Since the era of Malacca Sultanate, the city has prospered as a successful entrepôt, putting it in the same position as Venice, Cairo and Canton.When the European conquest begin, Malacca had developed into a cosmopolitan city with a long-standing European heritage. The arrival of Chinese traders and coolie during the sultanate era and European colonisation saw a large boost to the economy, especially during the administration of Dutch and the British.In modern times, the tourism is more dominant than the primary-based industry due to its historical riches with the melting pots of cultural influences which attracted many local and foreign tourists to visiting the city,which also became part of the state economy income. In addition to its strategic location in the maritime Silk Road, the city benefited from the rise of China and India as world economic powers.Malacca City has hosted numerous national, regional and international conferences, congresses and trade fairs in the Malacca International Trade Centre.In early 2016, the Malacca state government has start to develop a new economic development area in the central city centre which will be known as the Hang Tuah Trade Centre that will encompassing trade centres, higher education, hospitality and business.

Malacca City is the centre of political and economic administration for the state of Malacca. There is one members of parliament (MP) representing one parliamentary constituency in the city: Kota Melaka (P .138). The city also elects five representatives to the state legislature from the state assembly districts of Kesidang, Kota Laksamana, Duyong, Bandar Hilir and Telok Mas.

Local authority and city definition

The city is administered by the Malacca City Council (Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah, MBMB). Formerly known as Malacca Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Melaka Bandaraya Bersejarah, MPMBB), it was merged with the “Malacca Municipality Area” on 1 January 1977 with a new combined area of 114.7 square miles (303 square kilometres). Then on 15 April 2003, MPMBB was upgraded into MBMB before part of its area, covering 57.66 kilometres separated for Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ). MBMB area is currently at 277 sq kilometres as a result of land reclamation, with a new administration area of 30.86 sq kilometres. Together these areas comprise a metropolitan area of 307.86 sq kilometres. As of 2016, the current mayor is Zainal Hussin.

For a modern shopping experience in the middle of the historical city Malacca, head to Dataran Pahlawan in Banda Hilir. Surrounded by historical sites such as A’Famosa and St. Paul’s Hill, the nine-storey mall is chock-full of name-brand stores, entertainment centres, food and beverages outlets and souvenir shops, catering to visitors of all ages. Shopping malls aren’t top of the list in this city that is full of heritage, but if you’re looking for a one-stop place to check out the latest fashion, catch a movie, and grab a bite, this is the place to be.

Parking spots are aplenty if you’re driving (with parking rates of RM2 for the first two hours) , but the mall is also within a stroll of Malacca’s most famous museums and landmarks, so if you’re planning a day out in Malacca, definitely slot Dataran Pahlawan in your itinerary for a relieving pit stop.

Located just right across the pioneer shopping mall Mahkota Parade, Dataran Pahlawan features international fashion stores such as Esprit, Quiksilver and MNG, alongside well-known local brands like Nichii and Padini, each with generous floor space for a comfortable shopping experience. For more value for your ringgit, check out discount stores such as Brands for Less, Brands Outlet and Factory Outlet Shop – these might need a bit of scouring along the racks and piles to find the bargain you’re looking for, but is worth the time and you’ll get far more for your hard-earned money.

Besides fashion, Dataran Pahlawan also showcases a wide array of specialty shops – Toys R US, Perfume Avenue and Mr D.I.Y are some of the tenants in this massive shopping mall. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir for that special someone, Dataran Pahlawan has dedicated its basement level to a craft-and-souvenir market, so you’re bound to find something to buy for friends and family back home.

Dataran Pahlawan is also home to some of the most exciting entertainment outlets in Malacca – Golden Screen Cinema, a 10-screen cinema offering the latest blockbusters and local films in normal and 3D format; The Super Roller skating rink for a fun skating experience within a disco-esque environment; and Revo Archery, a place for you to discover your hidden archery skills.

The shopping mall also plays host to Coral Wonderland, the country’s first coral park. Located at Level 4 of the property, this one-of-a-kind attraction is Malaysia’s ‘most touchable aquarium’, providing the longest touch pool in Asia for those who would like a closer inspection of sea creatures. Several daily activities are also lined up for visitors who would like to witness the enchanting marine animals – these include shark feeding sessions and fun quizzes.

