Visit Melaka

Pulau besar (Big Island)

2010-09-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

Pulau Besar looks like a pregnant lady lying on her back. The locals around Pulau Besar revere the island and attribute it to many legends. It has also become a place of pilgrimage to a large number of Indian Muslims in Malaysia. Many pilgrims come to Pulau Besar to visit a mausoleum believed to be of a Wali, Sultan Ariffin Syeikh Ismail Waliallah. There are also numerous other graves visited by pilgrims such as that of Datok Janggut, Datuk Puteh and Nenek Kebayan. The group of 7 graves called Makam Tujuh Beradik were torn down by the state religious department during the 90's when the state government initiated construction work to build a hotel and golf course on the island. The resort operated for a few years before it eventually closed.

At the highest point on the island exist a large boulder that is split down the middle. It is named "Batu Belah" and is a favourite destination for local pilgrims. There also exists a cave which is said to be the place of meditation for another Wali named Yusof. Near this cave, it is claimed one can see the footprint of the Wali on a boulder. In 1997 the Malaysian government labeled such practices as deviant and tore down many buildings that were erected around the mausoleum. This caused an uproar in the Indian Muslim communities which frequented Pulau Besar. By 2006, a new hall had been built using private funds from many Indian Muslim businessman.

The island is considered a holy place by local believers. Visitors are advised to abstain from consuming pork on the eve of the day of visit and throughout their stay there. They are also to be in their best behavior while on the island. Visitors can board motorboats at Pernu, Umbai for the short trip to the island. Accommodation is available at a smaller hotel namely Chandek Kura Hotel. Many visitors however pitch tents along the coast. Food is easily available from the few stalls there. Free food and drinks are also available from the Wakaf Makam Tujuh Beradik.

Today, most people would enjoy the recreational activities on the island. There are resorts, a yacht club and a host of water-sport facilities. Visitors can also enjoy evening strolls on the sand, swimming in the calm waters or snorkelling the seabed.

For more information please visit http://www.pulaubesar.com

Melaka Sultanate Palace

2010-09-20T19:44:00.001-07:00

The museum, also known as the Istana (Sultanate Palace), is a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah's palace, the famous Sultan who ruled Melaka from 1456 to 1477.

Muzium Kebudayaan (Cultural Museum) was inaugurated in March 1954 by the then Resident Commissioner of Melaka, G.E.C. Wisdom, C.M.G., in a Dutch house built around 1660. The museum was later moved to the Stadhuys in 1982 before it was finally moved into its own complex in the late 1980's.

The RM2.5 million museum was officially opened to the public on July 17, 1986 by Malaysia's Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Currently, the museum houses about 1,350 items in the form of artefacts, prints, photographs and drawings which represent the history and cultural heritage of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka and the various communities, which came to settle in Melaka during that period.

The three-storey building is divided into eight chambers and three galleries including chambers of the Royal band, weaponry, decorative arts, emissaries and gifts, a recreation hall, an audience hall and an Islamic hall.

The galleries depict the famous clash between the legendary warriors Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, traditional costumes and the royal bedchamber. Exhibits include prints and photographs of the Melaka Sultanate, a model of the Sultan Mansur Shah Palace, Malay weapons, Malay traditional wedding dress, jewelleries and brassware.

Opening Hours

Daily: 9am - 6pm
Closed on Monday

Admission

Adults: RM2
Children/Students: RM0.50

Last viewed - September 20, 2010

Morten Village ( Kampung Morten )

2010-09-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

Many tourists, who have visited Kampung Morten here, described this traditional village as a 'living museum'.

This is no surprise as residents at this world heritage site, located right in the middle of this historic city, have been practicing a lifestyle that does not differ much when compared to that of their forefathers apart from the unique design of the village's houses.

Kampung Morten, named after a British Land Commissioner Frederick Joseph Morten, has 85 homes including 52 Melaka traditional dwellings.

Morten was believed to have played a role in the opening of this village in the 1920s while Othman Mohd Noh was credited as the founder of Kampung Morten.

The village, that sits on land located at the edge of the Melaka river, used to be a mangrove swamp foliaged by a dense nipah jungle.

MALAY VILLAGE

Despite the years, Kampung Morten is the only Malay village in this historic city to have maintained its customs and traditions.

