Melaka River Walk
The clear and narrow Melaka River flows through the middle of Melaka city from Negeri Sembilan, ending in the Straits of Melaka. Dubbed the Venice of the East, the River Walk is a promenade with food joints and shops on both sides and is pleasant to walk around. The river and beautiful paintings drawn on the buildings provide a contemporary look. The best time to visit is during dusk when the surroundings glow with colourful decorations and lights.

Melaka River Cruise
The Malacca River, near its mouth, flows in the middle of Malacca City. This section of the river was developed as a tourist attraction in the city as the Malacca River Cruise, of which tourists would hop on a boat and embark on a 45-minute sightseeing tour of the city and its historic core as it cruises along the river, from Pengkalan Rama in the east to Bandar Hilir near the coast of the Strait of Malacca. The day cruise provides a detailed view of the natural surroundings and the night view is for enjoying the man-made creations. It is best to visit at night when the surroundings glow with decorative lights. There are three main types of cruises. On the Dinner Cruise, one can explore the vibrant and historical surroundings while enjoying a delicious meal in the riverboat. There are individual bookings available along with bookings for special and private events. The river cruise runs between 9 am to 11 pm every day. VIP Cruises can be booked in advance and provides facilities like live entertainment along with enjoying the surroundings. The VIP cruise runs between 8 am to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a Water Taxi which allows visitors to explore the beauty of Pulau Udan, Pulau Upeh, Pulau Nangka, and Hanyut dan Pulau Besar and runs between 9 am and 11 pm daily. Tickets can be purchased from the counter near the Spice Garden Jetty or Melaka River Square Jetty and can be purchased both online as well as offline onsite. Ticket charges are RM 30 for foreigners above 12 years, while it is RM 25 for those between 2 and 12. For Malaysians aged 12 and above, the cost is RM 25 and children between 2 and 12 need to pay RM 15.

Bridges at Melaka River that one passes during the cruise include the Tan Boon Seng Bridge which is a bridge with historical importance as the river passes the bridge coming from the Dutch Square and it was closed to cut communications between both sides when the Portuguese invaders came to Melaka. The Ghost Bridge of Melaka connecting Kampung Pantai and Kampung Jawa, was a place of violence and destruction during the invasion of the Japanese. Therefore, this pedestrian bridge was given such a name. The Old Market Bridge is a pedestrian bridge linking Kampung Hulu with the Old Market area. The Chan Koon Cheng Bridge helps in connecting the two parts of Chinatown linking Kampung Jawa. Cathay Bridge is used by those who want to walk from the Old Bus Terminal to the other side of the River which is known as Old Cathay. Jalan Hang Tuah Bridge near the Old Plaza Inn, connects Jalan Abdullah with Jalan Hang Tuah and hence it has been named after it. The Tan Kim Seng Bridge connects the residential and commercial zone to St. Paul Civic Zone, providing the link to both sides of the river.

The cruise also passes by attractions like the Red Building, Stadhuys, Bastion Middleburg, Jonker Street, pre-war buildings, colorful murals, the Water Wheel, Panggung Bangsawan, Kampung Hulu Mosque, Kampung Morten, Church of St. Francis Xavier, and the Bakau Route.

Saint Paul’s Church
Built in 1521, St. Paul’s Church is the oldest in Southeast Asia and Malaysia. It is located at the summit of St. Paul’s Hill and is today part of the Malacca Museum Complex comprising the A Famosa ruins, the Stadthuys and other historical buildings.

The original structure was a simple chapel built in 1521 dedicated to the Virgin Mary and known as the Nossa Senhora da Annunciada or Our Lady of the Annunciation. The chapel was built by a Portuguese fidalgo or nobleman, Duarte Coelho, as an act of gratitude following his escape from a storm in the South China Sea. The chapel was deeded to the Society of Jesus in 1548 by the Bishop of Goa, with the title deeds received by St. Francis Xavier. The chapel was then further enlarged in 1556 with the addition of a second floor, and a belfry tower was added in 1590. The chapel was then renamed the Igreja de Madre de Deus or the Church of the Mother of God. A burial vault was opened in 1592. In 1548, St. Francis Xavier established a school on the premises of the chapel known as St. Paul’s College. This was perhaps the first school in the modern sense to be established on the Malay peninsula. St. Francis Xavier used the church as his base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan and during one of those journeys, he fell sick and died in 1552 in Shangchuan Island, China. In 1553, the body of Xavier was disinterred from Shangchuan Island and temporarily buried at the church before it was finally shipped to Goa. An open grave in the church still exists today marking the place of Xavier’s burial.

