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Malacca Attractions
To get the most out of Melaka, it's best to have a bit of knowledge about the history of the place, which I've explained briefly in the intro to this section. Most of the preserved historical sites are on both sides of the Melaka River. Start at Stadthuys (the old town hall, pronounced "stat-highs"), and you'll see most of Melaka pretty quickly. There once was a light-and-sound show every evening at the Padang near Porta de Santiago, but when I visited, it wasn't operating. The Melaka Museums Corporation said that it will reopen under new management but could not say when.
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- Religious Site
Christ Church
The Dutch built this place in 1753 as a Dutch Reform Church, and its architectural details include such wonders as ceiling beams cut from a single tree and a Last Supper glazed tile motif above the altar. It was later consecrated as an Anglican church, and mass is still performed… - Neighborhood
Jalan Tokong
Not far from Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock is Jalan Tokong, called the "Street of Harmony" by the locals because it has three coexisting places of worship: the Kampung Kling Mosque, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple. - Tour
Melaka River Cruise
The Melaka River was once in a pretty nasty state, but the authorities realized its tourism potential and cleaned it up. A flotilla of small boats transports sightseers up and down past historic buildings, old warehouses (godowns), interesting mangrove stands, churches, and villages.… - Cooking Class
Menara Taming Sari
View the Straits of Malacca, the town of Melaka, and beyond from an air-conditioned, revolving cabin that rises 80m (263 ft.) on a tower in the center of Melaka's historic town, near the mouth of the Melaka River. The entire ride is about 7 minutes. The cabin can take over 60 people;… - Landmark
Porta de Santiago (A Famosa)
Once the site of a Portuguese fortress called A Famosa, all that remains today of the fortress is the entrance gate, which was saved from demolition by Sir Stamford Raffles. When the British East India Company demolished the place, Raffles realized the arch's historical value and… - Neighborhood
Portuguese Settlement and Portuguese Square
The Portuguese Settlement is an enclave once designated for Portuguese settlers after they conquered Melaka in 1511. Some elements of their presence remain in the Lisbon-style architecture. Later, in 1920, the area was a Eurasian neighborhood. In the center of the settlement,… - Religious Site
St. Francis Xavier's Church
This church was built in 1849 and dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit who brought Catholicism to Melaka and other parts of Southeast Asia. - Historic Site
St. John's Fort
The fort, built by the Dutch in the late 18th century, sits on top of St. John's Hill. Funny how the cannons point inland, huh? At the time, threats to the city came from land. It was named after a Portuguese church to St. John the Baptist, which originally occupied the site. - Religious Site
St. Paul's Church
The church was built by the Portuguese in 1521, but when the Dutch came in, they made it part of A Famosa, converting the altar into a cannon mount. The open tomb inside was once the resting place of St. Francis Xavier, a missionary who spread Catholicism throughout Southeast Asia…
Malacca Shopping
Antiques hunting has been a major draw to Melaka for decades. Distinct Peranakan and teak furniture, porcelain, and household items fetch quite a price these days, due to a steady increase in demand for these rare treasures. The area down and around Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok, called Jonker Walk, sports many little antiques shops that are filled with as many gorgeous items as any local museum. You'll also find handmade crafts, ready-made batik clothing, and other souvenirs. Whether you're buying or just looking, it's a fun way to spend an afternoon. On weekend evenings, Jonker Walk turns into a pasar malam, or night market, with souvenir shopping and street food.
For crafts and souvenirs, you'll also find a row of shops along the lane beside Stadthuys. Most prices seem fair, but you may need to do a little bargaining.
