Melaka

Melaka enjoys a strategic location on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, along the historic Straits of Malacca. Established in 1403, it was an important trading post in Malaysia’s early history and attracted traders from all over the world.

Through the decades, Melaka flourished as a center for trade of tea, spices, china and cloth. It remained under British rule until it became part of Malaysia in 1957 during Independence Day. In the modern day era, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Experience the old world charm of buildings and architecture inherited from centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule, and witness the various customs and cultures of its people. Beyond the city are attractions which include fruit farms, animal and nature parks as well as resorts and homestays.

A’Famosa (Porta De Santiago)

The Porta de Santiago is one of Melaka’s most famous landmarks. It is one of the four main entrances to the A’Famosa fortress, which was built in 1511 by Alfonso d’Albuquerque, a Portuguese admiral. Even though most parts of the fortress were badly damaged during the Dutch invasion in 1641, its iconic gateway still stands to this day.

Jonker Street

Jonker Street or Jalan Hang Jebat is interspersed with antique shops selling an interesting array of authentic artefacts and relics. Some date as far back as 300 years and can be found among a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history and mystery. Located in the older section of the city, Jonker Street is popular among bargain hunters and antique collectors.

The Stadhuys

Characterized by salmon red walls, The Stadthuys was once the official residence of the Dutch governors and their officers. Built in 1645, it now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography. Next to it is the similarly-colored Christ Church, a Dutch Church built in the 18th century.

Melaka River Cruise

Take a cruise down Melaka River and enjoy the beautiful view along the riverbanks. Accompanied by an informative commentary, the Melaka River Cruise provides an insight into Melaka’s past and present, which includes old warehouses, ancient shop houses, original bridges and Kampung Morten, a traditional Malay village.

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

Once the ancestral home of three generations of a Baba Nyonya family, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Straits Chinese family. The museum comes complete with original antique rosewood furniture and an indoor courtyard.

Baba and Nyonya Food

Nyonya cuisine, also known as “Peranakan cuisine,” is the product of cultural borrowing and creativity through the use of ingredients commonly found in Southeast Asia, combined with Chinese cooking techniques. Peranakan cuisine is a fusion of Chinese cooking method, such as wok frying and long hours of braising, and many local ingredients and spices. However, it is important to note that the exotic cuisine was also influenced by cultures from Thailand, India, Holland, Portugal, and England.

Portuguese Settlement

Also known as Kampung Portugis, the settlement is located a couple of kilometers outside of Melaka city center in an area known as Ujong Pasir. This is home to a small community of around 1,000 people descended from early Portuguese settlers.

In the 1930s, the British Resident, at the request of a French missionary, allowed the establishment of a fishing village of wooden huts on an area of swampy land next to the sea. It was originally called St. John’s village and became a bastion for those with Portuguese ancestry to preserve their religion, language, culture and traditions.