After the conquest of Malacca by the Dutch in 1641, the church was reconsecrated for Dutch Reformed use as St. Paul’s Church and was also known as the Bovenkerk or High Church. The church remained in use as the main church of the Dutch community until the new Bovenkerk, better known today as Christ Church Malacca was completed in 1753. The old church was then subsequently deconsecrated and the structure was modified and strengthened as part of the fortifications of Malacca. The nave of the church was then used as a churchyard.

When the British occupied Malacca in 1824, the church was used as a powder magazine and was allowed to deteriorate further. In 1849, a now-defunct lighthouse, which consists mainly of a lantern and gallery mounted on an arched base and is solely accessible from ground level via a small ladder, was installed in front of the church as an additional beacon for ships travelling along the Strait of Malacca. It is an approximately 13-metre high, three-storey square white tower, which adopted basic elements from neoclassical architecture with no outbuildings, assuming an angular form different from many of its cylindrical and cone-shaped counterparts throughout the region. In 1924, the old Portuguese burial vault in the chancel of the church was partially uncovered. It was in this period that the tombstones that were scattered around in the vicinity of the church were affixed to the walls.

In 1952, a statue of St. Francis Xavier was erected in front of the ruins of the church in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of his sojourn in Malacca. A day after the statue was consecrated, a large casuarina tree fell on it, breaking off its right arm.

Christ Church
An 18th-century Dutch-built Anglican church which was originally Dutch Reformed, Christ Church is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia. The Dutch conquest of Malacca from the Portuguese Empire in 1641 saw the proscription of Roman Catholicism and the conversion of existing churches to Dutch Reformed use. The old St. Paul’s Church at the summit of St. Paul Hill was renamed the Bovenkerk or the Upper Church and used as the main parish church of the Dutch community.

In 1741, in commemoration of the centenary of the capture of Malacca from the Portuguese, the Dutch burgher community decided to build a new church to replace the ageing Bovenkerk. The church was completed 12 years later in 1753 and replaced the Bovenkerk as the primary Dutch Reformed Church in Dutch Malacca. With the signing of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, possession of Malacca was transferred to the British East India Company and in 1838, the church was re-consecrated with the rites of the Church of England and renamed Christ Church. The maintenance of the church was taken over by the Government of the Straits Settlements in 1858. Originally painted white, the church and the neighbouring Stadthuys building were painted red in 1911 and this distinctive colour scheme has remained the hallmark of Malacca’s Dutch-era buildings since then.

The church is built in the Dutch Colonial architecture style and is laid out in a simple rectangle of 82 feet by 42 feet. The ceiling rises to 40 feet and is spanned by wooden beams, each carved from a single tree. The roof is covered with Dutch tiles and the walls were raised using Dutch bricks built on local laterite blocks and then coated with Chinese plaster. The floors of the church are paved with granite blocks originally used as ballast for merchant ships. The original Dutch windows were reduced and ornamented after the British takeover of Malacca and the porch and vestry were built only in the mid-19th century. The floors of the church also incorporate various tombstones with Portuguese and Armenian inscriptions used as paving blocks. Memorial plaques in Dutch, Armenian and English also adorn the interior of the church. The church bell is inscribed with the date 1698 suggesting that it was used for another purpose before the completion of the church. Silver altar vessels dating back to the early Dutch period are also in the possession of the church but are kept in storage and rarely taken out for display. The altar Bible has a cover made of brass inscribed with the passage from John 1:1 in Dutch.

The church’s collection of Kerk Boek or Church Book, Resolutie Boek or Resolution Book, Rapporten or Reports as well as the Doop Boek or the Baptism Register going back to the earliest Dutch times in Malacca have survived through the centuries and today are kept in the National Archives of Malaysia. Photography is prohibited inside the church. There are two Sunday services here at 8:30 am in English, 10:30 am in Mandarin and 4:30 pm in Malay. The church is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Church of St Francis Xavier
The 19th-century twin-spired neo-Gothic St. Xavier Church is a catholic church facing the Melaka River. It is well known for its Catholic Masses and is one of the most popular churches in Melaka.

The church was built in 1849 on the site of an old Portuguese church by a French priest, Father Farvé. The finishing touches of the building were completed in 1856, with the present-day presbytery built in 1874. The church is a twin-spired neo-gothic structure and it is believed that the church was modelled after the Cathedral of St. Peter in Montpellier, Southern France, which closely followed the older church’s original construction, except for a portico which was added on in 1963. The interior of the church features a cemented floor which was completed in 1920 and encompasses white walls and coloured glass windows. There are two statues in front of the church, one belonging to St. Francis Xavier, after whom the church is named. The other statue is named after Yajiro Anjero, a Japanese samurai who met St. Francis Xavier and gave rise to the idea that Japan can be a suitable place to spread Christianity. Visitors are allowed to attend church masses and explore the premises.. The best time to visit is during the night hour when the church is illuminated by a faint blue glow. The church is open between 9 am and 5 pm daily.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Also known as the Temple of Green Cloud, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is a Chinese temple practising the Three Doctrinal Systems of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism and is the oldest functioning temple in the country.

