Accomodation in Melaka

Looking for stay in Melaka

Finding accommodation and spending a night in Malacca is a simple matter of choice and budget.

They are hundreds of hotels, resorts and budget hostel located within short distance from the centre of the town. These hospitable resting and leisure establishment easily accommodate over a few million international visitors a year. Malacca has a wide range of city hotels, resorts and budget accommodation to suit every visitor, even those on a shoe-string budget. A number of major hotels and resorts have international class swimming pools, sports facilities, discotheques, bars and restaurants. One can choose to stay in the hotels in the city or resorts near the beach. For budget travelers, there are many options for a quite night's rest, though smaller and has fewer amenities, they usually have restaurants, western style furniture with individuals baths.

For those fancy staying in the city, a few international chain hotels are strategically located in the heart of busy Malacca town. For a nice and quiet night's rest near the beach or island, away from the hustle and bustle of the city lights, one can find luxurious and comfortable resorts along the beaches of Tanjung Kling, Pulau Besar and Tanjung Bidara.

Budget hotels are also all over the busy town district for those who wish to stretch their Ringgit further and extend their holiday. Tired of staying in hotels or resorts, there are always the homestead houses and the generous Malay folks who would offer visitors a chance to live in the beautiful wooden crafted houses for a small fees.

Whenever you are in Malacca, you will have very little difficulty in finding accommodation. It's just a matter of choice and budget.

Melaka Heritage City

Welcome to Melaka Heritage City!

On the 7th. July 2008, Melaka and Georgetown were listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Cities List under "Historic Cities in the Straits of Malacca". This is certainly an historic day for Melaka in particular and Malaysia in general. Melaka and Georgetown are recognised as World Heritage Cites and we must be responsible custodians of this heritage status. These cities do not only belong to Malaysia now BUT to the whole World now. Let us do our part in the years ahead.

Take your time to browse through our contents and do pay us a visit in person to Melaka for her history, cultures, food, shopping and enjoy our friendly Malaccan hospitality. Enjoy and Tourism Melaka welcomes you.

MELAKA & GEORGETOWN LISTED BY UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST UNDER "HISTORIC CITIES IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA" FROM 7TH. JULY 2008

This is a very historic day for Melaka in particular and for Malaysia in general. Melaka and Georgetown have been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Cities under "Historic Cities in the Straits of Malacca" from 7th. July 2008. This was announced in Quebec, Canada after the UNESCO Heritage Meeting.

“Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia) have

developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits

of Malacca. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural

heritage that is both tangible and intangible. With its government buildings, churches, squares and

fortifications, Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century

Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century.

Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the

end of the 18th century. The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape

without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.”

By : UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Melaka Culture Today

Melaka Culture Today


Melaka culture is a tapestry woven over six centuries of diverse ethnic customs, folklore and traditions. The harmonious co-existence of people of different cultures and religions inherited from centuries of multi-racial living has produced the fluid intermingling of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Babas and Nyonyas, Portuguese, Chitty and the Eurasians. Each ethnic group adds to the pluralistic and ever changing society of the people of Melaka that is itself a group of diverse, friendly and hospitable people.
Each of these races hold steadfastly to its respective traditions and heritage which is infused in the different areas including food, religious customs and festivals, cultures, dances, architecture, dressing, jewelry and handicraft.
Today, Melaka has a lot to offer its tourists in terms of its rich, varied cultures, ethnic customs, historical sites, and religious festivals and traditional celebrations within the city itself and in the outlying districts of Alor Gajah and Jasin.


The Malay social organization in Melaka is divided between the practice of the Adat Temenggong, which is patrilineal and more pervasive in several districts, and the Adat Perpatih, which is matrilineal.
Malay women wear loose, long-sleeved tunics called baju kurungworn over a sarong or a tight fitting kebaya. Malay men wear collarless shirts called baju Melayu worn over loose trousers with colourful cloth known as kain samping tied around their waist. For weddings and religious feasts or special occassions, the kain songket replaces the kain samping. Other indigenous traditions and characteristics are portrayed in the songs such as Dondang Sayang Melayu and the arts of self-defense such as silat (Malay).


The Chinese had flocked to Melaka since the early days of mass migration from the southern provinces of China. The various clans of Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka, Teochew and Hainanese Chinese still adhere to their individual customs, traditions, food, languages and cultural characteristics with each clan usually specialising in its particular trade.


Most Indians in Melaka are Tamils from South India who had, in the early days mostly inhabited the rubber plantations. However, it is not unusual to see them in various areas of trade including jewelry and fabric shops, whilst some are retail traders, merchants and money lenders.


