Melaka (Malacca)

Malacca (Melaka), 'Venice of the East', is a famous historic port strategically located on the Straits of Malacca. It was founded by a Hindu prince from Sumatra, Parameswara, who sought refuge in a little fishing village. He named the fishing village Melaka after the tree he sat under when he first arrived. It became a strong maritime trading port for many a ship and merchants from China, India, Arabia and Europe. Melaka was ruled by different foreign powers from Portuguese to Dutch to British to Japanese.

Much of its touristic appeal comes from the legacies of the state's history reflected in numerous heritage buildings that show Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Another attraction is its polyglot of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Straits-born Chinese called Peranakan, Straits-born Indians called Chitty, Portuguese descendants and Eurasians.

Places of Interest

Historic Places

Malacca's Sultanate Palace

Bukit China

Hang Jebat's Mausoleum

Hang Tuah's Mausoleum

Maritime Museum

Portuguese Square

Proclamation of Independence Memorial

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage

St. John's Fort

Place of Worship

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

St. Francis Xavier Church

Natural Gateways & Parks

Gadek Hot Spring

A Famosa Water World

Shopping

Infocraft Centre

Jonker Street

Accommodations

Getting There

By Air: Malacca is served by a small airfield called Batu Berendam Airport .

By Road: Malacca can be reached using The North-South Expressway (NSE) which begins from Bukit Kayu Hitam in the northernmost state of Perlis and ends in Johor Bahru.

By Sea: Malacca is a favourite destination for curise ships.

Events

What to Look Up for

Join Member