MALACCA: C1. HISTORICAL SITES

Within Malacca Town Dutch Square Unmistakable for the delightful salmon pink facade of its structures, the Dutch Square consists of three main buildings the Stadthuys, Christ Church and the General Post Office. Other eye-catching monuments within the square are the Queen Victoria Fountain which was erected by citizens of Malacca in 1904 in honour of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee and the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, built by his son Tan Jiak Kim in 1886. Stadthuys The imposing Stadthuys or Town Hall is solid testimony of skillful Dutch masonry and woodwork with its thick measonry walls, heavy hardwood doors and windows and wrought iron hinges. One room still has the original wooden floral ceiling of the 17th century. Believed to have been completed in 1650, it once housed Dutch Governors and officers. Today it houses the Malacca Ethnographical and Historical Museum, showcasing Malay and Chinese traditional bridal costumes and relics from the Portuguese and Dutch eras. Christ Church An exquisite piece of Dutch architecture, the Christ Church boasts of ceiling beams cut from a single tree and amazingly, were constructed were constructed without joints! Built in 1753, the church can also take pride in its handmade pews, the Brass Bible rest dating back to 1773 with the first verse of St John inscribed in the centre, and the beautiful `Last Supper' in glazed tiles over the altar. There are even tombstones in Armenian script on the church floor of the country's oldest functioning Protestant church. Originally a Dutch Reform Church, it was later consecrated as an Anglican Church. Interestingly, Mass is conducted in English, Mandarin and Tamil! Malaysia Youth Museum Malaysian youths' contribution towards the country's economic and social well-being is recognised via this museum which displays their efforts at regional, national and international levels. St Francis Xavier's Church As its name indicates, this twin Gothic-towered church was built in dedication to Jesuit Padre St Francis Xavier by a French father, Reverend Farve in 1849. Also known as the `Apostle of the remembered for spreading Catholism to South East Asia in the 16th century, including to Malacca in 1545. Aptly, the church's stained glass windows above the altar recalls St Francis Xavier's services during the 16th century. St Paul's Church Built by Portuguese captain Duarte Coelho in 1521 and named `Our Lady of the Hill' (obviously for having been built on a hill) the church was later renamed `St Paul's by the Dutch who eventually converted it into an extension of the A Famosa fortress. The Dutch had even turned the altar into a cannon embrasure and evidence of gun embrasure with holes for gun recoilers in the roof can still be seen today. In fact, visitors will be greeted with an unusual sight of ruins of battlements and cannons in the church! There is also an open, empty tomb inside the church where the body of St Francis Xavier, who was associated with a number of miracles, was temporarily placed in 1553. It was later moved to the Basilica of Born Jesus in Goa, India. The priest had first preached here in 1545 during his missionary work of spreading Christianity to this part of the world. The Carraras marble statue of St Francis Xavier in front of the church was erected to commemorate the fourth contenary of his temporary burial in the church. The hill which goes by the same name was made into a burial ground by the Dutch for their noble dead as evidenced by the impressive display of huge tombstones measuring three metres by one metre with epitaphs inscribed in Latin, Portuguese and Dutch. Porta De Santiago (A Famosa) Possibly Malacca's most famous and photographed landmark, the Porta De Santiago gateway is all that remains today of the A Famosa fortress built by the Portuguese in 1512 under the command of Alfonso d' Albuquerque. Inscribed over the portal is the date `Anno 1607' with the crest of the United Dutch East India Company above it to mark the overthrow of the Portuguese by the Dutch. And had it not been for Sir Stamford Raffles, the country's oldest European monument would not still be standing stolidly today. The British East India Company had set about to demolishing the fort in 1808 but fortunately, Sir Raffles realised the fort's historical significance and his timely intervention saved it for posterity. Malacca Sultanate Palace This exquisite piece of Malay architecture is a replica of the original 15th century palace of Malacca's extinct sultanate. Built based on sketches found in the ancient `Sejarah Melayu' (Malay Annals), this wooden replica of the Sultan's palace houses the Malacca Cultural Museum. Facing the palace is the Historic City Memorial Garden. An intriguing