Malacca 2nd Planetarium is Now Open

Melaka now have 2nd Planetarium, more planetarium in other state. It is situated at 4ha main Melaka International Trade Center (MITC) Roundabout. The Planetarium has 20 high technology equipment for public to see. The different from Al-Khawarizmi Planetarium in Tanjung bidara is Al-Khawarizmi is really used to setup the Islamic calendar by State Islamic Agency. Just opposite the Planetarium is Melaka bowling complex that also already completed. This two are just near my office, will update photo soon. Read this from the star online:

Places to visit in Malacca

There are many interesting sites in Malacca because it is a city that has rich heritage. It is known for its wonderful sites that take you back in time. To begin with, there is the Al Azim Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the region, known for its beautiful lighting. The Al Azim Mosque is a state mosque situated at Bukit Palah, 2 kilometers (1 mile) from Malacca city.

Malacca Zoo:
The Malacca Zoo is situated 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Malacca city. It covers 54 acres and has around 1,200 animals. These animals are different species that are mostly from Southeast Asia and Africa. The Malacca zoo was set up in 1963 and was the first zoo in the country to have nearby extinct species such as the Sumatran Rhinoceres and Seladang.

Portuguese Square:
Portuguese Square is a part of the city that has strong cultural influences of the Portuguese due the settlement in the region.

A 'Famosa Water World:
A 'Famosa Water World is situated at Simpang Empat, Alor Gajah. A 'Famosa Water World has all the facilities of the modern international water recreation park.

Light and Sound Display:
The Light and Sound Display will help you learn about the history of Malacca. This show at Bandar Hilir, Padang Pahlawan is south East Asia’s first project. It is often likened to other major projects involving history, such as the Egyptian Pyramids, the Acropolis and the Red Fort in Delhi. If you want to learn more about the culture of this region, you should attend the shows that start at 8:30pm with the English narrative.

Jasin's Museum:
Jasin's museum reveals the facts and myths surrounding the establishment of Jasin, a settlement with Malacca's territorial expansion. In this museum, you can see the rich culture of Malacca through the artifacts on display.

Peacock Paradise Bird Park:
Peacock Paradise Bird Park is a beautiful place. It is a landscape of 4.5 hectares with a walkway throughout, making it the world’s largest walking path in an aviary. There are more than 3,000 free-flying birds of around 100 different species, contained in a netted enclosure. If you are interested in seeing this collection, you can attend the aviary between 9 am and 6 pm.

Recreational Forest:
Recreational Forest is something that you may not find in other places, as it requires a large amount of land. The Recreational Forest is a serene setting set aside for visitors to explore. The natural look has been altered a bit to provide visitors knowledge. An example of this is seen in the labels placed on trees so that visitors get to know what the names of the flora and fauna. This recreational facility is also an ideal place for hiking, jogging and cycling.

Malacca Heritage Walk

Malacca, Malaysia is best known for its well preserved culture and heritage. This is why Malacca earned its place in the coveted World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. Malacca or Melaka is Malaysia's oldest city and one of the most popular tourists spots in the world today.

The city of Malacca is small and compact. You can visit all the sights for just walking through the narrow streets with specialist shops and houses of a century old. With the combined efforts of the Tourist Information Center Malacca and the American Express Foundation, which developed the Malacca Heritage Trail that brings tourists to the places only by the following map. Malacca Heritage Trail is a walk back in time for tourists. This map is made simple with easy to follow diagram and description of each site suggested.

When you visit Malacca, from Malacca at the Tourist Information Center in the first place to pick up your map and advice on how best to maximize your visit to this ancient city. The center is located right in the heart of old Malacca. Its path will begin here and should end here. There are 10 major stops, not to mention its "disregard" to shops and interesting places along the trail. Therefore, it is here, enjoy!

His first stop is where the story began and took the form Malacca, Malacca River. This river was once occupied, the main port and play an important role in the spice trade, but now is used only for tourism purposes. Due to this port, Malacca had been colonized by foreign blood many times. Malacca River Cruises are also offered in this field. In the eastern bank of the river you can find 15th century Hindu Parameswaran the palace of the Prince.

Explore the world of Baba Nyonya heritage or Peranakan culture with its next stop. This culture began with racial marriages between Malays and Chinese settlers native women in Malacca. The Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock is the "rich people" lane where the houses are exquisitely designed with a mix of Dutch and Chinese influences. You can also find the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum on this side of the street where tours are conducted on request. Check out the miniature shoes, designed closely to the screen. They were used by the feet of the female subjects Nyonyans Baba.