A variety of food and beverages outlets are available in Dataran Pahlawan and if you’re looking for some inexpensive local and Asian cuisines, you have come to the right place. Station Kopitiam and Kopitiam Express offers local café fare (think nasi lemak and fried mee) and awesome coffee, but for a full-blown dining experience, try out Restoran Asam Pedas Gula Melaka for spicy asam pedas fish; and Johnny’s Restaurant for a hearty steamboat meal. Burgers and fries are also an option here with the popular fast food chains such as McDonalds and Burger King both occupying outlet spaces in the mall.

Mahkota Parade is one of Malacca’s first shopping malls, housing almost 200 stores, including international brands, food-and-beverage outlets and entertainment centres. Opened in 1994, the four-storey shopping mall was recently refurbished to embrace a modern, sleeker look, and with new exciting tenants onboard, it is set to take the shopping scene in Malacca by storm.

With over 1,000 parking spaces, Mahkota Parade is Malacca’s favourite hangout spot, with locals visiting in large numbers, especially at weekends and on public holidays for casual shopping and leisure activities. The iconic shopping mall also sits right in the middle of the city centre, surrounded by Malacca’s most famous landmarks, such as A’Famosa, St. Paul’s Hill and across from its biggest competitor, Dataran Pahlawan shopping mall.

Mahkota Parade’s anchor tenants are Giant Hypermarket and Parkson Grand department stores, offering visitors a wide array of fresh groceries, inexpensive clothing and home appliances. Sales are especially frequent at Parkson, with periodical offers on items such as office attire, sport shoes and ladies’ handbags. For more bargains, the mall also has discount stores such as Al-Ikhsan (for quality sporting goods), All IT Hypermarket (for computer accessories) and Reject Shop (for casual international brands).

Besides quality goods, Mahkota Parade also showcases several beauty shops, with international and Korean skincare stores all lined up to cater for the fairer sex. The natural skincare brands, L’Occitane and The Body Shop, together with East-Asian favourites such as The Face Shop, Nature Republic and Etude House are all available in the mall, with prices slightly cheaper than their overseas outlets. Those looking for some pampering can head over to Fe’ Maritz for body treatments and refreshing facials.

For those wanting to catch the latest blockbusters in town, Mahkota Parade is also home to Lotus Five Star, a four-hall cineplex. Previously a Golden Screen Cinemas outlet, the cineplex was renovated in 2009, and was given a new life for a more comfortable movie-watching experience. Offering the latest blockbusters and local films, Lotus Five Star is one of the most affordable cineplexes around, costing only RM6 per ticket for all shows before 12:00.

Other entertainment outlets in Mahkota Parade include Ampang Superbowl, one of the biggest bowling alleys in Malacca; In Box Karaoke for those who would like to belt out Top 40 hits; and Wonderland, an arcade gaming centre. Music enthusiasts will love Inverno Music Station as it stocks hard-to-find CDs and merchandise at affordable prices. Look out for its specialized rock corner to hunt for your indie bands’ records.

ButWhile food choices are wide in Mahkota Parade, most of the cuisine focuses on local favourites and pan-Asian dishes. For a taste of Japan and Taiwan’s finest dishes, Sibaraku on the first floor gives you enough reason to come back for more, with its fresh sashimi platter and delicious udon – all reasonably priced. The Seleria Food Court, situated in second floor right across the Lotus Five star cineplex, centres around local cheap eats such as claypot chicken rice, char kuey teow and tau foo fah and has free Wi-Fi. Those hankering for fast food will be glad to know that food giants KFC, McDonalds and Pizza Hut are also available in the mall.

1. Mixx Club

Mixx is steadily becoming Malacca’s reigning club. Opened in December 2011, it has certainly started out with all the right stuff. Set on the second floor of Mahkota Parade, it has solidified its hip credibility by constantly importing DJs and live visuals from all over Asia. 

The interior of Mixx club looks like a tricked-out industrial warehouse with neon lights that act as paint to walls and seem to take centre stage. This mall establishment is comprised of two sections: Paradox, where deejays spin electro and techno beats, and Arris, a garden café with a live band. Before Mixx club was opened, the owner used to operate another club, Pure Bar in Melaka Raya.

2. The Library

The Library is a restobar set in Melaka Raya. Known for its live bands and extensive food menu, the place is not your average Malaccan bar. Serving an upscale clientele, it prides itself on its selection of beers (said to be Malaysia’s largest selection of imported and locally brewed beers). 

Besides its selection of brewskis, The Library also serves up a variety of premium liquor but it is The Library’s menu that really shines: not just pub grub, it is the reason the bar has attracted such a healthy following. Thematically designed, The Library’s clientele is a mixture of trendsetters, media types and connoisseurs who come to wind down and mingle.

