Malacca

INTRO
Malacca Town is the capital of the Malaysian state of Malacca. Because of its stategic location, Malacca was colonised respectively by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. All conquerors have left a trace in the town's planning, architecture and overall appearance. Modern Malacca is a quiet and peaceful town, a small dot on the map of Malaysia with fascinating history and interesting landmarks. It is not a major tourist destination, but no first time visitor of the town will be disappointed - there is a lot to see, do and feel while in Malacca.

City Profile
City: Malacca
Country: Malaysia
Area: 303,0 km2
Population: 181,000
Districts: 3
Mayor: Zaini Md Nor
Language: Malay, Chinese, English

LOCATION
The state of Malacca is divided into three districts - Jasin, Alor Gajah and Central Melaka. Malacca Town lies on the south-western coast of Malay Peninsula, opposite Sumatra, around 150 km south of Kuala Lumpur and 250 km north of Singapore. Malacca Town, the capital of the state, is conveniently located between the capitals of Singapore and Malaysia and linked with excellent highways.

TIME TO VISIT
Malacca features purely tropical climate, weather is generally hot and humid throughout the whole year. The average temperatures are between 27 and 32°C, the rainfall is dependent on the south-west and north-east monsoons. Summer is hot and humid, temperatures often exceed 35°C, so weatherwise, the best seasons to visit Malacca are spring and autumn when heat and humidity are not likely to cause you inconvenience.

POPULATION
Malacca town has population of about 181 000 people. 43% of them are Malays, 52% - Chinese. Indians, including the Chitty people are a small ethnic group in Malacca, there is also a small community of Kristang, people with partial Portuguese ancestry. Chinese and Malay are the principal languages, English is commonly spoken.

DISTRICTS

St. Paul's Hill - most of the sites and places and objects that are of interest for the visitors are located around St. Paul's Hill - in the centre of Malacca. Some of the highlights are the Bell Tower, the Christ Church and the Stadthuys. The colour of most of the buildings is deeply red - characteristic for the Dutch Architecture.
Heereenstraat (Jalan Tun Cheng Lok) and Jonkerstraat (Jalan Hang Jebat) - two of the major shopping streets which used to have Dutch names. Jonkerstraat is famous for its antique shops. On these streets are some of the best places to eat and entertain in town.
The old part of Malacca - houses lots of large buildings left by the European conquerors, also a large number of private houses and shops from a century or more ago. Unfortunately, most of the structures are not well preserved and some are in very poor condition.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

The Stadthuy - built in 1650, it is a fine example of Dutch architecture. Its initial purpose was to house the Dutch governors of Malacca and their officers. The building was preserved in its original form and structure and today it is a Historic and Ethnography Museum.
St. Paul's Church - situated on top pf the hill, originally it was a chapel built by a Portuguese captain named Duarte Coelho. The Dutch turned it into a burial area for their noble dead and renamed it St. Paul's Church.
Red Square - a beautiful square around the Stadthuys. On this square is located the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower that was built in 1886.
Christ Church - built between 1741 and 1753. That is the oldest protestant church in Malaysia. Bricks for the construction were shipped from Zeeland and the Netherlands.
Bukit China - one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside China. The earliest grave found so far is from 1622. The cemetery is a famous jogging spot for the locals.
Malacca Zoo - one of the best in Malaysia. It is located in a reserved forest and the trees provide ample shade for the visitors during the hot days.

AIRPORT

Batu Berendam Airport is the major international airport in the state of Malacca. It is located about 10 km from Malacca town. In 2006 it was upgraded to accommodate larger aircrafts. Batu Berendam Airport is a small facility, and there are no Malaysian domestic flights operating from it. Riau Airlines flies five times a week to Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. Batu Berendam Airport is easily reachable by taxi from Malacca town. http://www.azworldairports.com/cfm/frame.cfm?src=http://www.azworldairports.com/airports/p2030mkz.htm

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Taxi - you could find taxis just about everywhere in Malacca town. Cabs are metered, but price of a ride is subject to bargaining. The vehicles are quite comfortable and some are air-conditioned.
Trishaws - a pleasant way to get around Malacca town. They are very good for short trips between tourist spots. There are flat rates for certain distances, but always hagle prior to the ride.
Public Buses - for a Malaysian town of such size, the bus network is quite convenient and well organized. There are 5 bus lines connecting almost all major spots in Malacca. Buses ride on schedule, at some bus stops there are signs in English.

HISTORY
According to some sources, Malacca was founded by Parameswara, a descendant of Alexander the Great. Although, it is more likely that he was a prince and political fugitive from Java. The town was a centre of Malaccan Sultanate. Islam was officially adopted in Malacca in the 14th century. In the 15th century Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China in exchange for protection against Siam. Portuguese controlled the state and the town of Malacca from 1511 till 1641, when the Dutch took control, and the British conquered the state in 1824. Malacca was under Japanese occupation from 1942 till 1946. In 1948 it accessed the Federation of Malaysia.

CITY LINKS

Official Government website - http://www.melaka.gov.my/
Dutch rule in Malacca - http://www.colonialvoyage.com/malaccaNL.html
Malacca town official website - http://www.mbmb.gov.my/
Malacca travel guide - http://wikitravel.org/en/Malacca

UNIVERSITY LINKS

Malacca Manipal Medical College - http://www.manipal.edu.my/
Aademi Laut Malaysia - http://www.alam.edu.my/