Welcome to the Melaka Historical Fun list. Now, you can browse through the list of churches, temples, museums and read the short descriptions about them. If you are not a fan of museums and temples, please be patient and do visit at least the:
The terra cotta or shocking Red Stadhuys and the Christ Church Melaka.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Kampung Kling Mosque
Porta de Santiago and St. Francis Xaviers Church.
It’s just to make sure that at least you have visited the so called essential historical sites of Melaka. However, if you have more time, feel free to browse through the Melaka Historical Fun LOOOONG list below.
Happy browsing and enjoy yourself!
A Famosa (Porta de Santiago)
This is the hallmark of Melaka and Melaka Historical Fun List, also known as “The Famous“ in Portuguese is among the oldest surviving European architectures remains in Asia. However, what’s left today is the tiny gate (called the Porta de Santiago) of a once mighty fortress.
The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
Arts and cultural lovers will regret if they miss to visit this Melaka Historical Fun place! What’s more, you can learn the lifestyles and culture of this “made in Melaka“ community known as Babas (males) and Nyonyas (females). Don’t be surprised of the term “peranakan“ as this is also another given name for this community. The museum itself was once the family home of the Baba Chan family. It has been around for more than 107 years!
Bukit Cina
Bukit Cina is believed to be the oldest and largest traditional Chinese community cemetery outside China. It covers around 25 hectares with around 12,000 graves. Most of the graves are dated back to the 17th century. Moreover, don’t be surprised to find around 20 Muslim tombs in Bukit Cina!This particular Melaka Historical Fun place have a connection with Admiral Cheng Ho or Cheng He.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Let’s visit the oldest Chinese temple outside China, Cheng Hoon Teng. This temple is also the oldest traditional Chinese Temple in Malaysia. What should you do when you visit this Melaka Historical Fun are:
Come and marvel at the beautifully decorated roof edges. Don’t forget to snap the mythological and animal figurines made from stained glass. Wondering of the hereabout of the mythological and animal figurines? Just look up and you will find more! Click here to read Cheng Hoon Teng Temple's history
Christ Church Melaka
Aside from its striking red exterior, Christ Church is reputed as the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. Now it is an Anglican Church. This Melaka Historical Fun attraction place was constructed in 1953 by the Dutch. Look out for the beams of the church as they were constructed from cuttings and carvings from a single tree! Moreover, they have no joints! You have to see it to believe. Also do enjoy the magnificent “Last Supper“ done in glazed tiles and the tombstone written in Armenian.
St. Francis Xavier’s Church
This Gothic-styled church was built in 1847 by a French Priest, Reverend Farve. It is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, the great missionary to the East. This church could be easily recognized by its twin towers, arched doorways and colourful stained glass.
St. Paul’s Church
Located on top of St. Paul’s Hill, this church was built by a Portuguese Captain, Duarte Coelho in 1521. Initially, it was known as “Our Lady of the Hill“ by the Portuguese. It was renamed St. Paul’s Church by the Dutch who later turned it into a burial ground for their noblemen. If you are wondering what that big hole in the Church is, it’s actually the open grave that once contained the body of St. Francis Xavier before he was shipped to Goa, India, in 1553.
Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple
This temple was built in the year 1822 and locals nicknamed it as “Datuk Chachar“. It is believed that Goddess Amma has the healing powers for this illness called “Chachar“ or chicken pox. Tourist could look forward to The Muthu Mariamman Festival held by this temple.
The fire walking ceremony called “Agni Karray“ is definitely among one of the main attractions to witness firsthand. Word of caution, for those with faint hearts, you might consider skipping the climax event of devotees carrying kavadis as their bodies are pierced with steel rods when they are in a trance.
Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple
This is the oldest Hindu Temple in Malaysia. It was built in 1781 on land given by the Dutch to the Chitty community. The main deity is the elephant-head god Vinayagar, also known as Ganesha. More on Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple . I also share with you the scary Datuk Charchar Festival here.
Kampung Kling Mosque
Kampung Kling Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia. It was built around 1784 with the influence of Sumatran architecture. Firstly, there’s no Byzantium dome around. It was replaced by a tiered pyramidal roof. Secondly, just look at the minaret which is structured like a pagoda. Isn’t it interesting how the mosque portrays diversifying cultural influence during the olden days? Indeed an amazing attraction Melaka Historical Fun place. More photographs of Kampung Kling Mosque
Hang Li Poh’s Well
Located at the foot of Bukit Cina, this well was built in 1459 for the legendary Chinese princess called Hang Li Poh who married Sultan Mansur Shah in 1945. This well is also known as Perigi Raja and was the only source of water during the great droughts. Today, the Hang Li Poh well has been converted into a wishing well.