The village's houses were built according to the Malay design of having long roofs and tile-covered stairs made from stone. Intricate wood carvings could also be found at the verandah of these houses. Various flowery plants usually decorate the lawn at these houses.

This has made Kampung Morten a truly unique tourist destination; hence it is no wonder that this village is famous worldwide. Visitors to Kampung Morten would be welcomed by neatly lined Malay traditional houses and a walk through this village could turn into one the 'down memory lane' sojourns.

In 1988, the state government passed a gazette that placed Kampung Morten as a traditional Malay village of heritage significance and turned it into a tourist attraction.

Now, modern multi-storey buildings and the beautiful Melaka river that has undergone an image-uplifting programme flank the village. For tourists who opt for the Melaka River Cruise, a boat ride that snakes along a four-km stretch of Sungai Melaka, they would be in awe after witnessing the charming and tranquil Malay houses at Kampung Morten.

VILLA SENTOSA, LIVING MUSEUM

At a glance, not many would be able to notice that among these pastoral abodes, there is a residence that stores the Melaka Malay heritage that dates back to more than half a century.

These 'treasures' are kept in a house there, named 'Villa Sentosa'. Othman built this house when he opened the village in 1920.

Nine generations of Othman's descendants have stayed in this house and the occupants have also maintained the villa's traditions. Villa Sentosa, is also dubbed "The Living Museum" by many tourists and was turned into a sort of personal museum on Dec 11, 1991.

A descendant of Othman's, 58-year-old Abdul Rahim Hashim, now runs the villa. When speaking to Bernama recently, Abdul Rahim said Villa Sentosa exhibits a unique interior design apart from having a collection of Malay traditional wear, musical instruments and antique furniture.

FAMILY POSSESSIONS

Visitors to the villa would come to know about the family members of Hashim Abdul Ghani, the father of Abdul Rahim, through photographs and pictures placed on the walls of the 'wedding room'.

Abdul Rahim said the room had been used for 20 weddings of Othman's descendants. Meanwhile, at the villa's sitting room, a family tree illustration provides visitors with information on 'who's who' in Othman's family.

Fourteen windows provide the villa with a profuse infusion of fresh and cool air; hence the house needs no fans and air-conditioners.

This villa also exhibits a traditional Malay wedding dais, bathed in yellow colour as well as various Malay wedding attire that aged some 20 years apart from the other traditional wedding paraphernalia.

There is also a room decorated like that of a Malay wedding room during the old days of the Melaka sultanate.

Among other exhibits are a gong believed to be two centuries old, a 100-year-old cupboard and ceramics.

Also present are a 80-year-old Quran and an English-Arab dictionary published in 1926. There is also a glass cabinet that displays antique cameras.

This villa also greets visitors with its collection of the 50s era record apartment from an assortment of time-honoured weapons like the 'tekpi' (trident) as well as ancient crockery from countries like China, England, Italy and France.

Publish Post

CULTURAL SHOW

"In an effort to promote Villa Sentosa, we also stage a cultural show that incorporates the dongdang sayang and joget lambak. The show is held once a month", said Abdul Rahim.

He said there is no entrance fee for visitors to the villa and his family members would be ever willing to provide information to anybody who request it.

"We do not impose any fee, it is enough for them (tourists) to make contributions for the family which we would use to make repairs and refurbishment to the villa," he added.

Villa Sentosa is opened to visitors daily from 9am to 6pm except on Friday where it is accessible for tourists between 2pm and 6pm.

Kampung Hulu Mosque

2010-05-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Built in 1728, Masjid Kampung Hulu is the oldest functioning mosque in Malaysia in its original location, at the corner of Jalan Masjid Kampung Hulu and Jalan Masjid in the old commercial district, now dominated by Chinese shop-houses. Commissioned by the Dutch during their colonial occupation, the mosque was a result of a new policy of religious pluralism. Their colonial predecessors, the Portuguese, had destroyed all signs of non-Christian establishments upon their occupation in 1511. This included the tearing down of Malacca's first mosque, which had reputedly stood across from where the Stadhuys, the 1650s Dutch town hall that also served as the offices of the Dutch East India Company stands today. The Dutch assigned coordinating "Kapitans" to head the local populations in the reconstruction of their places of worship. Dato Samsuddin Bin Arom, or Dato Shamsudin, was commissioned to build the Masjid Kampung Hulu. It was later renovated by Wazir Al Sheikh Omar bin Hussain Al-Attas.

