Melaka is among the third smallest Malaysian state.  The state of Malacca is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula.  The capital of the state is Malacca Town and the state is headed by the Governor or Yang di-Pertua Negeri.  This historical city received the popular recognition of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008.

Melaka History

Melaka was founded in 1400 by Parameswara, a young Hindu prince from Palembang.  Parameswara fled from the Javanese enemy of his homeland.  Under his reign, Melaka grew to be the famous port for trading between the East and the West.  It was also the center of spice trade between the Malay and the Indonesian archipelagos.  Indians, Arabs, China and Siam peoples, traded tea, cotton, silk, silver, porcelain, ivory, Persian carpets, brassware, perfumes, pearls, incense and opium.  Parameswara was also the first Malay prince to embrace Islam; hence, Islam became the official religion of Melaka.

Some 60 years later, the wealth of the State caught attention of the Portuguese and the Dutch.  In 1511, the Portuguese, under the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque, conquered Melaka.

In 1641, the Dutch took over Melaka from the Portuguese after a long and fierce battle.  In 1795, Melaka was handed over to the British to avoid its capture by the French Revolutionary Armies.  The British returned the city to the Dutch in 1808; however, the British soon took it back in trade for Bencoleen, Sumatra.

From 1826, the English East India Company in Calcutta ruled the city, although from 1942 to 1945 the city experienced Japanese occupation too.

After World War II, the anti-colonial sentiment resulted in the proclamation of Independence by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister.

Melaka Culture

The city of Melaka is rich in heritage and culture from their daily lives to the historical landmarks.  In front of every house in Melaka are the Malacca Steps.

Melaka is well-known for its food.  Some of the traditional Malay dishes include ikan asam pedas, sambal belacan and cencaluk.  Belacan, or shrimp paste, is a traditional ingredient used in many dishes, or eaten with rice.

The Nyon-Baba cuisine is also seen in Melaka, which is a mixture of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay cooking.  These dishes are generally spicy.  The Devil’s Curry and the Portuguese egg tarts were added to the cuisine by the Portuguese.

Melaka Historical Landmarks

• Fort A Famosa: A famous fort was constructed by the Portuguese in 1511.  It suffered severe damage during the Dutch invasion.  In 1808, the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles saved the fort.
• St John’s Fort: This fort was reconstructed by the Dutch in the 18th century.  The characteristic feature of this fort is its cannons which point inwards, as the main threat to Melaka was from inland.
• St Peter’s Church: Built in 1710 under the Dutch, it is the oldest Catholic Church; it exhibit a true blend of the East and the West.
• St Paul’s Church: This church was built by Duarte Coelho, a Portuguese captain, and was named “Our Lady of The Hill”.  The Dutch used it as a burial ground.  The body of St. Francis Xavier was also buried here temporarily.
• Christ Church Melaka: Exhibiting the true Dutch architecture, this Church was built in 1753.  The main attraction is the joint less ceiling, a brass Bible, tombstones written in Armenian, and the ‘Last Supper’ in glazed tiles.
• Francis Xavier Church: Built in 1849 by Rev. Fabre, this Gothic church was built in honor of Francis Xavier, also known as the “Apostle of the East”.
• Stadthuys: This was the official residence the Dutch Governor and his deputy.  Built in 1650, it is the “Museum of History and Ethnography” of today.
• Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat): This is the street famous for antique goods, as well as a carnival-like atmosphere.
• Portuguese Square: This square represents the Portuguese culture.
• Cheng Hoon Teng Temple: It is one of the oldest temples of Malaysia.

Moreover, there are numerous museums throughout the State of Melaka to attract tourists.  These museums showcase the culture of Malaysia as very rich in heritage.