Hang Li Po’s Well, Melaka

Hang Li Poh’s Well, also known as the King’s Well or Perigi Raja, is a significant historical site located in Melaka City, Malaysia. This ancient well, established in 1459, is reputed to be the oldest water well in Malaysia. It was originally constructed for Hang Li Poh, a Ming Chinese princess who was sent to Malacca to marry Sultan Mansur Shah as part of a diplomatic alliance. The well was built on Bukit Cina, a hill gifted to her by the Sultan, and it quickly became the principal water source for the city.

Throughout its history, the well has witnessed numerous tumultuous events. After the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511, they took control of the well and used it as a strategic water supply. This period saw the well become a site of conflict; in retaliation, local warriors poisoned the water, successfully killing around 200 Portuguese colonizers. Similar acts of poisoning occurred during later occupations by the Dutch and the Acehnese from Indonesia.

The Dutch fortified the well in 1641 with brick walls and a mini-fort, showcasing its strategic value. Adjacent, the Poh San Teng temple, founded in 1795, honors Tua Pek Kong by Kapitan Cina Chua Su Cheong. Neglected during British rule, the well transformed into a cultural symbol, now a famous wishing well embodying the desire to revisit Malacca.

Today, Hang Li Poh’s Well stands as a relic of the rich, layered history of Melaka, reflecting centuries of colonial impact and local resilience. It is a site where visitors can engage with the city’s past, partaking in the modern custom of making wishes at the well, a charming tradition that connects them with the historical narrative of Malacca.