Partly due to the Dutch encouragement of cultural cross-pollination, the style of the mosque is reflective of a Javanese mosque. The regionally characteristic roof consists of three ascending layers of flared pyramidal roofs, separated by gaps to allow direct air and light into the building. These tiers are held aloft by four great columns in the center extending to outer columns for the lower, wider roofs. The centralized vertical hierarchy lends the structure to a square plan only disrupted by a small section of the porch area of the iwan, which juts from the front of the mosque. Masjid Kampung Hulu does not employ the Javanese tradition of using timber as the material for the walls, and instead engages stone and brick. The mosque is similarly unique in its elevation from the ground on a low stone perimeter wall.

Like other Malaccan mosques, Chinese ornamentation is revealed in the Masjid Kampung Hulu, including the crown like pinnacle surmounting the roofs and the curved eaves. It further incorporates materials imported from the Chinese Qing Empire, such as ceramic roof and floor tiles. Masjid Kampong Hulu further asserts its distinctiveness in its use of carved sea stones lining the inside of the dome.

Its stone minaret is also distinctly Malaccan in its adherence to a pagoda-form. The Tranquerah mosque was built in Malacca in the same year.

Eye On Malaysia

2009-09-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

Eye on Malaysia brings a new perspective to the dynamic city of Melaka. Soaring to giddy heights 60 metres, “Eye on Malaysia” is the largest portable wheel in the world.

The “Eye on Malaysia” provides stunning views across Melaka city. This astounding viewing wheel consists of 42 fully air-conditioned gondolas, 39 of which have the capacity to carry a cosy eight passengers per 12-minute ride.

An exclusive VIP gondola has also been outfitted to include plush leather seats fit for a king, a mini fridge, a DVD player, a plasma TV and a mobile telephone. There are also two specially designed gondolas, fitted with unique features making it friendly to our wheelchair-bound and handicapped visitors that join us.

For More Information Please Visit : http://www.eyeonmalaysia.com.my

Sikh

2008-09-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

Gurdwara Sahib Melaka or 'Sikh Temple Melaka'

Sikh is the title and name given to an adherent of Sikhism. The term has its origin in the Sanskrit śiṣya "disciple, learner" or śikṣa "instruction".Many male Sikhs can easily be recognized by their turbans, beards, or steel bracelets on their right wrists. Steel bracelets are also worn by Sikh women.

The evolution of Sikhs began with the emergence of Guru Nanak as a religious leader and a social reformer during the fifteenth century in Punjab. Their identity was formalised and wielded into uniform practise by Guru Gobind Singh on March 30, 1699. The latter baptised five persons from different social backgrounds to form the social brotherhood of the Khalsa. The first five, Pure Ones, then baptised Gobind Singh into the Khalsa fold.

The Sikhs established a nation, under Ranjit Singh, in the nineteenth century in which they were preeminent. They were known for their military prowess, administrative capabilities, economic productivity and their adaptability to modern western technology and administration.

The Sikhs comprise about two percent of India's billion population. The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of Sikhism. Most Sikhs are from the Punjabi people and now come from the Punjab region of India, although significant communities exist around the world.

Related Links
1. Buddhism
2. Christianity
3. Hinduism
4. Islam As Official Religion In Malacca

Hinduism

2008-09-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple In Malacca

Hinduism is a minority religion in Malaysia. An estimated 7.1% of the total population of Malaysia are ethnic Indians, of whom almost 89% are practicing Hindus. Most of the ethnic Indians are Tamils from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Hinduism was prevalent in Malaysia prior to the arrival of Islam in the 15th century. Traces of Hindu influence remain in the Malay language, literature and art.

Indian settlers came to Malaysia from Tamil Nadu in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these came to work as labourers on rubber plantations, while those who were English-educated occupied more professional positions. A minority of Indian immigrants to Malaysia during this time period came from Northern India and Sri Lanka.

Malaysian Hinduism is diverse, with large urban temples dedicated to specific deities, and smaller temples located on estates. The estate temples generally follow the tradition of the Indian region from which the temples' worshippers originate. Many people follow the Shaivite, or Saivite, tradition (worship of Shiva), of Southern India.

Shaivism is a devotionalist grace-based concept and emphasises love for the deity, rather than fear. Folk Hinduism is the most prevalent variety, including spiritualism and worship of local gods. Since the Second World War a revival of Hinduism has occurred among Indian Malaysians, with the foundation of organisations and councils to bring unity or to promote reform.