Babas and Nyonyas are Melaka's straits-born Chinese or Peranakans (meanging "born here") whose lineage traces back hundreds of years when their descendents arrived and inter-married with the local women. From these mixed marriages evolved a unique culture which retains Chinese customs and Malay traditions.
The Babas and Nyonyas introduced unique furniture, porcelain and chinaware, dress style and delicious food to be found only in Melaka. The Nyonya women dress in sarrong kebaya with Malay decorative brooches and intricately designed jewelry of silver and gold.


As well as the Baba-Nyonyas, Melaka also has a small community of Chitty - Straits born Indians, offsprings of the Indian traders who intermarried with Malay women. Their area of town, known as Kampung Chitty, lies to the west of Jalan Gajah Behrang, about a kilometre northwest of o Chinatown; look for the archway with elephant sculptures beside the Mutamariman Temple. Like Kampung Morten, it's a pretty district in which to wander and see traditional Malay-style houses. The best time to visit is during the Mariamman Festival or Pesta Datuk Char-char in May, a Hindu celebration when you might also be fortunate enough to witness a traditional Indian wedding ceremony.


Melaka houses the famed Portuguese settlement of Malaysia, founded in 1930. The residents more frequently refer to this settlement as Padre Sua Chang (Priest's Land) in honour of its founders. The community that lives in this settlement are mostly Eurasians of Portuguese descent and make their living mostly as fishermen. The Portuguese are very religious Catholics and speak a language called Cristang (Cristao).


The Portuguese presence in Melaka provides an infusion of a traditional lifestyle, language, customs and music which is indeeed unique. The most popular dance is the Beranyo and the Frapeirra. Christian festivals are celebrated with great splendour and gaiety including Christmas, San Pedro's Fest and Easter.
Religious places worth visiting include the Christ Church, St. Francis Xavier's Church, St. Paul's Church, Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi temple, Kampong Kling Mosque, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Kampung Hulu Mosque, St. Peter's Church, Sam Poh Kong Temple and Tanquerah Mosque.

Melaka Review

20^th Century

1904                 -           The Queen Victoria Fountain is erected to commemorate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.

1942                 -           The Japanese Occupation forces take over Melaka.

1945                 -           Melaka is returned to British rule after Japanese surrender to the British in Singapore.

1948                 -           A state of “Emergency” is proclaimed as Malaya fights against communist insurgency. Melaka joins the Federation of Malaya.

1956                 -           The proclamation of the date of independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister takes place at Padang Banda Hilir (Padang Pahlawan) in Melaka on 20^th February.

1957                 -           Malaysia achieves her independence on August 31^st. Melaka’s last British Resident Commissioner, H.G. Hammet, hands the instrument of independence to the first local Governer.

1989                 -           Melaka is declared a Historical City on April 15^th.

Melaka Review

18^th Century

1710                 -           St. Peter’s Church, the oldest functioning Christian Church in Malaysia, is built by the Dutch descendents comprising an architectural mix of Oriental and Occidental.

1753                 -           The Christ Church is completed.

1756                 -           The Bugis under Daing Kamboja attack Melaka.

1784                 -           Raja Haji lands in Melaka to capture it but is killed.

1795                 -           The British take over Melaka from the Dutch.

19^th Century

1806                 -           The British begin the demolition of the Portuguese fortress and total abandonment of Melaka. They planned to transfer the trade and population to Penang in order to weaken Melaka’s standing as a trading centre.

1808                 -           The timely arrival of Stamford Raffles, saves Melaka from total destruction.

1818                 -           With the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Melaka returned to the Dutch under Treaty of Venice.

1819                 -           Sultan Hussain Mohammad Shah of Johor cedes Singapore to the English East India Company. The Sultan’s grave lies within the ground of the Tranquerah Mosque.

1824                 -           By Anglo-Dutch Traty, or Treaty of London, Melaka is firmly placed under British rule. Along with Penang and Singapore, Melaka is incorporated into the Straits Settlement in 1826.

1867                 -           The administration of the Straits Settlements is transferred from the Governor – General of India’s Office to the Colonial Office in London and Melaka becomes a British colony.

Melaka Review

17^th Century

1606                 -           A combined Dutch and Johor force attacks Melaka. The Timely arrival of Portuguese reinforcement from Goa saves Melaka.

1615/16             -           The Acehnese mount another attack on Melaka.

1628/29             -           The Acehnese hold Melaka for eight months before withdrawing.

1636                 -           Dutch  ships destroy Portuguese ships off the habour.

