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PICTURE : The ruins of the 'A' Famosa Fortress |
MALACCA
The
Historical City of Malacca or Melaka as it is locally known or sometimes
malaka, is the second smallest state after Perlis in Malaysia. The
state of Melaka covers an area of 1,650-sq. km. with a population
of approximately three quarter of a million, consisting the predominant
Malays, followed by the Chinese, Indians, Portuguese descendants,
Straits-born Chinese and Eurasians. The state is divided into 3
districts namely Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin. Malacca is
located about 148 km. south of Kuala Lumpur and 245 km north of
Singapore and commanding a central position on the Straits of Malacca.
Malacca City which is strategically located between the two capital
is linked with excellent roads and highways, Malacca has no train
station and the nearest one is located in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.
It has an airport located at Batu Berendam about 8 km away. The
City Of Malacca has twin city status with five cities in the world
namely, Lisbon, Portugal (16 January 1984), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(15 April 1989), Hoorn, Netherlands (8 November 1989), Valparaiso,
The Republic of Chile (23 June 1991), and Nanjing, China (2001).
The History of Malacca
The history of Malacca is largely the story of the city for which
it is named, and the story of the city of Malacca begins with the
fascinating and partly legendary tale of the Hindu prince Parameswara.
The Malay Annals relate that Parameswara was a fourteenth-century
Palembang prince who, fleeing from a Javanese enemy, escaped to
the island of Temasik (present-day Singapore) and quickly established
himself as its king. Shortly afterward, however, Parameswara was
driven out of Temasik by an invasion by the Siamese, and with a
small band of followers set out along the west coast of the Malay
peninsula in search of a new refuge. The refugees settled first
at Muar, Johor, but they were quickly driven away by a vast and
implacable horde of monitor lizards; the second spot chosen seemed
equally unfavorable, as the fortress that the refugees began to
build fell to ruins immediately. Parameswara moved on. Soon afterward,
during a hunt near the mouth of a river called Bertam, he saw a
white mouse-deer or pelanduk kick one of his hunting dogs. So impressed
was he by the mouse-deer's brave gesture that he decided immediately
to build a city on the spot. He asked one of his servants the name
of the tree under which he was resting and, being informed that
the tree was called a Malaka, gave that name to the city. The year
was 1400.
Although its origin is as much romance as history, the fact is that
Parameswara's new city was situated at a point of tremendous strategic
importance. Midway along the straits that linked China to India
and the Near East, Malacca was perfectly positioned as a center
for maritime trade. The city grew rapidly, and within fifty years
it had become a wealthy and powerful hub of international commerce,
with a population of over 50,000. It was during this period of Malacca's
history that Islam was introduced to the Malay world, arriving along
with Gujarati traders from western India. By the first decade of
the sixteenth century Malacca was a bustling, cosmopolitan port,
attracting hundreds of ships each year. The city was known worldwide
as a center for the trade of silk and porcelain from China; textiles
from Gujarat in India; camphor from Borneo; sandalwood from Timor;
nutmeg, mace, and cloves from the Moluccas, gold and pepper from
Sumatra; and tin from western Malaya.
Unfortunately, this fame arrived at just the moment when Europe
began to extend its power into the East, and Malacca was one of
the very first cities to attract its covetous eye. The Portuguese
under the command of Afonso de Albuquerque arrived first, taking
the city after a sustained bombardment in 1511. The Sultan Mahmud
fled to Johor, from whence the Malays counterattacked the Portuguese
repeatedly though without success. One reason for the strength of
the Portuguese defence was the construction of the massive fortification
of A Famosa or Porta De Santiago, only a small portion of which
survives today.
A Famosa ensured Portuguese control of the city for the next one
hundred and fifty years, until, in 1641, the Dutch after an eight-month
siege and a fierce battle. Malacca was captured, but it lay in almost
complete ruin. Over the next century and a half, the Dutch rebuilt
the city and occupied it largely as a military base, using its strategic
location to control the Straits of Malacca. In 1795, when the Netherlands
was captured by French Revolutionary armies, Malacca was handed
over to the British by the Dutch to avoid capture by the French.
Although they returned the city to the Dutch in 1808, it was soon
given over to the British once again in a trade for Bencoleen, Sumatra.
From 1826, the English East India Company in Calcutta ruled the
city, although it experienced Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945.
Independence did not arrive until 1957, when anti-colonial sentiment
culminated in a proclamation of independence by His Highness Tunku
Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Malaysia's first Prime Minister.
Historical & Places of Interest in Malacca
A Famosa, the hallmark of Malacca and perhaps the most
photographed subject next to the Stadhuys. Built by the Portuguese
in 1511 as a fortress it sustained severe structural damage during
the Dutch Invasion. The British East India Company had set to destroy
it but timely intervention by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808 saved
what remains of A Famosa today.