3. Portuguese Square

Fondly known as Portuguese Square, this area is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its splendour and colours where descendants of Malay and Portuguese intermarriages since the colonisation of the state. 

The Square is renowned for housing plenty of restaurants, food stalls and pubs and on Saturday evenings, it becomes a hub of activities, as the local community put up traditional dances to entertain tourists and celebrate their unique culture in style. Visitors are encouraged to grab a beer and enjoy a night of listening to pseudo-pop bands strut their stuff with the sound of cascading waves in the distance.

4. Alto Sky Lounge – Hatten Hotel Malacca

Located on the 22nd level of Hatten Hotel Melaka, Alto Sky Lounge provides guests with stunning panoramic views of Malacca city as they savour a mix of expertly crafted cocktails, tantalising light bites and a variety of fine wines with the accompaniment of exquisite live music.

Alto Sky Lounge features an outdoor bar setting that can seat over 130 people and a vintage spiral staircase which leads to a glass wine cellar on a mezzanine level. Alto Sky Lounge is ideal for elegant cocktail parties, important business functions or simply as a place to relax and unwind after a long day. With its charismatic design and luxurious ambience, Alto provides the perfect surroundings for mixing business and pleasure.

1. Satay Celup

Known to be one of the very famous dishes in this town,  Known to have uniquely adapted that fusion the culinary traditions of a diverse population into a mouth-watering whole. Satay celup unlike grilled satay is an eating exercise that involves your hands reaching out and dipping raw or semi-cooked skewers of seafood (fish, cockles, prawns etc.), meat, vegetables, as well as quail eggs and an assortment of fish balls dunked into a hot boiling pot of satay gravy. Sounds like the kind of exercise we’d be into ain’t that right?

Operating for more than 40 years now, the best part of these restaurants serving satay celup is their authentic peanut sauce rich with crushed peanut, spicy and sweet flavor that catalyst the reaction for MORE.

2. Nyonya Cendol @ Aunty Koh

Hidden little off Jalan Klebang, this place visible with a crowd does justice to this signature of Melaka! Just like Char Koay Teow is to Penang, Cendol is to Melaka and this dessert doesn’t easily go wrong! Perfectly balanced between sweetness and bland, Aunty Koh is here to impress you and cool you from that scorching heat with a simple bowl of icy coconut-y slimy goodness!

With its combination of red beans and cendol (green noodle), rich in gula Melaka syrup and complemented well with the creaminess of the coconut milk and finely shaven ice- it’s a smooth flow all the way! Looking for a place along the Jonker street? Hit up Jonker 88 cuz they don’t disappoint either!

3. Coconut Shake @Klebang Coconut Shake

It’s the concoction you need for the Hot Melaka Heat. And distinctive stall makes this refreshing drink a real gem – Klebang Coconut Shake. Crowds will be queuing up to dabao for an authentic taste of the concoction of fresh coconut water and its flesh, and the scoop of vanilla ice-cream that gives it a nice balance of sweetness.

Though only established a few years ago, tourists have begun flocking to Klebang just to have a taste of its infamous coconut shake! Coconut water, coconut flesh, ice cubes, and vanilla ice cream are blended into a smoothie, with an option to have it served with a scoop of ice cream on top.

4. Nasi Lemak

This is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and “pandan” leaf commonly found in Malaysia. Nasi lemak is not only popular in Melaka, it is also considered as one of the national dishes. This street food is best served with the banana leaf as the aroma enhances the taste.

You can easily find good-tasting nasi lemak in Melaka. The one that I tried at New Wang Food Court had fluffy and fragrant rice and the side dishes were very good. The owner named the stall as “Nasi Lemak” so what do you think the signature dish is:?

5.Chicken Rice Balls

This is a dish of Chinese origin and is most commonly associated with Hainanese cuisine. Famous for their rice balls both here in Ipoh & Melaka legend has it that steamed Hainanese chicken rice was originally shaped into balls so that these savory morsels could be kept warm for a long time making it easily dependant by farmers and workers to consume it during lunch!

Mostly located along Jonker Street, a few worth mentioning is Chung Wah due to serving only- free-range chicken resulting in naturally sweet meat complemented well with their homemade chili sauce mixture of red chilies, garlic, ginger, and a touch of lime. Other worth mentioning would be Ee Ji Ban Chicken Rice (Halal and represent the taste of Melaka) & Huang Chang Chicken Rice (Affordable). 

