Welcome to Melaka

Melaka was first discovered by Parameswara, a young Hindu Prince said to be from Palembang. He then established himself as the king in Temasek, now known as Singapore.

Melaka soon grew to become a port of trade between the East and West, and traders from India, Arab, China and other parts of the world brought in goods such as tea, cotton, silk, silver, porcelain, ivory, Persian carpets, brassware, perfumes, incense and opium. The Chinese Emperor also sent emissaries to Melaka to establish ties with the small, but important city.

Others would come to Melaka 60 years later, especially the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque, arrived first, conquering Melaka in 1511. Then, in 1641 the Dutch wrested Melaka from the Portuguese, rebuilt the city and controlled the important waterways of the Straits of Melaka.

Harmony Street where there were three different places of worship for three different religions side by side

A’ Famosa

Porta in Portuguese refers to portal, which means gateway and true enough Porta De Santiago was indeed one of four main gateways into the Portuguese fortress of A’ Famosa. The leader of the Portuguese army that conquered Melaka in 1511, Alfonso de Albuquerque started the construction of A’ Famosa in 1512 from which they fended off attacks by the armies of the Sultan of Melaka and Acheh for well over a century.

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum

NThe ‘Straits Chinese’, also called the Baba and Nyonya, are Chinese of noble descent who have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. This has been a gradual process lasting over 400 years since the great Chinese explorer Admiral Cheng Ho first brought Chinese settlers to Melaka. Over the centuries, the Baba Nyonya have developed a distinct and highly interesting culture that is unique to Malaysia’s west coast, particularly Melaka.

The public can now view the historical artefacts unique to this heritage at a captivating private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Melaka. Within the walls of this heritage building, you can learn everything there is to know about this unique culture.

The Heritage Museum offers guided tours (by appointment), research facilities and audio visuals. Well worth a visit!

Jonker Walk

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.

Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street, is known worldwide among serious antique collectors as one of the best places to hunt and bargain for antiques.

Recently, a new wave of cafes and craft shops have sprouted on this street, lending it a cultured air of old-meets-new.

Credit to blog.tourism.gov.my for content.
Credit to www.malaysia.travel for content.