A short walk and you are face to face with Malaysia's oldest Buddhist temple that is fully functional despite its age, or the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Cloud Green. Religious activities are held daily. Below is the oldest mosque in Malaysia, Kampong Kling Mosque which was built under the influence of Sumatra in 1748. Kampong Kling Mosque remains the heart of the Malay community.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia and one of the first. This temple is dedicated to Vinayaga, a deity who is known for removing obstacles. Now, when you see the famous bright red building, you know you're still right on track. This former Protestant church called Christ Church and the Plaza is in Dutch. It is said that beneath the stone church. Masses are held regularly in different dialects here to serve your congregation in several languages and one should not forget that the clock tower was built in 1886.

Turn around, you will see the historic St. Paul's Complex which houses three of the oldest buildings in Malacca. At the foot of St. Paul's Hill is the former Dutch governor's residence built in 1650. This building is hard to miss, since it was painted red. To the top of the hill is the Church of St. Paul, where you can also see the magnificent view of the Strait of Malacca. On the other side is the door of a survivor named famous Porta de Santiago, which was built in 1512.

Stumble Malacca Sultanate Palace on the way to turn. This building is a fairly new when compared to the site because it is a replica of the original palace. It is now home to the Cultural Museum of Malacca. His last stop will be the Club of Malacca or the Proclamation of Independence monument. This trail will take you back to Malacca Tourist Information Center, which ends its journey through this fascinating and rich culture of Malacca. After visiting those places, feel free to wander around some more.

Culture & Food

Cultural Heritage

As a trading port, Malacca became a meeting point for every seafaring nation. Persians, Arabs, Tamils, Malabarese and Bengalis from the west; Javanese, Sudanese and Sulus from the archipelago; Chinese, Thais, Burmese as well as Khmers ventured here in search of profit through trade, piracy and plunder. Each in turn left something of their own culture to be forged and blended into a new and unique mix.

Malacca today is a land of many sights and attractions, rich in colour and contrasts. The multi-racial population live and work in harmony, yet preserving the traditions and cultures unique to each race. Malacca's fascinating cultures are strongly evident everywhere one goes. From the typical roadside stall to the royal palace, the rich heritage of Melaka's cultural traits continue to influence the lives of the people here.

Cultural diversity abound in the games played, in the savoury food prepared, in the many art forms and pastimes, in the colourful festivals that are reverently looked forward to and indeed in the many facets of their lifestyles. So rich and fascinating are the cultures that volumes have been written about them. Visitors to Malacca too, are often awe-inspired by the sheer fascination of the multi-faceted cultures.

Religion

As Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, this also applies to Malacca but still provides the freedom of religion for all. The mosques in Malacca has very unique architectural works that can fascinate all. The churches and temples are also tourist attractions in Malacca.

Community

Malacca is a multi-racial place of friendly, warm hearted people, comprising of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Baba-Nyonya, Portuguese and Chitty.

Food

Malacca offers a broad range of flavours. The adventurous gourmet will be spoilt for choice with a selection including Malay, Western, Chinese, Indian, Thai or a rich melange of cuisines. Malacca is also the birth place and home to Peranakan cooking, that exotic blend of Chinese and Malay savoury cuisines. Piquant Portuguese dishes are also exclusive on local menus, reflecting this community’s indelible influence on the state’s rich culture and cuisine. So, it’s a must to relish every bit of everything, when in Malacca.

Alor Gajah Museum

The Alor Gajah Museum houses exhibits to help visitors visualise the amazing stories behind the district of Alor Gajah.

The district was the site of the Naning War where from 1831 to 1832, a Naning warrior by the name of Dato' Dol Said fought against the British.

There are also exhibits on Malay, Chinese and Indian people who settled and built Malacca.

Jasin Museum

The Jasin Musuem was established to uncover the facts and myths behind the establishment of Jasin, one of the significant settlements of Malacca's territorial expansion.

It depicts the lifestyle, the history, background and the political, cultural and economic development of Jasin. Using a British Commissioned building, the Jasin Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts which includes paintings, pictures, costumes, agricultural implements and weapons from Melaka's rich and colourful past.

Included in its showcase is an exhibit of Sultan Mahmud Shah's infatuation for Puteri Gunung Ledang (Princess of Gunung Ledang).

Tun Teja's Mausoleum

The daughter of Sri Amar Di Raja Pahang was convinced by Hang Tuah to marry Sultan Mahmud Shah. She died as a queen in Merlimau, about 24 km away from Malacca Town, while retreating with members of the Malacca royal family from the Portuguese attack in 1511.

