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About an hour and a half’s
drive from Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, the historical state of
Malacca is well-known for its rich and colourful cultural and historical past –
which earns it the nickname `Negeri Bersejarah’ (Historical State) - evidence of
which can still be found around town and on its streets.
The Legend that is Malacca
 The
origins of Malacca came about in the late 14th century when a young
Srivijayan prince from Sumatra named Parameswara witnessed a mousedeer pushing
one of his dogs into the river in self-defense. Impressed by the courage of the
seemingly-gentle mousedeer against the ferocious dog, and inspired by its
significance of `the weak overcoming the great’, he decided to build an empire
right there and then, naming it `Melaka’ (Malacca), after the Melaka tree he was
resting under when he witnessed the event.
Under the administration of
Parameswara, what was initially a small, sleepy fishing town became the most
important port of trade and commerce in the whole Asian region, thanks to its
strategic location. Traders from all over the world especially from Java, India,
Arabia and China flock to Malacca to trade their goods such as tobacco,
gemstones and silk.
Malacca continued to prosper
throughout the years, and became the most powerful region in Asia – much envied
and sought-after by neighbouring regions. The Siamese’s attempt to invade
Malacca was hampered with the help of Malacca's biggest trade partner, China,
and Malacca’s relationship with China was further strengthened by the marriage
of their princess, Princess Hang Li Poh, to the Sultan, Sultan Mansur Shah,
which gave rise to one of the most ancient lineages of Malacca, the Peranakan
line, to which the `Baba-Nyonya’ community belongs.
Malacca was eventually
conquered by the Portuguese in 1511, under the leadership of Alfonso de
Albuquerqe, who made it a strategic base for Portuguese expansion in the East
Indies. The Sultan at the moment, who was also the last Sultan of Malacca,
Sultan Mahmud Shah, fled to Sumatra. In 1641, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese
and took over, who then handed it over to the British in exchange for a region
in Sumatra. Many of the influences from the era of the Western invasion can
still be seen around Malacca today, such as the A’ Famosa fort and the red
Stadthuys buildings.
Malacca is also home to the
legend of Hang Tuah, the greatest warrior in Malay history.
Historical Attractions of
Malacca
There are many relics still
standing all over the state of Malacca - symbols of Malacca’s rich historical
past:
The Stadthuys Building
Built in the 17th
century, The Stadthuys Building was the official residence of the Dutch Governer
and his deputy, and is a fine example of Dutch architecture. It is now home to
the Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses traditional wedding costumes
and historical artefacts. The Christ Church is located nearby, housing
hand-crafted church benches, jointless ceiling skylights and a replica of `The
Last Supper’.
 Fort
A’ Famosa
An important relic from the
Portuguese era, Fort A’ Famosa was built in the 16th century and had
suffered a sizeable damage to its original structure during the Dutch invasion.
The fort was saved from complete destruction - there were plans for absolute
demolition of the fort by the British colony - by the intervention of Sir
Stamford Raffles, who decided that it should be preserved.
Portuguese Square
Also known as `Mini Lisbon’,
Portuguese Square represents the Portuguese culture in its full splendour. It is
located within the Portuguese settlement of Malacca, and during Fiesta San
Pedro, this area comes to life with Portuguese-style entertainment and
celebrations. Portuguese restaurants selling authentic Portuguese dishes can
also be found here.
Jonker’s Street
Jonker’s Street, otherwise
known as `Jalan Hang Jebat’, is filled with buildings and settlements that
reflect the Baba-Nyonya rich cultural heritage, with immaculately-constructed
façade and elaborately-carved pillars and panels. This street is also famous
for its antique shops, and is the perfect shopping spot for visitors wanting to
bring home a piece of Malacca with them.
Bukit China
Bukit China or China Hill was
the original settlement for the Chinese migrants who came with Princess Hang Li
Poh’s entourage, where the Sultan of Malacca had built a palace for himself and
his new bride on top of the hill. Nowadays, the hill is home to an extensive
Chinese graveyard, some dating back as far as the Ming Dynasty.
There are many other
interesting historical sites around Malacca such as the Baba & Nyonya Heritage
Museum on Jalan Tun Cheng Lock, St. John’s Fort, St. Paul’s Church, Sam Po
Kong Temple, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Kampung Keling Mosque, as well as a
replica of the Sultan of Malacca’s palace at the foot of St. Pauls’ Hill, of
which design was based on the description of the palace taken from the 16th-century
Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals), providing a glimpse of the ancient royal
kingdom that had once resided in Malacca.
Malacca is best experienced
on foot or via the many cheap and cheerful rickshaws available all over town.
Book Malacca Hotels here
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