6. Nyonya Laksa

Unlike the usual Laksa, Nyonya Laksa is originated from the Baba & Nyonya (Peranakan). Pungent, rich and well flavored from the spices and chilies, Nyonya laksa broth very so different from the usual laksa we’re used to is prepared using chicken and prawns, while curry laksa uses chicken stock.

The red-orange dotted oil on top of the Nyonya laksa comes from the prawns, which gives the curry a richer and sweeter taste. A bowl of flavorful Nyonya laksa is not complete without some hard-boiled egg, prawn, fish balls, onions, chicken strips, mango slices, and sambal. Once put in the mouth, the spices of curry will melt your heart taking you to heaven! That’s one way to get there!

1. Take a Malacca River Cruise

The Malacca River is one of the highlights of the city and the best way to experience it is to take to the water on a scenic river cruise.
Back in the days of old the river would have been one of the most important trade routes in the area and nowadays you can cruise past important spots such as Kampung Morten and enjoy all the sights of the city.
There are also nighttime river cruises which offer you the chance to take in the city illuminations and the journey usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

2. Go shopping at Jonker Walk Night Market

Located on Jalan Hang Jebat is the Jonker Walk Night Market which takes place from Friday to Sunday once the sun starts to go down.

This is one of the best places to come to shop in Malacca and you will find a huge range of goods on sale including souvenirs, a selection of antiques, and local handicrafts.

You can also buy other items like electronics and clothing but one of the best parts of the market is the food.

Just some of the street food snacks that you can expect to find here include pancakes and waffles, rice balls filled with chicken, and cendol which is a kind of dessert which is made with jelly and coconut milk.

3. Take a trishaw ride

Much like other cities such as Penang, one of the best ways to get around Malacca is to take a scenic trishaw ride.

The trishaws are often elaborately decorated in line with the personal tastes of the driver and this offers you a more leisurely chance to enjoy the city and explore some areas that are off the main tourist arteries.

Many trishaw drivers are also happy to give you a guided tour of Malacca and will fill you in on the history of the area.

4. Enjoy the views at the Taming Sari Revolving Tower

It is hard not to notice Taming Sari Revolving Tower when you are in Malacca as it soars to a height of 110 meters and can seat 66 passengers at one time.

The ride in the tower takes around 7 minutes to complete as you will ascend and then get to spend 5 minutes at the top taking in the views over the city before descending again.

From the tower you can take in panoramic vistas across the city which stretch all the way to the coast.

5. Walk around Stadthuys

Stadthuys is one of the most famous landmarks in Malacca and you will recognize it immediately thanks to the crimson façade.

The building dates from 1650 which makes it the oldest of its kind that was built during the Dutch colonial period and is modeled on the Stadhuis or town hall in Hoorn in the Netherlands.

This used to be the local town hall and residence of the governor but nowadays it houses the History & Ethnography Museum.

6. Explore the Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary

Malacca has some beautiful flora and fauna and one of the best places to see this is at the Malacca Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary that sits a little way outside the city in Ayer Keroh.

Here you will find an impressive 11 hectares of jungle which are full of a diverse range of species such as reptiles, butterflies, and a plethora of insects, and nature lovers can spend the afternoon wandering around and taking in all the beauty of this part of Malaysia.

Malacca history and legends go back as far as the late 14th century, starting from its humble beginnings as a coastal village and rise to prominence under the Malaccan Sultanate to cautionary tales of fairies and loyalty to the king. Locals believe the state’s impetus towards the development of what would eventually become Malaysia. 
In 1396, a Sumatran prince by the name of Parameswara fled his country out of fear of the attacking Majapahit Empire. Landing in Temasek, he killed the local ruler and established himself over the island that is now known as Singapore. A few years later, he was driven out by a Thai-controlled army and once again, was left scouting for a new piece of land.

Eventually, he moved up the West Coast of Malaysia and founded Malacca. Legend says that he was resting under a tree when he saw a mouse deer kicking his hunting dogs into the river and they attacked it. Declaring the place to be auspicious, he decided to set up shop and named the place after the tree he was resting under Melaka.

In 1414, Parameswara converted to Islam, leading him become Sultan of Malacca. The city was also growing into a prominent trading ground for traders from across Asia, notably India, Arabia and China. As a result, many Chinese migrants settled here during this time, establishing the Peranakan culture for the future. Malacca also established contact with the Chinese empire through the explorer Zheng He to protect their territory from Siamese forces, culminating in the marriage of Sultan Mansur Shah and Hang Li Poh.

