We were amazed with how carefully the Melaka government has preserved the historical sites of Melaka. We manage to visit a few places during our stay there, and we had good time for sure.
A' Famosa
After the Portuguese captured Melaka, they built a fortress to defend themselves. The fortress, called A'Famosa suffered severe destruction during the Dutch invasion. What's left today is just the entrance walls, still well preserved till today.
St. Paul's Hill
Although the climb up is rather hot and tiring, especially keeping in mind Melaka's hot climate, once you get up, it is rather pleasant. You will find that not only is it surprisingly breezy, but the views are magnificent. On top of St. Paul's Hill is the St. Paul's Church, once the prayer house of the Portuguese Catholics, then turned into burial ground for their noble dead by the Dutch. The tombstones have Latin and Portuguese inscriptions on them. St. Francis Xavier was buried here in 1553 before his body was moved to Goa in India.
Queen Victoria's Fountain
The fountain is located in fort of the Christ Church and at Stadthuys. The fountain is funded by local chineses to celebrate the Queen Victoria, England crowned as queen anniversary. The fountain is a hot spot for photo.
Hang Tuah's well
Hang Tuah's well is located in Kampung Duyong where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood among four of his good friends who would later become the famous warriors of Malacca Sultanate. The well is said to be the abode of his soul which takes the apparition of a white crocodile.
Jonker's Street
Jonker's Street, once the richman's street is now a living proof of Malacca's rich baba-nyonya heritage. The buildings are immaculately constructed with elaborate carvings on its pillars and walls. The street is also famous for its antique shops.
Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum is constructed after 'Flora De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sank off the Coast of Malacca on its way to Portugal. With its hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca, the ship was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts to Malacca's heritage. At the museum, visitor can get a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th century to the Portuguese era, the Dutch era and the British era. There are exhibits of foreign ships that had once called at the port of Malacca during the height of its maritime hegemony.
Portuguese Square
Portuguese Square has a mild affinity to Portugal and known to be 'Mini Lisbon' in Malacca. Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours. One will also find authentic Portuguese restaurants at the square.
St. Francis Xavier's Church
St. Francis Xavier's Church was built in 1849 by a frenchman, Reverend Farve. The Gothic towered church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, well-remembered for his missionary work spreading Catholicism to South East Asia in the 16th century.
St. John's Fort
St. John's Fort was rebuilt by the Dutch during the third quarter of the 18 th century, the fort was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The fort has an interesting feature in that its gun embrasures face inland as during that time, attacks on Malacca came mainly from the land instead of from the sea.
Trishaw Ride
The best way to enjoy Malacca in a slow and laid back manner. The trishaw will take you through streets and corners of Malacca that you could easily miss out if you decide to venture on your own. These trishaws are decorated with fake flowers and all sorts of things to make it so colourful. Some of them even have music for you to listen to while you are having a ride.
The Dutch Graveyard
This graveyard was first used at the last quarter of the 17 Century. Presently 5 Dutch and 33 British graves are sited within its compound. This cemetery was used in two stages that is between 1970-1682 and later between 1816-1838. The grave that attracts the attention of most visitors is the one that has a tall column on it which two army officers who were killed during the Naning War (1831-1832).
Menara Taming Sari
Menara Taming Sari (Melaka Tower) is the first and only gyro tower in Malaysia so far. It measures 110 meters in height, and revolves 360° to provide a panoramic view of Malacca town and beyond. It was commercially opened on the 18th of April of 2008. Taking a ride on it will give you a great 360ยบ view of Melaka city.
There are many other places of historical value well worth a visit. What is mentioned above are just some of the "Not to be miss" sites. If you have more than a day's stay in Malacca, these places are worth visiting too.
