A Formosa gate
Old plan with arrow showing the gate
‘A Formosa’ was built by the Portuguese in 1511 after Admiral Alfonso D' Albuquerque managed to capture Malacca from the Malay Sultanate. It was built like a fort and is meant to prevent the Portuguese garrison from being attacked by the Sultan’s men. Some parts of the fort is reputed to be fifteen feet thick and as many feet down the ground as well! In 1641, the Dutch, with support from Sultan of Johor forces, managed to wrest control of the Portuguese fort. Due to heavy bombardments, much of the fort was destroyed.
The Dutch ruled the place for 150 years, until they ceded it to the British in 1824. The British forces then destroyed whatever remains of the fort, except for the gate, which had Dutch coats of arm. The gate remains to this day. It is one of the most photographed buildings in Malacca today. Visitors should not miss the chance of snapping a photo of this remnant as it is a historical edifice that is 500 years old.
It is speculated that the original size of the fort is much bigger and in 2007, part of the extended foundations was found during some excavation work done on a nearby proposed commercial building. There is however no further excavation of the site due to existing buildings that cannot be removed.
How to go there
‘A formosa’ is situated right in the middle of the town. It is also a walking distance from most of the hotels. It is situated next to the State Tourism Centre and also close to the Studhuys.
Bukit Cina
Bukit Cina
Bukit Cina or ‘Chinese Hill’ is the largest graveyard outside of China. It was originally a Chinese settlement area arranged by Sultan Mansor Shah when he took Hang Li Po as his firth wife. When the Portuguese came, they took over the hill as it was a strategic location when they had to defend themselves from the onslaught of the Sultan’s forces who were trying to retake Malacca. A Portuguese chapel was even built on top of the hill. After many years of fighting, the hill was abandoned as a settlement area for humans, and instead given to the Chinese for burial purposes. Today, it is an abandoned place as there are no more spaces left for even the dead. Some of the graves were of the Ming period, and nowadays, people use it to practice their mountain biking skills.
At the bottom of the hill is the Hang Li Po well and its adjoining Sam Po Tong temple.
How to go there:
It is sited on the outskirts of the main tourist sites and a mere fifteen minutes walk from the A Formosa gate.
Refer to section 2 of town map below.
House of Baba and Nonya
The Baba and Nyonya heritage house is the place where you can view a part of the Chinese culture that was current when they first came to settle in Malacca in the early 15th century. Their culture is unique as they managed to acquire and assimilate some of the Malay styles of living when they intermarried with the locals.
Although they more often speak the Malay language, they however do not embrace Islam. As a result, they wear clothing’s that is different from the Chinese who came later as tin miners during the British rule. They also have ornate heirlooms for their wedding ceremonies and if you are here, do also try their nyonya cooking, a unique blend of Chinese and local Malay fare that is not found in your local China towns. Chinese from other parts of the world come here to savor the special food.
There are 65 non air-conditioned rooms for rental from Ringgit Malaysia 65 (about US$18) per night. Secured car parks are available behind the building. Refer to section 4 of town map below.
Zheng He Museum
A modern museum housing paraphernalia’s of the Chinese Admiral Zheng He. You will be able to see some of the artifacts used during those times when Zheng He made his many exploratory trips to this part of the world on behalf of the Ming Emperor. How to go there.
It is sited in town, just next to Jonker’s street.
Refer to section 3 and look for L Hang Jebat of the town map below.
23 Jalan Hang Jebat
Most of the Chinese in Malacca belongs to the Hokien clan and this clan house is a testimony to their successes. The house is a good showpiece of the Hokien culture and their unique architectural styles and cultures.
How to go there: look for J Hang Jebat in section 1 of town map below.
The Baba House is at Tun Tan Cheng Lock road right in town. It is a walking distance from most hotels. Addressed at 125-127 Jalan Tan Cheng Lock, 75000, Malacca. Teliphone:+606 281 1216. For exact location, see section 1 of town map below.
Christ Church
The Dutch took twelve years to build this church, in commemorating a century of their rule. The building was completed only in 1753. It was an architectural wonder then, as it had a ceiling beam constructed from a single tree and without joints. You can also see ‘the last super’ painting, in a glazed form. Christ Church is also the longest surviving Protestant church in Malaysia. The bricks that were used were brought in from Zeeland in Holland. The present salmon red color of the building was painted only recently, and was not the original color. When it was built, it was only brick faced and chiefly served as a Dutch Lutheran Church.
From the wall plaques you will be able to see inscriptions in memories of those who died there during the Dutch
occupation. Many seems to have died from those tropical diseases that the occupiers did not have immunities from There is also a wooden plaque in memory of those who died there during the Japanese occupation, believed to have been put by the British.
An interesting feature found here is the encasing of tombstones unto the floor, some with Portuguese and Armenian inscriptions. There are also Dutch tomb stones, but only in the church surroundings. There are no records as to who have put them there, but it is generally believed that these Portuguese graves were originally from behind the hill slop and were transplanted there by the British. It was not likely to have been the work of the Dutch simply because as staunch Protestants, they were not likely to have allowed the Catholic Portuguese to be buried in their church ground.