The temple site was founded during Dutch rule by the Chinese Kapitans Tay Kie Ki Tay Hong Yong in 1645. Additional structures were then constructed in 1673 with materials imported from China. The temple served as the main place of worship for the local Hoklo or Hokkien community. The main hall was constructed in 1704 and in 1801, the temple structures were renovated with additional structures. In 1962, then abbot Seck Kim Seng ordained Houn Jiyu-Kennett, a Zen nun from England and the future founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, at this temple. The temple was awarded a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration in 2003.

The temple is situated close to Jalan Tukang Emas, also known as Harmony Street because of its proximity to the Kampung Kling Mosque and Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple, covering an area of 4,600 sq m. Featuring a magnificent main gate along Jalan Tokong, the temple consists of a complex of several prayer halls with a large main prayer hall dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin. Additional smaller prayer quarters were added later with one of these dedicated to the Chinese deities of wealth, longevity and propagation, while another dedicated to ancestral tablets. The main prayer hall has a high saddles roof with stunning architecture. To the left of the main hall is the altar dedicated to Confucius, and in the back, there are ancestral local Chinese tablets. One of the main features of the temple is the seven-metre red flag pole facing the left wing of the main prayer hall, which houses the remains of two of the three Kapitans who contributed to the construction of the temple. Across the road is a traditional opera theatre which forms a part of the temple complex. The building conforms to the principles of feng shui where the complex is laid out to ensure a view of the river and high ground on either side. The temple can be visited at any time of the year. However, it is during the Chinese New Year in January or February, that the true beauty of the temple comes to light.

Melaka Straits Mosque
Also referred to as the Masjid Selat Melaka, the Malacca Straits Mosque is a mosque located on the man-made Malacca Island and was opened on 24 November 2006 by the Malaysian King. It was constructed at a cost of about MYR10 million using a mix of Middle Eastern and Malay craftsmanship. Built on stilts, the mosque looks like a floating structure when the water level is high and has two intersecting archways leading to the main entrance and stained glass which covers the space in between the arches. The mosque compound has a 30-metre-tall minaret that is also used as a lighthouse. Four small domes are present in the corner with a sizeable prayer room accommodating 1500 people at once.

Kampung Hulu Mosque
The Kampung Hulu Mosque is a mosque situated at the Kampong Hulu Village. It is the oldest mosque in Malacca and among the oldest in the country, having originally been built between 1720 and 1728 and underwent renovation in 1892. The architectural design of the mosque is a cross between Javanese, Malay, Sumateran, and Sini styles of architecture. There are three ascending layers of pyramidal levels with winged roofs, separated by gaps to allow the free flow of air and light. Each level has its spiritual significance. The distinct ceramics in the mosque are imported materials from the Chinese Qing Dynasty. A small section of the porch, that serves as iwan, juts out from the front of the mosque. The minaret, ablution pool and entrance arch were built at the same time as the main building. The minaret resembles a pagoda in the style of Balai Nobat Melayu. An ancient cemetery lies next to the mosque where some notable preachers and missionaries are buried.

Pantai Klebang
Pantai Klebang is a popular Melaka beach near 1 Malaysian Square. The beach is well known for its white sand dunes and is a perfect backdrop for photographs. It is great for fun-filled family activities such as horse riding, flying kites, and enjoying the beautiful beach. The beach also has a playground for children, and several food trucks beside the playground serve delicious snacks. It is particularly famous for its coconut shakes and food trucks.

The 10m to 20m high sand dunes at Klebang Beach are a result of the unfinished developments in the area. The beach was originally envisioned to be a beachfront surrounded by several resorts, but because of the instability of the area and groundwork, the project was called off. This left several dunes on the beach which are also known as the White Sand Dunes of Melaka. The sand dunes are a perfect backdrop for photographers Since there is no shade on the beach, visitors are recommended to wear hiking sandals and carry sunblock. The best time to visit Pantai Klebang is during the evening hours, as visitors can spend time at the beach with a pleasant climate while watching the spectacular sunset.

Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary
Locally known as the Taman Rama-Rama dan Reptilia Malacca, the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary is an 11-acre butterfly and reptile sanctuary and zoo in Ayer Keroh. Earlier known as the Butterfly Park Melaka, it is one of the most famous natural attractions in the city.

