Malacca has been a trade port since its beginning.  Arabs, Bengalis, Malabarese, Persians and Tamils from the west; Javanese, Sudanese and the Sulu people from the archipelago; Burmese, Chinese, Khmers, as well as Thais, came to this land for trading.  In return, each of them left a part of their culture.  Perhaps one of the best things they left in return were their temples.  Temples are located throughout Malacca, and some of the distinguished ones include:

The Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple

Built in 1781, this is one of the very first temples built in the whole country.  The temple was built on land that was conferred by the Dutch and till this date has served as an active spiritual and social center for the Hindu community.  It is a great place to visit if you have a fascination for old temples.

Directions
This temple is located at the junction between Jalan Tukang Emas and Jalan Hang Kasturi.

Nearby Attractions
Other places worth visiting near the temple include the Kampung Kling Mosque, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the Hang Kasturi Mausoleum, and the Hang Jebat Mausoleum.

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Referred to as the ‘Temple of Evergreen Clouds’, the Chen Hoon Teng Temple is  one of the oldest Buddhist Chinese temples in Malaysia.  It was constructed in 1646 with building materials shipped directly from China.  It houses the statue of Kuan Yin (The Goddess of Mercy).  The mythological figures, beautiful carvings and nice lacquer work of this temple make it unique and definitely worth a visit.  What’s more, the temple received the distinction of being cited in the UNESCO list for the Award of Merit for its Culture Heritage Conservation.  It is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Directions
This temple is located at Jalan Tokong near Hang Kasturi’s Mausoleum.  The temple is within walking distance from famous Jonker Street.

Nearby Attractions
Other places worth visiting near the temple include the Hang Kasturi Mausoleum, the Kampung Kling Mosque, and the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi temple.

Poh San Teng Temple

Founded by Kapitan Chua Su Cheong, this is a graveyard temple of Poh San Teng.  The main god for this Chinese temple is ‘Tua Pek Kong’.  The temple serves as a place of prayer for all those people buried in Bukit China so they could be guided properly.

Directions
This temple is located at Jalan Munshi Abdullah near Hang Li Poh’s Well.

Nearby Attractions
Other places worth visiting near the temple include the Hang Li Poh’s Well, the Palace Hotel, and Bukit China.