Malacca (Melaka)

Positioned along the Straits of Malacca, the State of Malacca may be small in size, but packs a weighty punch as the birthplace of Malaysia’s rich history and cultural heritage.

In the 15th century, this exotic Sultanate – present-day Malacca City and state capital – emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s greatest trading ports and gateway for the legendary Spice Route. This was where European and Asian seafaring merchants, as well as a succession of colonising European forces –  Portuguese, Dutch and British – initially made contact with Malaysia.

Centuries of foreign influences, which also include   Chinese and Indonesian, have all left their mark on Malacca. The entrepôt glory days declined after the 18^th , when Malacca lost favour to its southern neighbour, but this trade slow-down protected much of this state capital from widespread modern developments.

Dubbed Malaysia’s unofficial historic epicentre, today, Malacca City’s beautifully-preserved central core reveals a unique kaleidoscope of architectural legacies and cultural traditions that are a rare find in Southeast Asia. Charming heritage buildings and historic sites of diverse cultures are concentrated around a river that once teemed with vessels laden with silks, porcelain and exotic spices. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008, Malacca – renamed Melaka – has enjoyed an urban renaissance and status as one of Malaysia’s most alluring tourist haunts.

Beyond, this historical state extends to forests, farmland and deserted beaches, plus the countryside towns of Ayer Keroh and Alor Gajah, which offer family-friendly tourist attractions amid leafy greenery.