Porta De Santiago (A'Famosa)

Constructed by the Portuguese in 1511, it suffered severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion. The plan by the British to destroy it was aborted as a result of the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808, thus is what remains of the A' Famosa today.

St. John's Fort

Reconstructed by the Dutch in the third quarter of the 18th. century, the cannons in this fort point inwards towards the mainland because at that time, the threat to Malacca was mainly from inland rather than the sea. It was originally a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

Stadthuys Building

Constructed in 1650 was the official residence of the Dutch Governor and his officers. Originally white, it was given a striking salmon-red colour to match the nearby Christ Church.

Traditional Malacca House

A typical traditional Malacca house stands on 12 to 16 main pillars, usually 2 m. high. The decorative flower-motif tiled steps are its most striking feature. It is inspired by the Baba-Nyonya. Traditional Malacca house can still be seen in rural communities with the most famous located at Bukit Palah.

Bukit Cina

As the name implies, 'Chinese Hill' was the official settlement of the entourage that arrived with the Chinese Princess Hang Li po. She was sent to Malacca by the Ming emperor to marry the Sultan, marking the advent of diplomatic relations between Malacca and China. The entourage stayed on this settlement until the Portuguese occupation in 1511. Today, Bukit Cina is believed to be one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside China with many of the tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Hang Li Po's Well

Built by the followers of Hang Li Po, the well was the only source of water during great droughts. The Dutch enclosed it with stout walls to reserve it for their exclusive use. Today, it enjoys a reputation as a wishing well.

Portuguese Square

The Portuguese Square is located within the Portuguese Settlement, 3 km. from the city. Built in the late 1980s, the square is inspired by the Portuguese mercado. It is the venue for local cultural shows performed every Saturday evening. Look out for the branyo, the lively Portuguese dance.

The Light and Sound Show

The best way to learn about the history of Malacca is to watch the Light and Sound Show at Dataran Pahlawan in Bandar Hilir. Significant events in Malacca's history are re-enacted by means of lights, narration, dialogue, music and sound effects to project real-life drama.

Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat)

Malacca Sultanate Palace (Cultural Museum)

At the foot of St. Paul's Hill lies the wooden replica of a 15th. century Malay palace. The building has turned into a cultural museum. A huge diorama depicts a sultan's court while the main exhibits relate to Malacca culture. There are also exhibits from other parts of Malaysia including clothing, weaponry, stone inscriptions, musical instruments and photographs.

Museum of History and Ethnography

The museum is housed in "The Stadthuys" itself, which is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East (circa 1641 and 1660). It display traditional bridal costumes and relics from Malacca's ancient times.

Proclamation of Independence Memorial

The museum is housed in a 1912 British villa with Mogul-styled domes. The building was once the Malacca Club, a bastion of colonialism. Inside the museum are manuscripts, video tapes, films and slides depicting events leading to Malaysia's Independence in 1957.

The People's Museum

The museum documents the nation's economic and social development from Independence till the present time. Malacca's role in Independence and the state's development over the decades are given special focus.

Malaysian Youth Museum

The museum is situated next to Christ Church. The British colonial building was formerly a post office. On display are documents and photographs showing the work of the Malaysian Youth Council and other youth groups.

Maritime Museum

Located along Jalan Quayside, the Maritime Museum is housed in a replica of the Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese vessel that sank off the Malacca coast. The museum traces the history of Malacca from the Malacca Sultanate in the 14th. century to the pre-independence era. Inside the museum are models of ships, authentic maps. Old iron chests and charts.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum

Baba's and Nyonya's are Chinese decendants who have adopted a huge part of the Malay culture. They practise both the Chinese customs and Malay traditions. Also known as "Straitsborn Chinese" or "Peranakan".

This museum was the ancestral home of three generations of a Baba-Nyonya family. Located at Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock was converted into a museum to preserve its unique legacy. The building is typical of the Baroque-style homes of wealthy Chinese families. An open-air courtyard is situated in the middle of the house to let in sunlight. Furniture is made of Chinese rosewood in a mixture of Chinese, Victorian and Dutch designs.

Chitty Museum

The Chitty Museum is a new enterprise of the Chitty community to document their unique heritage. Among the exhibits are colorfully-designed traditional water-pots, multi-tiered brass oil-lamps, serving trays, sculptures, handicrafts and photographs.

Tengkera Mosque

This 150-year-old mosque was inspired by Sumatran architecture and is characterized by its pyramid-shaped roof. Within its ground is the tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johor who signed the cession of Singapore to Sir Stamford Raflles in 1819.

Kampung Kling Mosque

This is one of the oldest mosques in the country with Sumatran architectural features. It has a three-tiered pyramid-shape roof and a pagoda-like minaret, portraying a mixture of East-West architectural influences. It is the site of the Mandi Safar or bathing festival celebrated by Indian Muslims during the Muslim month of Safar.

Kampung Hulu Mosque

The Kampung Hulu Mosque was built in 1728 and is one of Malaysia's oldest mosques. Located in Chinatown, it's a unique architectural style is not traceable to any other in the country.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

Built in 1645, it is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Reflective of Southern Chinese architecture, it features mythical figures, animals, birds and flowers of porcelain and glass. The main hall is dedicated to Taoist deities. The temple has an inscription commemorating the first visit of Admiral Cheng Ho, the Ming emperor's emissary to Malacca.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple

One of the oldest temples in the country, it was built in 1781 on the site of the Chittys' first settlement. The land was donated by a Chitty headman by the name of Thaivanayagam Chitty. The temple serves as a venue of weddings and festivals.

St. Peter's Church

Constructed in 1710 under the Dutch administration, the church is the oldest Catholic Church in Malaysia. Its facade and decorative embellishment is a mix of both eastern and western architecture. Its bell was delivered from Goa in 1608.

St. Paul's Church

Constructed by the Portuguese captain, Duarte Coelho, this church was named "Our Lady of The Hill", but was later turned into a burial ground by the Dutch for their noble dead, and renamed "St. Paul's Church". Currently the church is part of the Malaccan Museums Complex. The body of St. Francis Xavier was interred here temporarily before it was taken to Goa, India.

Christ Church

Constructed in 1753, the structure reflects original Dutch architecture. The building houses hand-crafted church benches (pews), ceiling beams (constructed without joints), a brass Bible lectern, a headstone written in the Armenian language, and "The Last Supper" in glazed tiles.

St. Francis Xavier's Church

This Gothic church was built by the French priest, Father Paderi Fabre, in 1849, to commemorate St. Francis Xavier who is also known as the "Apostle of the East". St. Francis Xavier is credited for his Catholic missionary work in Southeast Asia during the 16th. century.

Air Keroh Recreational Forest

This recreational forest provides an ideal setting for recreational activities such as jungle trekking, hiking, jogging, camping and boating. A novelty for tourists is the bullock cart and trishaw rides.