Malacca

Malacca is the third smallest Malaysian state after Perlis and Penang. It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Straits of Malacca in south east Asia. The historical city centre of Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Two important museums to visit are the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum and the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum.

The cannons at St John's Fort point inland because at that time, the threat to Malacca was mainly from inland rather than the sea.

St. Peter's Church dates back to 1710 and is the oldest Catholic church in Malaysia.

St. Paul's Church is now part of the Malaccan Museums Complex. The body of St. Francis Xavier was interred here temporarily before it was taken to Goa, India.

Christ Church was built in 1753 and features hand-crafted church benches, a copper replica of the Bible, and a replica of "The Last Supper".

The Gothic style Francis Xavier Church dates back to 1849 and commemorates St. Francis Xavier who is credited for his Catholic missionary work in Southeast Asia during the 16th century.

Stadthuys, built in 1650 is now the Museum of History and Ethnography. Exhibits include traditional wedding clothes and artefacts of Melacca.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia and grandest temple in Malacca.

Other attractions include Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, Tranquerah Mosque, oldest mosque in Malacca and Fort A Famosa, built in 1511.

Take a Melacca River Cruise or ascend the 110m high Menara Taming Sari viewing tower for 360 degree views.

Malacca Zoo is the second largest zoo in Malaysia, with over 1,200 animals from more than 200 species.

The tiny island of Pulau Upeh is located near Klebang town in Malacca and is a peaceful getaway for locals and tourists. Resort and water-sport facilities are available and visitors can also view an ancient well and relics from World War Two scattered around the island. Pulau Upeh also doubles as a sanctuary for nesting Hawksbill turtles and during the egg-laying season between March and June, visitors may catch a glimpse of them coming on the beach to nest.

The peaceful beach of Pantai Kundur lies around 17km from Malacca. Locals often frequent this beach which is popular for swimming and picnicking.

The Tribal Arts Gallery in Jonker Street, sells some of the most rare and creative woodworks from local artisans. The Cultural Museum beside Christ Church offer affordable and cheap souvenir gifts.

Souvenirs of traditional potteries, lacquer ware and brassware can be found in the many stores and local markets.

Malaysian cuisine is a mix of local and Western dishes. Spices are often found in most dishes of seafood, meat and chicken. Try rice balls cooked in butter and ginger with steamed chicken. Japanese dishes of sashimi and teriyaki are also local favourites.

Cruise ships generally anchor around a mile away from Malacca Port (Tanjung Bruas) and tender passengers ashore, very close to the centre of town.

Many of Malacca's attractions can be accessed on foot from the tender jetty.