The sanctuary is divided into four sections – Larva Center, Pupa House, Tarantula Adventure and Bugs Kingdom, each of these housing different types of species, like butterflies, reptiles, insects, koi fish, etc. The sanctuary is also home to the two rare golden leopards and almost instinct Raja Brooke which is the national butterfly of Malaysia. There is free parking is available outside the sanctuary and tour guides are also available inside. The sanctuary is open between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm and entry fees are RM 22 for an adult and RM 16 for a child between 3 and 12.

Malacca Tower
Menara Taming Sari is a 110-meter-high tower and is also known as Taming Sari Tower. It is the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia. The revolving tower has a viewing platform that offers visitors a 360-degree view of Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage City with spectacular views at night. The viewing platform can carry 80 passengers at a time. Once all the passengers have boarded the ride, the platform rises to a height of 80 meters and slowly rotates for 7 minutes. The glass cabin revolves as it rises from the ground to the top. This gives viewers ample time to take a look at the city of Melaka while clicking spectacular photographs. Visitors can even see the Straits of Melaka and the Melaka River when the sky is clear. The tower is named after Taming Sari, a weapon which belonged to the legendary Malay warrior, Hang Tuah. Even the architecture is designed in the shape of the weapon it’s named after. The tower also has cafes and restaurants and souvenir shops. The tower is open from 10 am to 11 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 11 pm on weekends and public holidays. Entry fees for foreign adult tourists are RM 23 while a child below 12 years needs to pay RM 15. For a Malaysian adult, the entry fee is RM 17 and the child fee is RM 11.

The Shore Sky Tower
The Shore Sky Tower is the tallest building in Melaka, located in the Kampung Bunga Paya Pantai area. Housing an observation deck on the 43rd floor, it offers a breathtaking view of up to 50 km on every side with six units of telescopes around the roof and glass deck. The 42nd level of Tower 1 is the residential and commercial hub with two hotel towers and two residential towers having a shopping gallery at the top and an observation deck at the 43rd level. The glass floor of the Shore Sky Tower is not for the soft-hearted with a ledge hanging from the building for the adventure lovers. The best time to visit is during the evening when the whole city glows with colourful and magical lights. Mobile phones are not allowed in the glass deck due to safety concerns, though a professional photographer is present there. A maximum of five people are allowed at the deck at any one time. The tower is a non-smoking zone with no outside food or drinks being allowed inside. There is also no refund policy in case of an injury or any natural calamity or extreme weather like heavy rains. Damaged tickets are also not valid. The tower is wheelchair accessible. The tower is open between 8 am and 11 pm and entry fees are RM 23.50 for an adult and RM 17 for a child. The entry fee includes a pack of souvenir postcards.

Skytrex Adventure Melaka
Located close to the exit toll of PLUS highway along Jalan Ayer Keroh, Skytrex Adventure Melaka is an ideal day-out destination for fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. The park houses the first Skybike in Malaysia, along with other adventure courses like the UFO and the Tarzan Bungee Swing. It is also the first park to offer nighttime camping called Skynight. The first difficulty level, Little Dino, is for children. It involves getting past climbing and walking nets, rolling barrels, hug pipes, floating tires, vertical ropes, and gondolas. Adults can pick from the intermediate level called Pahlawan Thrill or the advanced level called Extreme Warrior. The first includes obstacles like ladder-ups, plank bridges, flying foxes, cable walks, U-ropes, Tarzan swings, zig-zag bridges, and more. The advanced course has similar obstacles but is set at a much more difficult level. The first departure starts at 9 am while the last departure is at 3 pm. On selected nights, Skynight is open from 8:30 to 11 pm. One must check the different time slots for each difficulty level before purchasing tickets on the official website. Entry fees are varied starting from MYR 60 for the beginner level to MYR 100 per person for Skynight. All participants must weigh under 100kg while SkyNight requires advanced online booking. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Outside of the main city of Malacca, one should visit the following sites.

Cape Rachado Lighthouse
The Cape Rachado Lighthouse or Rumah Api Tanjung Tuan in Malay is a lighthouse located in Cape Rachado, also known as Tanjung Tuan in Malay. It lies about 61 km north of Malacca, in an enclave within the state of Negeri Sembilan. The lighthouse is believed to be the oldest in the country, its history allegedly dating back to Portuguese rule of Malacca during the 16th century. The early history of the lighthouse remains largely unverified, with unofficial accounts by locals tracing the lighthouse’s history back to a period following the conquest of Malacca by Portugal in 1511. The Portuguese government in Malacca vested interest in the construction of a lighthouse to guide its ships through the narrow Straits of Malacca, completing the first iteration of the structure on Cape Rachado, a name given by the Portuguese, meaning Broken Cape in the 16th century. Possession of the lighthouse was handed over to the Dutch VOC, alongside Malacca in entirety in 1641, and a second version of the building was claimed to have been built in 1817, during the temporary rule by the British under William Farquhar, seven years before Malacca’s total changeover to the British in 1824. The present lighthouse was constructed in 1863, during Malacca’s status as a British-ruled Straits Settlement, and currently remains active. In 1990, a concrete tower was built close to the original lighthouse to house a MEASAT radar.

