Malacca - Where History Lives On

About an hour and a half’s drive from Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, the historical state of Malacca is well-known for its rich and colourful cultural and historical past – which earns it the nickname `Negeri Bersejarah’ (Historical State) - evidence of which can still be found around town and on its streets.

The Legend that is Malacca

The origins of Malacca came about in the late 14^th century when a young Srivijayan prince from Sumatra named Parameswara witnessed a mousedeer pushing one of his dogs into the river in self-defense. Impressed by the courage of the seemingly-gentle mousedeer against the ferocious dog, and inspired by its significance of `the weak overcoming the great’, he decided to build an empire right there and then, naming it `Melaka’ (Malacca), after the Melaka tree he was resting under when he witnessed the event.

Under the administration of Parameswara, what was initially a small, sleepy fishing town became the most important port of trade and commerce in the whole Asian region, thanks to its strategic location. Traders from all over the world especially from Java, India, Arabia and China flock to Malacca to trade their goods such as tobacco, gemstones and silk.

Malacca continued to prosper throughout the years, and became the most powerful region in Asia – much envied and sought-after by neighbouring regions. The Siamese’s attempt to invade Malacca was hampered with the help of Malacca's biggest trade partner, China, and Malacca’s relationship with China was further strengthened by the marriage of their princess, Princess Hang Li Poh, to the Sultan, Sultan Mansur Shah, which gave rise to one of the most ancient lineages of Malacca, the Peranakan line, to which the `Baba-Nyonya’ community belongs.

Malacca was eventually conquered by the Portuguese in 1511, under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerqe, who made it a strategic base for Portuguese expansion in the East Indies. The Sultan at the moment, who was also the last Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah, fled to Sumatra. In 1641, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese and took over, who then handed it over to the British in exchange for a region in Sumatra. Many of the influences from the era of the Western invasion can still be seen around Malacca today, such as the A’ Famosa fort and the red Stadthuys buildings.

Malacca is also home to the legend of Hang Tuah, the greatest warrior in Malay history.

Historical Attractions of Malacca

There are many relics still standing all over the state of Malacca - symbols of Malacca’s rich historical past:

The Stadthuys Building

Built in the 17^th century, The Stadthuys Building was the official residence of the Dutch Governer and his deputy, and is a fine example of Dutch architecture. It is now home to the Museum of History and Ethnography, which houses traditional wedding costumes and historical artefacts. The Christ Church is located nearby, housing hand-crafted church benches, jointless ceiling skylights and a replica of `The Last Supper’.

Fort A’ Famosa

An important relic from the Portuguese era, Fort A’ Famosa was built in the 16^th century and had suffered a sizeable damage to its original structure during the Dutch invasion. The fort was saved from complete destruction - there were plans for absolute demolition of the fort by the British colony - by the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, who decided that it should be preserved.

Portuguese Square

Also known as `Mini Lisbon’, Portuguese Square represents the Portuguese culture in its full splendour. It is located within the Portuguese settlement of Malacca, and during Fiesta San Pedro, this area comes to life with Portuguese-style entertainment and celebrations. Portuguese restaurants selling authentic Portuguese dishes can also be found here.

Jonker’s Street

Jonker’s Street, otherwise known as `Jalan Hang Jebat’, is filled with buildings and settlements that reflect the Baba-Nyonya rich cultural heritage, with immaculately-constructed façade and elaborately-carved pillars and panels. This street is also famous for its antique shops, and is the perfect shopping spot for visitors wanting to bring home a piece of Malacca with them.

Bukit China

Bukit China or China Hill was the original settlement for the Chinese migrants who came with Princess Hang Li Poh’s entourage, where the Sultan of Malacca had built a palace for himself and his new bride on top of the hill. Nowadays, the hill is home to an extensive Chinese graveyard, some dating back as far as the Ming Dynasty.

There are many other interesting historical sites around Malacca such as the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum on Jalan Tun Cheng Lock, St. John’s Fort, St. Paul’s Church, Sam Po Kong Temple, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and Kampung Keling Mosque, as well as a replica of the Sultan of Malacca’s palace at the foot of St. Pauls’ Hill, of which design was based on the description of the palace taken from the 16^th-century Sejarah Melayu (The Malay Annals), providing a glimpse of the ancient royal kingdom that had once resided in Malacca.

