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Malacca / Melaka - Places to Visit from Kuala Lumpur
Places to Visit - A Day Trip Out of
Kuala Lumpur
Located on the Western Coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the
Straits of Melaka, it is about an hour and a half drive away from Kuala Lumpur.
Aptly named Bandar Bersejarah (Historical City), Melaka Town is filled with
mystery, history and legends. Centuries of colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch
and the British, it s probably the best example of multicultural colonialism in
existence.
Melaka or Malacca was founded around 1402 by a Palembang (Sumatran) prince of
Hindu descent from the ancient Sri Vijaya Empire. A popular account puts the
Prince as out hunting one day and while resting under a tree, one of his dogs
cornered a mouse-deer or 'pelandok'. The mouse-deer in its defense attacked the
dog and even forced it into the river-water. Parameswara was so taken up by the
courage of the mouse-deer that he decided on the spot to found a city on the
ground he was sitting on and named it 'Malacca' after the tree under which he
had taken shelter.
 The
Portuguese stayed on far 130 years until the Dutch captured in 1641 and later by
the British, who took control from the Dutch in 1795.
The spot where the town stands today was the centre of Malaccan history. It was
the capital of the Malaccan Sultanate and the centre of the Malay world in the
15th and the 16th century before it fell to the Portuguese in 1511. Back in the
15th century, Malacca was the largest port in South-East Asia with centuries of
Chinese and Islamic influence. Along with the colonization by the Portuguese,
Dutch and the British, it has have shaped the character and architecture of the
town and giving it a unique place in history.
 Malacca
Town is a worthwhile place to visit. The town centre is relatively small and is
easily accessible by foot, trishaw or bicycle. The many houses of worship,
museums, relics and landmarks gives
us a window to its colourful history. Most of the attractions are concentrated
in its small city centre, and one can walk down Jonker's Street which is a row
of shop houses of Peranakan architecture. A treasure trove for antique
aficionados and first-time hunters. Restaurants selling authentic Peranakan
delicacies, as well as local delights are abundant. The area is filled with
hostels and affordable accommodations (complete with a downstairs-pub for the
increasing number of Western tourists who go to Malacca).
Melaka Town is roughly divided into two parts by the south flowing Melaka River.
The North-western part around Jalan. Hang Jebat and Jalan Hang Kasturi is
chock-a-block with old culturally rich buildings in narrow roads. On the
southern bank of the River in the vicinity of Jalan Kota stand most of the
preserved historical ruins left by past European administrators.
Melaka - Places to Visit
 The Porta de Santiago & St. Pauls Church
Porta de Santiago - Remains of a once proud Portuguese fortress / St. Pauls
Church - built by Duarte Coelho, in 1521, as a result of his ship's miraculous
escape from a sea attack.
 Stadhuys & Christ Church
Stadhuys - once a centre of the Dutch administration in Melaka and housed the
quarters of its governors and officers / Christ Church - The oldest functioning
Protestant church. Built on the centennial of the Dutch occupation, bears all
the hallmarks of 18th-century Dutch architecture
 Portuguese
Settlement & St. Peter's Church
Portuguese Settlement - culmination of Portuguese culture and influence, the 'Kristang'
are a Malaysian ethnic group with mixed Portuguese and Malay or Indian ancestry
/ St. Peter's Church - Currently the oldest functioning Catholic, built in 1710
by the Portuguese descendants
 Cheng
Hoon Teng Temple, Bukit China & Hang Li Poh's Well
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - oldest and one of the grandest Chinese temple, with
elaborate workmanship and decorations / Bukit Chima - One of the oldest and
largest Chinese burial ground outside of China / Princess Hang Li Poh built a
well in 1459 that is said to have never dried up.
Best way to Visit -
Historical Melaka Day Tour
PLACES TO VISIT ~ A DAY TRIP OUT OF KUALA LUMPUR
Cameron Highlands /
Fraser Hill / Genting
Highlands / Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary /
Kampung Kuantan Fireflies /
Bukit Melawati / Melaka
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