Background of Malacca
Malacca was founded by a Sumatran prince, Parameswara, during the early 1400's. In the following centuries, it grew from a fishing village into a great cosmopolitan city. Malacca became an important port and trading centre for European and Western countries. Merchants from all over the world came to trade spices, silk and other treasures. Some even settled in this land "flowing with milk and honey". Over time, this coveted city was subject to Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Today, Malacca is an illustrious historic city - a melting pot of historical treasures and cultures.


Getting to Malacca
By air, Malacca is only accessible either from the Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru airports. However, getting to Malacca from there is easy as buses and taxis are plentiful. If you prefer to drive, Malacca is only 3 hours from Singapore and 1 1/2 hours from Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, you can also take the train. Tampin, the nearest railway station is only 45 minutes away.

By coach - Singapore Express daily, hourly, earliest at 8 am, latest at 5 pm, cost S$11.00 (return is RM$11.50), station at junction of Kallang and Lavender Rd. Air-con. Tel. +65 293 5915

Express Delima daily, cost S$11.00 (return is RM$11.50), station at junction of Kallang and Lavender Rd. Air-con. Tel. +65 294 9306

Transnational daily, (3 seater per row), cost S$15.00 (return is RM$15.00), station at junction of Kallang and Lavender Rd. Air-con. Tel. 294 7034


Getting around Malacca
The best way to discover the historical splendour of Malacca is by walking along her narrow lanes and rows of beautiful centuries old houses and shops. Another great way is to rent a trishaw. Always agree on the rates before taking the trishaw.


Places of Interest
A Famosa The hallmark of Malacca and perhaps the most photographed subject next to the Stadhuys. Built by the Portuguese in 1511 as a fortress it sustained severe structural damage during the Dutch Invasion. The Dutch had set to destroy it but timely intervention by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808 saved what remains of A Famosa today.

The Stadhuys built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch Governors and their officers, the edifice is a fine example of Dutch architecture.Preserved in its original structure and form , it now houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum. On display daily are fine traditional bridal costumes and relics from Malacca's glorious past.

Christ Church Standing exactly as it has always been since 1753, the church is testimony to Dutch architectural ingenuity. Take note of the church's handmade pews, ceiling beams constructed without joins, Brass Bible, tombstone written in Armenian and 'Last Super' in glazed tiles.

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' from the Portuguese's 'Our Lady Of The Hill'. St. Francis Xavier was briefly enshrined in the open grave in 1553 before being shipped to Goa, India.

St. Francis Xavier's Church Built in 1849, by Reverend Farve, a Frenchman, the Gothic towered church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier is well-remembered for his missionary work spreading Catholocism to South East Asia in the 16th Century.

Cheng Hoon Teng's Temple The oldest Chinese temple in the country. It was built in 1646 with materials shipped out of China. Fine workmanship is evident in the ornately decorated mythological figures, carvings,and lacquer work inside the temple.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage 'Straits Chinese' or the Baba and Nyonya , are Chinese of noble descendants that have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. The public can now review the heirloom unique to this heritage at private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Malacca.

Dutch Graveyard A war memorial dedicated to fine British officers and soldiers died in Naning War (1831-1832).

Malaysia Youth Museum The museum is dedicated to the contribution made by the youth in the country economic and social well-being of the country. The noble efforts evident at regional, national and international levels are displayed at the museum

Proclamation Of Independence Memorial Built in 1912, the former club house of Malacca Club now houses invaluable exhibits of the country's struggle leading to the independence.Exhibits are in the form of relics, manuscripts, video tapes, film and slides.

Hang Jebat's Mausoleum The champion of justice who died a tragic death. Hang Jebat was unceremoniously killed by Hang Tuah in a duel of honour that lasted 3 days and 3 nights. He run amuck after suffering a fatal wound from Hang Tuah's dagger, 'Keris Taming Sari'. In the name of justice to avenge the sultan's hasty the punishment against Hang Tuah for a crime he didn't commit, Hang Jebat was accused by Hang Tuah of 'durhaka' (contumacy).

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple One of the first Hindu temple built in the country at the turn of the century. It was built on the plot given by the Dutch.

Kampung Kling's Mosque One of the oldest mosques in the country with Sumatran architectural features. Instead of a conventional dome, a three tier roof rising like a pyramid is in place. A minaret peculiar in shape from a typical moorish style, is structured like a Pagoda portraying the mixture of East- West archtectural influence.

Maritime Museum The Museum is constructed fter 'Flora De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sank off the Coast of Malacca on its way to Portugal. With its hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca, the ship was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts to Malacca's heritage. At the museum, visitor 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. There are exhibits of foreign ships that had once called at the port of Malacca during the height of its maritime hegemony.

Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum Hang Kasturi studied 'silat'(Malay martial art) under the same tutelage as Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu. He became one of the 'hulubalangs' (knights) that served Malacca together with Hang Tuah. Except for Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi and others remained loyal to the sultan to their dying day.

Al Azim Mosque Al Azim Mosque is a state mosque located at Bukit Palah, 2 km from Malacca city.

Kampung Hulu Mosque Built in 1728 by Dato Shamsudin. It is the oldest mosque in Malaysia.Its unique archtectural style is not traceable to others in the country.

