Melaka is located on the southwestern tip of the peninsular region of the country, and it only spans a total area of about 1,638 square kilometres. Melaka, the name of a local town, was chosen to honour the state. The history of this relatively small town has had a significant impact on the development of the state as it exists today. In spite of the fact that it is the second smallest of Malaysia’s states, Melaka has managed to carve out a niche for itself among the most well-known tourist destinations in the entire country.
The history of Maleka can be traced back to the 15th century, during the reign of Prince Parameswara, who is also regarded as the founder of the town of Maleka. During this time period, Maleka was known as Maleka Town. It was the primary port of call for commercial vessels coming from China, the Middle East, and India. There were several different invasions of this area, including one by the Portuguese in the year 1511 AD and one by the Dutch in the year 1641 AD. The period of Dutch dominance lasted around 150 years until 1795 AD, when the province fell under the authority of the British. Melaka was officially included into the nation of Malaysia in 1957, making it an important year in the city’s long and illustrious history.
Main Tourist Attractions of Melaka, Malaysia
The Stadthuys
This structure is a wonderful example of Dutch architecture, and it can be found here. During the middle of the 17th century, it was built as the residence of the Dutch Governor. This magnificent structure has stunning wooden windows throughout. The doors have an ancient wrought iron hinge that gives them a majestic appearance. This structure is currently home to the Museum of Melakan History and Ethnography, which has fascinating exhibits on topics such as Melakan history and the origins of Islam in the state. Coins, costumes, and other items are also on show.
Christ Church
The Dutch were responsible for the construction of this church about the middle of the 18th century. It was constructed to commemorate one hundred years of Dutch control over the state and is a testimony to the state’s fascinating and eventful past. The church is located in a structure that is pink in colour and is an excellent illustration of the architectural creativity of the Dutch. The Bible is cast in bronze, and the inscriptions on the tombstones are written in Armenian. The seats and ceilings are also quite remarkable. You may also observe the “Last Supper” here, rendered in glassy tiles for your perusal.
St Paul’s Church
In the 16th century, a Portuguese Captain by the name of Duarte Coelho was the one responsible for building this beautiful chapel. St. Paul’s Church is the name that the Dutch gave to the burial cemetery that was once used by the Portuguese as the Chapel of the Annunciation. In addition, from March 22 and December 11, 1533, the location was the scene of the temporary interment of the bones of Saint Francis Xavier in an open grave. After some time, the remains were relocated to their ultimate resting place in Old Goa, India.
Muzium Budaya (Cultural Museum)
A wooden replica of the Sultanate Palace in Melaka may be seen not far from the Porta de Santiago, at the base of St. Paul’s Hill. Colonialists were responsible for the palace’s destruction. The Muzium Budaya, often known as the Cultural Museum, may currently be found inside this structure. The museum has films relating to Sultan, as well as a large number of photographs, gowns, and Melakan weapons.
Maritime Museum
This museum is located in a massive reconstruction of a ship from Portugal called the Flor De La Mar. The original ship went down in the Straits of Malacca when it was travelling to Portugal. Treasures of great value were being taken aboard the ship as it left the nation. Visitors get the opportunity to experience Melaka’s history up up and personal, from the Sultanate period to the periods ruled by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. The museum has displays of artefacts such as replicas of foreign ships, ancient nautical maps, and equipment.
Kampung Kling Mosque
The construction of this mosque began in the year 1748 AD, and it displays an architectural that is uniquely Sumatran. The mosque lacks the typical dome that is often seen on top. Instead, it features a roof in the form of a pyramid. There is a minaret that has an unusual form that combines elements of East and West architectural traditions. The prayer hall has Corinthian columns and glass windows that surround it on all sides. Visitors who are not Muslims are not permitted to enter the prayer hall, although they are allowed to film outside.
A’Famosa World Safari and Water World
The A’Famosa World safari is a well-known destination for those who want to see some of the world’s most unique and unusual creatures. In addition to that, there are animal displays and rides available here. You’ll find A’Famosa Water World, an amusement park where you can spend the full day having fun, only a short distance away. The park has a beautiful area of twenty acres and eight hectares and offers a variety of water activities, including waterslides, raft rides, and tube rides. You are also able to participate in a variety of other leisure pursuits here, such as fishing, cycling, hiking, and horseback riding.
Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Temple
This temple is one of the earliest examples of Hindu architecture in all of Malaysia. The temple can be found on Jalan Tokong Emas, and it is situated in close proximity to both the Masjid Kampung Kling and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. The Dutch donated the land on which the temple was constructed, and construction was finished in the year 1781 AD. There is a stunning statue of Lord Ganesha here, and devotees go here to pay their respects and get a sight of it.
Air Keroh
Air Keroh is home to a variety of tourist attractions, including a tiny zoo, Butterfly Park, a miniature version of Malaysia, and a miniature version of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Butterfly Park is home to a diverse collection of insects and butterflies, numbering in the hundreds. These include the elusive Raja Brooke and Birdwing, among others. Traditional homes from around Malaysia are shown at Miniature Malaysia, each showcasing a distinctive regional architectural style. Mini ASEAN is a theme park that displays significant cultural artefacts from the nations that make up the ASEAN group.
Tanjung Kling and Pantai Kundor Beaches
One of the most beautiful beaches in Melaka may be found in the Straits of Malacca, roughly 15 kilometres to the northwest of the city of Melaka. This beautiful stretch of white sand beach is perfect for sailing and swimming. Tanjung Kling Mosque is located in close proximity to the beach. The minarets and stairs within the mosque are quite magnificent. The burial of the legendary warrior Hang Tuah may be found about a half mile farther down the road. A nice length of white powdery sand may be found at the Pantai Kundor Beach, which is located around 2 kilometres away.