The current lighthouse consists of a 24-metre high circular tower with a lantern and gallery, and an adjoining double-storey keeper’s house at the base, both constructed of masonry and whitewashed. An additional tower completed in 1990 was constructed using reinforced concrete and holds a MEASAT radar, designed to monitor ship traffic in the Strait of Malacca and aid in communications, at the top of the structure. The lighthouse is entirely based on a fort-like foundation. The lighthouse is located on a summit at Cape Rachado roughly 100 meters inland, and is enclosed within woodland, which makes the lighthouse’s location an ideal area for birdwatching. Access to the lighthouse is largely restricted to travel by foot, with the immediate site accessible only via two stairwells: a spiral staircase with 72 steps and a stone staircase behind the lighthouse, the latter serving as an easier access point to the lighthouse.

Gadek Hot Spring
The Gadek Hot Spring or Kolam Air Panas Gadek in Malay is a hot spring in Alor Gajah about 30 km northeast of Malacca. The area around the hot spring was first developed in the 1980s and has been improved over time as a popular tourist attraction. The hot spring has a surface temperature of 56 °C with an average water flow of 5.4 litres per minute, containing hydrogen sulphite gas. The hot spring is equipped with a restaurant, food stalls, a children’s playground, an outdoor swimming pool, and bathrooms. The hot spring opens every day from 7 am to 9 pm.

Pengkalan Balak Beach
Pengkalan Balak Beach or Pantai Pengkalan Balak in Malay is a beach in the town of Masjid Tanah, about 36 km north of Malacca. It is one of the important landing sites of the hawksbill turtles in the state. A turtle conservation and information centre was set up by the Department of Fisheries at the fishing village Kampung Padang Kemunting to protect the species. The beach features turtle sculptures. The beach is popular amongst tourists who come there to picnic, swimming, fishing, and camping.

One of my favourite holiday destinations to drive from Singapore, Malacca is a wonderful travel destination and after researching the state for this series, I have learnt more about this state and want to explore it as soon as possible.

Let’s dive straight into Malacca City’s treasures.

A’Famosa
Also known as Kota A Famosa in Malay was a Portuguese fortress built in 1512, A Famosa is amongst the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. The oldest part of the fortress was a five-storey keep which gave its name to the fortress as a whole. A former Portuguese Fortress, A Famosa is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. Sometime following the Battle of Malacca in 1641 and the occupation of the city by the Dutch, the keep was destroyed but the outer walls of the fortress were reinforced. However, in 1807 the British destroyed most of the fortress. The Porta de Santiago gateway, and the restored Middelburg Bastion, are the only parts of the fortress that remain today.

At the time of its construction, A’Famosa acted as the residence of the Portuguese administration. It consisted of long ramparts and four major towers. One was a four-story keep, the others held an ammunition storage room, the residence of the captain, and an officers’ quarters. The village was mostly clustered within the fortress walls in townhouses. In 1586, extensions were added to the fort to accommodate the expanding population. The fort changed hands in 1641 when the Dutch drove the Portuguese out of Malacca and they renovated the gate in 1670, which explains the logo ANNO 1670 inscribed on the gate’s arch. Above the arch is a bas-relief logo of the Dutch East India Company. The fortress changed hands again in the late 18th century when the Dutch handed it over to the British to prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon’s expansionist France. The English were wary of maintaining the fortification and ordered its destruction in 1806. The fort was almost demolished but for the timely intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles. Captain William Farquhar, tasked with the destruction of the fort and town, decided to save two of the gateways to the fort, including the Santiago Gate, as well as the Stadthuys, church and jail.

In late November 2006, a part of the fort, believed to be the Middelburg Bastion, was accidentally uncovered during the construction of 110-meter revolving tower. The construction of the tower was ceased and it was officially opened on 18 April 2008. In June 2004, a watchtower named Santiago Bastion was discovered during the construction of the mall, Dataran Pahlawan. In 2006-2007 the Middelburg Bastion was restored.

