Malaysia
Melaka
RegionCulture
Melaka was one of Asia's most important ports in the 15th century. Portuguese, Dutch, and British left their mark on the Old Town, while Chinese, Indian, and Malay communities built their temples, mosques, and kitchens.
by Felix Gillen
Melaka was one of Asia's most important ports in the 15th century. Portuguese, Dutch, and British left their mark on the Old Town, while Chinese, Indian, and Malay communities built their temples, mosques, and kitchens. Since 2008, the Old Town, along with George Town, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.The distances are short: From the red Dutch Square, you cross the river to Jonker Street or head up St. Paul's Hill. Two days are enough for the city; many visit as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur.
Melaka is located on the west coast of the peninsula, about 150 kilometers southeast of Kuala Lumpur. The bus journey takes two to three hours. The historic center stretches across both banks of the Melaka River: On the east bank lie Dutch Square and St. Paul's Hill with their colonial buildings and museums, and on the west bank, Chinatown with Jonker Street. To the north lie Little India and the village of Kampung Morten; to the southeast, the Portuguese Settlement. On weekdays, the city is significantly quieter than on weekends, when the night market operates and day-trippers arrive.
More places in Melaka
In the **Portuguese Settlement**, known in Malay as Kampung Portugis, live the descendants of Portuguese sailors and local women. Some residents still speak Kristang, a Portuguese-influenced Creole language.The district is located a few kilometers southeast of the Old Town, in the Ujong Pasir area by the sea. It is quiet during the day; in the evenings and on weekends, the eateries on Medan Portugis fill up, serving seafood and Kari Debal.
The St. Paul's Hill, known in Malay as Bukit St. Paul, is the historical heart of Melaka. Around the hill, the Portuguese built their fort A Famosa after 1511. On its summit stands the ruin of St. Paul's Church, while at its foot are the Porta de Santiago gate and several museums.The ascent takes only a few minutes. From the top, you have a view over the rooftops of the old town.
Dining and Drinking
Melaka is known for the Nyonya cuisine of the Peranakan, which combines Chinese ingredients with Malay spices.
Chicken Rice Balls
Steamed chicken with rice formed into small balls. The most famous eateries are on Jonker Street.
Nyonya Laksa
Noodle soup with spicy coconut broth, prawns and tofu, the Peranakan version of Laksa.
Ayam Pongteh
Braised chicken with fermented soybeans, potatoes, and palm sugar, a classic of Nyonya cuisine.
Cendol
Shaved ice with green rice flour noodles, coconut milk and Gula Melaka syrup, the region's dark palm sugar.
Kari Debal
Spicy curry of the Kristang community, best tried in the Portuguese Settlement.
History and Culture
Sultanate and Colonial EraAround 1400, Parameswara, a prince from Sumatra, founded the Sultanate of Melaka. It controlled the strait between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, becoming a hub for spices, silk, and porcelain.In 1511, the Portuguese conquered the city, followed by the Dutch in 1641. With the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, it was ceded to Great Britain and became part of the Straits Settlements.Peranakan and KristangFrom the union of Chinese traders with Malay families emerged the Peranakan culture, featuring its own cuisine, clothing, and architecture. Descendants of Portuguese settlers continue to preserve their Kristang creole language to this day.
Getting There and Around
Getting ThereBuses from Kuala Lumpur's TBS terminal take about two to three hours to Melaka Sentral bus station. Direct buses from KLIA Airport take around two and a half hours. From Melaka Sentral to the Old Town, take Grab or a city bus.Getting AroundEverything in the center is within walking distance. For the Portuguese Settlement or returning to your hotel in the evening, take Grab. The decorated Trishaws are more of an attraction than transport; agree on the price beforehand.