Malacca is best experienced on foot or via the many cheap and cheerful rickshaws available all over town.

KUALA LUMPUR

-Agora Hotel KL.

http://www.agorahotel.net/
106-110, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 8133, Fax: 03 2142 7815

-Allson Genesis KL.
45 Tengkat Tong Shin, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2141 2000

-Anuja Backpackers Inn KL.
28 Jalan Pudu, Toong Fong Building, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2026 6479

-The Ascott (Service Apartments) KL.
9 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 6868, Fax: 03 2142 9888

-Berjaya Hotels & Resorts.
http://www.berjayaresorts.com.my/
6th Floor, Menara Berjaya, K.L.Plaza, 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1 800 88 3236, 03 2142 9611, Fax: 03 2144 2527, E-mail: bhr@hr.berjaya.com.my

-Bestotel KL.
http://www.bestotel.com/
368 Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4043 1888, Fax: 03 4048 1888, E-mail: info@bestotel.com

-Bintang Warisan KL.
http://www.bintangwarisan.com/
68, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 8111, Fax: 03 2148 2333

-Capitol Hotel KL.
Jalan Bulan, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2143 7000, Fax: 03 2143 0000

-Carcosa Seri Negara KL.
http://www.carcosa.com.my/
Taman Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2282 1888, Fax: 03 2282 7888

-Cardogan Hotel KL.
64 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2144 4856, Fax: 03 2144 4865

-Centra Travelodge Hotel & Apartments KL.
161D Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2164 8000, Fax: 03 2164 1000

-Champagne Hotel KL.
141 Jalan Bunus, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2698 6333

-Chamtan Hotel KL.
62 Jalan Masjid India, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2693 0144

-Chinatown Inn Petaling Street KL.
http://www.hotelchinatown.com/
52-54 Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.

-Cititel Mid Valley KL.
http://www.cititelhotel.com/
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2296 1188, Fax: 03 2283 5551

-City Hotel KL.
366 Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4041 4466, Fax: 03 4041 5379

-City Park Hotel KL.
http://www.klitel.com.my/city_fac.htm
46 Lorong Haji Hussein Satu, Off Jalan Raja Muda, 50300 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2692 8833, Fax: 03 2694 9833

-City Villa KL (formerly Asia Hotel).
69 Jalan Haji Hussein, Off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50300 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2692 6077, Fax: 03 2692 7734

-Concorde Hotel KL.
http://www.concorde.net/
2 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2144 2200, Fax: 03 2144 1628

-Corona Inn KL.
22 Jalan Tong Shin, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2144 3888, Fax: 03 2144 0715

-The Coronade Hotel KL.
http://www.coronade.com/
Jalan Walter Grenier, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 6888, Fax: 03 2142 5359

-Corus KL (formerly Ming Court Vista).
http://www.corushotelkl.com/
Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1 800 88 0888, 03 2161 8888, Fax: 03 2161 2393

-Crown Princess KL.
http://www.crownprincess.com.my/
City-Square Centre, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1 800 18 3886, 03 2162 5522, Fax: 03 2162 4492

-Crown Regency Service Apartments KL.
12 Jalan P Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2162 3888, Fax: 03 2162 1333

-Dorsett Recency KL.
http://www.dorsettregency.com.my/
172 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2715 1000, Fax: 03 2715 5000

-Duta Vista Exec Suites KL.
Tel: 03 2095 2020

-Dynasty Hotel KL.
http://www.dynasty.com.my/
218, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4043 7777, Fax: 03 4043 6688, E-mail: resvn@dynasty.com.my

-Equatorial KL.
http://www.equatorial.com/
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2161 7777, Fax: 03 2161 9020, E-mail: info@kul.equatorial.com

-The Federal KL.
35 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 9166, Fax: 03 2148 2877

-First Business Inn KL.
Tel: 03 4043 3399

-Fortuna Hotel KL.
87 Jalan Berangan, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2141 9111, Fax: 03 2141 8237

-Flamingo Hotel KL.
5 Jalan Hulu Kelang, Ampang.
Tel: 03 4256 3288, Fax: 4256 3188

