Malaysia Info Guide
for Locals & Visitors

Lying between the states of Negeri Sembilan and Johor on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the historical city of Melaka was an important trading post in Malaysia's early history and attracted Asian, Chinese and Indian traders from the region.

Founded by a refugee prince named Parameswara, Melaka rose to become a powerful nerve centre of trade between East and West. Its trade of spice, gold, silk, tea, opium, tobacco and perfumes attracted the attention of colonial powers from the West and Melaka was later governed at various times by three colonial rulers the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Some parts of the city still retain an old-world charm in the legacy of buildings and architecture left by Melaka's past rulers.

The local population reflects an engaging inter-cultural heritage of customs, cultural practices, festivals and variety of cuisine.

Particular attractions include the Portuguese Settlement, the Dutch Stadhuys government buildings, Porta de Santiago and the Baba-Nyonya ancestral homes in the heart of the city.