Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca (Melaka in Malay) is a historic city located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It has a rich history dating back to the early 1400s, when it was founded by Parameswara, a Sumatran prince. Under his leadership, Malacca grew into a prosperous trading port, attracting merchants from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The city’s strategic location along the Straits of Malacca made it a crucial hub for maritime trade between the East and the West.
Malacca experienced several periods of foreign rule:
- Portuguese Era (1511–1641): In 1511, the Portuguese captured Malacca, marking the beginning of European colonial influence in the region. They built notable structures such as A Famosa fort.
- Dutch Era (1641–1824): The Dutch ousted the Portuguese in 1641 and ruled for almost two centuries. The Dutch left behind a lasting legacy, including the iconic Christ Church and the Stadthuys.
- British Era (1824–1957): The British took over Malacca after the Anglo-Dutch Treaty in 1824. Malacca remained under British control until Malaysia gained independence in 1957.
Today, Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2008) due to its multicultural heritage, historical buildings, and centuries-old trading history. Its blend of Malay, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences has shaped the cultural and architectural landscape of the city.
Population of Malacca
As of recent estimates, the population of Malacca stands at around 930,000 people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other minority communities. The city’s unique cultural blend is a reflection of its historical role as a melting pot of different civilizations.
Things to Do in Malacca
Explore the Historical Sites:
- A Famosa Fort: Built by the Portuguese in 1511, this is one of the oldest European architectural remains in Southeast Asia.
- Stadthuys: The former Dutch administrative building, painted in distinctive red, now houses museums displaying Malacca’s rich history.
- Christ Church: A beautiful Dutch Reformed Church built in the 18th century, it remains one of Malacca’s most iconic landmarks.
- St. Paul’s Hill: Climb to the top of the hill to visit the ruins of St. Paul’s Church and enjoy panoramic views of Malacca.
- Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum: A reconstruction of the 15th-century palace, showcasing artifacts from Malacca’s golden age.
Jonker Street:
- This lively street in Chinatown is famous for its weekend night market, where visitors can shop for local crafts, antiques, and try a variety of street food.
River Cruise:
- Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Malacca River, passing historic sites, old houses, and beautifully lit bridges.
Visit Religious Sites:
- Cheng Hoon Teng Temple: The oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia, built in 1646.
- Kampung Kling Mosque: A unique mosque blending Sumatran, Chinese, and Hindu architectural styles.
Maritime Museum:
- Located inside a replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar, the museum offers insight into Malacca’s maritime history.
How to Get There
- By Car/Bus: Malacca is about a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur (144 km). Regular buses run from Kuala Lumpur’s TBS Bus Terminal to Malacca Sentral.
- By Train: The nearest train station is in Tampin, about 30 km from Malacca. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the city.
- By Air: Malacca has a small airport, the Batu Berendam Airport, but it mostly serves regional flights. Most international visitors fly into Kuala Lumpur and then travel to Malacca by road.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
- Malacca River Cruise: A scenic boat ride along the river to explore the old town and view historical buildings along the way.
- Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: A museum showcasing the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture, with artifacts, furniture, and displays of the unique cultural heritage of the Baba-Nyonya community.
- Menara Taming Sari: This revolving gyro tower offers a bird’s-eye view of the city from 80 meters above ground.
- The Shore Sky Tower: Offers a panoramic view of Malacca from the tallest building in the city.
- Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary: A family-friendly attraction that houses a wide variety of butterflies, reptiles, and other animals.
- Kampung Morten: A traditional Malay village along the Malacca River, where you can witness traditional Malay architecture and visit the Villa Sentosa Museum.
Where to Eat
- Jonker Street Night Market: For authentic street food like Chicken Rice Balls, Popiah, and local desserts like Cendol.
- Capitol Satay: Famous for satay celup, a Malacca specialty where skewers of meat and vegetables are dipped in boiling peanut sauce.
- Nancy’s Kitchen: A popular restaurant offering Peranakan (Nyonya) cuisine with dishes like Ayam Pongteh and Laksa.
- Klebang Original Coconut Shake: A refreshing drink made from fresh coconut blended with vanilla ice cream.
- Geographer Café: A charming café located in a colonial-style building on Jonker Street, offering Western and local fusion dishes.
Opening Times and Entrance Fees
- A Famosa Fort: Open 24/7, free entrance.
- Stadthuys: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Entrance fee: MYR 10 (Adults), MYR 5 (Children).
- Malacca River Cruise: Operates from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily. Fee: MYR 23 (Adults), MYR 15 (Children).
- Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Fee: MYR 16 (Adults), MYR 11 (Children).
Malacca is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern attractions, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.