Melaka (Mallaca) Travel Guide - Attractions

A Famosa: (or ‘the Famous’ in Portuguese) is the remains of a mighty fortress which is the oldest surviving European architecture in Malaysia consists of a small gate, canons and foundation stones. Built in 1511 by the Portuguese during the colonisation of Melaka, the fortress was taken over by the Dutch and was later given to the British to prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon's expansionist France.

A Famosa was to be completely destroyed by the English but Sir Stamford Raffles, a famous English governor and a founder of Singapore, asked for a permission to spare the small gate because of its historical significance.

Boasting its beautiful walls with ornate mythological figures, spectacular Chinese paintings and carvings dating back to the early 1600s, the temple is a centre of worship and spirituality for the Chinese, remaining one of the most significant sanctuaries in the Southeast Asia. You can also observe how the Chinese pay respect to their gods here at this temple.

Kampong Kling’s Mosque: marks as an important venue of worship for the Muslim community. One of the oldest mosques in the country, the Kampong Kling’s Mosque reflects rich Sumatran influence through its magnificent three-tired pyramid-shaped roof and an infusion of Oriental influences through a tall free-standing white pagoda. Tourists are welcome to visit this impressive mosque but no flip-flops, shorts and sleeveless shirts are allowed.

Melaka’s Sultanate Place: reveals outstanding Malay architecture based on the sketches found in the Malay Annals. Believed to be a replica of the original 15th century palace of Melaka’s Sultanate, this beautiful place now houses the Maleka Culural Museum displaying an impressive collection of artefacts, prints, photographs, drawings, costumes, jewelleries, brassware and ancient weapons.

They tell the fascinating history and culture of the Melakan Sultunate and migrant communities in the early centuries. In front of Melaka’s Sultanate Place is a charming garden where you take a great picture of yourself with the palace in the background.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage: is a private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas (Chinese of noble descendants) of Melaka who have blended the Malay culture into their own. The Babas and Nyonyas are also known as ‘Straits-born Chinese’ or ‘Peranakans’. Displaying distinctive and unique heirloom, the museum is a hidden gem that will unlock the rich history of the Babas and Nyonyas for visitors to see.

The Stadthuys: built in 1650, the Stadthuys (or the Dutch Square) is one of the most famous landmarks in Melaka. Boasting its exquisite bright red-painted buildings and a magnificent clock tower, the square also houses a Historic and Ethnography Museum displaying traditional bridal costumes and relics. Visitors can also observe outstanding Dutch architectural details shown in heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges.