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Malacca
Attraction in Malacca
Firmly rooted as Malaysia's historical city, visiting Malacca is like a journey back in time to witness the adventures and discoveries during Malacca's golden age.
Today, there are many historical sites to visit that give you a glimpse of Malacca's glorious past. This is balanced with other modern attractions such as water theme parks and cultural parks.
Melaka River
Once dubbed ‘Venice of the East’ by European seafarers back in those days when the state has yet to be formed, Melaka River is the point where the history of Malacca began. A Prince from Sumatra, Parameswara – also the founder of Malacca.
Eye on Melaka
Situated on the banks of Melaka River, just opposite the old Cathay Cinema near Jalan Hang Tuah bridge, the 25-metre-high Eye on Malacca is Malacca’s latest tourist attraction. It is expected to be bigger than Taman Tasik Titiwangsa’s Eye on Malaysia, as two other attractions have been added on to it.
D-Paradise Melaka
Malacca's most famous recreational rainforest is a tranquil haven for wildlife and natural scenery. Covering an area of about 320 hectares, Ayer Keroh enables you to learn, as you walk through the trails, the marvellous diversity of plant life and animals that inhibit this range.
Perigi Hang Tuah
The story of the ultimate Malacca warrior, Hang Tuah, is the stuff of legends. Faithfully serving Sultan Mansur back in the 15th century, this infamous historical figure had an exemplary record of achievements.
St Francis Xavier’s Church
The story of the ultimate Malacca warrior, Hang Tuah, is the stuff of legends. Faithfully serving Sultan Mansur back in the 15th century, this infamous historical figure had an exemplary record of achievements, which include successfully warding off advances from Siam and Acheh.
A Famosa Water World
The A Famosa Water World is the largest water theme park in Malaysia located near Alor Gajah. Among the excitements found on the park are speed slides, raft rides, tube slides and a large wave pool.
Every weekend, it draws crowds from the Southern side of Malaysia who come to enjoy a splashing good time while exploring Malacca's historical sights.
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday : 11am to 7pm Friday : 9am to 7pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays : 9.00am to 9.00pm Closed Wednesday (except Public & School Holidays)
Address: Jalan Kemus, Simpang Empat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: (603) 2781 8888
Bukit Cina
Bukit China is situated southeast of Bandar Malacca on a 42-acre hill and is actually carpeted with more than 12,500 graves. What makes this place special is that it is the oldest and largest traditional Chinese cemetery outside China.
Some graves can be traced back to more than four centuries ago to the first Chinese immigrants in Malacca. Ironically, this was also the place where the princess, or concubine, Hang Li Poh (a fact still disputed today) settled in, having been sent to Malacca as a mark of friendship with the Malaccan Sultan in 1511. There are also 20 Muslim tombs in the area.
Address: Jalan Puteri Hang Li Poh, Bukit Cina, Melaka
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
The Cheng Hoon Teng is a historical monument that is recognised as one of the finest Chinese temples in Malaysia – even receiving a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration.
The temple itself is crafted with ornate mythological figures, carvings and paintings and was built in the early 1600s' by ‘Kapitans' or chiefs of the Chinese trading community in Malacca.
Address: No. 25, Jalan To’kong, 75200 Malacca
Tel: (606) 282 9343
Christ Church
The Christ Church was built in 1753 by the Dutch to commemorate a century of their rule. It still stands today in Malacca city, a landmark of fine Dutch architecture.
The beams were constructed from cutting and carving a single tree and have no joints! The hand-made pews, on the other hand, date back some 200 years. Mounted on its walls are some decorative fanlights and plaques in memory of those who died of various epidemics.
Yet another plaque, a wooden one, sits at the rear of the western wall remembering local planters who did not live through World War II. The church is indeed a sight for those who love fine structural design.
Address: Jalan Kota Melaka, Melaka
Cultural Museum
The Cultural Museum was built in 1954 by the British in a Dutch house that was in turn built around 1660. The museum later moved to the Stadhuys in 1982 before it was finally moved into a RM2.5 million complex in 1986 built by Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister.
The museum has a collection of 1,350 items; artefacts, prints, photographs and drawings which represent the history and culture of the Malaccan Sultanate and migrant communities in the early centuries.
There are also prints, photographs, decorative arts, costumes, jewelleries, brassware and ancient weapons on display. The museum itself is housed within a replica of a Malay palace, built based on sketches found in the Malay Annals.
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm (Closed on Monday)
Address: Bukit Saint Paul, Melaka
Tel: (606) 282 6745
St John's Fort
The Fort was originally built as a chapel by the Portuguese but it was eventually renovated into a fort by the Dutch.
Sitting on top a hill, the fort is unique in the sense that it was built to defend from inland invaders, rather than the sea. Hence, the canons are faced rather awkwardly towards inland as visitors shall see.
Address: Jalan Ujong Pasir, 75050 Malacca Town
Portuguese Square
The Portuguese Square is the centre of the small Portuguese community in Malacca, the descendants of the past Malaccan colonists.
The Square feels like a little patch of Portugal with plenty of restaurants, food stalls, pubs and a mini-museum.
On weekends, the square becomes a hub of activity, as the Portuguese community put up traditional dances, entertain tourists and celebrate in style their unique culture.
Address: Ujong Pasir, Melaka
Tel: (606) 231 4343
Stadhuys
recognisable landmarks – Built in 1650, it was the Dutch administrative centre with a clock tower and painted in bright red.
A Historic and Ethnography Museum with displays of traditional bridal costumes and other relics is located inside.
The building itself has some great architectural details including heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges.
Address: Jalan Gereja, 75000 Melaka
Tel: (606) 284 1934
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