A Historical Tour of Malacca

Malacca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, is a city where history and architecture withstood the test of time. Once, it was a flourishing and thriving port that was Malaysia’s unofficial historical capital and was a favoured port to wait out the monsoons.

In the 1400s, Malacca monopolises the trading routes and to seek protection from the Siamese invaders, Malacca forged an alliance with the MING Emperor to secure protection. In time to come, Chinese settlers who married local Malay women resulted in what is now the Peranakan Race – Baba Nyonya people. Home of the well-known Nyonya Cuisine, it’s a popular destination for tourists who want to catch a glimpse of Malaysia’s Unique Heritage.

From the 16th to 18th century, Malacca was invaded by the Portuguese, captured by the Dutch and lastly the British assumed control when in exchange they gave the city of Bencoolen to the Dutch.

Let’s start exploring at the focal point of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dutch Square. This attractive and elegant square is surrounded by Dutch-era buildings. Within the Dutch Square, the Stadthuys was the former town hall and governor’s residence dates to the 1650s and is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East.

Next, we will head to Christ Church, built in 1753 from laterite bricks brought from Zeeland in Holland, this eye-catching cherry-pink church is one of the most photographed and imposing landmarks in Melaka. Christ Church is the oldest functioning Protestant Church in Malaysia. After some picture-perfect moments, we will then head to the Porta De Santiago (The Famosa Fortress). Porta de Santiago was built as a Portuguese fortress in 1511; the British took over in 1641 and destroyed it in 1806 to prevent it falling into Napoleon’s hands. A Famosa, or “The Famous” in Portuguese, is one of the oldest surviving remnants of European architecture in Asia.

We will head to St Paul’s Church. This is the oldest functioning Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia, built in 1710 by descendants of early Portuguese settlers. The ruins of St. Paul’s church stand at the summit of St. Paul’s hill near the remains of A Famosa fortress.

Lunch will be a sumptuous meal at a local restaurant located at Casa Del Rio or similar. After lunch, we walked along Jonker Street that starts near Stadthuys. This street is filled with historical houses along its left and right sides dating back to the 17th century. There are still shops selling antiques, textiles, foods, handicrafts and souvenirs.