-Forum Fairlane.
Jalan Walter Grenier, Off Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 6888, Fax: 03 2142 4881

-Furama KL.
http://www.hotelfurama.com/
Kompleks Selangor, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2070 1777

-Golden Asean KL.
520 Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 9221 9333

-Grand Central KL.
63, Jalan Putra, 50350 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4041 3011, Fax: 03 4042 4758

-Grand Continental KL.
Jalan Belia / Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2693 9333, Fax: 03 2693 9732

-Grand Hotels International.
http://www.grandcontinental.com.my/

-Grand Olympic KL.
Jalan Hang Jebat, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2078 7888, Fax: 03 2078 1488

-Grand Pacific KL.
52-56 Jalan Tun Ismail/Corner of Jalan Ipoh, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4042 2177, Fax: 03 4042 6078

-Grand Seasons Hotel KL.
http://www.grandseasonshotel.com/
72 Jalan Pahang, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2697 8888, Fax: 03 2691 3333

-Impiana Hotel KL.
http://www.impiana.net/
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, P.O.Box 12700, 50786 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2026 6060, Fax: 03 2026 8322

-Istana Hotel KL.
http://www.hotelistana.com.my/
73, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1 800 88 3380, 03 2141 9988, Fax: 03 2144 0121, E-mail: istana.hik@meritus-hotels.com

-JW Marriott KL.
http://www.marriott.com/marriott/KULDT/
183 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2715 9000, Fax: 03 2715 7000

-Katari KL.
http://www.katari.com.my/
38 Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2031 7777, Fax: 03 2031 7911

-KL Plaza Suites (Service Apartments).
http://www.berjayaresorts.com.my/
Level 5, KL Plaza Condominiums, 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2145 6988, Fax: 03 2148 1390

-Korea Hotel KL.
Tel: 03 2274 2201

-Kowloon Hotel KL.
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2693 4246, Fax: 03 2690 6548

-Kuala Lumpur International Hotel.
http://www.klitel.com.my/
Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, P.O.Box 1117, 50738 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2692 9133, Fax: 03 2698 3145

-Lanson Place KL.
http://www.serviceapartmentkualalumpur.com/
Ambassador Place Serviced Residences.
1 Jalan Ampang Hilir, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4256 2888, Fax: 03 4253 1773

-Layang Layang Island Resort.
http://www.layanglayang.com/

-The Legend KL.
http://www.legendsgroup.com/
100 Jalan Putra (above The Mall), 50305 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4042 9888, Fax: 03 4043 0700

-Mandarin Hotel KL.
2-8 Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2070 3000, Fax: 03 2070 4363

-Hotel Malaya KL.
http://www.hotelmalaya.com.my/
Jalan Hang Lekir, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2072 7722, Fax: 03 2070 0980

-Hotel Maluri Cheras KL.
http://www.hotelmaluri.com/
1 Jalan Permaisuri, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.Tel: 03 9287 8833, Fax: 03 9287 7733

-Hotel Malaysia KL.
67-69 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 8033, Fax: 03 2144 7733

-Mandarin Oriental KL.
http://www.mandarin-oriental.com/kualalumpur/index.html
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2380 8888, Fax: 03 2380 8833

-Marriott Putrajaya.
101 Resort, 62502 Putrajaya.
Tel: 03 8949 8888, Fax: 03 8949 8999

-Melia Hotel KL.
http://www.meliakualalumpur.solmelia.com/
16, Jalan Imbi 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 8333, Fax: 03 2142 6623

-MiCasa Hotel Apartments KL.
http://www.micasahotel.com/
368B Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2161 8833, Fax: 03 2161 1186

-Midah Hotel KL.
8 Jalan Kg Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2273 9999

-Mirama Hotel KL.
Tel: 03 2148 9122

-Mutiara KL. (formerly KL Hilton)
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 2322, Fax: 03 2144 2157

-New World Hotel KL.
http://www.renaissance-kul.com/
Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1 800 80 7706, 03 2163 6888, Fax: 03 2163 1888

-Nikko Hotel KL.
http://www.hotelnikko.com.my/
165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1 800 88 3292, 03 2161 1111, Fax: 03 2161 1122

-Nova Hotel KL.
http://www.novahtl.com/
16-22 Jalan Alor, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2143 1818, Fax: 03 2142 9985

