Melaka
 Christ Church in the main square of old Melaka |
Melaka, sometimes spelled Malacca, is a small former city-state a few hours south of Kuala Lumpur. The sultanate became an important trading center in the early 15th century, lying halfway between China and India, and with easy access to Siam and the spice islands of Indonesia. The Portuguese arrived almost exactly 100 years later. After less than 150 years, the Dutch in their turn conquered and took over the port, only to be replaced by the British after another 150 years.
With its long history at the crossroads of many cultures, and occupation by many different European masters, Melaka has a rich supply of historical and cultural attractions.
Highlights
Most people seem to visit on a day trip from either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Any tour will almost certainly include all of the sights noted below. However, a day trip alone will generally not leave time for browsing the shops of Jonkers Street, or visiting any of Melaka's many interesting museums.
- Colonial Past
- The Portuguese, Dutch and English all left their mark on Melaka, from the Portuguese A'Famosa fortifications to the Dutch Town Square to the English Melaka Club, its all there for you to see, clustered around the base of St Paul's Hill.
- Chinatown
- Melaka had a close relationship with China well before the Europeans arrived. The Chinatown you can see today mostly dates from the nineteenth century, when many Chinese traders became wealthy on the rubber trade. Chinatown is famous for its antique shops as well as its beautiful Straits Chinese architecture.
