MELAKA

Map of Melaka in Malaysia

              

Melaka is located on the Western Coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the Straits of Melaka, about 147 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur and 245 kilometers from Singpore. Melaka is actually found sandwiched between the states of Negeri Sembilan and Johor. It can be reached by excellent roads from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Internally it is serviced by a very good network of roads leading to all the historical places of interest. It covers and area of 658 square kilometers and is divided into three districts namely Alor Gajah, Melaka Tengah and Jasin.

Melaka was founded by Parameswara (or Raja Iskandar) the last Malay ruler of Temasik (ancient Singapore) in 1396 when he and his followers retreated up the straits to Muar, then to Sungai Ujung before settling at Bertam near the estuary of Melaka River.

Finding the place of strategic location, he decided to make a permanent settlement there, naming it "Melaka" after the name of the tree he leaned against.

The Melaka Sultanate occupies a special position in the history of Malaysia. Its inauguration marked the beginning of the emergence of a new Malay empire. The birthplace of the Malay Sultanates and Malaysia's historic city, Melaka provided the stage on which the Portuguese, Dutch and English played out their roles in shaping the history.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MALACCA

MALACCA ATTRACTIONS

Firmly rooted as Malaysia's historical city, visiting Malacca is like a journey back in time to witness the adventures and discoveries during Malacca's golden age.

Today, there are many historical sites to visit that give you a glimpse of Malacca's glorious past. This is balanced with other modern attractions such as water theme parks and cultural parks.

A'Famosa

Although the remains of Porta De Santiago – built by the Portuguese as a fortress in 1511 – are nothing more than a quick photo stop, it is a must for anyone visiting Malacca. The Dutch destroyed most of the fort but what remains today was saved by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1810. The Romanesque architecture as well as the cool breezes wafting through the ruined walls will make your exploration a pleasant one.

A'Famosa Resort

Approximately 24km north of Melaka, a little off the road to Kuala Lumpur, is the countryside town of Alor Gajah. The peaceful and grassy Alor Gajah Square – surrounded by a series of cheerily painted shop houses – is located in the town centre

Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum

At the beginning of the 16th century, merchants and entrepreneurs were lured to Malacca’s shores due to stories of the city’s burgeoning success and wealth. In particular the city saw an influx of Chinese traders who arrived in droves in an effort to escape Manchu rule. 

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 16:30 Monday - Saturdays
Address: 48-50 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200.
Tel: (606) 283 1273 

Bukit Cina

The ancestral burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese community, Bukit Cina – also known as Chinese Hill – is the largest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside of China itself with over 12,500 graves as well as 20 Muslim tombs. 

Address: Jalan Puteri Hang Li Poh, Bukit Cina, Melaka.

Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary

Famed for its antiques, especially along Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock where there are many specialist outlets, Malacca is commonly referred to as Malaysia’s unofficial historic capital.

Opening Hours: 08:30 – 17:30 everyday
Address: Lebuh Ayer Keroh, 75450.
Tel: (606) 232 0033

Cheng Ho's Cultural Museum

Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum is a gallery housing exhibits about Chinese Ming Dynasty admiral, Cheng Ho (Zheng He). In a warehouse to the north of the Melaka River, the gallery has exhibits on the admiral’s life. 

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Founded in the early 14th century by Parameswara, a Sumatran prince, Malacca quickly became a key port of call for merchants playing the routes between India and China– once the two greatest markets of the world back then. 

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00
Address: No. 25, Jalan To’kong 75200.
Tel: (606) 282 9343 or (606) 282 2906 

Coral Wonderland Melaka

Coral Wonderland Malacca is the Malaysia’s first coral park, hosting over 1,000 species of marine fish and corals. Opened in 2011, the coral park is home to Asia’s longest touch pool, and the country’s longest coral aquarium, giving you a chance for in-depth look on loved marine life. It is situated at level 4 of the conveniently-located Dataran Pahlawan shopping mall, so parking (and also lunch afterwards) isn’t a problem if you’re planning a family day out.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10:30 – 21:30; Saturday – Sunday 10:30 – 22:30

Address: F4-01A & F4-99, Level 4, Dataran Pahlawan Melaka, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, Malacca

Tel: +606 282 9966

How to get there: Adults RM40, children under 12 RM30, senior citizens above 60 RM20

D-Paradise Melaka

D-Paradise is a concept tropical fruit and aboriginal village cum retreat in Malacca. This park has a host of attractions, while being conveniently located near the highway.
Opening Hours: Tuesday To Sunday: 9:00 - 18:00 Closed: Monday (Hotel will remain open)

Address: 63, Jalan Solok Uban, Kampung Brisu, Lubuk China, Melaka.

Tel: (606) 552 8010

Macau Gallery

Macau Gallery, situated in Bukit Peringgit in Malacca, is a double-storey complex showcasing the best of Macau for those who would like to know more about this interesting region. Lying on the western side of the Pearl River Delta across from Hong Kong to the east, Macau was formerly administered by Portugal and shares a lot of similarities with Malacca in terms of culture and architecture, and while it is mostly known as gambling central, Macau has a lot more to offer, especially for history and culture aficionados.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00

Address: 6, Bukit Peringgit, Malacca

Tel: +606 286 9939

Malacca Planetarium & Adventure Science Centre

Malacca Planetarium Adventure Science Centre, aka Melaka Planetarium, is a learning centre dedicated to the exciting world of astronomy and science. Opened in 2009, the planetarium is right beside the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), approximately 20 minutes from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza. The three-storey, Islamic-inspired complex houses multiple exhibition areas together with a cafeteria, a library and also Malaysia’s largest dome theatre for periodical movie screenings.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 09:15 – 18:00

Address: Kompleks MITC, Hang Tuah Jaya, Ayer Keroh, Malacca

Tel: +606 232 2424

Price Range: Adult RM10; students RM8; senior citizen and children under seven years old
RM5.