Related Links
1. Buddhism
2. Christianity
3. Sikh
4. Islam As Official Religion In Malacca

Christianity

2008-09-07T08:20:00.001-07:00

St. Francis Xavier’s Church In Malacca

Early Christian presence in the Malay archipelago may be traced to Nestorians from as early as the 7th century and to Persian and Nestorian traders in Malacca prior to the Portuguese conquest in 1511. The British acquired Penang in 1786, and in 1795 took over Malacca, which had been conquered by the Dutch in 1641. Catholic priests from Thailand established the Major Seminary in Penang in 1810. The LMS was based in Malacca and Penang from 1815, but most Protestant missions collapsed after 1842 when it became possible to enter China. Catholic leadership remained, but was divided between Portuguese and French. Open Brethren ministry dates from 1860 and Methodist from 1885. Presbyterianism grew through Chinese churches in Johore and expatriate congregations in Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. Mission to Sengoi indigenous people began in 1932. Pentecostalism became a larger influence through the Charismatic Movement of the 1970s, but North American and Ceylonese Pentecostal missionaries had been active from 1935.

Migration was an important factor in church growth. In Sabah, the Basel Mission began work among migrant Hakka Chinese in 1882, many of whom were Christian. Tamil migrants to Malaya included Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Methodists. Migration increased after the Boxer Rebellion, particularly to Sitiawan and Sibu, still strong Chinese Methodist centres. Mar Thoma and Syrian Orthodox Churches were established in the 1930s following migration from the Kerala Coast of India.

In Sarawak the rule of Rajah Brooke included support for an Anglican ministry from 1847 and Catholics were later admitted . In 1928 the Australian Borneo Evangelical Mission began work with modest resources which nevertheless resulted in the largest indigenous church in Malaysia today, the Sidang Injil Borneo (English: Borneo Evangelical Church).

World War II saw the removal of expatriate leadership and a path towards an indigenous church was more clearly set. The Malayan Christian Council (MCC), founded in 1948, coordinated mission groups during the Malayan Emergency. Chinese relocated into 'New Villages' were served by missionaries, sometimes ex-China, who worked alongside local Christians in social and medical work. However after independence in 1957, many churches were overdependent on expatriates. In the 1970s churches developed structures independent of Singapore as well as of overseas support. Recent growth in independent churches is another sign of a desire to establish a Malaysian Christian identity.

Christian commitment to education has been strong through Anglican, Catholic and Methodist schools, now part of the government education system. Social concern is expressed through medical work, and organisations such as Malaysian CARE. The Salvation Army and YMCA/YWCAs make distinctive contributions.

Since 1983 the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) has provided a focus for evangelical and independent congregations. The Christian Federation of Malaysia incorporating the Christian Council of Malaysia (formerly MCC), Roman Catholics, and the NECF was formed in 1986. The Sabah Council of Churches and Association of Churches of Sarawak fulfil similar functions in East Malaysia.

Malaysia is a multi-religious context where Western theological preoccupations are not always relevant. Lay leadership has developed strongly in most churches. Although there are many challenges through changing political and economic circumstances, like Malaysia itself, the churches are beginning to see that they have a contribution to make on a larger stage.

Related Links
1. Buddhism
2. Sikh
3. Hinduism
4. Islam As Official Religion In Malacca

Buddhism

2008-09-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Buddhism Temple in Malacca

According the Malaysian constitution, the majority ethnic group, the Malays, are legally defined as Muslim. They constitute 60% of the population, with the remainder consisting mostly of Chinese, who are generally Buddhists or Christians, and to the lesser extent Indians, who are generally Hindus. There are also smaller numbers of other indigenous and immigrants; among the latter are Malaysians of Sinhalese, Thai, and Eurasian origin. Many of these immigrant peoples also profess the Christian faith, but there are also Buddhists among the Sinhalese and Thai. Nearly all of the Buddhists in Malaysia live in urban areas, since they are mostly engaged in business or employed in various professions.

The general climate of religious freedom in Malaysia indicates that Buddhism may have the opportunity to expand in the future. However, Buddhism has often been described as a gentle religion which does not carry out an active program to seek converts.

