Malacca City

Malacca City, with a population of 579,000 in 2019, serves as the capital of the Malaysian state of Malacca, situated in the Melaka Tengah District. It is the oldest Malaysian city in the Straits of Malacca, having gained notoriety as a prosperous entrepôt during the Malacca Sultanate era. The city’s beginnings can be traced to Parameswara, a Sumatran ruler who sought refuge in the Malay Peninsula after the collapse of Srivijaya due to the Majapahit. Under his leadership, the Malacca Sultanate was founded, drawing traders from the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, along with the Portuguese, who aimed to control the Asian trade routes.

The city’s strategic significance resulted in its annexation by Portugal, converting it into a battleground while the sultanates of Aceh and Johor contended for dominance. Notwithstanding various battles, Aceh’s authority diminished, and Johor extended its area, ultimately partnering with the Dutch to reclaim Malacca from Portuguese dominion. The tumultuous period resulted in the division of the Johor-Riau Empire into the sultanates of Johor and Riau-Lingga, prompted by internal conflict between the Malay and Bugis groups. The divide became permanent with the entrance of the British, who established their foothold in the Malay Peninsula. The Dutch, perceiving a danger from the British, commenced the conquest of the Riau-Lingga Sultanate and the remainder of Sumatra, while Johor came under British influence subsequent to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824.

During British governance, Malacca City experienced substantial development as a component of the Straits Settlements. This advancement was disrupted by the Japanese occupation during World War II, from 1942 to 1945, during which numerous inhabitants were compelled to labor on the Death Railway in Burma. After the war, the city reverted to British governance and remained the capital of Malacca until Malaysia’s establishment in 1963. Malacca City, like George Town of Penang, was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 due to its historical significance.

Currently, Malacca City’s economy is mostly propelled by tourism, supported by its extensive historical heritage and cultural diversity. The city organizes many international conferences and trade fairs, capitalizing on its strategic position along the Maritime Silk Road, a contemporary initiative introduced by China in 2013. Prominent tourist sites are Porta de Santiago, Jonker Walk, Little India, the Portuguese Settlement, Stadthuys, the Maritime Museum, Christ Church, the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, and the Taming Sari Tower. The city is located on either side of the Malacca River, near its confluence with the Straits of Malacca, roughly 152 kilometers from Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. Land reclamation initiatives have enlarged the city’s area, especially in the southern region, noted for its level and gently rolling topography.

The historic heart of Malacca City is situated near the former coastline, encompassing St. Paul’s Hill with the remnants of the Portuguese fortress, Dutch Square on the eastern riverbank, and the ancient Chinatown on the western riverbank. Bukit Cina, or Chinese Hill, which houses a significant ancient Chinese cemetery, was formerly located on the northeastern periphery of the city but is now encircled by modern constructions. Malacca experiences a consistently hot and humid environment, with rainfall fluctuating in severity across the year. It is among Malaysia’s driest cities, receiving over 2,000 mm of precipitation annually, in contrast to the national average of approximately 2,500 mm. Notwithstanding this, Malacca lacks a dry season, with monthly precipitation above 100 mm. The city possesses a tropical rainforest climate, predominantly affected by the Intertropical Convergence Zone rather than trade winds, and is devoid of cyclones, rendering it a stable year-round destination.

Since the heyday of the Malacca Sultanate, the city has flourished as a cosmopolitan center, comparable to Venice, Cairo, and Canton. The arrival of Chinese merchants and laborers during the sultanate and European colonial eras substantially enhanced the economy, especially during Dutch and British rule. In modern times, tourism has eclipsed primary industries, as Malacca’s historical and cultural heritage draws a significant number of visitors, greatly enhancing the state’s economy. The city’s advantageous location on the Maritime Silk Road has been further enhanced by the economic ascendance of China and India. Malacca City frequently organizes national, regional, and international events at the Malacca International Trade Centre. In 2016, the state government commenced the establishment of the Hang Tuah Trade Centre, a novel economic zone in the city core, incorporating trade centers, higher education institutions, hospitality, and commercial amenities.

The cultural attractions in Malacca City are varied, showcasing its extensive tradition. The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, a copy of the original sultanate palace, exhibits Malay culture and history. Chinatown, Little India, and the Portuguese Settlement exemplify the city’s multicultural influences. Chinatown, characterized by its clan associations, regional Chinese restaurants, and notable temples such as Cheng Hoon Teng, is a dynamic locale where Chinese merchants have established themselves since the sultanate period. Jonker Walk, the most prominent section of Chinatown, features outdoor performances and is flanked by kopitiams and restaurants serving a blend of Malay, Baba Nyonya, and provincial Chinese cuisines. The No. 8 Heeren Street Heritage Centre, a historic shophouse, is being restored, while the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum honors the renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He. The Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum showcases a variety of Chinese jewelry designs that illustrate the historical connections between Malacca and the Ming dynasty. Little India exemplifies Indian culture with establishments that provide traditional Indian textiles and cuisine. The Portuguese Settlement, referred to as “Mini Lisbon,” is a cultural enclave inhabited by descendants of Portuguese settlers. The Encore Melaka theatre, situated on newly reclaimed land, periodically features cultural and musical performances.

Malacca City’s historical features comprise Dutch Square, encircled by Dutch colonial structures including the Stadthuys and Christ Church, the British Queen Victoria Fountain, and the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower. The Portuguese heritage is visible in edifices such as Porta de Santiago and St. Peter’s Church. The Kuomintang Cenotaph at Bukit Cina commemorates the Chinese individuals who perished during the Japanese occupation. The city includes recreational and conservation zones such as Malacca Zoo, which houses many animals, and an oceanarium located within the Shore retail mall complex.

Additional significant attractions comprise the Maritime Museum, which contains a model of the historical ship Flor de la Mar, and the Taming Sari Tower, providing panoramic vistas of the city. Padang Pahlawan is a notable location where Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed Malayan independence. St. Paul’s Hill is home to the Governor’s Museum, the Malacca Literature Museum, and Malacca Light. The city’s retail landscape features numerous malls and artisanal craft shops, with notable locations such as Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, The Shore, and ÆON Bandaraya Melaka. Entertainment alternatives comprise cinemas like Golden Screen Cinemas and MBO Cinemas. The sports facilities comprise the Hang Tuah Stadium, the state’s second-largest football stadium, which functions as a secondary home ground for Melaka United.

Malacca City is a lively urban center with a profound historical heritage and a diverse cultural milieu. Its strategic location, historical importance, and varied attractions render it a notable destination in Malaysia, enhancing its economic and cultural life.