monument to commemorate the declaration of Malacca as a Historic City is the showpiece of this garden the monument is topped with a replica of a Malay royal headress, a symbol of Malaysians' allegiance to the throne. Dutch Graveyard This war memorial is dedicated to British soldiers and officers who died during the Naning War of 1831-32. Muzium Rakyat (The People's Museum) Spanning from the period Malacca was known as a `Sleepy Hollow' up to its present dynamic outlook, exhibits segmented into sectors including tourism, agricultural and industry at this museum include special issues relating to Malaysia's economic and social progress. Proclamation of Independence Memorial Originally known as `Malacca Club', this memorial hall was appropriately renamed the proclamation of Malaya's independence was made by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, at Padang Pahlawan or Warriors Field across the road. Built in 1912, the memorial hall today houses exhibits leading to the attainment of Malaysia's independence. Exhibits are in the form of relics, manuscripts, video tapes, films and slides. On Padang Pahlawan, visitors will find the Independence Obelisk which marks the sport where the last British Resident of Malacca handed the instrument of independence to the first local Governor of Malacca on August 31, 1957. The `M' on all four sides of the monument stands for `merdeka', the Malay word for independence. Maritime Museum A recreation of the ill-fated `Flor De La Mar', the Maritime Museum allows visitors to have a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malacca Sultanate of the 14th century until the Portuguese, Dutch and British eras. Visitors will be treated by the sight of majestic white and blue porcelain treasure salvaged from the British merchant vessel Diana which sank off Malacca coast in 1817. Other exhibits include models of ships that had once called at Malacca port at the height of its maritime fame. The Flor De La Mar was sailing back to Portugal when it sank off the Malaccan coast, with its hull laden with treasures seized from Malacca. Infokraf Centre Looking for gifts to bring back home? Drop by Infokraf Malaka, the handicraft promotion centre where visitors will be spoilt for choice of souvenirs ranging from quality batik, cane, bamboo and ceramic products. Visitors can also learn more about local handicraft at the museum's archive corner. Hang Jebat's Mausoleum Branded a traitor in life but an acclaimed champion of justice in death, Hang Jebat was the legendary Hang Tuah's closest of four childhood friends. Naturally, when Hang Tuah was unjustly sentenced to death by the Sultan, Hang Jebat took it upon himself to avenge his friend's death-by running amok and seizing the palace. Ironically, Hang Jebat died at the hands of Hang Tuah, who had been safely kept in hiding in the forest and was summoned by the same Sultan to defend his honour. Hang Jebat was killed by Hang Tuah in a duel of honour that lasted for three days and nights. The long grave in this cemetery in where the courageous knight is buried. Street of Harmony You won't find this street on any map of Malacca but has been dubbed so by locals the houses of prayer of three different religions have co-existed in harmony on the same side of the street in close proximity for over three centuries! The three houses of worship are the Sri Poyyatha Vinayar Moorthi Temple, the Kampong Kling Mosque and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple Dedicated to the deity Vinayagar which takes the form of a human body with four hands, an elephant's head and a rat's feet, this Hindu temple is noteworthy for its traditional hallmarks like the minaret and eaves. The minaret is decorated with little statues of deities and other mythological figures while along the eaves are striking red figurines of cows, the sacred animal of the Hindus. The diety Vinayagar is believed to be a remover of obstacles and is also revered for his filial piety. Build at the turn of the 19th century, this Hindu temple is one of the oldest in the country. Kampong Kling Mosque Featuring an intriguing mix of eastern and western architecture, the Kampong Kling Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the country. Its impressive three-tiered roof rising like a pyramid has a distinct Sumatran- Hindu influence while from its carved floral wooden ceiling which is supported by elegant Corinthian-styled columns hangs a majestic Victorian chandelier. The oversized doors and windows are again obviously Victorian and adorning the walls of the main prayer halls are Portuguese and British glazed tiles. Moorish cast-iron lamp posts are used as column to support the place of ablution, at the centre of which is a cast-iron Victorian fountain. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, this temple founded in 1646 is believed to be the oldest Chinese temple in the country. In is an institutions of the Three Doctrinal Systems of belief - Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Also known as the Temple of Bright Clouds, the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is a fine example of typical Nankin architecture. Its eaves and ridges are decorates with figurines of Chinese mythology made of porcelain and broken glass, while the intricate wood carvings and gold lacquer work inside the temple dating back to 1704 are a sight to behold. All the materials used to build this temple were shipped from China. Jonker Street A must for antique collectors and bargain hunters. Now known as Jalan Hang Jebat, world famous Jonker Street is reputed to be one of the best places to hunt and bargain for antiques. Authenic artifacts and relics, some dating as far back as 300 years, can be found among a host of interesting collectibles in the many quaint shops along this road - and at very reasonable prices! Baba and Nyonya Heritage (Millionaire's Row) No 48 and 50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock is the Baba and Nyonya Heritage, a private museum which provides an insight to the `Chinese Palladdian' style of living that lasted unchanged pretty much until World War II. The Babas and Nyonya, or `Straits Chinese', are Chinese of noble descent that have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. The two homes have neo- classical European architecture characterised by Greco-Roman columns. Floral and pictorial motifs grace parts of the front of the house while the interior is adorned with intricately carved fittings finished in gold leaf. Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock was also known in the good old days as `Millionaire's Row'. Some of the most exquisite examples of Baba and Nyonya houses can ba found along this narrow street. These stately houses were built by wealthy Dutch traders in the 18th century but were bought by the Babas in the 19th century. The Babas not only made these houses their ancestral homes but filled them with beautiful Chinese architecture. As such, these houses blend east and west, as seen by the wooden shutters of Dutch architecture on the first and second floors while on the ground floor, the finely carved doors and windows have taken on a Chinese feel. Look out for house No. 117 with its Dutch architecture and silver-painted dome. Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum One of the five legendary knights who served the Malacca Sultanate, Hang Kasturi and the legendary Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu all studied silat (Malay martial art) under the same tutelage. However, little is known about him after Hang Tuah's death. Kampong Hulu Mosque Built in 1728 by Dato Shamsuddin, this is the oldest mosque in the country. Its unique architecture can be found only in Malacca and is not traceable to others in the country. Villa Sentosa This private home built in the style fashionable during the first quarter of the 20th century has been converted into a museum by its owner, Hj Hashim bin Dato Demang Hj Abd Ghani. Located in Kampong Morten, the only typical Malay village in the heart of Malacca town, the house has a history dating back to the British Land Reform Act of 1920. Exhibits include an intriguing collection of costumes, Malay embroidery, furniture and muskets. St Peter's Church St Peter's boasts of not only being the oldest church still in use in the country but is also the only one to have a life-size alabaster statue of `The Dead Lord Before Resurrection'. Built in 1710 by the Portuguese, its architecture is a blend of the Oriental and Occidental. The interior is uniquely Iberian with Corinthian pillars supporting the curved ceiling above the aisle. Sam Po Kong Temple Built in tribute to Admiral Cheng Ho, this temple is named after a fish miraculously saved the Chinese admiral's ship from sinking. During one of the admiral's many voyages, his ship was almost wrecked at sea as there was a hole in the keel. Foklore has it that a `Sam Po' fish saved the day by plugging itself into the hole! Hang Li Poh's well Legend has it that this well never dried up even during the severest of droughts and that those who drink from it will make at least one return visit to Malacca during his lifetime! Located at the foot of Bukit China, the well was constructed by followers of Chinese Princess Hang Li Poh, the daughter of Emperor Yung Lo, in 1459 - the year that the historic Sino-Malay marriage between the princess and Sultan Mansor Shah took place. Also known as the Sultan's Well, it was enclosed by four stout wall built by the Dutch in 1677 to maintain their ultimate right to the well. Today