Malacca (Melaka in the Malay language), or more popularly known as the "Historical City of Malaysia" is the third smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis and Penang. Although relatively small in size, Malacca is a truly fascinating place, with a long History and a rich Culture.
It is filled with events of the past, brimming with artefacts, handicrafts, historical buildings, walkways, corridors, and gardens. Some in Malaysia call it the "Museum State" because of its rich and abundant
History. This Museum State has a very interesting story to tell. A story of legendary Sultans, heroes, and princesses that spans over a period of 500 years...
Even the name Melaka was born out of a very interesting story...
Melaka was founded by Parameswara, a Srivijayan prince of Palembang who fled Sumatra following an attack by Majapahit in 1377. He found his way to Melaka in the year 1400, where he found an excellent port strategically located at the Straits of Malacca.
Legend has it that, the young prince was resting under a tree near a river while hunting one day, when one of his dogs cornered a mouse deer. In an act of desperate self-defence, the mouse deer pushed the dog into the river.
Parameswara, impressed by the courage of the deer, and taking it as an omen of the weak overpowering the powerful, decided on the spot to establish an empire on the very place he was sitting. He named it "Melaka" after the tree under which he was resting upon.
Melaka owes a large part of its rich history to the fact that it was colonized by several European forces.
Conquered by the Portuguese in 1511, it was later captured by the Dutch in 1641. In 1826, Melaka was ceded to the British in the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824.
Evidence of colonization by the various European forces can be seen all over Melaka. Remnants of Portuguese and Dutch buildings and architecture remind us of the city's interesting past.
Malacca is one of the most visited cities in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur. Being a popular tourist destination, Melaka has alot to offer its tourists. The many Tourist Attractions here (i.e. The Christ Church, The Stadthuys, The Clock Tower, The A'Famosa Fort, and many others) would certainly make a trip to this historical city well worth it.
The other thing that makes this city so attractive is the wide variety of Food offered here. Melaka is well-known for it's Nyonya food. Combining the best of Chinese cooking with Malay herbs and spices, Nyonya food which is quite spicy in nature will definitely tantalize your taste buds. You would certainly regret not trying it when you're in Melaka.
Besides Nyonya food, you can also find Portuguese food, Chinese food, Malay food, and Indian food here.
One thing is for sure when you're in Melaka...so many varieties of food to try, yet not enough time to eat everything!
Melaka is also home to some very beautiful Resorts and Parks; The A'Famosa Resort Hotel, Melaka Bird Park, Butterfly Farm and Crocodile Farm, just to name a few.
There is a wide range of Hotels for you to choose from when you're here in Melaka. From 5-Star hotels to budget hotels, you can pick and choose the one that suits your taste and liking the most.
Of course, not forgetting the shoppers, Melaka is home to a few major Shopping complexes like Mahkota Parade, Jaya Jusco, Tesco Stores, and many others. There are also many street shops around Melaka in which you can shop for souvenirs and antiques (some dating as far back as 200 years old!). The rule remains when doing street shopping in Melaka, or for that matter, in Malaysia, BARGAIN!
Melaka is one place that I would highly recommend to those who are planning a visit to Malaysia. It has been said that "Visiting Historical Melaka Means Visiting Malaysia"! You will certainly not regret coming to Historical Melaka!
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