Stadthuys
The oldest surviving Dutch building in the east, Stadthuys which means city hall in old Dutch, is a historical structure situated in the heart of Malacca in the Red Square. Stadhuys is known for its red exterior and the red clock tower. It was built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor. Spread over 49,200 sq ft, the iconic red terracotta building now houses the History and Ethnography Museum showcasing Malaccan culture and traditions. Among the displays in the museum are traditional costumes and artefacts throughout the history of Malacca, which makes it Malacca’s premier museum. It is a reproduction of the former Stadhuis, the town hall of Frisian town of Hoorn in the Netherlands. Apart from housing the Ethnography Museum, Stadthuys complex also has the Museum of Literature. It depicts the local legends and accounts through maps, prints and photographs. Located nearby is another attraction worth visiting – the Tang Beng Swee Clocktower. Admission to the building allows entry to all the museums inside. Photography is allowed and there are free guided tours from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekends and Stadthuys is open from 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and between 9 am to 8:30 pm on Friday to Sunday.

Dutch Square
The Dutch Square is one of Malacca’s most famous landmarks. The square is surrounded by buildings painted in red, which gives rise to its popular name Red Square with Stadthuys being the most prominent. Built between the 1660s and 1700s, the red buildings are characterised by large windows and wrought iron hedges. A major highlight of the Red Square is the Queen Victoria Fountain, standing proudly at its centre. Built in 1901, the fountain commemorates the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. The Red Square is a popular photography area.

The Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower is located at the centre of Dutch Square and is named after Chinese billionaire Tan Beng Swee. Popularly known as the Red Clock Tower, it is a famous landmark due to its unique architecture and symbolic value. Stadthuys was used as a town hall during British colonial rule and served as a residential complex for Dutch governors. The building has now been converted into a collection of several museums. Christ Church faces the Queen Victoria Fountain and is also the oldest Protestant Church in Malaysia. The church pays homage to World War II Veterans by putting up plaques on the walls recording the events and deaths of World War II. The red bricks used for the construction of the church were shipped from Holland. Queen Victoria Fountain was built in 1901 in honour of Queen Victoria and is one of the last architectural footprints of the colonial British Power in Malaysia. The fountain functions still date and makes for a good backdrop for photographs near Dutch Square. The Malaysia Youth Museum and Art Gallery was built in 1784 and is located between Christ Church and Laksamana Road. It was used as a Dutch Administrative Complex and a school before finally being converted into a museum. The lane between Christ Church and Stadthuys is well known for its souvenir shops that sell a wide variety of mementoes and are quite popular among visitors.

Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Also known as the Baba Nyonya House Museum, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is a museum that showcases the local history of ethnic Chinese-Malays called Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan. The museum was established in 1986 by Chan Kim Lay, the fourth generation of his family to reside in the large house built by his great-grandfather in 1896 and is known for its elaborate woodwork, furniture, and porcelain. The museum is a complex of three restored houses showcasing the typical 19th-century Baba-Nyonya residence. The Chinese Palladian houses were converted into Peranakan Museum, now known for its exquisite woodwork, porcelain, and furniture. Guided tours are available. The house consists of three terraces which are almost 20 feet in width and 180 feet long with an air well in the middle for proper air circulation. The house is filled with lavish Blackwood furniture with woodwork, pearl, marble, unique decor and 5 metres high silk embroidery. The stairs to the second storey has woven gold-leaf carvings and solid cenggal wood.

The Thia Besar is the Reception Hall where only men of the family were allowed and is decorated with tall panels of Chinese silk embroidery and interesting stories of generals and scholars with Chinese tales, present in the patriarchal structure of the Chan household. The next room is Dapur which is the Kitchen where ladies along with close relatives were allowed along with Chung Po, the chef to make traditional food. The next hall is known as Thia Abu, which is the ancestral hall. The family still observes the role of the museum as an ancestral home by conducting prayers seven times a year on the death and birth dates of their ancestors and also the Chinese New Year.

The museum exhibits the original layout of the actual ancestral home of the Chan family items showcasing cultures of various countries like the mosaic and oil lamp from the UK, Chinese porcelain, fine art products, unique costumes, antique furniture, woodwork, Peranakan tchotchkes in glass cases along with kitchen items like hand churner. A tour of the museum can be booked online for a and there is a group of 15 or more people, the booking should be made a month in advance with Chinese tours and an activity tour provided in case of special ones. For a group of fewer people, a self-guided book or audio tour can be bought or a guided tour can be taken too. The cost of a audio tour is RM 4 per person. Photography is not allowed inside the museum. The museum is open between 10 am and 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays to Sundays. The last admissions are about 45 minutes before the museum closes. The museum is closed for three days during the Chinese New Year. Entry Fees are RM !6 for an adult and RM 11 for a child between 5 and 12 years.