1641                 -           The Dutch and Johor Malays attack again. After a fierce battle, the Portuguese and forced to surrender. Dutch rule in Melaka lasts for 154 years.

1645                 -           The Cheng Hoon Teng temple is built by Chinese head man, Lee Wei King. This is the oldest surviving temple in Malaysia.

1645 / 70           -           The Stadthuys or “State house”, the residence of the Dutch Governor, as well as the administrative centre is built.

Melaka Review

16th Century

1500 - Tun Mutahir, the cousin of Tun Perak, is appointed Bendahara.

1509 - The first Portuguese trading expedition, led by Diego Lopez de Sequiera arrives in Melaka with a fleet of ships, becoming the first European to reach this archipelago.

1510 - Bendahara Tun Mutahir is murdered. Sultan Mahmud Shah temporarily retires and is succeeded by his son, Sultan Ahmad Shah.

1511 - After a 10 day siege, Melaka falls to the Portuguese armada, led by Alfonso D’Albuquerque. The Portuguese rule in Melaka lasts for over 130 years.

1512 - Albuquerque returns to Goa in January after completing the ‘A Famosa’ fortress that incorporated a five storey tall tower. Sultan Mahmud Shah attacks the Portuguese in Melaka.

1513 - Patih Unus, a Javanese trader later to become Sultan Demak of Sumatra, attacks Melaka.

1516 - Laksamana (Admiral) Hang Nadim, son of Hang Tuah attacks Melaka.

1518/19 - Sultan Mahmud Shah’s army surrounds the city for three months.

1523 - Sultan Mahmud Shah attacks Melaka.

1524 - Admiral Hang Nadim besieges Melaka and cuts off its food supply.

1537 - First Acehnese attack on Portuguese in Melaka.

1545 - Fr. Francis Xavier arrives in Melaka for the first time. He was to visit Melaka five more times.

1551 - Combined forces of Johor, Japara and Perak attack Melaka and hold it under siege for three months.

1553 - Fr. Francis Xavier, who dies in Sanction Island, near Canton China, is buried in St. Paul’s Church. After nine months, his remains are moved to Goa.

1567/68 - With help from Johor, the Acehnese attack Melaka again but are defeated.

1571 - The Acehnese attempt an attack on Melaka again but their invasion is folled by a storm.

1575 - Japara attacks Melaka.

1585/86 - Johor attacks Melaka.

1588 - The first English visitor, Ralph Ritch, arrives in Melaka.

1597 - The Dutch attack Melaka.

Malacca Review

15th CENTURY

1400            After defeated by Majapahit forces, Parameswara a   prince from Palembang,moved to Temasik (the original name for Singapore) and later on opened Melaka.

1403               The first Chinese envoy, Yin Ching, arrives in  Melaka.

1409               The Chinese Emperial Fleet, under Admiral Cheng Ho, visits Melaka.

1411                Parameswara visits the Ming Emperor in China.

1414                Parameswara embraces Islam and changes his  name to Raja Iskandar Shah.

1424           Parameswara’s son , Seri Maharaja, ascends  the throne and later assumes the title ”Sultan”, becoming the first ruler to do so in this region. He changes his name to Sultan Muhammad Shah and rules according to the principles of Islam, establishing palace etiquettes and spreading Islam in his region.

1445                 Raja Ibrahim, the youngest son of Sultan  Muhammad Shah becomes ruler upon his father’s death and assumes the name,   Sultan Abu Shahid.

1446                 Sultan Abu Shahid’s accidental death results in   Sultan Muzaffar Shah, his elder brother, assuming the throne.

1447                 The first Siamese attack on Melaka but was repelled by Melakan fleet.

1456                 Tun Perak is appointed as the Bendahara, or Prime  Minister, and becomes the most well known of all the Bendaharas  responsible for the rise of Melaka.

1458                  Sultan Mansor Shah succeeds his father,   Sultan Muzaffar Shah.

1477                  Sultan Mansor Shah passes away and is  succeeded by his son, Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah.

1488                  An enterprising and just ruler, Sultan Alauddin dies of poisoning in Pagoh. Sultan Mahmud Shah ascends the throne due to the efforts of Tun Perak and Hang Tuah (a legendary warrior).

1498                  Tun Perak passes away.

Other community early in Malacca.

There are people in Malacca Baba Nyonya. They come from people of Chinese descent but has been living in Malacca with the customs and practices such as lives of the Malays. Manner of speech, dress, eat and follow all practices except the Malays and religious beliefs. They are community of Baba and Nyonya. 

