Melaka city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 fir it's legacy as the origin of Malay civilisation and location of the earliest Malay sultanates beginning with founder Parameswara over 600 years ago. After becoming an important international trading port, the city was colonised by yhe Portuguese, Dutch and English over the centuries leading to an abundance of historical attraction and Eoropean heritage.
To immerse yourself in Melaka's colonial history, start your heritage trail at the Dutch Square. Resplendent with their red facades is Christ Church(1753) with hand-made pews dating back 200 years and the Stadthuys(1650) which has been turned into historical museum. The buildings are testament to the Dutch masonry and architectural skills.
Standing between these two buildings are the Melaka Clock Tower(1886) and the Queen Victoria Fountain made from English marble, which was built in 1904 to commemorate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. From here visitor can hire one of the brightly decorated trisaw to take you on a leisure ride around the town.
Not far from Dutch Square is the A Famosa, one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The entrance know as Porte de Santiago was part of a mighty fortress built by the Portuguese after their arrival in 1511.
For a spot of shopping head over to Jonker Street, a haven for antique collectors and bargain hunting. Here you can find authentic artefacts and relics dating back 300 years. In the evening, the street is lined with hawker stalls serving local delicacies.
Close to Jonker Street is The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, a museum showcasing the Peranakan lifestyle of Chinese nobles who have adopted Malay customs. Guides tour are available by appointment.
Located within the Portuguese Settlement is the Portuguese Square, a replica of a tiny town in Portugal. Here you will find restaurant, food stall, bars and pubs offering Portuguese and local fares. On Saturday evening, you can watch traditional Portuguese dances and performance by the community.
Founded in the 1600s, Cheng Hoon Teng is the finest Chinese temple in Malaysia and was built to serve the religious needs of the early Chinese settlers. The temple remain significant site in Southeast Asia.
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