Recently, a number of Malaysian Buddhist leaders have responded to the decline in religious participation by the children of Buddhist families, have attempted to reformulate their message to address modern life more directly. Groups involved in these education efforts include such as the Buddhist Missionary Society. Missionary Society leaders have argued that, while many educated youths seek an intellectual approach to Buddhism, an equally large number of people prefer to approach the religion through the tradition of ceremony and symbolism. In response to these needs, religious practices are carried out, but in a way that is simple and dignified, removing what can be seen as superstition. Efforts are made to explain why sutras are chanted, lamps lit, flowers offered, and so on.

As a religion without a supreme head to direct its development, Buddhism is practised in various forms, which, although rarely in open conflict, can sometimes lead to confusion among Buddhists. In Malaysia, some ecumenical moves have been made to coordinate the activities of different types of Buddhists. One example is the formation of the Joint Wesak Celebrations Committee of the temples in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, which coordinates the celebration of Wesak, a holiday commemorating the birth of the Buddha. An initiative has also begun to form a Malaysian Buddhist Council, representing the various sects of Buddhism in the country to extend the work of the development of Buddhism, especially in giving contemporary relevance to the practise of the religion, as well as to promote solidarity among Buddhists in general.

Related Links
1. Christianity
2. Sikh
3. Hinduism
4. Islam As Official Religion In Malacca

Stadhuys

2008-09-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

"Melaka's Dutch legacy is very much alive in the distinctive red building called the Stadhuys, the administrative centre of successive governments but now a history museum."

This Stadhuys was once a centre of the Dutch administration in Melaka and housed the quarters of its governors and officers.

This massive red building was built between 1641 and 1660 on the ruins of a Portuguese fort, and is believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It displays all the typical features of Dutch colonial architecture, including substantial solid doors and louvred windows. For over 300 years, from its completion until 1980, it was the administrative centre of successive governments.

Today, the Dutch legacy is very much alive. In 1982, the Stadhuys was converted into a history museum. Exhibits trace Melaka's history, from the great Malay Sultanate and the Portuguese, Dutch and British invasions, to the present day.

A Famosa Fotress

2008-09-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

A Famosa (Malay language: Kota A Famosa), or "The Famous" in Portuguese, is a fortress located in Malacca, Malaysia. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. Only a tiny gate (called the Porta de Santiago) is all that is left of a once-mighty fortress.

History

In 1511 a Portuguese fleet arrived under the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque. His forces attacked and successfully defeated the armies of the Malacca Sultanate. Moving quickly to consolidate his gains, Albuquerque had the fortress built around a natural hill near the sea. Albuquerque believed that Melaka would become an important port linking Portugal to the spice trade from China. At this time other Portuguese were establishing outposts in such places as Macau, China and Goa, India in order to create a string of friendly ports for ships heading to China and returning home to Portugal.

The fortress once consisted of long ramparts and four major towers. One was a four-story keep, while the others held an ammunition storage room, the residence of the captain, and an officers' quarters. Most of the village clustered in town houses inside the fortress walls. As Melaka's population expanded it outgrew the original fort and extensions were added around 1586. The fort changed hands in 1641 when the Dutch successfully drove the Portuguese out of Melaka. The Dutch renovated the gate in 1670, which explains the logo "ANNO 1670" inscribed on the gate's arch. Above the arch is a bas-relief logo of the Dutch East India Company.

The fortress changed hands again in the early 19th century when the Dutch handed it over to the British to prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon's expansionist France. The English were wary of maintaining the fortification and ordered its destruction in 1806. The fort was almost totally demolished but for the timely intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, who happened to visit Melaka in 1810. Because of his passion for history, this small gate was spared from destruction.

Archaeological finding

In late November 2006, a structure part of the fort, believed to be the Middelsburgh Bastion was accidentally uncovered during the construction of 110 meter revolving tower in Malacca Town. The construction of the tower has been postponed indefinitely following the discovery. Malacca Museums Corporation suspects the structure was built by the Dutch during the Dutch occupation of Malacca from 1641 to 1824.

Earlier in June 2003, a watchtower named Santiago Bastion was discovered during the construction of Dataran Pahlawan.

Legend Of Hang Tuah

2008-09-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Who Is Hang Tuah?