The Stadhuys, built in 1650 as the official residence
of Dutch Governors and their officers, the edifice is a fine example
of Dutch architecture. Preserved in its original structure and form
, it now houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum. On display
daily are fine traditional bridal costumes and relics from Malacca's
glorious past.
Hang Jebat and Hang Kasturi's mausoleum.
Two of the Malacca Sultanate's well-known warriors and champion
of justice. Hang Jebat was unceremoniously killed by Hang Tuah in
a duel of honour that lasted 3 days and 3 nights. He was killed
in the name of justice to avenge the sultan's hasty punishment against
Hang Jebat for a crime he did not commit.
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HOTEL
PURI MALACCA 
Hotel Puri Melaka is a boutique hotel in the heart of the old
city of Malacca. It is a 30 minute drive from the North-South
Highway (Malacca/Ayer Keroh exit), and 10 minute drive from
the bus station (Sentral). Surrounded by antique and bric-a-brac
shops, it is only a stroll away from Malacca's historical precinct.
CLICK
HERE
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THE
EMPEROR HOTEL MALACCA
Situated in the heart of Malacca, The Emperor Hotel is an ideal
choice for a pleasant stay in this historical city. Seated amid
the popular shopping centres and entertainment spot, with major
sightseeing and historical attractions in close proximity. CLICK
HERE
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HOTEL
ORCHID MALACCA
Hotel Orkid Melaka is centrally located near the bustling heart
of Melaka town ~ within easy reach of the city's commercial
hub and the various places of interests in Melaka. CLICK
HERE
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ACCORDIAN
HOTEL MALACCA
Accordian Hotel Malacca is a 50-Room budget hotel located in
the heart of Malacca City Centre (Opposite Renaissabce Hotel
Malacca). It offers full amenities to both leisure and business
travelers. CLICK
HERE
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SEMABOK
INN
Semabok Inn offer rooms which are tastefully furnished with
twin beds, television, self controlled air-conditioning unit,
hot & cold showers, direct dial telephone and other basic ammenities.
CLICK HERE
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Hang Tuah's well is located in Kampung
Duyong where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood
among four of his good friends who would later become the
famous warriors of Malacca Sultanate.
Sam Po Kong Temple was constructed in dedication
to Admiral Cheng Ho. The temple was named after a fish that
miraculously saved the admiral's ship from sinking after
it had been hit by a storm enroute to Malacca from China.
The fish mysteriously placed itself against a damaged hull
preventing the ship from taking on water.
St. Francis Xavier's Church was built in 1849 by
a frenchman, Reverend Farve. The Gothic towered church is
dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, well-remembered for his
missionary work spreading Catholicism to South East Asia
in the 16th century.
St. John's Fort was rebuilt by the Dutch
during the third quarter of the 18 th century, the fort
was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John
the Baptist. The fort has an interesting feature in that
its gun embrasures face inland as during that time, attacks
on Malacca came mainly from the land instead of from the
sea.
St. Peter's Church was built in 1710 by
the Portuguese descendants and comprising an architectural
mix of the Oriental and Occidental. St. Paul's Church, built
by a Portuguese Captain by the name of Duarte Coelho, the
chapel was turned by the Dutch into a burial ground for
their noble dead and renamed it “St. Paul’s
Church” from the Portuguese's 'Our Lady Of The Hill'.
Saint Francis Xavier was briefly enshrined in the open grave
in 1553 before being shipped to Goa, India.
Dutch Graveyard, a war memorial dedicated
to fine British officers and soldiers who died in the Naning
War (1831-1832).
Christ Church, standing exactly as it has
always been since 1753, the church is testimony to Dutch
architectural ingenuity. Commenced in 1741 to commemorate
a century of Dutch rule and took 12 years to complete.
Malacca's Sultanate Palace, built based
on the description and reference to the palace in 'Sejarah
Melayu’(the Malay Annals), the wooden replica houses
the Cultural Museum of Malacca.
Jonker Street, a definite haven for antique
collectors and bargain hunters. Authentic artifacts 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.
Hang Li Poh Well, built in 1459 by the
followers of Hang Li Poh, the Chinese princess who married
the Sultan of Malacca. Situated at the foot of Bukit China
it is the oldest well in Malacca. The well never dried up
during days of old and was the only source of water supply
during great droughts.
Hang Jebat's Mausoleum, Hang Jebat the
champion of justice who died a tragic death. Hang Tuah in
a duel of honour that lasted 3 days and 3 nights unceremoniously
killed him.
Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple : It is one
of the first Hindu temple in Malaysia. Built in 1781 on
the plot given by the Dutch. The central alter is dedicated
to Vinayagar, represented by an elephant's head carved from
Indian black stone.