Colonization

A century later, the Portuguese came, saw and conquered Malacca in 1511. This was a milestone for the Western colonists looking to extend their empire to the East Indies. Malacca continued to prosper under Portuguese rule until the Dutch came into the picture. With the help of the Sultan of Johor (descended from a Malaccan Sultan), the Dutch captured the port and ruled over it until 1795, where Malacca was ceded to the British under an exchange programme for Batavia (Jakarta) In Indonesia.

The British East India Company developed Malacca and spread their influence all over Malaysia, enforcing control over the trade industry and employing governors to rule each state. The Company was eventually replaced by direct administration from the Crown Colony. Finally, Malacca, along with the rest of Malaysia received her independence in 1957, paving the way for the future which is today.

The Legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang

Another famous urban legend of Malacca revolves around Puteri Gunung Ledang or Princess of Mount Ledang. Locals believe that the princess was a fairy whom the Sultan desired to marry. She laid down several conditions jars of mosquito hearts and tears of virgins. However, the last condition demanded a cup of his son’s blood. That which the sultan could not fulfil (some accounts say he actually considered it but was reprimanded by the Princess) was the last requirement and sadly, gave up his hope of marrying her.

The Legend of Hang Tuah

During the time of Malacca’s Sultanate, many legends and stories were created and recorded in the ‘Sejarah Melayu’, or Annals of Malay History. Chief among the legends is the story of Hang Tuah, a Malay warrior with superior skill and loyalty to the Sultan.
It was said that one day, the Malaccan officials were jealous of Hang Tuah’s favour with the Sultan. They cooked up a story that he had slept with the Sultan’s favourite consort. Indignant, the Sultan ordered Hang Tuah to be put to death. However, a minister by the name of Tun Perak hid him away instead, believing in his innocence.

One of Hang Tuah’s friends, Hang Kasturi, was grieved when he heard the news of his friend’s ‘demise’. Going amok, he killed officials right, left and centre. There were none who could compete with his fury and even the Sultan ran away from the palace in fear. Eventually, Tun Perak brought Hang Tuah back into the limelight and the Sultan pardoned him, ordering him to execute Hang Kasturi.

Hang Tuah obeyed and despite the pleas from Hang Kasturi, the two fought for a month until Kasturi lost. Hang Kasturi was then renamed as ‘Hang Jebat’, implying a ‘rotten stench’ while Hang Tuah received accolades all over.

Beaches

Located approximately 20 km from Malacca Town, the beach of Tanjung Bidara has lush vegetation and a tranquil atmosphere. The beach is more for relaxation or recreational activities that exclude swimming, as the waters are a little murky. Many hawkers line the beach peddling food and there are amenities such as parking lots, playgrounds and showers.

On this peaceful beach lies a small fishing village, approximately 17 km from Malacca Town. Locals often frequent this beach which is popular for swimming and picnicking. Rows of casuarina trees provide shade as visitors frolic in the water and play on the sand. At night, fishermen

head out in boats to ‘Kelongs’ (Platforms built on stilts on the sea) and fish for squid and other marine creatures.

The beach of Tanjung Kling is one of the more recent developments of the Malacca tourism industry. Located 15 km away from Malacca Town, Tanjung Kling is a pleasant stretch of white beach lined with coconut palms and sea shells, perfect for a quick jaunt.

Islands

Located near Umbai and 10 km south of Bandar Melaka, Pular Besar or ‘ Big Island’ is a mysterious island that has many fables and legends behind its origin. Some say that the island resembles the shape of a pregnant woman, due to a story that a princess who, heart-broken because of her husband’s death, jumped into the seas and consequently, her body floated and took the form of an island. As she was pregnant at that time, Pulau Besar, with a landscape resembling a belly, was born.

On the island, one can find a cave which is believed to be used by ancient warriors for practising magical arts. Yet another sight is a giant rock called ‘Batu Belah’ or Split Rock. Legend has it that a magician trapped his apprentice inside the rock by splitting it in half and then rejoining it with the apprentice inside.

Today, most people would enjoy the recreational activities on the island. There are resorts, a yacht club and a host of water-sport facilities. Visitors can also enjoy evening strolls on the sand, swimming in the calm waters or snorkelling the seabed.

The tiny island of Upeh is located near Klebang town in Malacca. During the War, it was used as a scouting point for invading ships in the Straits of Malacca. Also the island was often a nesting ground for pirates.

Of course, the pirates have now long been cleaned out, and today, Pulau Upeh is a peaceful getaway for locals and tourists. There is a resort and water-sport facilities are available. Visitors can also visit an ancient well and view relics from World War Two scattered around the island.