Hang Tuah is a legendary Malay warrior/hero who lived during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah of the Sultanate of Malacca in the 15th century. He was the greatest of all the laksamana, or sultan's admirals, and was known to be a ferocious fighter. Hang Tuah is held in the highest regard, even in present-day Malaysian Malay culture, and is arguably the most well-known and illustrious warrior figure in Malaysian history and literature.

Hang Tuah was born in Kampong Sungai Duyong, Malacca, to Hang Mahmud and Dang Merdu Wati. His interest in religious knowledge and skill in the art of self-defense became apparent at a young age, and he was said to be inseparable from his four childhood friends: Hang Kasturi, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu. Hang Tuah and his close-knit group of friends eventually became the Malay equivalent of the Three Musketeers. He perfected his natural abilities at self-defense by practicing silat under a teacher named Guru Adi Putra, who also taught Hang Kasturi, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu. It was under this teacher's instruction that Hang Tuah also learned how to meditate.

As a youth, Hang Tuah was first noticed by the Bendahara (in modern parlance, the Prime Minister) of Malacca, Tun Perak. A band of pirates ran amok, causing havoc in a village, and Tun Perak and his guards' attempts to quell the unrest resulted in further attacks on the Bendahara. The Bendahara's guards fled, but when Hang Tuah and his friends saw the commotion, they were reported to have killed the group of pirates, thus saving the Bendahara. Tun Perak was so impressed by the boys' courage that he recruited them to work at the palace, where the five youths rose in the ranks, eventually becoming feared members of the Sultan's royal guard.

Hang Tuah's Career

Hang Tuah's illustrious career as an admiral or laksamana includes tales of his absolute and unfaltering loyalty to his Sultan, some of which are chronicled in Sejarah Melayu (the semi-historical Malay Annals) and Hikayat Hang Tuah (a romantic collection of tales involving Hang Tuah).

Hang Tuah became the Sultan's constant aide, accompanying the King on official visits to foreign countries. On one such visit to Majapahit, Taming Sari, a famous Majapahit warrior, challenged Hang Tuah to a duel. After a brutal fight, Hang Tuah emerged as winner and the ruler of Majapahit bestowed upon him Taming Sari’s kris or weapon. The Taming Sari kris was named after its original owner, and was purported to be magical, empowering its owner with invincibility. It is said to be the source of Hang Tuah’s alleged supernatural abilities.

Hang Tuah also acted as the Sultan's ambassador, travelling on his Sultan's behalf to allied countries. Another story concerning Hang Tuah's legendary loyalty to the Sultan is found in the Hikayat Hang Tuah, and involves his visit to Inderaputa, in Pahang during one such voyage. The Sultan sent Hang Tuah to Pahang with the task of persuading the princess Tun Teja, who was already engaged, to become the Sultan's companion. Tun Teja fell under the impression that Hang Tuah had come to persuade her to marry him, not the Sultan, and agreed to elope with him to Melaka. It was only during the voyage home that Hang Tuah revealed his deception to Tun Teja.

The Hikayat Hang Tuah and Sejarah Melayu each carry different accounts of this incident, however. The Hikayat records that it was Hang Tuah who persuaded Tun Teja to elope with him, thus deceiving her. Sejarah Melayu, however, claims that it was another warrior, Hang Nadim, who deceived Tun Teja.

Perhaps the most famous story in which Hang Tuah is involved is his fight with his closest childhood companion, Hang Jebat. Hang Tuah's deep loyalty to and popularity with the Sultan led to rumours being circulated that Hang Tuah was having an illicit affair with one of the Sultan's concubines. The Sultan sentenced Hang Tuah to death without trial for the alleged offense. The death sentence was never carried out, however, because Hang Tuah's executioner, the Bendahara, went against the Sultan’s orders and hid Hang Tuah in a remote region of Melaka.

Believing that Hang Tuah was dead, murdered unjustly by the Sultan he served, Hang Jebat avenged his friend's death. Hang Jebat's revenge allegedly became a palace killing spree or furious rebellion against the Sultan (sources differ as to what actually occurred). It remains consistent, however, that Hang Jebat wreaked havoc onto the royal court, and the Sultan was unable to stop him, as none of the Sultan's warriors dared to challenge the more ferocious and skilled Hang Jebat. The Bendahara then informed the Sultan that the only man able to stop Hang Jebat, Hang Tuah, was still alive. The Bendahara recalled Hang Tuah from his hiding place and the warrior was given full amnesty by the Sultan and instructed to kill Hang Jebat. After seven gruelling days of fighting, Hang Tuah was able to kill Hang Jebat.

