Malacca is a historical state and city in Malaysia, located on the southwest coast of the Malay Peninsula. It’s one of the oldest cities in the country and is famous for its rich history, blending Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences due to its colonial past. We drove for the afternoon from Kuala Lumpur on the way to Singapore. This was a great stop for 2.5-3 hours. It is a cute town and breaks up the drive.
Malacca was a powerful trading port in the 15th century and was crucial in the spice trade. It was once the capital of the Sultanate of Malacca before being colonized by the Portuguese in 1511. The Dutch took control in 1641, followed by the British in the 19th century.
The historical city center of Malacca has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. The area is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including St. Paul’s Hill, A Famosa (the ruins of a Portuguese fort), and the Dutch Square with its iconic red buildings.
The city is also known for its unique blend of cultures. The Peranakan or Straits Chinese culture (resulting from the intermarriage between Chinese settlers and Malays) is an important part of Malacca’s identity. Local dishes like chicken rice balls, satay celup, and Nyonya laksa are popular among locals and visitors alike. We ate at the Baboon House. Had some awesome burgers and the place is beautiful.
Jonker Street: Famous for its night market, antiques, and street food. There are some great stores and Wendy could have spent many more hours shopping. This was a very pretty street which also has some good restaurants.
The Stadthuys: A Dutch colonial building that now houses a history museum.
St. Peter’s Church: A historic church built by the Portuguese in 1710.
Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum: A reconstruction of the sultan’s palace, showcasing the city’s Malay royal heritage.