Melaka Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Melaka

Melaka often spelled as Malacca, is the oldest Malaysian city on the Straits of Malacca. Melaka is a historic city that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

According to legend, when Parameswara, the founder of Melaka, arrived here in the late 14th century. While he was resting under a tree known as a Melaka tree, he saw his warrior's hunting dogs being challenged and kicked into a river by a tiny mouse deer. Amused by this, he chose to name the site Melaka after the tree under which he was sitting.

Much of the architecture and culture of Melaka comes from the nations that Melaka was trading with and from the many occupying forces that controlled the city. In the early 15th century, Ming China actively sought to develop a commercial hub and a base of operation for voyages into the Indian Ocean. Due to Chinese involvement, Melaka had grown to become an important port and trading center.

Its strategic location also attracted Arab, Persian and Indian traders. Malacca turned into an Islamic sultanate when Parameswara converted to Islam after he had married a princess from Sumatra. The authority of Malay sultanates ended in 1511 after the Portuguese conquest. The Portuguese left their mark on Melaka until the Dutch conquest in 1641.

The Dutch ruled the area through 1798 when the British took control. The British remained the ruling force of Melaka through 1957, with a brief occupation by the Japanese during World War II. Finally, Melaka became a part of the new country of Malaysia in 1963.

Today, Melaka is widely known as a center for trade. Due to its location, many exporting businesses use the area as a hub. A steady need for the movement of products has allowed Melaka to develop a large port, convention services, and safe transit. There are also a large number of hotels and restaurants that cater to business travelers and tourists.

The culture of Melaka is unique to the region. The Dondang Sayang art form is practiced on street corners, particularly on Jonker Walk, part of the Chinatown area. Other attractions visitors are sure to find interesting include the Middelburg Bastion, the Proclamation of Independence Memorial, and the Stadthuys, among many others.

Take this self-guided walking tour to learn more about the beautiful city of Melaka.