Malacca, Malacca does not only boasts for being rich with ancient history but also takes pride in having numbers of historical buildings and monuments. Let us have a tour around the historic state of Malacca and search for the places that will make your tour worthwhile!
1. Stadthuys
Believed as the oldest Dutch building standing on the East part Malacca. As the old spelling tells, Stadthuys means city hall, hence it served as the residence of the Governor of the Netherlands during 18 century. As of these days, this red house serves as the Malacca Museum which displays historical relics of Malacca, the Netherlands, Britain and Portugal.
Location: Stadthuys, Jalan Gereja, Malacca
Hours: Tue-Thu and Sat, 9:00am – 5;30pm; Fri, 9:00am – 12:15pm, 2:45pm – 5:30pm
2. Christ Church Melaka
Oppositely located in Stadthuys, Christ Church Melaka is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and is believed to have been visited by large number of visitors. The church was built in 1753 in a Dutch style in commemoration of the centenary of the colonial of Malacca. After the British drove over the Dutch and took over Malacca, they tried to turn the church into an English-style building.
Location: Jalan Gereha, Melaka
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9:00am – 5:00pm
3. St. Paul’s Church
Originally built in 1521, thus, St. Paul’s Church makes it to be the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia built by the Europeans. This church has a statue of the famous missionary, St. Francis, since he was buried here. But… the statue doesn’t have a right hand! Legend says that when St. Francis was still alive, his right hand was used to baptized and bless his converts, and so that same hand was attached from his statue.
Since the church is located in the highlands, it has witnessed the history and chances that happened in Malacca after the Dutch occupation.
Location: Gereja St. Paul Jalan Kota, Melaka (just a few minute walk from Stadthuys)
4. Jonker Street
Derived from the Dutch word Jonkvrouw which means nobility, Jonker Street is indeed the literal translation for the Dutch aristocratic street.
At night, Jonker Street is overwhelmingly filled with a wide range of stalls where you can eat and drink with your friends. Walk down to the end of the street until you reach a stage which holds different activities in the evening.
There are also cake shops where you can have unique craft made of pastries, as well as Hainan chicken rice, Nyonya cake, Malacca white coffee and more.
Location: Jalan Hang Jebat
5. Porta De Santiaga (A Famosa) Melaka
A Portuguese fortress which is one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia.
Location: Jalan Parameswara, Melaka
6. Malacca River
image credit: www.mafengco.cn
Malacca River is a narrow strip of the Strait, with the Malay Peninsula and the Island of Sumatra. This river had also served as the vital trade route during the heyday of Malacca Sultanate way back in the 15th century.
Location: Malacca River, Malacca City
Hours: Open daily / Cruise time, 9:00am – 11:00pm
7. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Know more about the Baba and Nyonya – the descendants of Chinese immigrants – and their culture at the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum. The old house is typically a Baba Nyonya mansion with a combination of Chinese, Dutch and British Victorian features.
Location: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Hours: Wed-Mon, 10:00am – 12:30pm, 2:00pm – 4:30pm
8. Malacca Sultanate Palace
This tourist attraction can’t be missed if you’re going to visit St. Paul’s Church as it is located right under the church. Malacca Sultanate Palace is divided into three layers wherein all were built from wood and has furnitures and decorations that have carefully carved patterns.
Location: Stadthuys Jalan Gereja Melaka (under St. Paul’s Church)
Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm; Closed on Mondays
9. Sam Po Kong Temple
Sm Po Kong Temple, which is also known as Zheng He Temple located at the foot of Bukit China is a great place to understand more about Chinese habits and traditions.
This temple indeed deserved to be visited!
10. Maritime Museum
An attraction in Malacca that boasts for its replica of the Flor de La Mar, a Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Melaka while making its way to Portugal.
Location: Jalan Merdeka
Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
11. St. Peter’s Church
Did you know that the oldest Catholic church is also located in Malacca? Yep, introducing the St. Peter’s Church, a church built in 1710 by the descendants of Potruguese immigrants.
Location: Jalan Bendahara
Hour: Open all day
12. Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
Named after the famous Ming Dynasty Admiral who has visited Malacca five times during his popular seven voyages to the Western Ocean – Cheng Ho.
Location: 51, Lg Hang Jebat
Hours: Mon-Thu, 9:00am – 6:00pm; Fri-Sun, 9:00am – 7:00pm
