Sultanate Palace, Malacca(Melaka)

The Sultanate Palace in Malacca is a modern reconstruction of the original wooden palace of Sultan Mansur Shah, who ruled the Malacca Sultanate during its golden age in the 15th century. The original palace, built around 1459, was a magnificent wooden structure without nails, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of Malay builders. Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed, likely due to weather and age, and no traces remain today.

 

The present Sultanate Palace is a replica built in 1984 based on the detailed descriptions found in the “Malay Annals” (Sejarah Melayu). The palace was reconstructed to serve as the Muzium Kebudayaan (Cultural Museum), offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Malacca’s royal history and culture before the Portuguese invasion in 1511.

 

The architecture of the Sultanate Palace reflects traditional Malay craftsmanship, with intricately carved wooden panels and a design that emphasizes natural ventilation. The museum housed within the palace showcases the history, culture, and governance of the Malay Sultanate, offering an educational experience about Malacca’s pre-colonial era.

 

Things to Do at Sultanate Palace

  1. Explore the Museum: The palace serves as a Cultural Museum, where you can explore exhibits detailing the history of the Malacca Sultanate, the daily life of the royal court, and the administrative system. There are also displays of traditional weapons, costumes, and artifacts.

  2. Admire the Traditional Malay Architecture: The wooden palace is an excellent example of traditional Malay architecture. The entire structure is made from wood without nails, and the intricate carvings reflect the craftsmanship of the Malay people.

  3. Walk Through the Gardens: Surrounding the palace is a beautifully landscaped garden, offering a peaceful environment where you can relax and take in the scenic views.

  4. Photography: The impressive wooden structure of the palace and the scenic garden make for great photo opportunities, especially against the backdrop of the nearby St. Paul’s Hill.

  5. Learn about Malay Royalty: Various exhibitions inside the museum feature replicas of royal chambers, giving a glimpse into the life of the sultans and their courtiers. There are also mannequins dressed in traditional Malay attire, depicting royal ceremonies.

How to Get There

  • By Car: From Kuala Lumpur, it’s a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Malacca. The Sultanate Palace is located near A Famosa and St. Paul’s Hill, making it easy to find in the historic city center.
  • By Bus: Buses from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca Sentral are frequent. From the Malacca Sentral bus terminal, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the Sultanate Palace area.
  • On Foot: If you’re already in central Malacca, the palace is within walking distance from other major attractions like A Famosa, The Stadthuys, and Christ Church.

Activities and Tourist Attractions

  1. Visit St. Paul’s Hill and Church: Located just behind the palace, St. Paul’s Hill offers panoramic views of Malacca and the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, which dates back to the Portuguese colonial era.

  2. A Famosa Fort: Just a short walk away is the remaining gate of the Portuguese fortress, A Famosa, another key historical landmark that represents Malacca’s colonial history.

  3. Jonker Street: Famous for its vibrant atmosphere, Jonker Street is a great place to explore traditional shops, enjoy local food, and shop for antiques or souvenirs.

  4. Melaka Sultanate Watermill: A replica of an ancient watermill, located near the Malacca River, offers an interesting contrast to the cultural attractions in the area.

  5. Melaka River Cruise: The Malacca River is nearby, and you can take a scenic river cruise that passes historical buildings and murals, giving a different perspective on the city’s heritage.

Places to Eat Nearby

  1. Jonker Street: Just a short walk from the Sultanate Palace, Jonker Street is filled with food stalls and restaurants where you can sample Malacca’s famous dishes, including chicken rice balls, cendol, and Nyonya laksa.

  2. Calanthe Art Cafe: A quirky cafe offering coffee from all 13 Malaysian states, located near Jonker Street. They also serve local dishes like laksa and nasi lemak.

  3. The Daily Fix Cafe: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, located within a heritage building on Jonker Street, it offers great coffee, pancakes, and light meals.

  4. Famosa Chicken Rice Ball: A must-visit to try Malacca’s unique chicken rice balls. The restaurant is located near Jonker Street, making it a convenient stop after visiting the palace.

  5. Klebang Original Coconut Shake: If you’re up for a refreshing treat, head to this popular spot for coconut shakes, just a few minutes’ drive from the historical sites.

Opening Times and Entrance Fee

  • Opening Times: The Sultanate Palace Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays.

  • Entrance Fee:

    • Adults: RM 5 (Malaysian citizens), RM 10 (non-Malaysians)
    • Children and students: RM 2 (Malaysian citizens), RM 5 (non-Malaysians)

The Sultanate Palace in Malacca is a fascinating historical attraction that immerses visitors in the grandeur of the Malay Sultanate, offering insights into Malacca’s rich royal heritage, traditional architecture, and local culture. With its central location, it’s easy to combine a visit with other nearby historical sites and attractions.