MALACCA

Malacca is one of the most significant historical sites in Malaysia: in the 15th and 16th Centuries Malacca was the meeting place for the spice trade between East and West, comparable in size to major European capitals, with at any one time up to 2000 ships anchored before it.

When talking about Malacca (Melaka in Bahasa Malaysia), it is necessary to talk about the history. Indeed, more than any other city in Malaysia, Malacca has a rich historical heritage.

Malacca’s history begins in the 15th century, with a Sumatran prince named Parameswara. He was at the time fleeing from the conquering Majapahit Empire when he found and founded Malacca. He converted to Islam and became a sultan in 1414. At the time Malacca already attracted many traders from the Middle East, due to the spice trade, and this was a major influence in making Islam the official religion of Malaysia. Goods such as gold, silk, opium and tobacco were traded, promoting Malacca as the foremost “entrepot” in Southeast Asia. Its status soon attracted major sea-faring powers and in 1511, the Portuguese conquered Malacca. They then surrendered it to the Dutch in 1641 who ruled until 1795 that in turn ceded it to the British who reigned until the 1957 declaration of Independence of Malaysia.

Consequently, it is easy to understand that all these foreign invasions have marked Malacca. Eclectic ethnic groups and influences, mixed with a variety of traditions and culture, form the spicy identity of Malacca. Today Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in July 2008 (with Georgetown, Penang).

Malacca is an ideal place to wander around and discover the wonders left by the melting pot of cultures that lived here centuries before.

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Malacca Highlights

Here are some of the best features of Malacca:

Jonker Street

This happening street lies on top of your to-do list. As its names indicated, it is just a street but one can easily spend the whole day there. There is an array of souvenir shops. You will be delighted to explore the numerous stalls and to bargain all these local batik clothes, wood handicraft, clogs, and of course, to bring them back home.
At night during week ends, Jonker Street is the setting for another colorful and lively attraction: the night markets. It is a pleasure for the locals to walk around there straight after work, so go ahead and enjoy the effervescence of this famous “Pasar Malam”.

Last but not least, Malacca and especially Jonker Street are renowned for their food. After a long bargaining you will appreciate a good meal in one of the many restaurants and cafés which sell local savory food, such as Chicken Rice Ball and barbecue squids.


A Famosa Port/ Porta de Santiago

When the Portuguese conquered Malacca in 1511, they immediately built an imposing fortification to be protected from counter attacks. Eventually the British decided to destroy the fort and today nothing is left but the main wall entrances. A Famosa Port is known as one of the oldest European monuments that remain in Asia.



Melaka Sultanate Palace

It is a replica from the original Sultanate during the period of Melaka Sultanate. Visiting it is a perfect occasion to learn more about Malacca’s history during the Golden Period.


Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

Baba Nyonya (or Peranakan) designates the descendants of Chinese immigrants who moved to the British settlement of Singapore, Penang and Malacca. Also known as the Strait Born Chinese, this ethnic group is a beautiful and unique blend between Malay and Chinese people. Indeed, the Baba Nyonya adapted themselves to the Malay traditions to minimize the cultural shock. Baba refers to the men and Nyonya to the women. If you wish to catch a glimpse of their life, traditions, culture and heritage, a visit to the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is really worth it.


Anecdotes
  • The name Malacca, or Melaka in Bahasa Malaysia, has been chosen by the Prince Parameswara. According to a legend, he was resting under the Melaka tree when he saw a mouse deer fighting with his dogs and this same mouse deer winning the fight. This event gave him the inspiration and he decided to stay in the city he called Melaka.