-Novotel Century KL (formerly known as Century Hotel)
Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2143 9898, Fax: 03 2413 9558

-Pacific Regency Hotel Apartments KL.
http://www.pacific-regency.com/
Menara PanGlobal, Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2026 2211

-The Pan Pacific KL.
http://www.panpac.com/
Jalan Putra, PO Box 11468, 50746 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4042 5555, Fax: 03 4041 7236

-Park Plaza International KL.
http://www.parkplazakl.com.my/
138 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2711 8866, Fax: 03 2711 9966

-Parkroyal KL.
http://www.parkroyalhotels.com/
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 5588, Fax: 03 2141 5524

-The Plaza Hotel KL.
Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2698 2255, Fax: 03 2692 0959

-PNB Darby Park (Service) Apartments KL.
http://www.apartmentsmalaysia.net/
10 Jalan Binjai, Off Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 7490 3333, Fax: 03 7490 3399

-Prescott Inn (formerly Katari).
http://www.valuehospitality.com/
23 Lorong Medan Tuanku 1, 50300 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2713 7887 Fax: 03 2713 4788

-Prince Hotel & Residence KL.
http://www.princehotelkl.com/
Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2170 8888, Fax: 03 2170 8999, E-mail: enquiry@princehotelkl.com

-Puduraya Hotel KL.
Tel: 03 2072 1000

-Putra Court Condominiums (Service Apartments) KL.
Tel: 03 4043 4539, Fax: 03 4042 7112

-Quality Hotel KL.
http://www.qualityhotelmalaysia.com/
Jalan Raja Laut, 50750 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2693 9233, Fax: 03 2693 9634

-The Regent KL.
http://www.regenthotels.com/hoteldirectory/hotelbio.jsp?hotelCode=RIKUL
160 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2141 8000 Fax: 03 2142 1441

-Renaissance KL.
http://www.renaissance-kul.com/
Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 1 800 80 7706, 03 2162 2233, Fax: 03 2163 1122

-Renaissance Palm Garden.
IOI Resort, 62502 Putrajaya.
Tel: 03 8943 2233, Fax: 03 8943 1122

-The Ritz-Carlton KL.
http://www.ytlcommunity.com/ritzcarltonkl/
168 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 8000, Fax: 03 2143 8080, E-mail: ritzkl@ritzkl.po.my

-Seasons View KL.
http://www.seasonsview.com
61, Jalan Alor, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2145 7577, Fax: 03 2143 3532

-Seasons Tower (Service Apartments) KL.
Jalan Horley, Off Jalan Imbi, 53100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 2888, Fax: 03 2148 1889

-Shangri-La KL.
http://www.shangri-la.com/
11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2032 2388, Fax: 03 2070 1514

-Sheraton Imperial Hotel KL.
http://www.luxurycollection.com/KualaLumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2717 9900, Fax 03 2717 9999

-Shiraz Hotel & Restaurant KL.
Tel: 03 2692 2625

-Stanford Hotel KL.
http://www.stanfordhotel.net/
449 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2691 9833, Fax: 03 2693 6482

-SuCasa Service Apartments KL.
http://www.micasahotel.com/
222 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4251 3833, Fax: 03 4252 1096

-SuiteStay Executive Residences KL.
http://www.suitestay.com.my/
161D Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2164 8000, Fax: 03 2164 1000

-Sungei Wang Hotel KL.
74-76, Jln Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 5255, Fax: 03 2142 4576

-Sheraton Imperial Hotel KL.
http://www.luxurycollection.com/KualaLumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2717 9900, Fax 03 2717 9999

-Shiraz Hotel & Restaurant KL.
Tel: 03 2692 2625

-Stanford Hotel KL.
http://www.stanfordhotel.net/
449 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2691 9833, Fax: 03 2693 6482

-SuCasa Service Apartments KL.
http://www.micasahotel.com/
222 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 4251 3833, Fax: 03 4252 1096

-SuiteStay Executive Residences KL.
http://www.suitestay.com.my/
161D Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2164 8000, Fax: 03 2164 1000

-Sungei Wang Hotel KL.
74-76, Jln Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2148 5255, Fax: 03 2142 4576