Peringgit Mosque, constructed during the
Portuguese Occupancy Masjid Peringgit is believed to be
the oldest mosque in Melaka.
Kampung Kling's Mosque, one of the oldest
mosques in the country with Sumatran architectural features.
Instead of a conventional dome, a three-tier roof rising
like a pyramid is in place. A minaret peculiar in shape
from a typical Moorish style is structured like a Pagoda
portraying the mixture of East- West architectural influence.
Bukit China : This is the largest Chinese
burial ground outside of China. With its size of 26 hecteres
with 12,500 graves and consisting of three sections, namely
Bukit Tempurong, Bukit Gedong, and Bukit China.
Franciscan Monastery "Madre De Deus"
, during the Portuguese occupation a Franciscan Monastery
and a Chapel was built dedicated to "Madre de Deus"
(Mother of God) on top of Bukit China It was founded in
1581 by Fr. Francisco Pisaro, an Italian Franciscan who
came from Macau. The Monastery was destroyed by the Achinese
in 1629 when they attacked Malacca.
The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, 'Straits
Chinese' or the Baba and Nyonya , are Chinese of noble descendants
that have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs.
The fusion of culture resulted in distinctives styles of
architecture, language, furniture, cuisine and clothing.
Chetty Village, in Jalan Gajah Berang is
a Hindu community whose ancestors came to Malacca during
the 15th century.
Maritime Museum, the Museum was constructed
after the 'Flora De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sank
off the Coast of Malacca on its way to Portugal. With its
hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca,
the ship was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts
to Malacca's heritage.
Cheng Hoon Teng's Temple, the oldest Chinese
temple in the country. Cheng Hoon Teng translated as "The
Abode of the Green Merciful Clouds". It was built in
1646 by Lee Wei King with materials shipped out of China.
Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum, a mausoleum built
in memory of the great Malay Hero Hang Kasturi.
Al Azim Mosque , is a state mosque located
at Bukit Palah, 2 km from Malacca city.
Kampung Hulu Mosque, built in 1728 by Dato
Shamsudin during the Dutch ocupancy.
Tranquerah Mosque : Prominent in its architectural
grandeur, the mosque is unique and bears testimony to the
fact that Islam had its rightful place in Malacca almost
600 years ago.
The Ruins of the Church of Rosary : "The
Ermida do Rosario" or "The Church of Rosary"
was a Portuguese chapel, build about 1700. This church was
built after the erection of St Peter's church located nearby
and was in use until the end of the 19th century when it
was abandoned.
Other Places of Interest and activities found in Malacca includes
:
Portuguese
Square, Independence Obelisk, Proclamation Of Independence
Memorial, built in 1912, The Malacca Zoo, A'Famosa Water World,
Light and Sound Display, Jasin's Museum, River Boat Cruise,
Hawksbill turtle (Pulau Upeh), Peacock Paradise Bird Park,
Alor Gajah's Museum, Bullock Cart Ride, Butterfly Farm, Auyin
Hill Resort, Mini Malaysia, Mini ASEAN, Recreational Forest,
Crocodile Farm, Dol Said Grave, Gadek Hot Spring, Dutch Fort,
Hang Tuah's Mausoleum, Pulau Besar, Tun Teja's Mausoleum,
Malacca Traditional House, Cape Rachado, the Trishaw Ride,
grilled fish spot at Serkam and Pengkalan Pernu(Umbai) some
15 Km. and 10 km. respectively from Malacca,
Beaches and Islands around Malacca: Tanjong Kling: 15 km north
of Malacca town, Tanjung Bidara: 35 km north or Malacca town,
Pulau Besar: 4 km from Malacca. To get to the island, take
a bus or a taxi to Umbai Jetty. Boats leave hourly to the
island. Accommodation is available on the island.
Accommodations
Accommodation facilities available for the state of Malacca
includes Riviera Bay Resort Malacca, Century Mahkota Hotel
Malacca, Hotel Malacca Klebang Beach Resort, Naza Hotel Malacca
and Semabok Inn Melaka.
Getting To Malacca
If
you are in West Malaysia, the best way to travel to Malacca
is by road via the North-SouthHighway
from the KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) takes only
a mere 90 minutes. If you are travelling from K.L., the journey
is about 2 hours. From Johor Bahru heading north, it's only
2 1/2 hours away.
PLUSLiner operates
daily Interstate Coaches from Kuala Lumpur to Seremban.
Malaysia
Hotels Dot CC, brings you some of the best hotels
in the state of Malacca. We bring to you Riviera Bay Resort
Malacca, Century Mahkota Hotel Malacca, Hotel Malacca Klebang
Beach Resort, Naza Hotel Malacca and Semabok Inn Melaka. We
present them here comprehensively with factual information
on all our participating hotels and resorts in the state of
Malacca.
Welcome
Malaysia Hotels Dot CC
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