Malacca

This city is located in the south western part of the Malay Peninsula and is one of the older cities where history is still well preserved. In 2008, it came on the UNESCO world heritage list. It used to be an important trading place, partly because of its strategic location on what is now called the Strait of Malacca. The Malaysian name of the city is Melaka

As far as was known it was founded 1396 as a settlement by the prince Parameswara coming from Sumatra, who was on the run. Initially it was a fishing village, but it grew over the years into a major port and even a Sultanate. Especially the spice trade and as a stopping point for Chinese explorers it became an important place for sea. After the visit of the Chinese admiral Cheng Ho, the bands with China were reinforced. The name Malacca would be derived from the Arabic word Malakat, meaning market.

In 1509 there were Portuguese. Initially, the relationship was friendly. On August 24 1511 the Portuguese conquered the city on and it became a base for Portuguese expansion. In 1641 the Dutch, who thereby received help from the Sultan of Johor, expelled the Portuguese. Many of the Portuguese architecture were destroyed. In 1826 the British took control until it was disbanded in 1946 as a Crown colony and the city became part of the Malayan Union.

The presence of Europeans and Chinese is still clearly reflected in the historical part of the city. Malacca itself is a large city with nearly 400,000 inhabitants (even 800,000 if you count outlying areas in the region). Besides many Malaysians there many Chinese are living in the city.

In and around the historic center are actually three parts. The European part with the red square or Dutch Square is particularly striking, especially the Church and Stadhuys. In the street that runs from the square the houses are also red. This has not always been so, the buildings were originally white. In the Stadhuys is a museum with lots of information and historical issues, aside that the building itself also is historical. Located behind the Stadhuys is St. Paul's Hill, where is still an old church (built by the British), together with the Dutch cemetery. Not far from the hill is the independent museum, which also has a lot of interesting information. Also the Cultural museum can be found in this area.

The second part is Jonkerstraat. This is part of the Chinese district. Also many Chinese temples, shops and restaurants can be found here. The Jonker Walk gives a good picture of the area.

The third part is along the river. You can take a river cruise, but also at ease walking along this area. Many interesting houses with paintings.

There is also the area near the old port, where also has a maritime museum is located.

The historic town is easily explored on foot, but also much decorated rickshaws.

To visit all the tourist attractions in one day is a challenge. Here is a list of highlights:

Hang Li Po's well
Hang Li Po was a Chinese princess who married at 14th century with the Sultan of Melaka. In honor of her, her offspring built a well that never dries out and at times of drought would still watering. The Dutch built in 1677 a solid wall around the well, which still protects it today. In the course of time, this resource has become a wishing well, where the visitors throw coins so that their dreams may come true. If you return after some time again you can make another wish. The source is east of the red square near the Poh San Teng Temple, which was built in 1795 by China Chua Su Cheong. There is also a cemetery.

The Dutch Stadthuys
The current Museum of Malacca was built by the Dutch between 1641 and 1660. It was the official residence of the Dutch Governors. It is certainly the oldest Dutch building in Southeast Asia. With terracotta-like paint and a typically Dutch colonial architecture is very striking point in the city of Malacca.

The Porta di Santiago
The Portuguese built the great fortress 'A Formosa' and they would dominate Malacca for 130 years. Only the massive fortress gate is left now. Immediately after the Portuguese landed in 1511 they began the construction of the fort. Later it was conquered by the Dutch and badly damaged. In 1670 the Dutch used started to use it again and they provided the port with the emblem of the Dutch East India Company ‘V.O.C’, which is still visible above the gate.

Fort St. John
The small Fort St. John was built by the Dutch in the late 18th century on a small hill, only three kilometers from the current center. Originally it was a church that was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese to honor St. John.

Remarkably the beddings for the canons are not directed towards the sea but inland. They probably feared attacks from the inland more than attacks by sea.

St. Paul's Church
This church was built in 1521 by a Portuguese captain Duarte Coelho. In 1556 the church was enlarged with two floors and in 1590 there was a tower build. Later, the Dutch dedicated the church to St. Paul. Later it was used as a fortress. The British demolished the tower. It served a long time as a burial place for noble Dutch, who died in Malacca.

A'formosa
This fort was originally built by the Portuguese in 1511. The fort was partially destroyed in the battle of the Portuguese and the Dutch in 1641. The Dutch recovered the fort in 1670, but was later mostly demolished by the British. The only thing left now is the old gate, where also a VOC stone is visible. The remainder of the gate is still there thanks to the Englishman Stamford Rafles, who is best known of the founding of Singapore.

The palace of the Sultan of Malacca
The gender of the Sultana Malacca has long been extinct. Their palace was redesigned based on old information and evidence. Now the palace is home to a very worth seeing culture museum. It lies at the foot of St Paul's Hill and is certainly the most interesting building that the city owns, incidentally.

St. Francis Xavier's Church
The construction of this neo-Gothic church was started on the initiative of the French priest Favre. The church was consecrated in 1849 and named after St. Francis Xaxier, which was also called the Apostle of Asia. The Catholic faith was spreading very fanatical in the 16th century.

Christ Church
This church was built in Dutch colonial style house dating from 1753. The Christ church has the same red terracotta-like color as the Stadthuys, which therefore forms a beautiful ensemble. The stones used to build the church is are supposed to come from the Dutch Provence of Zeeland.
The beautiful wooden pulpit inside the church, is still in original condition and now over 200 years old. Some tombstones with inscriptions lie here and can be seen on the floor of the church and a collection of silver trays, all of which carry the Dutch symbol.
The nearby bell tower Tang Beng Swee was built in 1886.

Cheng Hoon Teng temple
This is the oldest Chinese temple. An inscription indicates that it was built in 1685.

In the city there are plenty of hotels and restaurants, both with local and international cuisine.

First published: 20 August 2016
Last update: 20 August 2016
© A. Heeroma

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