Perhaps most attractive about Pulau Upeh is that it doubles up as a sanctuary for nesting Hawksbills, one of the rarest species of sea turtles. During the egg-laying season between March and June, visitors can come here to catch a glimpse of Hawksbills coming on the beach to nest.

The Mansion, with its original Straits Settlement windows overlooking the Malacca River and Kampung Morten, offers a casual atmosphere for breakfast and dinner. Gourmet travellers will be well catered for, as dishes from the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and Baba-Nyonya cultures are combined in a tantalising menu with the freshest ingredients infused with a rich combination of spices and aromas in an eclectic selection of Nyonya appetisers, soups, salads and colourful Nyonya desserts.

Breakfast is also served in The Mansion. On weekends, it is a semi-buffet with yoghurt, fruit, pastries, coffee and tea, while the mains are ordered from the menu. Its specialities include the smoked duck salad with pickled beet, caramelized pear and mango dressing as well as the lemongrass chicken with Perkin sauce, mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.

• Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00 – 10:30 & 19:00 – 22:30
• Address: The Majestic Malacca, 188 Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai
• Tel: +603 2783 1000

If you’re in the mood for some sushi or a juicy steak then head over to Amigo Steak & Grill, which serves up a plethora of Western and Japanese fare. Don’t be put off by the rather contrasting food choices – Amigo Steak & Grill is always packed with hungry guests – perhaps thanks to it its affordable and sizeable portions.

To experience the best of what Amigo has to offer, sink your teeth into the mozzarella chicken; it comes with crispy onion rings and the succulent black peppered meat is very tender. Western food has long been a popular option in Malacca, but this eatery is one of the best places to go for some great options with its melting pot of palatable flavours.

• Opening Hours: Daily, 17:30 – 00:00
• Address: 21-23 Jalan Melaka Raya 8, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000
• Tel: +606 283 2684 or +606 283 2686

Capitol Satay Celup is one of Malacca’s favourite haunts for a savoury meal with loved ones. This pioneer of the satay celup business in Malacca City is located in Lorong Bukit Cina and is easy to find… just look for a queue of hungry diners trailing out onto the street. For those who are unfamiliar of the term, satay celup or ‘steamboat satay’ is a dish where raw or semi-cooked meat and vegetables on skewers are dipped into a hot pot of thick, spicy peanut sauce.

Open since the 1950s, Capitol Satay Celup is a modest establishment of two shop lots with tiled floors and spacious seating arrangements. Its white walls are decorated with framed magazine and newspaper articles as well as photos of celebrities who have savoured its delicious satay celup. It is the only Capitol Satay Celup in the world, and the restaurant has several signboards scattered on the walls which informs diners of its exclusivity and cautions them against any false duplicates.

• Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday 17:00 – 23:00
• Address: 41, Lorong Bukit Cina
• Tel: +606 283 5508

A’Famosa is more than just quick photo stop opportunity for tourists. Built in 1511, the settlement used to sprawl across a whole hillside but now only a lone gate (Porta de Santiago) remains. One of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia; it is set beside the Istana ke Sultanan on Jalan Kota.

A’Famosa is perhaps Malacca’s best known sightseeing spot. Originally constructed by Alfonso de Albuquerque (who led the Portuguese invasion on the Malacca Sultanate), the remains of the fort is now a crumbling whitewashed gatehouse and is located downhill from St. Paul’s Church.

Christ Church  built by the Dutch when they took possession of Malacca from the Portuguese, it’s one of Malacca’s most defining structures. Situated along Jalan Gereja (also known as Church Street) it is an instantly recognizable brick-red building with a huge white cross at the top. Sitting opposite the Stadhuys, Christ Church was built in 1753 to celebrate a century of Dutch occupation. The interior of the cathedral has 200 year-old handmade pews, decorative fanlights and plaques that honour Dutch soldiers and locals.

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.

Filled with interesting and colourful marine creatures such as clown fish and seahorses, Coral Wonderland is divided into nine separate sections with each focusing on a species or a theme, with corresponding activities for both adults and kids to enjoy. The shark pool, for example, lets you get up close with one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures so that you can personally observe its interesting features, such as its blacktip fins and puckered mouths.

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.

Opened in 2006, it is believed that the museum sits on the site of Guan Chang, a warehouse built by Cheng Ho about 600 years ago to temporarily store goods he acquired during his travels. Flanking the front entrance of the museum are a drum and a bell tower.