It is notable that the two main sources of Hang Tuah's life differ yet again on the details of his life. According the Hikayat Hang Tuah, it was Hang Jebat who avenged his friend's death, only to be killed by the same friend, but according to Sejarah Melayu, it was Hang Kasturi. The Sejarah Melayu is the more historical account[citation needed], but the Hang Jebat story, as the more romantic tale, remains more popular.

Hang Tuah continued to serve Malacca after the death of Hang Jebat. Later in his life, as Hang Tuah progressed in his years, the warrior was ordered by the successive Malaccan Sultan to court a legendary princess on the Sultan's behalf. The Puteri Gunung Ledang (Princess of Mount Ledang) was so named because she resided on Mount Ledang at the Melaka-Johor border. According to legend, the Princess met with Hang Tuah, and only agreed to marry the Sultan if he satisfied a list of requirements, or pre-wedding gifts. The list included a golden bridge linking Melaka with the top of Gunung Ledang, seven trays of mosquito livers, seven jars of virgins' tears and a bowl of the Sultan's first born son's blood. Hang Tuah knew the tasks would not be fulfilled, and was said to be so overwhelmed that he failed his Sultan that he flung his kris into a river and vowed only to return to Melaka if it resurfaced, which it never did. It was also said that he then vanished into thin air. According to other sources, however, Hang Tuah lived until old age, and his body is said to be have been buried in Tanjung Kling in Melaka, where his tomb can still be seen today.

Hang Tuah the Legend

Hang Tuah is famous for quoting the words "Takkan Melayu Hilang di Dunia" which literally means "Malays will never vanish from the face of the earth" or "Never shall the Malay(s) (race) vanish from the face of the earth". The quote is a famous rallying cry for Malay nationalism.

He remains an extremely popular Malay legend, embodying the values of Malay culture at the time, when allegiance and loyalty were paramount above all else. The Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat story, whether completely true or not, represents a paradox in the Malay psyche about loyalty and justice, and remains a point of debate among students of Malay history and literature.

Places and things named after Hang Tuah

Four roads in Malaysia are named after Hang Tuah: Jalan Hang Tuah in Ipoh, Jalan Hang Tuah in Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Hang Tuah in Malacca, and Jalan Hang Tuah in Taman Khalidi Bharu, Muar, Johor

The Royal Malaysian Navy has a frigate named KD Hang Tuah.

A strip along Jalan Hang Tuah has been renamed Hang Tuah Mall and popularised as a tourist attraction.

A bunk name in Outward Bound Sabah.

Related links about Hang Tuah
1. Hang Tuah's Well

Hang Tuah's Well

2008-09-02T14:22:00.001-07:00

Hang Tuah’s well is located in Kampung Duyong where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood among four of his good friends who would later become the famous warriors of Malacca Sultanate.

Hang Tuah's well, It is said by the locals, the well contain Hang Tuah's spirit in the form of a white crocodile. It is also believed that the spirit can only be seen by the spiritually pure plus the well water has healing powers.

Related links about Hang Tuah
1. Legends of Hang Tuah

Eye On Melaka

2008-09-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Located opposite the old Cathay Cinema and on the former Express Bus terminal, MALACCA EYE will be another added tourist attraction.

Besides the Malacca Eye, there will be the Pirate Ship and the Trampoline - all located in the same area.

Since they are beside the Melaka River, visitors can travel up the Melaka River, hop off to enjoy the new attractions and then walk down the Melaka River walk.

Prices for each attraction is RM 5.00 for Adults and RM 3.00 for children.

All the above attractions are now open to the public.

The Ferris Wheel - Eye on Melaka

If you want to get a ticket, you can get from the counter or at Melaka Tourist Information Centre at Jalan Kota, Ayer Keroh and Melaka Sentral. Or you call at this no : +6012-6355301.

Have a try this Melaka Pirate Park and you will enjoy it.

Pirate Ship View from the Ferris Wheel

Trampoline Bungee

State Government

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Melaka with an area of 1683 sq. km. has played a significant role in the history of Malaysia, for it is here 'where it all began'.

