As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca is a location to many eye-catching historical sights – as well as a good range of interesting modern establishments. This compact city is easy to get around on foot or trishaw to take a look at many places that make it unique. Visitors can also learn about the area’s long and rich past which has shaped Malacca into the unofficial historic capital of Malaysia. The most important contribution that Malacca has lent to the Malaysian cultural landscape is the Baba-Nyonya culture. Possessing an entirely new mixture of customs, traditions, food and lifestyle, the Nyonya are especially well-known throughout Malacca. Although the city is a mix of old and new with historical buildings standing side by side with ultra-modern shopping centres, it maintains a seamless mix of cultures. We have compiled some of the top place to visit in Malacca City, all beautifully preserved for visitors worldwide to wonder at.
1. A’Famosa
A’Famosa is more than just quick photo stop chance for tourists. Built in 1511, the settlement used to sprawl across a whole hillside but now only a single gate (Porta de Santiago) remains. One of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia; it is located beside the Istana Kesultanan on Jalan Kota.
2. Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Chinese-Malay rich families left behind them a culture that is the center of attraction for the tourists. Baby Nyonya Heritage Museum placed behind the Jonker Street is a worth to pay a visit. One can see rooms, ceilings, wall and doors of the old houses telling about the rich architecture of the cultural group.
3. Bukit Cina
The ancestral burial ground of Malacca’s Chinese society, Bukit Cina also known as Chinese Hill is the biggest and oldest Chinese graveyard outside of China itself with over 12,500 graves as well as 20 Muslim tombs.
4. Butterfly & Reptile
Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary is one of a tourist attraction located in Ayer Keroh, about 15km northeast of Malacca town. Also known as Taman Rama Rama, it is home to a group of animals ranging from colourful and wonderful butterflies to snakes, lizards, crocodiles, koi fish and surprisingly a pair of gorgeous golden leopards. Spread across an 11ha jungle area, the complex is the part secondary jungle and part landscaped park. This sanctuary was opened in 1991 and is divided into five sections: the Koi River Valley, Butterfly Garden, Reptile Aviary, Wild Photo Lane and Nature’s Art Centre.
5. Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum
The Cheng Ho Cultural Museum is maintained by a very warm staff that guides you about the history of the place. Cheng Ho was a legend and the museum offers his history and fabulous maritime exploits. You can also find written works on Chinese maritime here in the museum. Don’t forget to watch the 5-minute video on the history of Cheng Ho in the museum.
6. Christ Church
The Malaccan Churches had become a home for Christians from different lands. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the church for its architecture and the history. The Church has been redesigned. You would like to see the spacious halls and the touch of local Melaka culture. It is a spiritual and historical journey to be in the Christ Church Malacca.
7. Coral Wonderland Melaka
Coral Wonderland Malacca is the Malaysia’s first coral park, provide 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 lengthy coral aquarium, giving you a chance for an in-depth look on loved marine life. It is situated at level 4 of the conveniently-located Dataran Pahlawan shopping mall.
8. D’Paradise Malacca
D-Paradise is a park that uses concept tropical fruit and aboriginal village cum retreat in Malacca. This park has several of attraction while being nearly located by the highway.
9. Hang Jebat Mausoleum
Hang Jebat was once the second most skillful member of a group of five warriors, who was unceremoniously killed in a duel of glory by his best friend Hang Tuah. His mausoleum is located along Jalan Hang Jebat near Jonker Street.
10. Perigi Hang Tuah
The story of the last Malacca warrior, Hang Tuah, is the stuff of legends. Faithfully serving Sultan Mansur back in the 15th century, this infamous historical figure had a perfect record of achievements, which include successfully avoid advances from Siam and Acheh, and a winning single combat with Taming Sari, a warrior from the court of Majapahit. Born in Pulau Bentam, Sumatra, Hang Tuah was raised up in Kampong Duyong just 5 kilometers away along with his four good friends, Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu, who were also warriors in the Sultan’s court. Being the Sultan’s choice, Hang Tuah’s allegiance and determination to the Sultan is unquestionable.