Melaka Sultanate Palace
Located at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill, the Melaka Sultanate Palace is a replica of the 15th-century palace of Sultan Mansur Shah. Also known as Muzium Kebudayaan or the Cultural Museum, it is now converted into a museum of the Malay Sultanate’s heritage and history. It is made up of hardwood for its structure, Belian wood for the roof and wooden pegs instead of nails and was constructed in 1984. The palace is supported by wooden pillars and is covered by a copper roof. The museum was officially opened on 17 July 1986 by then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The three-story Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum is divided into eight chambers with traditional costume, art, weaponry, jewellery and other artefacts on display. The museum also houses three galleries showcasing local legends through dioramas. A major highlight is the sculpture of the sultan’s headdress, standing regally at the centre of the museum garden. The museum was built from the information derived from the Malay Annals, which helped the architects build a replica of the original palace design. It is also home to three galleries which feature legendary clashes between legendary Malaysian warriors Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. The museum features more than 1350 artefacts and photographs detailing the Sultanate’s history and regime. It features the Throne Room and the Royal Bedchamber among several other artefacts belonging to the royal household. Visitors can also find traditional Malay costumes that have historical significance on display in the museum.
Weapons used by Malay warriors during the Sultanate regime can also be found on the premises of the museum. The museum is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Villa Sentosa
Villa Sentosa Melaka is a traditional Malay house converted into a Malay living museum in Kampung Morten. Positioned near the banks of the Malacca River, it is open to the public as a private museum with family members giving a tour of the house, talking about the diverse family relics and period objects. Villa Sentosa is also known as the Malay Living Museum.

The rooms of Villa Sentosa are connected by a patio and an open courtyard, which ensures that the residents and visitors get plenty of breezes even during the summer months. The building is entirely made up of wood and is raised from the ground level using stilts, which ensures that rodents and water flooding do not affect the house. Visitors are free to explore the rooms in the house, such as the guest room which is filled with antique furniture and crockery. The house also has a wedding room which was used by young couples to stay before they moved out. Villa Sentosa is open from 9 am to 6 pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 2 pm to 6 pm on Fridays. There is no entry fee, but they accept donations.

Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
A must-visit for history buffs, the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum is located north of the Melaka River. The museum features historical items, information, and details about the Chinese Ming dynasty admiral, Zheng He’s life and explorations. The museum was founded and opened in 2006 by Tan Ta Sen, also the president of the International Zheng He Society.

Covering a total floor area of 5,110 m, the museum is divided into three levels and occupies eight units of old shophouses, some built before 1786. A drum and a bell tower are located in front of the museum. The museum building is believed to sit at the original site of the warehouse complex Guan Chang, built by Zheng He around 600 years ago to temporarily store goods he acquired during his travels. The warehouse complex originally occupied 10 acres of lowland along the northern bank of the Malacca River. Five Ming-era wells were unearthed during the museum’s construction.

The museum exhibits the life of Zheng He and his world voyage in his fleets. It displays his travel with big pictures of Chinese history. The museum can roughly be divided into several sections, which include Old Malacca Village, Ship Gallery, Treasure Ship, Antique Gallery and Garden Courtyard. The museum’s gift shop is popular for its Chinese tea, Malaysian white coffee and durian souvenirs. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 6:30 pm and adults need to pay RM 20 while children under the age of 12 need to pay RM 10. The ticket price includes a video presentation.

Melaka Maritime Museum
The Melaka Maritime Museum showcases the maritime history of Malacca through its three different sections. The highlight of the three is a replica of the Portuguese ship – the Flor de la Mar – that sank in Malacca due to an unfortunate accident. The museum was officially opened to the public by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on 13 June 1994. The museum’s main exhibit is the replica of Flor do Mar which is 34 metres high, 36 metres long and 8 metres wide and houses exhibits, artefacts and documents from the golden era of Malacca and shows how political control of Malacca was essential to the establishment of maritime dominance in the region. It also displays the trading link of Malacca from the early time through the colonial era until independence.

There are several paintings in the museum which depict the strategic importance of the Straits of Malacca. The museum also has several exhibits of articles such as silk and textiles and is home to sunken treasures from shipwrecks such as the Diana. Visitors can see the history of Malaccan Maritime and see Malacca’s progress through different eras and rulers. The museum also boasts several ship models and is a treat to ship enthusiasts. Visitors are free to explore the ship while learning about its functions and operation abilities. Visitors are supposed to remove their shoes before entering the museum, so it is advised to wear appropriate footwear and socks. Between Mondays and Fridays, the museum is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm while over the weekend, it is open from 9 am to 9 pm.

Jonker Street
Jonker Street, also popular as the Jonker Walk, is the main street of Chinatown, Melaka. It is popular for the shops selling clothes, antiques and souvenirs, apart from being a major street food hub. The highlight of Jonker Street is the night market held here every Saturday and Sunday. Jonker Street starts from across the Malacca River near Stadthuys, with the street in the area filled with historical houses along its left and right sides dating back to the 17th century, many of which are shops selling antiques, textiles, foods, handicrafts and souvenirs such as keychains and shirts. The area turns into a night market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the evening from 6 pm until midnight, with its street blocked for traffic.