The Dutch buried their dead in the surrounding cemetery, but today, you will only find five of them here. The rest of about thirty three are British graves. It is speculated that the British only moved into this compound later on when they used it as their Anglican Church.
How to go there
The church is located at Jalan Geraja. You can call the people at the Malacca Tourist Information Center at +606 283 6538 for additional information. It is sited right in town, near the State Tourism office. It adjoins the Studhuy buildings and is just a walking distance from most town hotels. For the exact location, please refer to section 3 of town map below.
Hang Li Po’s well This historical well was built by the early Chinese who had settled around a small hillock called Bukit Cina as a source of water. It was built in 1459 and named after the royal maiden Hang Li Po from the Ming Dynasty who later married the Sultan.
It is reputed to never dry up with water as it is sited at the bottom of a hill. During its early years, it served as an important source of drinkable water, both for the Chinese settlers and later for the Portuguese and the Dutch. It was a strategic facility for the settlers as during the many battles that were fought over Malacca, there were attempts by enemy forces to first put poison into the well so as to cut off the supply of water. Today, this well no longer serves the purpose of water supply, but as a wishing well for those who come from afar.
How to go there
The Hang Li Po well is sited at the bottom of ‘Bukit Cina’ and is actually in the fringes of the town. It is a walking distance from most town hotels and a five minute walk from the State Tourism office. It is next to the Sam Po Kong temple in Puteri Hang Li Po road. Just ask for ‘Bukit Cina’ and the locals will direct you there. For the exact location, please refer to section 2 of town map. It is next to Sam Po Kong.
Currently, the museum houses about 1,350 items in the form of artifacts, prints, photographs and drawings which represent the history and cultural heritage of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka and the various communities, which came to settle in Melaka during that period.
There are different chambers including the Royal band, weaponry, decorative arts, emissaries and gifts, a recreation hall, an audience hall and an Islamic hall.
The galleries depict the famous clash between the legendary warriors Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat. Exhibits include prints and photographs of the Melaka Sultanate, a model of the Sultan Mansur Shah Palace, Malay weapons, Malay traditional wedding dress, jewelleries and brassware.
Opening HoursDaily: 9am - 6pm Closed on Monday
St Paul’s church
Saint Paul’s Church
A Portuguese Captain by the name of Duarte Coelho built this chapel named ‘our lady of the hill’. It was later turned into a church by the Dutch. When the Portuguese missionary Saint Francis Xavier died in China, his body was brought back and was briefly buried here before it was finally brought to Goa in India for final burial. This is however, not a functioning church.
How to go there
It is situated in the vicinity of the Malacca river mouth, right in the middle of town and next to the State Tourism office. Nearby are the A Formosa and the Studuys. It is also a walking distance from most town hotels. For exact location, refer to section 3 of town map below.
Jonker Street night scene ____________________________38_
The ‘Antics Center of the East’, so they say. Here you will find shops selling antiques and art curios, some dating back 250 years. Most of the wares have a history to tell. You can spend the whole afternoon here browsing over the artifacts. They all have special packaging services in case you want them to ship it for you. On weekends, from Friday to Sundays, after 6 pm, you can walk care-freely here as it is turned into a pedestrian shopping mall. You will find curios, Victorian memorabilia, handicrafts and exotic food galore here. Europeans just love this place and it is world renowned.
On the map, this road is known as Hang Jebat road. Just one thing when you come here. You will be tempted to at least grab a piece of history. If you don’t intend to buy, then browsing over the many artifacts and souvenirs will make you wondered why people from the far corners of the world come here to cart away the unique items! Most of the old items were sourced from family heirlooms of the locals. Some of course are not so genuine, so buyers beware, and if possible, haggle your way through.
Besides antiques, you will also find goldsmiths, shops selling watches, wooden clogs, beaded shoes, rattan wares and Chinese medicine shops. How to get there
Jonker street is just right in the middle of town, a walking distance from most town hotels. Just mention the name and you will be directed to it by the locals. Look for J Hang Jebat in section 1 of town map below.
St Francis Xavier’s Church
This church was built in memory to the Catholic missionary Saint Francis Xavier by a Frenchman Reverend Farve. The Portuguese had in 1553 built a church here before.
How to go there
See section 3 of town map.
Cheng Hoon Teng temple
This is the oldest Chinese temple in the country, built in 1646 during the Dutch occupation. As some of the Chinese settlers who came later were successful traders, they had wanted their own place of worship. They then collected money to build the temple. Most of the roof tiles, figurines and wall glazing were directly brought in from native Fukien province. Special artisans were also brought in from China to build the temple. Today, you will be able to see the many ornate figurines and deities of Taoist culture doting both the facades and roof tops of the temple. Although some of them might have lost its original colors, it is nevertheless a good subject for avid photographers.
How to go there
It is sited in town, next to Jonker’s street and a walking distance from most town hotels. See section 1 of map.
