INTRODUCTION

Melaka is rich in history with many monuments and relics from the past that will enhance visitors with its legend and mystery. (See Malaysian history of how Melaka was founded). The architecture depicts a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese and Dutch influences. The people of Melaka are also unique as inter-marriages between the Portuguese and Chinese with local Malay women (called Baba for male and Nyonya for female) were rife. The San Pedro festival is still celebrated till this day by the Portuguese descendents.

HISTORY

Melaka was founded by Parameswara (or Raja Iskandar) the last Malay ruler of Temasik (ancient Singapore) in 1396 when he and his followers retreated up the straits to Muar, then to Sungai Ujung before settling at Bertam near the estuary of Melaka River.

Finding the place of strategic location, he decided to make a permanent settlement there, naming it "Melaka" after the name of the tree he leaned against.

The Melaka Sultanate occupies a special position in the history of Malaysia. Its inauguration marked the beginning of the emergence of a new Malay empire. The birthplace of the Malay Sultanates and Malaysia's historic city, Melaka provided the stage on which the Portuguese, Dutch and English played out their roles in shaping the history.

Melaka emerged as a strong maritime trading state under the industrious Parameswara and his chiefs. Melaka also began to be noticed by Muslim traders from West Asia and India, who until that period, had been concentrating their activities in Aru, Pedir and Pasai en-route to the East, especially China. Because of its strategic location straddling the Straits of Melaka, it thrived as a port-of-call and a centre of entrepot trade with ships and merchants from China, Japan, India, Arab and South Africa.

In 1511, it fell to the hands of the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch in 1641 after a fierce battle. In 1795, Melaka was given to the British to prevent it falling to the French when the Netherlands was captured during the Napoleonic Wars. It was returned to the Dutch in 1818 under the treaty of Vienna but was later exchanged by the British for Bangkahulu, Sumatra. From 1826 onwards, the British East India Company along with Singapore and Penang governed it, under the Straits Settlement administration in Calcutta.

The Dutch, who held Melaka for over a century, left many fine buildings marking their heritage. The most imposing relic of the Dutch period is the Stadthuys, a strikingly pink town hall which is today the oldest Dutch building in the Far East. Right next to it stands the bright red Christ Church, constructed with pink bricks imported from Holland and covered with local red lacerite. Today, these buildings together with the ruins of the Portuguese built A Famosa and St. Paul's Church are the most prominent reminders of the Europeans' presence in Melaka.

After World War II, anti-colonial sentiment bred in the country among the nationalists, the result of which was the proclamation of Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, at the Padang Pahlawan (Warrior's Field) at Bandar Hilir, Melaka on 20 February 1956.

GENERAL ATTRACTIONS

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, at Nos.48 and 50, JalanTun Tan Cheng Lock, is the ancestral home of three generations of a Straits-born Chinese Baba family. The building is now converted into a stunning museum that preserves the unique legacy of the Babas.

The Babas combine Chinese and Malay culture, a result of marriages between early Chinese settlers and local Malay women. Over the years, a distinct culture called the Baba Nyonya or Peranakan culture emerged. Guided tours are between 10am-12.30pm and 2pm4pm.

Sound and Light Show
This multimedia show, presented at Padang Pahlwan, Bandar Hilir, brings Malacca's six hundred years of history to life in a vivid sound and light production. The hour-long show is presented at 8.30pm (Bahasa Melayu) and 10.30pm (English). Admission is RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.




Air Keroh Recreational Forest
Fifteen kilometers east of Malacca is Air Keroh, a vast tract of diverse tropical forest with excellent camping facilities, nature trails, and picnic spots. Visitors can lodge in cabins or enjoy a night in a treetop house.


The Malacca Zoo
The open-habitat zoo sprawls over 22 hectares and has been rated as one of the best in Malaysia. It is home to the rare and endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros as well as many other animals indigenous to Southeast Asia.




Reptile Park
Opposite the zoo is the Reptile Park, which houses most of the dozens of species of snakes to be found in Malaysia.





Mini Malaysia
The traditional houses at Mini Malaysia exemplify the architectural styles of each of the thirteen states of Malaysia. Each of the houses was constructed by a master builder and is furnished with elements characteristic of the culture of each state. Attractions include weekly cultural shows and traditional games.



Mini ASEAN
A unique theme park conceived as a summary of the prominent cultural elements of the countries that make up ASEAN (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Brunei).





Butterfly Farm
One of the world's most comprehensive butterfly and insect farms, with well over two hundred local species, including the rare Raja Brooke and Birdwing butterflies. The farm also possesses an extensive collection of insect specimens.




Crocodile Farm
One of the largest crocodile farms in the country. There are more than a hundred species found here, including Albino and humpbacked crocodiles. The farm is landscaped to recreate the reptiles' natural environment. Exciting, suspenseful performances by the keepers and the crocodiles are held every Saturday.



source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/