Maritime Museum

The Portuguese galleon, the Flor De La Mar, sank in the Straits of Malacca on its way to Portugal. Her hull was laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca. The galleon would have been erased from memory had it not been for the efforts to revive its symbolic significance to Malacca's heritage.

At the museum, visitors can get a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th century to the Portuguese era, the Dutch era and the British era. There are exhibits of foreign ship models that had once called at the port of Malacca during the height of its maritime hegemony.

Tranquerah Mosque

Prominent in its architectural grandeur, the mosque is unique and bears testimony to the fact that Islam had a rightful place in Malacca almost 600 years ago. The tomb of Sultan Hussain of Johor is in the compound of the mosque. He was the ruler who signed the cession of Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.

Portuguese Square

Perhaps the right phrase to infer strong affinity to Portugal would be 'Mini Lisbon'. Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the centre of Portuguese culture in Malacca and Malaysia.

St. John's Fort

Rebuilt by the Dutch during the third quarter of the 18th century, St. John's Fort was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

The fort has an interesting feature - cannons face inland as, during that time, attacks on Malacca came mainly from the hinterland instead of from the sea.

Bukit China (Chinese Hill)

Translated as 'Chinese Hill', this breezy real estate was the official settlement of the Chinese entourage that arrived with Princess Hang Li Poh. She was sent to Malacca by the Emperor to marry the Sultan to mark the advent of diplomatic relations between Malacca and China. The entourage stayed on this settlement until the Portuguese occupation in 1511. Today Bukit China is the largest Chinese cemetery outside China with many of the tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Hang Li Poh's Well

Built in 1459 by the followers of Hang Li Poh, the Chinese princess who married the Sultan of Malacca.

The well never dried up during the days of old and was the only source of water during great droughts. The Dutch enclosed it with stout walls in 1677 to maintain ultimate right to the well.

It has been turned into a wishing well and it is said that those who throw coins into it will return to Malacca time and again.

Poh San Teng Temple

The temple is located at the foot of Bukit China. This handsome place of worship was built in 1795 by Kapitan Tsai Shih Chang. Within the temple is the famous well, San Pao Ching or Perigi Raja, subject of many legends and stories.

Villa Sentosa

The house, built in the first quarter of the 20th century in the style fashionable during that era, has been converted by its owner into a private museum. Located in Kampung Morten, which is the only Malay village in the heart of Malacca city, the house has a history that goes back to the British Land Reform act of 1920.

Visitors can view an intriguing collection of costumes, Malay embroidery, furniture, muskets and an array of interesting relics. The owner is happy to fulfil the role of curator and is keen to offer visitors additional information.

Kampung Hulu's Mosque

Built in 1728 by Dato Shamsudin, it is the oldest mosque in Malaysia. Its unique architectural style is not traceable to any other in the country.

Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum

Hang Kasturi studied 'silat' (Malay martial art) under the same tutor as Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu. He became one of the 'hulubalangs' (knights) who served Malacca together with Hang Tuah. Except for Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi and the others remained loyal to the sultan until their dying days.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple

he oldest Chinese temple in the country. It was built in 1646 with materials shipped in from China.

Fine workmanship is evident in the ornately decorated mythological figures, carvings and lacquerwork inside the temple.

Jonker Walk

A definite haven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. Authentic artefacts and relics, some dating as far back as 300 years, can be found among a host of interesting collectibles, each with its own history and mystery.

Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonker Street, is known worldwide among famous antique collectors as one of the best places to hunt and bargain for antiques.

Kampung Kling's Mosque & The Baba and Nyonya Heritage

One of the oldest mosques in the country with Sumatran architectural features. Instead of a conventional dome, it has a three-tiered roof rising like a pyramid. A minaret peculiar in shape from a typical Moorish style, is structured like a Pagoda, portraying a mixture of East-West architectural influence.

The Baba and Nyonya Heritage

'Straits Chinese' or the Baba and Nyonya, are Chinese who have adopted much of the Malay culture. The public can now view this unique heritage at the private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Malacca.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple

One of the first Hindu temples built in the country in 1781. It was built on a plot given by the Dutch.

Hang Jebat's Mausoleum

Hang Jebat--the champion of justice who died a tragic death. Hang Jebat was killed by Hang Tuah when he suffered a fatal wound from Hang Tuah's keris (dagger), named 'Taming Sari'. Hang Jebat was accused by Hang Tuah of 'derhaka' (to be traitorous).