Jonker Street is not just about the delicious food and market The bustling Jonker Street is not just about delicious food, artistic creations and bargaining, but it, but also has many attractions in and around it. The street depicts the fast, rich, traditional and modern cultural life of Malaysia and forms a smooth knot between the ancient and the modern.

Jonker Walk Night Market is one of the most awaited weekly affairs in Melaka. Set up for only three days a week, it has every possible stall from hawker food and trinket sellers to fortune-tellers and DIY workshop centres. The stalls open up late in the evening and don’t close until midnight giving out carnival vibes and uplifting everyone’s demeanour. The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is owned and operated by the descendants of Chan’s family who used to be one of the most prosperous and influential families in Melaka. Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum is a well-planned gallery showcasing the Mallacan life of Cheng Ho. This ancient building has a bell tower and a drum right at its entrance in such a way that it resembles Ming architecture.

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple has multiple UNESCO architectural awards and is the oldest Buddhist place of worship in Malaysia. It is also known as the Merciful Cloud Temple by locals because all of the materials used for the construction of the temple have been imported from China. The temple is built on the principles of Feng Shui and is dedicated to Guan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy. The Kampung Kling Mosque is historical because is one of the few cross-cultural mosques which unites the Chinese, the Buddhists, the Sumatrans and the local Malays. The mosque is structured out of designs from all around the world with glazed tiles and wooden beams and pulpits drawing their inspiration from the Portuguese and English culture and carvings over the walls having the traditional Chinese and Hindu texts. The Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The two most prominent festivals which are celebrated here on a large scale are the Feast for Lord Muruga and the Dato Chachar Festival.

At the Mamee Jonker House, both kids as well as adults get to learn how to make noodle snacks, decorate their very own noodle cups and chopsticks and choose their favourite toppings and sauces and create their very own instant noodle cups. The 3D Jonker Walk is probably the only structure which is a unique combination of the Upside Down House and a 3D art gallery. Although there are only 25 creations on display, each one of them appears so real that one might get illusioned by what’s in front of them. The main show stopper is the 5D fluorescent museum chamber, where one’s sense of touch, as well as sight, gets tested unlike ever before.

Bukit Cina
Bukit China or Chinese Hill is a hillside of historical significance, located to the north of the historical centre of Malacca and today is surrounded by the city on all sides. Bukit Cina is the largest and oldest burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese community outside of China with over 12,500 graves and stretches over 3 hills and also includes 20 Muslim tombs. The forested paths of Bukit Cina are a popular spot for jogging and walking offering incredible views from the park. Bukit Cina Hill has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to local tradition, in the mid-15th century, the legendary Hang Li Po was sent to be married to the sultan of Malacca, Mansur Shah, to seal relations between the two states. The hill, Bukit Cina, a gift from the sultan, was established as their residence. Marine archaeology of a shipwreck, the Royal Nanhai wreck from about 1460 AD suggested royal gifts from China, shipped during Sultan Mansor Shah’s reign. The Well of Perigi Raja, situated next to Poh San Teng Temple at the foot of the hill was constructed by Hang Li Po’s followers for her personal use but was also an important source of water for much of the town. It was reputed never to have dried up even during droughts. Today, the well has acquired the reputation of a wishing well and it is believed that anyone who throws a coin into the well will return to Malacca.

Admiral Zheng He’s Seven Wells lie at the foot of Bukit Ciina, beside the Poh San Teng Temple. The well is also known as Li Po’s Well or the King’s Well. The wells were dug by Admiral Zheng He’s expedition force during their stopover in Malacca during the Ming dynasty. The Seven Wells is also known as the Dragon’s Wells according to Feng Shui. Some of these wells were bulldozed during the 1950-60s for road building. To date, only three wells are left intact and they have never been dried even in the worst of drought and today is perceived as a wishing well and is believed that people who throw a coin into the well would return to Malacca.

Ming’s Bridge name originates from the Ming Bride who came to Malacca with her large retinue including 500 handmaidens who set their home on the hill. Built in 1795, the Poh San Teng Temple is dedicated to Admiral Cheng Ho. Located at the left of the well and the base of Bukit Cina, the temple houses images of the Taoist entity Kuan Yin and Dabo Gong. A cenotaph with Chinese calligraphy has been mounted on a platform with a Kuomintang flag at the top in remembrance of the people who were brutally killed during the Japanese Occupation. There is a replica of the palace where Sultan Mansur Shah lived with all his wives including Hang Li Po which also houses the Malacca Cultural Museum.