Malacca holidays

Malacca Founded in 1403, the Sultanate of Malacca was once the greatest and most powerful empire and seaport in South East Asia. The Portuguese, Dutch and British ruled over Malacca’s silk and spice trade and this rich heritage is evident in the unique mix of architectural styles.

Explore Malacca

Click on your destination of interest

Top things to do in Malacca

Historical tour of Malacca

As an important port city, Malacca has long been host to various trading and immigrant communities, incuding the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Chinese, who have all left their mark on the city's architecture. Visit the former Dutch city hall, known as the Stadthuys; St Paul's Church where St Francis Xavier was interred, which is located at the top of the St Paul's Hill with good views over Malacca; and Porta de Santiago, a fortress built by the Portuguese in 1511. The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, once the family home of the Baba Chan family, offers an insight into the Peranakan lifestyle at the end of the 19th century. Its architectural style blends east and west, combining Victorian-era chandeliers and floor tiles with carved Chinese furniture and fittings.

Try tasty Baba Nyonya cuisine

The term Baba Nyonya refers to descendants of the Chinese immigrant community in Malaysia, who brought with them distinct customs and practices, including their cuisine. Their Chinese cooking styles blended with local Malaysian cooking to create Baba Nyonya cusine, which is famous throughout Malaysia. Sample dishes including nyonya laksa, a tasy noodle soup, and ayam buah keluak, chicken cooked with nuts from the local kepayang tree. Malacca has a number of specialist restaurants where you can sample these wonderful dishes.