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Melaka was founded between 1376 and 1400 by a Sumatran Prince named Parameswara. He also gave this town its name Melaka. Under his leadership, Malacca thrived as a prosperous trading post attracting merchants and traders from all over the world. Alfonso d'Albuquerque, a Portuguese leader came in to conquer Melaka in the year of 1511 and remain as a colony for 130 years before the turning into a Dutch colony in the year of 1641. By 1795, Melaka was taken over by the British and Melaka, Singapore together with Penang became known as the Straits Settlement, where strategic trading ports were established. The state of Melaka finally obtained independence in 1957.
Today, one will find many remnants of Melaka’s glorious past dated back more than 500 years ago. On 7 July 2008, Melaka was officially listed as world heritage site by UNESCO. Trails of well preserved historical monuments and architecture of fallen colonies can still be vividly seen all within a stone throw away from each other. Apart from the intricate historical landmarks, Melaka receives 7.4 million tourists each year from all over the world making it immensely rich in culture and truly cosmopolitan.
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Melaka Sultanate Palace
Located along Jalan Kota, the Melaka Sultanate Palace was reconstructed at the foot of St Paul’s Hill. The palace’s façade was crafted out based on the description of the palace in the 16th century “Malay Annals” or “Sejarah Melayu”. The palace also houses the Malacca Cultural Museum whereby various artifacts from the kingdom were on display. One can get a rare glimpse of the ancient Malay kingdom that once reigns over Melaka.
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St.Paul’s Church
Sitting at the top of St. Paul’s Hill is the ruins of St. Paul’s Church. The building dates back to 1521 and was also the place where St. Francis Xavier said many a mass to Catholics. He was buried there at 1543 but was later relocated to Goa in southern India.
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A’Famosa
A’Famosa (Along Jalan Kota) was a fortress built by the Portuguese for defense purpose. However, during the invasion of the Dutch, much of the fortress was destroyed and what remain now are the entrance walls of the fortress.
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The Stadthuys
The distinctively red building along Jalan Gereja was built in 1650s. Stadthuys literally meant town hall and was the residence of the Dutch Governor. It now houses the history museum and exhibits include traditional bridal costumes. Christ Church is another art work of Dutch architecture which also happens to be Malaysia’s oldest protestant church. (Located just beside Stadthuys.)
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Hang Li Poh Well
Hang Li Poh was a princess from China, her followers built a well in 1459 and was believed this well would never dry up. Today, it has become a wishing well for many to toss coin hoping their wish would come true. Hang Li Poh well is located on Bukit Cina along with Chinese tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
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Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall
Dataran Pahlawan is located along Jalan Merdeka and boasts as the largest shopping mall situated in this historical city. The latest fashion apparels, jewelry, accessories and blockbusters being screened can all be found there. The megamall also has a supermarket and numerous restaurants.
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Mahkota Parade
Mahkota Parade is also situated along Jalan Merdeka having a gross shopping area of 1.1 million sq feet. It’s the second largest shopping mall in Melaka after Dataran Pahlawan. |
The Store
This is a typical departmental store located along Jalan Tun Ali. A good range of clothing as well as home electrical appliances can be readily found there. |
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Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple was built in 1645 and was believed to be the oldest and well-preserved Chinese temple in Malaysia. It’s a place for believers to worship and pray for prosperity. Indulge yourself in the intricate wooden carvings together with mythological figures found all over the temple. (Located along Jalan Tukang Emas behind Jonker Street)
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Kampung Keling Mosque
Located at the corner of Jalan Tanjong. Built in 1748, this mosque happens also to be one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. What makes the architecture so special is the blend of Dutch and Sumatran styled 3 tier pyramid roof. The carved wooden ceiling is supported by elegant Corinthian-styled columns.
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Maritime Museum
The museum located along Jalan Merdeka showcased foreign ships that once port in Melaka during the age of maritime hegemony. On top of that, the museum also exhibits how Melaka changed hands between colonizers.
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Eye On MalaysiaEye
On Malaysia is an observatory wheels located just at the mouth of Melaka river. Standing 60 meters tall, with 42 gondolas in total, one can have a breath taking view of Melaka city as well as the waterfront. (Along Jalan Kota Laksamana, follow road signs from Jonker Street).
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Melaka River Cruise
Melaka River is well known as “Venice of the east”. Relax on a 45 minutes river cruise that will tour the banks of Melaka River coupled with a brief introduction of key landmarks by the cruise captain.
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Menara Taming Sari (Revolving Tower)
Menera Taming Sari is the latest attraction in Melaka as well as the first revolving gyro observatory tower in Malaysia. It stands 110 meters tall where one can have a great view of Melaka city center. (Located at Bandar Hilir)
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Portuguese Square
Located within Portuguese Settlement (Ujong Pasir) many have given its name as “Mini Lisbon” in Melaka. Experience the rich Portuguese cultures in its full splendor and colors. Many of the authentic Portuguese restaurants found at the square are also operated by the indigenous.
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Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat)
Jonker Street is the essence of Melaka’s lifestyle and culture. One can find apparels, souvenirs, food and antiques. When night falls during Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the entire street would be bustling with pushcarts in a carnival setting.
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Plaza Hang Tuah
Plaza Hang Tuah is located along Jalan Tun Ali just opposite The Store. Good tenant mix is the reason why it is a well-liked shopping destination by the locals.
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