Malacca is a blend of a rich historical past and a vibrant present. Just one and a half hours southwest of Kuala Lumpur and a twos hours drive from. Singapore, Malacca offers you a glimpse of the glorious spice trade of centuries ago. It's history began in 1403 when a Hindu prince arrived to seek refuge on its shores. As the Malay Sultanate become wealthier, it attracted foreign powers namely the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The Portuguese settlement with its Eurasian population and the various Dutch architectures in modern Malacca are reminder of those bygone era. The marriage of Sultan Mansur and a princess from China in the 15th century paved the way for many Malay-Chinese intermarriages giving rise to the Peranakan or the Baba and Nyonya. No visit to Malacca is complete wit out,,sampling these delicious fusion nyonya food.

Getting to Malacca is fairly easy. From KLIA, you can take airport taxis directly to Malacca (MR200 one way) or for those who have stopped over in Kuala Lumpur, you can take an express bus from Pudu bus station in the city centre. As most of Malacca's historical buildings and museums are located in and around the vicinity of the Towns Square, exploring on foot is the cheapest and most convenient way. Colorfully decorated
"beca" or the 3-wheel pushhike provides an interesting ride around town.

Places of interests

A Famosa

Built by the Portuguese in 1511 as a fortress. it was damaged when the Dutch attacked its shores and later restored in 1641.

Stadthuys

This salmon-colored building is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It is the focal point of historical Malacca and is still considered the centre of the city to this day. The Stadthuys now houses the Museum of History and Ethnography displaying historical maps, stamps, paintings and lithographs of colorful past aid multi-ethinicity.

Malacca Sultanate Palace

This wooden royal palace is now home to the Malacca Cultural Museum.

Chinatown

Its most famous street is Jalan Hang Jebat ( Jonker's Street or Junk Street), is an antique hunter's paradise with its assortment of curio and antique shops. Parallel to it runs Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Loke where old Peranakan houses and the Baba-Nyonya Museum are located.

Air Keroh

15km from Malacca is Air Keroh, a tourist complex with hotels, golf courses, recreational forests, a zoo, reptile park, butterfly farm, crocodile farm, aquarium, mini Malaysia and ASEAN.

Conference Venue - Equatorial Hotel

Ideally situated in the heart of historical Malacca, the hotel is within walking distance to famous sites, shopping complexes, night spots and museums. This 5-star international business hotel is well equipped with modern day conveniences.

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