While among those who practice Indian ways of life of the Malays as Baba and Nyonya community consists of just society Chitty Melaka. How to dress, speech, food, daily life like everything except Malay religious beliefs.

Another race that exists in the Malacca-where there is not any state in Malaysia is a community races Portuguese. These genes are not the Portuguese withdrew when Malacca fell to the Dutch and English. Almost 600 years ago. They also called by local people as "Christians". Most of them living as a fisherman and now have a working private, self-employed and work with the government. Now most of them located in the Portuguese settlement in Ujung Pasir, Melaka.

Malacca Malay early

Malacca was originally a fishing village that is inhabited by several families fishermen. They live a 'simple. They live on the edge of the beach-and-build Roxy Roxy or small houses along the coast of Malacca. The environment at that time still in the  forest. Remote area have also been reported in those indigenous families who live in the farmsand live as farmers. At the end of the 14th century came and opened Parameswara of Malacca. Parameswara came with his followers, including dignitaries and those of the sea or Seletar. At the time of arrival that there were about 1000 people along with him. They may be those who come from Palembang, Temasik Seletar and those who serve faithfully to Parameswara. Those Strait is not only faitful to the king but also obedient to the command of all. Their service are not paid but they are very satisfied with only given food only. Perhaps most of them are descended Melayu who practice of Hindu-Buddhist beliefs and animisma.

Those Malacca early was decribe by those outside as black dark skin, wearing ties in to the fabric called tanjak, the female binding their hair and wear clothes (cotton) and short ‘sarung’. While  the upper or aristocratic wearing white turbans on their head made of fine cotton cloth, wearing a long robe and capal. Other than that no frills such as belts, bengkung, fabric sash, chain, keronsang and other decorations.

Nor described the wives of the sultan or clothes girls palace. But based on the clothes during the observing conclusions can be made that women castle ornament their hair neat and bun, wear clothes called ‘kebaya’ and ‘long batik labuh’ Javanese weaving. There are many decorative items such as rings, bracelets and hand-foot, chain earring san others.

Malacca is a land of beauty. Sites and attractions it rich colors and contrasts, and many of these ethnic populations live and work in unity, while always maintaining traditions and culture of each culture is a tapestry woven Malacca race. The six centuries of diverse ethnic customs. folklore and traditions. Co-national unity of people in different cultures and religions are coming from several generations of race mixing liquids production from Chinese, Malay, Indian Babas and Nyonya, Portuguese, Eurasians and Chitty. Each ethnic group to add a large number of people and social change. In Malacca, which is a diverse group of people are friendly and welcoming. On aspect colorful culture is evident in the game in exotic food they prepare in a variety of arts and entertainment festival known pleased to see the respect and even in many areas of their lives. . 84 languages are spoken in the Old Melaka is.

The multi-racial in Melaka- Malaysian Culture

Malaysian Culture In Melaka


Malacca is a land of beauty. Sites and attractions it rich colors and contrasts, and many of these ethnic populations live and work in unity, while always maintaining traditions and culture of each culture is a tapestry woven Malacca race. The six centuries of diverse ethnic customs. folklore and traditions. Co-national unity of people in different cultures and religions are coming from several generations of race mixing liquids production from Chinese, Malay, Indian Babas and Nyonya, Portuguese, Eurasians and Chitty. Each ethnic group to add a large number of people and social change. In Malacca, which is a diverse group of people are friendly and welcoming. On aspect colorful culture is evident in the game in exotic food they prepare in a variety of arts and entertainment festival known pleased to see the respect and even in many areas of their lives. . 84 languages are spoken in the Old Melaka and this is a malaysian culture begin.

THE RICH CULTURE OF MELAKA

The Beginning Of Historical City

Melaka is a city with a glorious past hidden each facade of the centuries-old building. Every step you take down the narrow winding roads, there will be a piece of historical treasure waiting to be discovered or an enchanting story waiting to be told. Let's take a literal stroll down memory lane because here in where it all began........

According to the historical records, Melaka was founded in 1396 by an exiled Sumatran prince named Parameswara.It was once a port-of-call for ships from Middle East, China, India, Arab Saudi and South America. The legend say’s that the prince Parameswara was out hunting one day and then take a rest under

a tree. While resting, one of his dogs cornered a mouse deer. The mouse-deer in its defence was attacked the dog by kicking the dog smartly on it’s nose. The prince was so impressed by the mouse-deer courage. He believe that this land have a potential to be a great city one day. Parameswara was named the land as ‘Melaka’ symbolic of the tree he was sitting under which was the Melaka tree.

