Melaka

When in Malaysia do visit Malacca. She is the oldest town in Malaysia. Malacca is famed as the place where history of Malaysia began. Parameswara, an exiled prince from Sumatra, founded it in 1396. It thrived as a port-of-call to many ships and merchants from China, India, Arabia and Europe.

After a fierce battle in 1511, it fell into the hands of the Portuguese and subsequently to the Dutch in 1641. In 1795, the Dutch relinquished control of Malacca to the British to prevent it from falling into the hands of the French, when the Netherlands was captured during the French Revolution. It was returned to the Dutch in 1818 under the Treaty of Vienna but was later exchanged by the British for Bencoleen, Sumatra. From 1826 onwards, English East India Company in Calcutta together with Singapore and Penang ruled the land under the Straits Settlements administration.

With such a colorful historical background in its streets and building, which are too large for any museum to house, make her a worthwhile tourist destination. I grew up in this town before moving to Kuala Lumpur for greener pastures. Once a Malaccan always a Malaccan.

Once a strong fortress built in 1511 by the Portuguese known as "A Famosa", it was damaged during the Dutch invasion. Repaired by the Dutch in 1670, the embossed the "VOC" crest on it. In 1808, Sir Stamford Raffles saved the fort from destruction and the gateway still stands till today.

The Stadthuys, the official residence of the Dutch Governors and their was built in 1650. Situated right in the middle of Malacca town, it is a example of Dutch masonry and woodwork skills. Preserved in its original structure, it now houses the Historical Museum and Ethnography Museum. On display are traditional bridal costumes and authentic relics from its glorious days

Christ Church: Built in 1753, the church's handmade pews and beams were constructed without joints, reflecting fine Dutch architecture. The brass Bible rest has an inscription of the first verse of St. John. The tombstones on the church floor are written in Armenian Script with "Last Supper" in glazed tiles.

 One of the oldest Chinese temples in the country, built in 1646. Materials for the construction of the temple were all brought in from China. The wooden carvings, lacquer work and mythological figurines at the temple are sight to behold.

Known as "Our Lady of The Hill" by the Portuguese, the chapel was built by Duarte Coelho in 1521 and renamed "St. Paul's Church" by the Dutch. Once made as a burial ground for their noble dead, the tombstones have Latin and Portuguese inscriptions on them. St. Francis Xavier was buried here in 1553 before his body was moved to Goa in India.

 

The Gothic Church with twin towers built by Frenchman Rev. Farve in 1849, is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, known as the "Apostle of the East". St. Francis Xavier is well remembered for spreading Catholicism to South-East Asia during the 16th century.

 

Jonker Street is a definite heaven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. Authentic artefacts and relics, some dating as far back as 300 years, can be found among a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history and mystery. Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street, is known worldwide among famous antique collectors as one of the best places to hunt and bargain for antiques.

The Marine time museum is constructed after 'Flor De La Mar'. The Portuguese galleon sank in the Straits of Malacca on its way to Portugal. With her hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca, the galleon was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts to revive its symbolic significance to Malacca's heritage. At the museum, visitors 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 models that had once called at the port of Malacca during the height of its maritime hegemony

Standing majestically in the heart of history is the newly opened Hotel Equatorial Melaka. Bringing you the allure of historical Melaka with modern day conveniences, this 22-storey international business resort features 498 luxuriously furnished rooms and a host of food and beverage outlets including the award-winning Equatorial signature restaurants, the Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant and Kampachi Japanese Restaurant.