Melaka Things to Do Tips by mary2u99

Porta de Santiago (A Famosa) A' Famosa Review

The Porta de Santiago is one of the four main gates of A Famosa fortress; it was built by the Portuguese in 1512 under the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque.

It expanded to the surrounding area which includes Jalan Kota, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Mahkamah and Jalan Istana. The Portuguese turned this fort into a Christian city.

It was damage during the Dutch invasion but later repaired and renamed it VOC. The British wanted to destroy it but Sir Stamford Raffles intervene in 1808 and saved what remains of A' Famosa today. What’s left is a gateway called Porta de Santiago with an embossed 'VOC' emblem.

Address: Jalan Kota, Melaka

Directions: Part of the historical enclave in Banda Hilir, on the foot of St Paul Hill next to the Melaka Sultanate Palace.

Hang Tuah's Well

This well is located in Kampung Duyung, the reputed birthplace of the great admiral.

Legend has it the well contains Hang Tuah's spirit in the form of a white crocodile. It is also believed that the spirit can only be seen by the spiritually pure.

Directions: Melaka is easily accessible by roads. From Kuala Lumpur, you can take coaches to Melaka at Puduraya Bus Station. The two and half hour journey will cost you around RM7.90. From Melaka town, take the Muar-Melaka road heading towards Kampung Duyung.

Christ Church Dutch Square Review

It was built in 1753. This church notable feature is the ceiling beams, over 15m (16yd) long, were each made from a single tree. The 200-year old pews, at the altar, there is a painting of the Last Supper on glazed tiles and on the floors are tombstones in Armenian script.

Entrance Fee
The entrance is free but you can make a donation towards the upkeep of the church.

Address: Jalan Gereja, Melaka

Directions: Passing the bridge of Sungai Melaka nearby Jalan Temenggong

St. Francis Xavier's Church Churches Review

Built in 1849 by Reverend Farve. This church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. Who is also known as the 'Apostle of the East', and is remembered for his missionary work in South East Asia in the 16th Century.

Address: Jalan Laksamana

Trishaw ride Trishaw Drivers Review

Take a ride down memory lane on a Trishaw. Be sure to check how much it cost first before embarking on these trishaw.

The trishaw can be rented on hourly too.

St. Paul's Church St. Paul's Church Ruins Review

Built by a Portuguese Captain (Duarte Coelho) in 1521 and name it 'Our Lady of the Hill'. The chapel was turned by the Dutch into a burial ground for their noble dead. It was later renamed 'St. Paul's Church. by the British.

St. Francis Xavier was briefly enshrined in the open grave in 1553 before being shipped to Goa, India.

Directions: On top of St. Paul's Hill.

Phone: Website:

Website: http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Melaka/guide_stpaul.htm

The Stadthuys(Old Dutch for City Hall) The Stadthuys Review

Dutch square is the heart of town centre. Built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch Governors and Deputy Governors and believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East, The colour of the red brick is extends to the other buildings around the Town Square and the old clock tower.

Its now houses the History and Ethnography Museum. On display daily are fine traditional bridal costumes and relics from Melaka's glorious past which will take a couple of hours to read your way through the detailed explanations of Melaka's past.

Admission to both these museums is included in the admission price to the Stadthuys.Tel: +606 282 6526

Stadthuys Museum Complex

• History and Ethnography Museum
• Literature Museum
• Admiral Cheng Ho's Gallery
• The Governor's Museum
• The Museum of Government Democracy

Opening Hours:
9.00am to 6.00pm (Sat-Thu)
9.00am to 12.15pm & 2.45pm to 6.00pm (Fri)

Ticket Prices: Adult: RM 5.00 Children: RM 2.00

Address: Jalan Kota, Malacca

Directions: Passing the bridge of Sungai Melaka nearby Jalan Temenggong

Other Contact: Fax: 06-2826745/06-2826745.

Phone: 06-2841934/062866070.

Hang Li Poh's Well Princess Hang Li Poh's well Review

This is the oldest well in Melaka built in 1459 by the followers of Hang Li Po, the Chinese princess who married the Sultan of Melaka and the only source of water during the drought.

In 1511, the Javanese filled the well with poison, and many who drank from it died of the plague. Many Portuguese soldiers died from drinking the water from the well.

In 1677, the Dutch closed it with solid brick walls and later it was turned into a wishing well. It is said that whoever throws coins into the well will return to Melaka time and again.
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Address: Jalan Puteri Hang Li Poh, Melaka.

Directions: At the foot of Bukit Cina, next to Sam Po Kong Temple.

Website: http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Melaka/guide_hlipoh.htm