Hang Tuah’s Mausoleum
Hang Tuah is one of the most famous Malay warriors who lived during the reign of Sultan Mansor Shah. He was the commander of the king’s naval forces and had defended the kingdom from repeated attacks from the Siamese and Archenese. The mausoleum was built in memory of the great contributions from this brave warrior. How to go there:
The site is in Kledang and is about five kilometers from the town center. You can ask your hotel to arrange for a short trip there.
Saint John’s fort was built by the Dutch in the 18th century. It lies on top of a small hill called St John’s hill, 3 kilometer from the town center. It was dedicated to John the Baptist. You will note that the gun embrasures are faced inland instead of the sea. During the Dutch occupation, most of the threats came from the interiors and not from the sea. Its location on top of the hill means that enemy forces will be easily sported.
How to go there
See section 3 of map below
The Portuguese build this church in 1710, with a style that mixes the east and west. It is also the only church in the country that has a life-size statue of the dead Lord before the Resurrection. This is also the oldest functioning Catholic church in the country.
How to get there:
See section 3 of map below.
St Paul’s Church with St Francis Xavier’s statue in the foreground
Situated on a hillock behind the ‘A Formosa’ fort, this chapel was built by a Portuguese Captain named Duerte Coelho. It was later converted into a church by the Dutch. There are a few tombstones behind it that have Latin and Dutch inscriptions. Just beside it, there is a statue of St Francis Xavier whose dead body was briefly laid here in an open grave before it was finally sent to Goa in India for burial.
The body was put in a gold cast and miraculously, it has not been corrupted since. However, there is a missing right hand. It was reported that the severed hand was sent to Rome, on the Pope’s order. There were reports that blood flowed out of the wound for hundreds of years but today it has withered. By coincidence, the right hand of the marble statue of St Francis here was broken when a tree fell on it during a storm. The statue was erected in 1952, and today, the statue stands without the right hand.
How to go there:
St Paul’s church is sited on a hillock just behind the A Formosa gate. It is right in the middle of town and is just a walking distance from most town hotels. See section 3 of town map below.
Independence Memorial Hall The building was built by the British and used as their ‘Malacca Club’ house, but it was later used as a memorial building by the Malayan Government after she gained independence in 1956. This building was the backdrop for Somerset Maugham’s 1927 novel, ‘Footprint in the Jungle’. It now houses articles that were related to the country’s gaining of Independence from the British.
The Independence Building was used as the place where the first Prime Minister of then Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman read out the historical document of Independence from British rule in1956. You will be able to view many exhibits here that were related to the country’s path to independence, including the car that fetched the Tunku from the Batu Berendam airport when he first landed here after leaving London.
How to go there
The Independence Memorial Building is site right in the middle of town, very near the Studhuys and the State Tourism office. It is also a walking distance from most town hotels. See section 3 of town map below.
This temple was built with dedication to the great mariner Admiral Cheng He, who was one of the early officials from China to trade with Malacca. It is sited at the bottom of Bukit Cina. It was reputed that during one of Cheng He’s trip to the area, there was a huge storm that almost sank the Admiral’s ship. It was told that a fish miraculously got itself stuck onto a hole in the ship’s hull, thus preventing water from seeping in. How to go there
It is sited next to Hang Li Po’s well, at the foot of Bukit Cina and a walking distance from most of the town’s historical sites like Studhuy and A Formosa. See section 2 of map.
The only remaining large Portuguese settlements (about 3000) outside Portugal, named the ‘Portuguese Settlement’. For over five hundred years, these residents have evolved from their Portuguese ancestry with inter marriages with the local Malays, but some of the earlier customs have been retained, like the annual San Pedro Festival.
The feast of St John (celebrated in June) is commemorated with the lighting of a huge bonfire and dancing. Tourists come to this place to savior the unique food and singing and to see what the Portuguese descendants look like. Most of them have retained their Portuguese surnames like Sequiera and Lopez. It is a little Portuguese, a little Malay and some other races mixed together. The Portuguese settlement is a must visit place. Come here at night and enjoy the unique cuisines and dances. There is even a three star hotel called Lisbon here!
How to go there:
The Portuguese settlement is about four kilometers from the main historical monuments like A Formosa. You can take a leisurely walk there in the evening, or you can take a short taxi trip there. Ask around and most people will show you the way. Your hotel staff can also arrange a day trip for a small number of people.
Queen Victoria’s fountain was erected in 1901 in commemoration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This is one of the few remaining architectural footprints left behind from the British occupation. The fountain is still functioning today and you can also find many tourist trishaws resting there and awaiting business. This is a good place to snap your photos and to savor the delights of human powered trishaws. See section 3 of map.
Light and Sound display
The display is a light and sound presentation of the many cultures that made up Malacca. It is both educational and entertaining. The site is situated at Bandar Hilir, Padang Pahlawan on top of St Paul’s Hill.
Tel:+606 230 7401
Malacca Clock Tower
Built in 1886 and donated by Tan Jiak Kim to the townsfolk.
Maritime Museum
The museum is sited inside a life size replica of the Portuguese warship Flor De La Mar , parked beside a jetty along the Malacca river mouth. You can view past European shipping artifacts and history here.