Arguably the most historically interesting of States, Malacca still retains remnants of its Chinese, Sumatran, Portuguese, Dutch, and English heritage.
Malacca is teeming with reminders of the past. St. Francis Xavier’s Church overlooks most of Malacca, while St. Peter’s Church was constructed in 1710 and the oldest functioning Catholic Church in Malaysia. In the heart of Malacca’s historic district is the Christ Church (built in 1753), a testament to the region’s Dutch heritage. Most famous is A’ Famosa, built in 1511 by the Portuguese, and a symbol of Malacca.
Scattered about Malacca are some incredible museums that vividly portray the region’s long and storied past. A few of note are the Maritime Museum, the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, and the Cheng Ho Museum.
Malacca is a living history of the many cultures of Malaysia. You’ll find centuries-old Chinese temples, Dutch churches, Malay mausoleums, and more.
Lined by a row of houses and shops with hints of Dutch, Chinese, and English architecture, Yonker Street is also known as Antiques Row for its many antique dealers and second-hand shops.
One of Malacca’s signature tourist activities, trishaw rides are a great way to tour the city. Usually found near Christ Church, these colourful carts are for rent on an hourly or per-trip basis.
Known as ‘ Malaysia’s melting pot,’ you’ll find many authentic local cuisines in Malacca that you won’t find elsewhere. Try specialties such as Nyonya dishes, the chicken ball rice, satay kajang, or ‘Ikan bakar’ (grilled fish). 10km from Malacca is Klebang Beach, where you’ll find roadside stalls selling tasty deep-fried bananas.
Home to museums, temples, and living history, Malacca will not disappoint the history buff or the enthusiastic shopper.
Just 16sq. km, Pulau Besar has clean sandy beaches, clear waters, and snippets of Malacca’s ever-present history (Japanese bunkers). Pulau Besar is a good day-trip for a family outing.
Just off the Ayer Keroh Toll on the E2 North-South Expressway (an alternate route to Malacca), you’ll find a bevy of tourist attractions like the Butterfly Farm, Crocodile Farm, Mini Malaysia, Mini ASEAN, and the Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest.
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