysia by restauranters.
Malacca also has a fabulous array of other traditional cuisine and hundreds of hotels, resorts and budget hostels located within a short distance from the centre of the town sure to make your stay is memorable. A visit to Malacca truly is a journey through time!
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Melaka's capital city Malacca Town and other areas of the state with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Malacca Town with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on Melaka, and double right-click to zoom out! Geographically Malacca borders the state of Negeri Sembilan in the north, with the state of Johor to the southeast.