Melaka Sultanate Palace
This magnificent replica was built based on the description and reference of the palace of Sultan Mansur Shah (1456-1477) in the Malay Annals (Sejarah Melayu). Served as a cultural museum today, it is the one and only Malay Sultanate palace from Melaka’s glorious days with high quality of delicate workmanship. If you are interested in the Melaka’s Sultanate History (Kesultanan Melayu Melaka), this is a place not to miss.
The Stadthuys
If you love to know more on Melaka’s history, The Stadthuys is a great place to visit in Melaka Historical Fun list.. Originally, it was built to serve as the official residence for the Dutch Governors in 1650. The Stadthuys is a fine example of Dutch masonry and woodwork skills. Today it houses the Museums of History & Ethnography.
The museum of History will transport you back to the golden era of the Melaka Sultanate, conquest of Melaka’s Port by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. Later, follow by the Japanese occupations and the return of British before Independence. Experience and walk through the Melaka’s stories of bloodshed, tragedy, power and triumph. As for The Museum of Ethnography, it features various aspect of Melaka’s society, especially in the 20th century.
Clock Tower
This terra-cotta clock tower is located at the Dutch Square, only a stone’s throw away from Stadthuys and Christ Church. This clock tower was donated by Tan Beng Swee. It was imported from England in 1886. In 1982, the clock was replaced by Japanese made clock, which sparks anger among the elderly residents of Melaka. I guess you could have figured out the reason?
Victoria Fountain.
The Victoria Fountain was donated by Malaccans to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign. It was set up in 1904. This beautiful fountain can be found at the Dutch Square. Do you think that the British Monarch still remember this gift?
Melaka Traditional House
This house was built by a Malay chieftain in the 19th century. It was styled with intricate wood cravings. It was built according to the traditional houses, which were built without nails and set on stilts.
Add: Padang Temu, Melaka. 06-292 6745
Chitty Museum
Built by the State Government in 2002, it is situated within the Chitty settlement in Gajah Berang. It houses artifacts presented by the Chitty community. Close on Mondays. Open: 9.30 a.m – 5.00 p.m. Chittys are Straits-born Indians and the off springs of Indian traders who came from Panai. They embrace the Hindu faith and practise a dogmatic type of Hinduism. Their yearly Mariamman Festival “Pesta Datuk Chachar“ in May is a true celebration that lasts for a week. They eat typical Indian food and practice the traditional Indian wedding ceremony. The Chitty is a very interesting Melaka Historical Fun cultural community in Melaka.
Maritime Museum Complex
Maritime Museum Complex is constructed after “Flor De La Mar“, the Portuguese ship that sank off the coast of Melaka with its hull laden with treasure. This museum showcases the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th century, including the Portuguese, Dutch and Bristish era.There are also exhibits of foreign ships that once landed at the port of Melaka.
Rumah Ku, Muzium ku. (My home, My Museum)
This is a private Melaka Historical Fun mini museum. It is located in a village that preserves the cultures through a collection of relics, including a 400 year old lamp from an old lighthouse, a 100 year old opium recliner and gramophones. Close on Fridays.
Orang Asli Museum
Interested to know the lifestyle of the Orang Asli or aborigines? (Original inhabitants of the land) You could find the hunting gear, household appliances and religious paraphernalia, on display at the Orang Asli Museum. Isn't it a Melaka Historical Fun place? Located in Air Keroh. Close on Mondays.
Portuguese Museum
This museum is devoted to showcase on the unique lifestyle of the Portuguese Eurasians, who are the descendants of intermarriages between the Portuguese invaders and local women. Add: 18D, Museum Portugis, Medan Portugis, Ujong Pasir.
Hang Tuah’s Well
Located in Kampung Duyung where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood with four of his good friends who later became the famous knights of Melaka. This is a sacred well, believed to be the abode of Hang Tuah’s soul which takes the form of a white crocodile. The water is also believed to give good fortune to those who drink it.
Hang Tuah’s Mausoleum
This is one legendary Melaka Historical Fun place to visit. Hang Tuah, the famous and legendary Malay warrior during the reign of Sultan Mansur Syah was buried in this mausoleum in Tanjung Kling. He was legendary known for his bravely, intelligence, wits and fighting skills in the history of Melaka. He and his four friends ware nicknamed “Lima Sekawan“ or the Famous Five. Click here as I share with you about this Malay warrior.
Proclamation of Independence Memorial.
Located just a walking distance from the Melaka’s Sultanate Palace and built in 1912, the former site for Malacca Club now houses invaluable exhibits of Malaysia’s struggle leading to its Independence. You could learn that the history of Melaka and the history of Malaysia are strongly knitted with one another. At the Proclamation of Independence Memorial compound, you could find the car that our Malaysia’s first Prime Minister; Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra sat when he announced “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!“ at Padang Pahlawan, Melaka. Exhibits are in the form of relics, manuscripts, video tapes, films and slides. Isn't it a truly Melaka Historical Fun visit?