The duel between two of Malacca's most prominent knights has left a permanent question as to the morale behind Hang Jebat's aberrant reaction against the authority and, the conventions by which Hang Tuah exercised his conduct as a loyal subject of the sultan.

Proclamation of Independence Memorial

Built in 1912, the former club house of Malacca Club now houses invaluable exhibits of the country's struggle leading to Independence. Exhibits are in the form of relics, manuscripts, video tapes, films and slides.

Closed on Monday.

Muzium Rakyat (People's Museum)

Here, there are exhibits on Malacca's economic and social progress spanning from after the independence of Malaya in 1957 till the end of the 20th century. The exhibits are segmented into tourism, agriculture, industry and other sectors.

A'Famosa

The hallmark of Malacca and perhaps the most photographed colonial building here next to the Stadhuys.

Built by the Portuguese in 1511 as a fortress, it sustained severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion.

The Dutch had set to destroy it, but timely intervention by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1808 saved what remains of A'Famosa today.

St. Paul's Church

Originally named Our Lady of the Hill, this fine church was built by a Portuguese captain named Duarte Coelho. Years later, the Dutch turned the chapel into a burial ground for their noble dead and renamed it St. Paul's Church. St. Francis Xavier's remains were briefly enshrined in the open grave in 1553 before being brought back to Goa, India.

The Stadthuys

Built in 1650 as the official residence of the Dutch Governor and his officers, The Stadthuys is a fine example of Dutch architecture of that period.

Preserved in its original structure and form, the edifice now houses the History Museum and Ethnography Museum.

On display daily are traditional bridal costumes and relics from Malacca's glorious past.

Malacca Culture & Heritage

Malacca Baba Nyoya, Peranakan, Portuguese

While Malacca has a multi-racial population of Malays, Chinese and Indians reflecting the overall racial make-up of Malaysia, it is the Peranakan and Portuguese culture that is still practised by a few descendant communities that attracts visitors.

The Peranakan and Portuguese descendants in Malacca today are the result of the state's long history with trading and colonisation by Oriental and Western powers.

The Baba Nyonyas

Peranakans are descended from Chinese migrants who first came to Malacca many centuries ago. Adopting Malay customs and cultures, theirs is a unique heritage unlike any other. Peranakans are also referred to a 'Straits Chinese'.

It is still a subject of debate whether the Peranakans actually intermarried with the local Malay population or maintained a pure bloodline, but most are said to be of Hokkien ancestry. 'Babas' refer to male Peranakans while 'Nyonya' refer to females. Often Nyonya is used to substitute the term 'Peranakan' as well. Peranakans also settled in Penang, the only other state than Malacca.

In terms of dressing, the women wear traditional Malay costumes, notably the 'Baju Kebaya' a form of blouse woven with silk. Foot-binding, a practice carried over from China, used to be common among the affluent folk but over the centuries, it is no longer practised and for good reason. Perhaps the Peranakan's most famous legacy is Nyonya food, a fusion of Malay ingredients with Chinese cooking styles. Some of the most popular dishes include 'Belacan', 'Assam Laksa', 'Cendol' and 'Kuih Talam¡'.

Peranakans speak a dialect of the Malay language called 'Baba Malay' which has some elements of the Hokkien language. Their most notable musical entertainment form is the 'Dondang Sayang'; or 'Love Song' where Babas and Nyonyas exchanged poems in a humorous style, accompanied by a violin, accordion and traditional instruments; the Rebana and Gong. Many Malaccans, regarded less of their ethnicity, often indulge in Dondang Sayang; such is its popularity.

The Portuguese

When the Portuguese conquered Malacca in 1511 and ruled for 130 years, a few stayed behind and formed a fishing community that has lasted till today. As devout Catholics, they celebrate various festivals dedicated to their religion which can be witnessed throughout the year in their settlement the Portuguese Square.

Over the years, the Portuguese intermarried with the local population and are now collectively referred to as Portuguese-Eurasian or 'Kristang', but they still maintain their traditional surnames such as 'Sequiera' and 'Lopez'. Usually, they speak a distinct language which is a Creole (fusion of two languages) based on Portuguese and Malay.

The Portuguese community in Malacca are a merry bunch, often celebrating with loud dances, music and song. Their most famous tune is the 'Jinggling Nyonya', a happy dance-song routine. They've also brought their food; 'Curry Debel¡' is among the most famous of their dishes.

In June, the Portuguese Suare becomes abuzz with activity as the villagers celebrate a feast in honour of their patron saint. It is truly a sight for visitors to behold and a great chance to get to know this special 3,000-odd group of people in Malaysia.