A BRIEF HISTORY ABOUT MELAKA
Malacca was founded by a fleeing prince from Sumatra in 14th century it developed into a major trading port for ships from India and China. As the Melaka Sultanate flourished, the Portuguese conquered Malacca in 1511. Later the Dutch took over in 1641 until much later the British Empire ruled Malacca. The state finally obtained independence with the then "Malaya states" in 1957. Today, one will find many remnants of the glorious past dated back more than 500 years ago.
1. Melaka Sultanate palace.
It was reconstructed at the foot of St. Paul's Hill. The design is based on the description of the palace from the sixteenth-century 'Malay Annals,' or 'Sejarah Melayu.' It is the only building of its kind in Malaysia, and it provides a rare glimpse of the ancient Malay kingdom that once flourished here. The palace houses the Malacca Cultural Museum, which includes many artifacts of that kingdom.
2. The St. Paul's Church:
It is at the top of St. Paul's Hill was once the prayer house of the Portuguese Catholics. It was later turned into burial ground for their noble dead by the Dutch having Latin and Portuguese inscriptions on the tombstones. St. Francis Xavier was also buried here in 1553 before his body was moved to Goa in India.
3. The A'Famosa Fortress:
It was built by the Portuguese to defend them-selves and called A’ Famosa. It suffered severe destruction during the Dutch invasion and what are left today are just the entrance walls. still well preserved till today
4. The Stadthuys:
It was the official residence of the Dutch Governor in 1650. Now it houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum which have numerous traditional bridal costumes and relics on display for visitors to admire. There's also the Christ Church built in 1753 nearby, another fine example of the Dutch architecture.
5. Bukit China or The Chinese Hill
It is believed to be the largest Chinese cemetery outside China with tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty. During the peak of the Malacca Sultanate, the Sultan was gifted the Princess Hang Li Poh by the China Emperor. Her entourage settled in Bukit China (Chinese Hill). Today, Bukit China is believed to be the largest Chinese cemetery outside China, with many tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Hang Li Poh's followers built a well in 1459 that is said to have never dried up. Today, the well is turned into a wishing well and many believe those who toss coins into the well will return again to Malacca
6. Kampung Keling Mosque
It is one of the oldest in the country since 17th century. It's a merge of Sumatran and Western architecture with a three tier pyramid roof which is a touch of Hindu influence perhaps and elegant Corinthian-styled columns support the carved wooden ceiling.
7. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
It is believed to be the oldest Chinese temple in the country and was constructed in the year 1645.The eaves of the temple are decorated with Mythological figures and animation made from broken glass and porcelain. Besides the figures, the wood carvings and lacquer work are almost breath-taking
OTHER HISTORICAL AND INTERESTING SITES
8. Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum.
'Straits Chinese' or the Baba and Nyonya , are Chinese of noble descendants that have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. The public can now review the heirloom unique to this heritage at private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Malacca. Floral and pictorial motifs grace parts of the front of the house whilst the interior is adorned with intricately carved fittings finished in gold leaf.
9. Hang Jebat and Hang Kasturi's mausoleum.
Two of the Malacca Sultanate's well-known warriors and champion of justice. Hang Jebat was unceremoniously killed by Hang Tuah in a duel of honour that lasted 3 days and 3 nights. He was killed in the name of justice to avenge the sultan's hasty punishment against Hang Tuah for a crime he didn't commit.
10. Hang Tuah's Well
It is located in Kampung Duyong where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood among four of his good friends who would later become the famous warriors of Malacca Sultanate. The well is said to be the abode of his soul which takes the apparition of a white crocodile. For a commoner to catch the glimpse of Hang Tuah is hardly likely. It is said that the holy among us can ever hope to see the apparition.
11. Jonker's Street,
once the richman's street is now a living proof of Malacca's rich baba-nyonya heritage. The buildings are immaculately constructed with elaborate carvings on its pillars and walls. The street is also famous for its antique shops.
12. Maritime Museum
It is constructed after 'Flora De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sank off the Coast of Malacca on its way to Portugal. With its hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca, the ship was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts to Malacca's heritage. At the museum, visitor can get a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th century to the Portuguese era, the Dutch era and the British era. There are exhibits of foreign ships that had once called at the port of Malacca during the height of its maritime hegemony.
13. Memorial hall (1912),
The landmark where the nation's first prime minister announce proclamation of independence from the British empire. It has been preserved with archive pictures of the country's struggle to attain independence.
14, Portuguese Square
Has a mild affinity to Portugal and known to be 'Mini Lisbon' in Malacca. Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours. One will also find authentic Portuguese restaurants at the square.
15. Sam Po Kong Temple.It was constructed in dedication to Admiral Cheng Ho. The temple was named after a fish that miraculously saved the admiral's ship from sinking after it had been hit by a storm enroute to Malacca from China. The fish mysteriously placed itself against a damaged hull preventing the ship from taking on water.
16. Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple
It is one of the first Hindu temple built in the country at the turn of the century. It was built on the plot given by the Dutch.
17. St. Francis Xavier's Church.
It was built in 1849 by a Frenchman, Reverend Farve. The Gothic towered church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, well-remembered for his missionary work spreading Catholicism to South East Asia in the 16th century.
18. St. John's Fort.
It was rebuilt by the Dutch during the third quarter of the 18 th century, the fort was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The fort has an interesting feature in that its gun embrasures face inland as during that time, attacks on Malacca came mainly from the land instead of from the sea.
19. St. Peter's Church.
It was built in 1710 by the Portuguese descendants and comprising an architectural mix of the Oriental and Occidental
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