it has been converted into a wishing well and the belief is that anyone who throws a coin into it will return yet again to Malacca. Bukit China Befittingly, Bukit China is named thus for it was one the official settlement of Chinese Princess Hang Li Poh entourage of 500 ladies-in -waiting. The entourage, which had accompanied her to Malacca to become the bride of Sultan Mansor Shah in 1459, stayed on this settlement until the Portuguese invasion of 1511. A Franciscan monastery and a chapel were built on top of the hill by the Portuguese during their occupation of Malacca but both were later destroyed. Today Bukit China `rests in peace' as the largest Chinese cemetery outside China. There are about 12,500 graves on the hill, some of which date as far back as far back the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century. St John's Fort Originally a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist, the fort was rebuilt by the Dutch during the third quarter of the 18th century. The original emplacements for six-pounder cannons can still be seen today at the fort located on top of St John's Hill. Interestingly, the fort's gun embrasures face inland instead of the sea. Apparently, attacks on Malacca then came mainly from hinterland and not otherwise. Tranquerah Mosque Instead of the usual minaret, a pagoda has been built for this mosque which bears evidence that Islam had its rightful place in Malacca almost 600 years ago. Within the grounds of this mosque lies the tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johore who signed the secession of Singapore to the British in 1819. Auyin Hill Resort Designed on the concept of `feng shui' (geomancy), the Auyin Hill Resort is the only one of its kind in the country. Every element has been placed relative to the principle of celestial and terrestrial positioning accuracy, thus enhancing its charm, `chi' (power) and prosperity. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and the spectacular gateways and pavilions further add to the charm of this resort in Durian Tunggal. Another attraction is the matchmaker stone - those hoping to find their love match meet here in the hope that their dreams will come true! Dol Said's Grave Dol Said was the ninth ruler of Naning who defiantly opposed the imposition of tax on the district by the British. He waged a war against them and valiantly resisted British forces on Naning - by deploying his troop with an outstanding display of military ingenuity that outsmarted the invading forces in two campaigns. Truly a people's here, Dol Said was buried here at Taboh Naning, about 32 km from Malacca town. Gadek Hot Spring Like most hot springs, the waters at Gadek Hot Spring are believed to have therapeutic qualities. Located about 30 km from Malacca Town, the amenities at this hot spring provide for privacy in bathing - there are two buildings (one each for male and female bathers), each housing eight bath pools and bathing rooms. British Graveyard British soldiers who died in the Naning War fighting Dol Said and his men were buried at this graveyard in Alor Gajah. Dutch Fort Located in Kuala Linggi, the fort was used as an outpost by the Dutch to enforce the monopoly of tax collection. It was later abondoned when mining in Naning ceased operations. Hang Tuah's Mausoleum The legendary Hang Tuah was the most famous and decorated of warriors to serve the Malacca Sultanate Court in the 15th century. Hang Tuah's bravery was discovered as early as his adolescent years, when he single-handedly apprehended a man who had run amok in his village of Kampong Duyong. His valour was rewarded when the Sultan bestowed upon him the honour of being the youngest knight to ever serve Malacca. Hang Tuah's bravery was said to be second to none and as admiral of Malacca's naval forces, he successfully defended the Sultanate against the countless Siamese and Acehnese attacks. He was buried in this mausoleum in Tanjung Kling, about 15 km from Malacca town. Hang Tuah's Well Folklore has it that this well is the abode of Hang Tuah's soul which takes the apparition of a white crocodile. It is believed that only the holy among us can ever hope to catch a glimpse of the famous knight's apparition! The well is located in Hang Tuah's birthplace of Kampong Duyong, where he spent his childhood and grew up with his four good friends - Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu - who later served as Knights in the Malacca Sultanate Court. Tun Teja's Mausoleum Tun Teja was the beautiful daughter of Bendahara Sri Amar Di Raja of neighbouring Pahang state who was convinced by Hang Tuah to marry Sultan Mahmud Shah. She died in Merlimau while retreating with the Sultan from the Portuguese attack of 1511. Source: Puncak Awal (M) Sdn Bhd Malacca State Government