Melaka, which was strategically located on Malaysia’s southwest coast along the busy sea route connecting India and China, was fought over for centuries by the Portuguese, British, and Dutch. As a result, this contemporary Malaysian city is today a well-liked tourist attraction filled with buildings, traditions, and food that all pay homage to its rich past. Here are some of Melaka’s top tourist destinations: With travel made easy by one of the leading bus service providers, you can travel from Singapore to Malacca to visit the beaches and experience a sun-kissed vacation.
This article will fascinate you with some of the most beautiful places to visit in Malacca for those perfect instagrammable photos.
Dutch Square
The Melaka Dutch Square is undoubtedly one of this attractive old city’s most recognisable landmarks. The Stadthuys, which is regarded as the oldest-existing Dutch building in the East, Christ Church, and the iconic Melaka clock tower are among the picturesque, red colonial Dutch structures that make up this area. These structures are frequently surrounded by vibrant trishaws that you can board for a tour of the city. With the structures serving as a nice backdrop, take some touristy pictures!
Masjid Tannah
Masjid Tanah is a very upscale and alluring town (mukim) in Melaka, Malaysia’s Alor Gajah District. From a little village, it has grown into one of Melaka’s largest towns while retaining the charm and values of the earlier settlement.
The hamlet has been utilised as a residential area since the middle of the 1500s AD. Still, with the commencement of the Petronas oil refinery in neighbouring Sungai Udang and the development of the real estate industry, this town rose to become one of the most well-known residential locations in Melaka. It is abundant in natural beauty and draws tourists from all over the world to its rich history, culture, and tradition, as well as its breathtaking beaches.
The well-known mosque (masjid), which was built using dirt (Tanah) and is a monument of considerable heritage importance, inspired the name of the town. It is thought that Tuan Sheikh Imam Maznum, an Islamic missionary from Gujarat, India, constructed it in 1730.
A’Famosa
A Famosa, an ancient Portuguese fortress, is one of Southeast Asia’s earliest remaining examples of European architecture. The only remaining piece of the citadel is a little gatehouse known as Porta de Santiago, one of Malacca’s most well-known tourist attractions.
A Famosa ruin is a fantastic location for photographers, who may take some beautiful pictures of this dilapidated building. In addition, history buffs will find it interesting to know that A’Famosa originally served as the residence for a large number of Portuguese administrative officers.
Melaka River
After that, head to the Melaka River, which flowed through the city and was formerly known as the “Venice of the East” due to its location. In Melaka’s lengthy history, the river has a significant role to play, having welcomed traders from around the world in the 1500s. Today, it is lined with several tiny shops, homes, cafes, restaurants, and structures that are covered in eye-catching street art and graffiti. Take a River Cruise to see the beautiful river from a different angle, or just meander along the banks for a while.
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Stadthuys
In Malacca City, the administrative centre of Malaysia’s Malacca State, one of the most significant historical landmarks is Stadthuys. One of the city’s most gorgeous neighbourhoods, Dutch Square, also known as Red Square, is where it is situated. Stadthuys, thought to be the oldest Dutch structure still standing in Asia, was constructed by the Dutch sometime around 1650. It was the governor’s mansion and town hall back then, but in 1982, it was converted into a museum.
The highlight of Dutch Square, Stadthuys, is its full collection of bright, historic buildings. The riverfront structure is well-known for its striking Dutch colonial architecture, which contains some of the traditional elements like louvred windows, thick walls, and sizable doors with wrought iron hinges. However, it also has a vibrant terracotta-red façade. The structure also has white wooden shutters and a tipped roof.
Many people are unaware that Stadthuys is actually a replica of Stadhuis, a former town hall in the Frisian town of Hoorn in the Netherlands. The History and Ethnography Museum, one of Malacca’s top museums, is located in Stadthuys, which is now a part of a large museum complex.
Jonker Street
The major thoroughfare in Melaka’s Chinatown is known as Jonker Street or the Jonker Walk. In addition to being a significant street food hub, it is well known for its stores selling clothing, antiques, and souvenirs. However, the night market that takes place on Jonker Street every Saturday and Sunday is its main attraction.
Along with offering mouthwatering cuisine, beautiful masterpieces, and great deals, the busy Jonker Street is home to a number of other attractions. Visitors have every incentive to explore the numerous museums, temples, and mosques, all of which draw inspiration from cultures around the globe. The fast-paced, joyous, and vibrant cultural life of Malaysia is accurately portrayed by Jonker Street, which also skillfully weaves together traditional practices with cutting-edge technologies.
Butterfly and reptile park
The 11-acre property where the butterfly and reptile park is located has been inviting nature lovers since 1991. The Malacca chief minister presided over its inauguration, and the park was known for being a sanctuary for butterflies. But, at first, the sole draw to this location was to see the lovely butterflies.
The reptiles were later added to the park as time went on, and the management remained true to its motto, “Continuous Discovery.” The park’s new name is Butterfly and Reptile Park. Each and every visitor has been enthralled by the breathtaking sight of the flying butterflies. The lush green tropical gardens of this park provide wonderful views of its inhabitant’s thanks to the well-kept vegetation and atmosphere. A variety of butterflies from various species are kept at the park at various locations.
The butterflies can be seen chowing down on the fresh pineapple. Crocodiles that are caught in the high wire fence meshes can be seen as one advance. The snakes can be observed in glass enclosures, although they are free to roam in the mangrove snake garden. Two extremely rare golden leopards and Raja Brooke, Malaysia’s national butterfly, also call this park home.
