The land of Sultans, its strategic position in the Straits of Melaka, the city became the largest harbour in South-East Asia in the 15th century. Half way between China and India and within easy access of the spice-islands, Indonesia, it became the chief port for merchants trading.
By the early 1400’s, the original Malay inhabitants had Chinese settlers living amongst them. The Chinese that came to the country during this period became known as Babas and Nyonyas or ‘Straits Chinese’ Malays. Islam became the states religion in the 1400’s and Melaka itself became the centre of the religion throughout region. The Melaka sultans ruled the greatest empire in Malaysian history and the Malay language became the trading language in South-east Asia.
By the 1500’s the Portuguese arrived seeking trade in the spice-islands and China. A battle ensued and in 1511 the Portuguese overthrew Melaka and the sultan fled to Johor. In 1641 the Dutch launched an attack on the city and it passed into their hands. The Dutch built many fine buildings and churches, which can still be seen today. Like the Portuguese, the Dutch only rules the area for about 150 years.
In 1795 when the French occupied Holland, the British, who were allies of France, took over Melaka’s administration.Melaka, together with Singapore and Penang formed the Straits Settlements, the three British territories. However Melaka was soon superseded by Singapore’s growing opulence and commercial importance and once again became the quiet backwater one sees today.
MeLaKa cUlTuRe
Melaka is a land of many sights and attractions, rich in color and contrasts. Her multi-racial populations lives and works in harmony as one people, yet preserving at al times the traditions and cultures unique to each race.Melaka's fascinating cultures are strongly evident everywhere one goes. From the typical roadside stall to the royal palace, the rich heritage of Melaka's cultural traits continue to influence the lives of the people here.The colorful cultural aspects are evident in the games people play, in the exotic food they prepare, in the many art forms and pastimes, in the glorious festivals that are reverently look forward to and indeed in the many facets of their lifestyles.
Martial Arts
In Melaka, there's a various type of martial arts. The Malays with the Silat, Wushu of the Chinese and Silambam for the Indians. Some other martial arts found in Melaka are such as Tae Kwan Do and Karate Do.
Silat
Silat is the Malay art of self-defence. This fascinating Malay sport is also a dance form. In this art of self- defence, the practitioner also develops a spiritual strength according to the tenets of Islam. There are many silat groups in Melaka. Silat demonstrations are held during weddings, national celebrations and of course during silat competitions.
Dondang Sayang
Dondang Sayang were traditionally sung for centuries and are still popular as a mode of entertainment. Pantuns or quatrains sung in Dondang Sayang is unique and unlike any other performing arts. Pantuns are in reality quatrains in which the first and the third, second and fourth lines rhyme and often possess a pleasing assonance. The singers take turns to match and rebutt each other's pantuns. The versatile singers with their spontaneous and impromptu cajoles and rebuttals sometimes get carried away into the wee hours of the morning. The musical instruments that accompanied the Dondang Sayang consists of a violin, rebana and gong and sometimes the accordian too. The origin of Dondang Sayang is said to be from Melaka. The Dondang Sayang is not only popular amongst the Malays but is also indulged by the Babas and Nyonyas, Chittys and Portuguese-Eurasians of Melaka which became the popular traditional song and music of Melaka. In some Dondang Sayang performances, men and women dance to the music.
PlAcEs oF InTeReSt
Melaka Town is roughly divided into two parts by the south flowing Melaka River. The North-western part around Jln. Hang Jebat and Jln. Hang Kasturi is chock-a-block with old culturally rich buildings in narrow roads. On the southern bank of the River in the vicinity of Jln. Kota stand most of the preserved historical ruins left by past European administrator
A Famosa 
The hallmark of Melaka, was built by the Portuguese in 1511 as a fortress.It sustained severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion. The Dutch had set to destroy it, but the timely intervention by Sir Stanford Raffles in 1808 saved what remains of A' Famosa today.The StadthuysBuilt in 1650 as the official residence of the Dutch governors it is a fine example of Dutch architecture preserved in its original structure and form. Believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the east, it now houses the historic museum and ethnography museum which has displays and detailed explanations of Melaka’s history, local culture and traditions.
Dutch Graveyard
A war memorial dedicated to British officers and soldiers who died in the Naning War (1831-32).This graveyard was first used at the last quarter of the 17th century. Presently, 5 Dutch and 33 British graves are sited within its compound. This cemetery was used in two stages that is between 1670-1682 and later between 1818-1838.The grave that attracts the attention of most visitors is the one that has a tall column on it where two army officers were killed during the Naning War (1831-1832)
Portuguese Square
“Mini Lisbon” located within the Portuguese settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture and colour.
Tranquerah Mosque
Architecturally unique it bears the tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johore in it's compound. He was the ruler who signed the cession of Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.
Kampung Hulu Mosque
Built in 1728, it is the oldest mosque still remaining within the designated area. It represents a typical Malaccan mosque architecture having a square base with three-tierd roof along with a pagoda like minaret. This type of mosque architecture is unique to the state of Malacca here it displays influences of the Malay, Indian, Chinese and Arabic elements. The main building roof form is of early temple form with Chinese detailing and decoration.
Kampung Keling Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in the country with Sumatran architectural features. It has a three-tiered roof rising like a pyramid and a minaret peculiar in shape from a typical Moorish style, is structured like a pagoda portraying a mixture of East-Westarchitectural influence.
Christ Church
Standing exactly as it has always been since 1753, it was built by the Dutch with pink bricks brought out from Zeeland in Holland and faced with local laterite it has ceiling beams constructed without joints. It has handmade pews, Brass Bible, tombstone written in Armenian and “Last Supper” in glazed tiles.Location: Jln. Gereja.
St. Peter’s Church
The only church in Malaysia with a life-size alabaster statue of the dead Lord before the Resurrection. It was built by the Portuguese in 1710 it has an architectural style blending to that of Oriental and Occident.Location: Jln. Bendahara.St. John’s FortRebuilt by the Dutch during the thir
d quarter of the 18th century, it was once a private Portuguese dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Situated on a hilltop to the east of town, its interesting feature is that its gun embrasures face inland.Location: Junction of Jln. Ujung Pasir and Jln. Senjuang.
