The State of Malacca

The state of Malacca is situated on the south-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and was founded by an exiled Hindu prince in 1400. It thrived as a port-of-call for those from China, India, Arabia and South America.

Steeped in history, it was colonised by the Portuguese in 1511 and the British in 1824, so there are many interesting architectural buildings.

The population is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Straits-born Chinese, Portuguese descendants and Eurasians.

The capital city, Malacca, is easy to get to know for most of its sights are conveniently located within easy walking distance of each other. Walking is the best way to sightsee or alternatively you can hire a trishaw for a half-day tour, or ride around Padang Pahlawan in a bullock cart, once only the privilege of Malacca's wealthy.

Start at Hang Li Po's Well built in 1459 by the followers of Hang Li Po, the Chinese princess who married the Sultan of Malacca. The well never dried up during those times and was the only source of fresh water during great droughts. The Dutch enclosed it with stout walls in 1677 and today it is a wishing well where it's said that those who throw coins into it will return to Malacca many times.

The oldest Dutch building is the Stadthuys, a salmon pink edifice which is now the Malacca Museum. The Porta de Santiago (A Famosa) is part of a fortress built by the Portuguese in 1511. It was damaged by the Dutch during an attack, then repaired in 1670 and is the most photographed building next to the Stadthuys.

St John's Fort lies atop St John's hill, three kilometres from Malacca town. The fort was built by the Dutch during the 18th century and was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St John. St Paul's Church was also built by the Portuguese, but the Dutch turned the chapel into a burial ground for their noble dead.

At the foot of St Paul's hill is a replica of the Malacca Sultanate's Palace, a grand wooden building. The design is based on a description of the palace from the Malay Annals. Today it houses the Malacca Cultural Museum.

Jonker Street is a haven for antique collectors and bargain hunters. Authentic artefacts and relics, some dating back 300 years, can be found among a host of interesting collectibles.

The Infokraf Melaka is the handicraft centre where quality products such as batiks, canes, bamboo, ceramics and other wares are selected as exhibits based on their workmanship and design.

Gadek Hot Spring is popular with visitors seeking therapeutic cures for skin diseases, and handicraft shops and playgrounds have been located there to provide additional attractions.

A bird-watchers' paradise is Cape Rachado. It is an important lowland for migrating birds who are attracted to its serene headland forest punctuated by a blue lagoon and beautiful beach.

The Malacca Zoo has more than 44 species of animals found in South East Asia and Africa, and is located in a natural setting; it is considered the best zoo in this part of the country.

The state of Johore is the southern gateway to Peninsula Malaysia and is actually linked to Singapore by a causeway. En route from the capital, Johore Bahru, to Kota Bahru, beaches and turtles are the main attractions along the coast.

Johore Bahru has many splendid buildings such as the Grand Palace which houses the Royal Museum and the Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar mosque.

Outside Johore Bahru are magnificent forests, such as the Endau Rompin National Park on the border of Pahang, a haven for endangered species, and the waterfalls at Lumbong, 15 kilometres north-west of the town. Accommodation is available at the falls and in the nearby town of Kota Tinggi.

From Johore, one can visit several island paradises with miles of sandy beaches including Pulau Rawa, about an hour by boat from Mersing; Pulau Besar, the largest and most popular island and in between them, Pulau Tengah where at certain times of year giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Johore is also renowned as a paradise for golfers, for shoppers who visit the large complexes and Pasar Malam, with many crossing the border from Singapore for a day or two of 'retail therapy', and with international motor racing fans.