Malacca is a city that’s steeped in history. The city was one of the most important ports in the Malay Archipelago and is often regarded as spearheading a golden age of Malay Sultanates. At its peak, the Portuguese diplomat, Tome Pires, once said that “Whoever is lord of Malacca shall have his hands on the throat of Venice”. From Peranakan (a group of immigrant Chinese who married the local Malays) houses to relics of the Portuguese conquest, Malacca’s well-preserved landmarks are a blessing to all history buffs.
The Red Square - Stadthuys, Christ Church
The Red Square - as the name suggests - is marked by a sea of maroon buildings surrounding the historic precinct. Built between 1660 and 1700 under Dutch rule, you’ll see some of Malacca’s most iconic Dutch landmarks like the Stadthuys and Christ Church in the square. The grounds of the Stadthuys have been in the forefront of numerous historical phases; built on the ruins of a Portuguese Fort, it served as the official residence of Dutch governors and later became a town hall during the British administration. Today, it houses a collection of galleries detailing Malacca’s history from the Malacca Sultanate to the successive periods of colonisation (Portuguese, Dutch, British).
Facing the Victorian fountain at the heart of the Red Square is Christ Church, the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia. Inside the church are 200-year-old pews and plaques dedicated to Dutch soldiers and locals.
Saint Paul’s Church
This old and faded church - the oldest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia - is one of the many historical Portuguese sites in Malacca. The church sits atop St. Paul’s Hill where it offers a thought-provoking view of the bustling city. St. Francis Xavier used the church as his base for his missionary work in China and Japan; a statue of the saint was built in 1952 to commemorate his work in Malaysia. Inside the ruinous church is a series of old Portuguese epitaphs, some of which have become unintelligible from decay.
A Famosa
The A Famosa (“The Famous” in Portuguese) is arguably the most iconic landmark in Malacca. Built in 1511, the fort is one of the oldest surviving European buildings in Southeast Asia. After Alfonso de Albuquerque captured Malacca, he made swift efforts to consolidate power by building a fortress with four ramparts and four major towers. The fort was nearly demolished in its entirety until Stamford Raffles intervened where the now decaying gatehouse is all that was salvaged. You’ll also find remnants of the Dutch occupation from the coat of arms of the Dutch East India Company on the fort’s arch.
Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum
This palace museum is a modern reconstruction of Sultan Mansur Shah’s 15th-century palace; the laborious process was based on traditional woodworking techniques and descriptions of the palace from the Malay Annals. For instance, the Malay Annals state that Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace was built entirely without nails - a feat that was faithfully adhered to in the reconstruction. History buffs will be bedazzled by this unique piece of tangible Malay history; whether it’s the golden throne room or the mannequins showcasing everyday life in a Malay palace, the museum will captivate anyone eager to learn about the Malay sultanates.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Get an authentic glimpse into Peranakan life at a real pre-war Peranakan home. The Chan family has owned the house since 1861; they opened their doors to curious visitors in 1985. The name is derived from male and female Peranakan honorifics, Baba which refers to Straits-Chinese men and Nyonya which refers to Straits-Chinese women. The house itself features eclectic decor - a signature of Peranakan design and architecture - which draws inspiration from Dutch and Malay styles. Intricately designed wooden furniture and elaborate ancestral halls, you’ll get an unparalleled perspective of the everyday lives of the Peranakans at the museum.
Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
Zheng He (locally referred to as Cheng Ho) was one of the most important fleet admirals in the Ming dynasty. As a part of its foreign diplomatic policy, Cheng Ho made six visits to Malacca to establish and maintain the tributary system; rulers would pay homage to the Emperor who would grant them protection. He is best known for his role in bringing Princess Hang Li Po to marry Sultan Mansur Shah; her entourage married the local Malaccans, creating a respectable class of Peranakans in Malacca. The museum itself details everything about Cheng Ho from his birth into a Muslim family to his life as a leader of over 200 ships under the Ming dynasty. With a particular focus on his contributions to Malacca, this museum will fascinate history nerds who are keen on learning about the Ming dynasty’s foreign policy as well as the growth of Malacca.
Portuguese Settlement
Here’s a place that’s rich in history yet off the beaten path. The Portuguese Settlement (also known as Perkampungan Portugis, meaning Portuguese Village in Malay) is home to Malacca’s Kristang community, a creole of people with Portuguese and Malay descent. They speak Kristang, a creole language of Malay and medieval Portuguese influence. At the heart of the village is the Portuguese Square which comprises an array of Kristang seafood restaurants, a museum, and a few bars. The village itself is rustic and homely with a mix of traditional single-storey houses and newer estates. The best timings to visit are on the Feast of Saint Peter (29th June) and on Christmas where the streets take on a new look with the elaborate decorations.
There is a free monthly tour on the third Sunday of the month led by an official community guide; information can be found here.