By the end of the 15th century, Melaka had become a great trading empire from every seafaring nation such as Arabs, Indians, South Americans, China, Portuguese, Belanda and English.

Many kind of business were traded or exchanged in here. The trader from Arab, China, Indian, Portuguese, Belanda and English left it marks behind to be forged and blended into a new and unique mix. The historical melting port of cultures and races has very much influenced th architectural designs of homes and buildings in Melaka city today.

As history evolved, Melaka became the city boasts a wonderful melange of cultures - Malays, Chinese, Indians, the chittys, the Babas and Nyonyas and the Portuguese. There... in Old Melaka is where it all happened.

Rumah Kedah

The Kedah Long Roofed House looks like an elephant suckling her young. It is made up of more sections with ruang rumah tangga, ruang leper, serambi sama naik, bilik and dapur are located at the back. It has similarity with Perlis Long Roofed House.

Rumah Sabah

Dusun Lotud is one of the traditional ethnic houses in Sabah and comes from the largest ethnic group the Dusun or Kadazan. The obon is made from Nipah or Rumbia palm, the suliu or lantai is made of kolumbakar or jeriau and tukad or tangga are made from Nibong wood. Sections devided to soliu, pantaran at the front and soriba and kawas or bedrooms.

Rumah Sarawak

The traditional house of the Ibans is the Long House and is made up of a row of several single-roomed houses. It consists of several more sections such as tanju or serambi, ruai or ruang terbuka and bilik. Above the ruai and bilik is the sadau or person used for sleeping or storing grains and equipments.

Rumah Negeri Sembilan/Minangkabau

The house in Negeri Sembilan closely resembles the ones in Minangkabau, Sumatra. They are long and at the ends of the roof are the tabir layar which arch upwards. It consists of rumah ibu, serambi and anjung, ruang tengah is a small living area and a room, a peran or attic which is used as a girls bedroom or for storage and the dapur.

Rumah Johor

Rumah Johor is also known as Rumah Limas Bugis or Bugis Five-Roofed House influenced by the Bugis of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recognized by its long ridged roof, joined to four ridges, project outwards to the edges of the roof and is decorated with carvings. Materials used are Cengal, Keranji, Penak and Meranti.

Rumah Terengganu

Rumah Limas Bungkus meaning Five Roofed House, some are long and some are square. The roof consists of Perabung lurus with four short ridges, pointing down to the four edges of the roof. It is made up of anjung, serambi, ruang tengah and rumah dapur.

Rumah Kelantan

There are two traditional Malay houses in Kelantan, which is the Rumah Bujang and Rumah Tiang Dua Belas. It has a long roof, where the tabir layar are fixed with papan pemeleh or tumpu kasau. It is made ot three (3) units, rumah ibu, ruang tengah and rumah dapur.

Rumah Perlis

Perlis Long Roofed house consists of numerous posts or stilts with rumah ibu, ruang leper, ruang tengah, ruang tamu and dapur is not separated by a wall, but only by a passage called ruang selang. The house is made of Cengal and Damar Laut wood and the walls is made from buluh yang berkelarai.

Rumah Selangor

The traditional Malay kampung in Selangor is the Long Roofed House known because the roof consists of a long, straight horizontal ridge and at the ends are the tabir layar made from double layered wood. It consists of the rumah ibu, serambi, anjung, rumah tengah, ruang rumah tangga, bilik and the dapur.

Rumah Pahang

Rumah Serambi Pahang or Verandah House in Pahang is the traditional house and dates back 100 years. It consists of rumah ibu and dapur, pentas and a perbalai and the back is the ruang serambi or ruang kelek anak. The kitchen comprises of a main kitchen or ruang penanggah and a landing or pelantar for cooking and as a waiting room.

Rumah Perak

The traditional malay house in Perak called Rumah Kutai or Old House located by the banks of Perak River. It has an elongated roof with tabir layar made of pelupuh yang berkelarai. At the base is the alang para buang used for storage. It is made up of serambi, ruang ibu and a bilik and at the back the rumah dapur.

Rumah Penang

Rumah Bumbung Panjang, Rumah Serambi and Rumah Serambi Gajah Menyusu is found in Penang. Where the main house is higher than the verandah, is akin to an elephant suckling her young. It is devided into ruang rumah tangga, ruang tengah, ruang serambi dalam, ruang gajah menyusu and dapur.

Rumah Melaka

The traditional malay house in Malacca is called Rumah Melayu Melaka renowned by its multicoloured tiles and stone steps. The construction is made up of rumah ibu, ruang tengah and the dapur. It is normally built with the cengal, Meranti and Damar Laut wood.