Tranquerah Mosque Prominent in its architectural grandeur, the mosque is unique and bears testimony to the fact that Islam had its rightful place in Malacca almost 600 years ago. The tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johore is in the compound of the mosque. He was the ruler who signed the session of Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.

Malacca's Sultanate Palace Built based on the description and reference to the palace in 'Sejarah Melayu(the Malay Annals), the wooden replica houses the Cultural Museum of Malacca. Situated at the foot of St. Paul 's Hill, it is the only Malay palace fromMalacca's glorious past built with such detail and refinement.

St. Peter's Church Built in 1710 by the Portuguese descendants and comprising an architectural mix of the Oriental and Occidental.

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 enroute to Malacca from China. The fish mysteriously placed itself against a damaged hull preventing the ship from taking on water.

Auyin Hill Resort Constructed based on the philosophy of 'Feng Shui' (geomancy), the resort is one of a kind in the country. Every element has been placed relative to the principle of celestial and terrestrial positioning accuracy to enhance its charm, 'chi'(power) and prosperity.

Mini Malaysia A stupendous theme complex to enable visitors to view the traditional houses of the 13 states of Malaysia on a single visit. The complex displays life-size authentic houses of Malaysia crafted by master builders. Each house has been furnished with corresponding elements adding ambience of originality that capture the houses in their traditional setting.

Mini ASEAN A unique theme park conceived as the summary of prominent cultural elements of the countries that make up ASEAN i.e. Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Phillipines, Singapore and Brunei.

Recreational Forest A serene setting of tropical forests awaits discovery. Untouched to enable visitors to truly experience a leisurely walk through a tropical haven.The trees are labelled making it fun and an educational for a quick lesson in Malaysia's rich flora and fauna. It is an ideal setting for juggle tracking, hiking, jogging and cycling. The routes are marked.

Crocodile Farm The farm is the largest in the country. More than 100 species of crocodiles are reared here including Albino and hunchbacked. Lanscaped to create a natural environment conducive for the reptiles.

Malacca Zoo More than 44 species of animals found in Southeast Asia and Africa amidst natural setting. Rated the best zoo in this part of the country, it is an enciting place to discover the animal kingdom at your own pace.

Ayer Keroh Lake Ideal for exciting water sports activities such as boating and canoeing. Equipped with amenities and facilities to enable a family to enjoy relaxing moments amidst scenic environment.

Dol Said Grave The ninth ruler of Naning who defiantly opposed the imposition of tax on the districtby the British. The Naning war, waged in 1834, made Dol Said a hero of exceptional valor that earned him a permanent place in the history of Malacca .

Gadek Hot Spring Popular as the spa among visitors from far and wide seeking therapeutic cure for skin diseases. Handicraft shops and playgrounds have been made available to provide additional attractions for visitors. An ideal spot for family outing .

Dutch Fort About 49 km. from Malacca city on the route to Port Dickson stands a Dutch fort built in 1757. It stands on raised ground known as Bukit Supai(Sepoy's Hill).

Hang Tuah's Mausoleum A fully decorated admiral of Malacca's naval forces who defended successfully, countless attacks against Malacca sovereignty from Siamese and Achinise fleets. Hang Tuah's outstanding performance as a military officer made him a legend that has graced many a court and the history of Malacca.

Hang Tuah's well Located in Kampung Duyong where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood among four of his good friends who would later become the famous knights of Malacca. The well is said to be the abode of his soul which takes the apparition. of a white crocodile. For a commoner to catch the glimpse of Hang Tuah is hardly likely. It is said that the holy among us can ever hope to see the apparition.

Pulau Besar A haven for holiday makers seeking exclusive right to sandy beaches, clear blue water, the sun and the sea front chalets on stilts. The island is an excellent resort for swimming, fishing, picknicking and snorkeling.

Tun Teja's Mausoleum The daugter of Sri Amar Di Raja Pahang convinced by Hang Tuah to marry Sultan Mahmud Shah. Died a queen in Merlimau, about 24 km. from Malacca city, while retreating with members of Malacca royal family from Portuguese attack in 1511.

Malacca Traditional House Architecturally resplendent and signature to Malacca's 19th century artistic style. Built by a Chieftain, intricate wood carving forms the unique facade as well as the interior section of the house. Located 5 km. Southwest of Merlimau town.

Jasin's Museum Established to uncover the facts, and the myths, behind the establishment of Jasin as one of the significant settlements of Malacca's territorial expansion. Exhibits range from historical and cultural artifacts.

Alor Gajah's Museum Exhibits will help visitors to journey into the past and to visualise the amazing stories behind the district of Alor Gajah.

Grilled Fish spots On the shores at Serkam and Pengkalan Pernu(Umbai) some 15 km and 10 km respectively from Malacca, on the road south to Muar, visitors can pick their own fish and savour the delightful flavour of fresh grilled fish with an assortment of local dishes in a kampung or village environment.


Shopping
Jonker Street A definite haven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. Authentic artifacts and relics, some dating as far back as 300 years, can be found among a host of interesting collectibles , each with its own history, and mystery. Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street, is known worldwide among famous antique collectors as one of the best places to hunt and bargain for antiques.


Hotels in Malacca
Hotel Puri Melaka
Century Mahkota Hotel Melaka
Renaissance Melaka Hotel


The information above is provided by Hotel Puri Melaka
Part of the article is contributed by the following travellers:
Mimi Teo, Lee.