Melaka has its foundation built on courage. Legend has it that Parameswara, a prince from Palembang, Sumatra, was moved when he saw a mousedeer kick a pursuing dog into the river. This daring act confirmed Parameswara high regard for the place which he decided to call "Melaka" after the name of the tree under which he was taking shelter. He then proclaimed himself as the leader of Melaka.

Under Parameswara and subsequent rulers, Melaka grew from strength to strength. Political, social and economic policies adopted by the government allowed the city to grow and prosper.

The prosperity of Melaka attracted foreign traders from many different places including China, India, Middle East and the neighbouring states. At its height Melaka became the emporium of the East.

The prosperity of Melaka also attracted the attention of local powers such as Thailand which attempted to impose its power over Melaka. Attempts by the Siamese (Thailand) to invade Melaka in 1446 and 1456 was repelled by Tun Perak, the Bendahara of Melaka. Melaka's relationship with China was also a strategic decision to prevent further Siamese invasion.

The Portuguese came to the East to capture the spice trade. Led by Alfonso de Albuquerque, they captured Melaka in 1511. The Portuguese failed to maintain the glory and prosperity of Melaka because of restrictive policies, competition and wars. The Portuguese ruled Melaka from 1511 to 1641.

In 1641, the Dutch defeated the Portuguese. The Dutch ruled from 1641-1795 but they were not interested to establish Melaka as a trading centre between the 'West' and the 'East'. They were more interested to develop Batavia(Jakarta) in Indonesia as their centre.

Under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty, Melaka was transferred to the British in 1811 in exchange for Batavia (Jakarta). Melaka remained under British rule until the 2nd world war. The Japanese took over from 1941-1945 and later returned it to the British. Later Melaka became free after Malaysia achieved its independence in 1957.

Melaka today has develop into a well planned township. Its growth is reminiscent of the spirit of endeavour, diligence, perseverance, courage and adventure. There is committment, seriousness and vision from the state's leaders down to the common people in terms of developing Melaka to become a developed state by the year 2010.

Malaysia practices constitutional Monarchy type of government. At the federal level, the Head of State is an elected King or The Yang DiPertuan Agong. He is assisted by an elected Executive or the Prime Minister.

At the state level, the Head of State is The Governor or The Yang DiPertua Negeri. He is assisted by an elected Executive or the Chief Minister and the State Legislative Assembly as the highest policy making authority in the State.

The Chief Minister is assisted by several Executive Council (EXCO) in implementing his duties and functions in running the State Government. The Executive Council is responsible to the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is made up from various representatives of the people elected every five years.

The Chief Minister's Department is the administrative pillar of the State Government, which houses the Chief Minister's office, the State Secretary's office and other State Departments. Other administrative component of the State Machinery includes various state agencies, corporations and District Offices of Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin. The lowest level of the state machinery is represented by JAPERUN and JKKK.

At the local government level there are three local councils namely the Melaka Town Council, Alor Gajah Local Council and Jasin Local Council. These town and local councils provide various kind of services and amenities to people in their everyday lives.

Official Religion

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Al-Azim Mosque (State of Malacca Mosque)

Islam is the official religion Malaysia's Government as those have been subjected that under the constitution Malaysia Goverment .Constitution has a special status. It make sole institution or source of legislation fixed and highest. Matter relating religion inside constitution show under following case :

Malacca Islamic Council

Matter 3 :

Religion of Islam is religion to the federation; but other religions may be practised with peace and peace in any part of the federation.

In each state unless states not having King,King position as chief domestic religion of Islam it by and until which those acknowledged and declered by the state constitution, all privilege sovereignty and power right are enjoyed by it as chief religion of Islam not touched and record but not touched or registered, but in any act, practice or ceremony agreed by the rulers council so that cover all federal,then each next king on please his nature as chief Islamic religion allow Yang di-pertuan Agong represents it.

Malaysia is a multiconfessional society, with slightly more than half of its people being Muslims. The internal conflicts the nation has faced have generally been precipitated by ethnicity rather than religion. The country is officially a Muslim state, and the Government actively promotes the spread of Islam in the country and its friendship with other Muslim countries. Nevertheless, other religions are tolerated and the individual's right to the freedom of worship is listed in the country's constitution. The government also gives grants to religious bodies of other religions for building projects and other programs. All the major religious festival days of the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians have been declared national public holidays,

According to the 2000 census and CIA, approximately 60.4% of the population of Malaysia are followers of Islam; 19.2% Buddhism; 9.1% Christianity; 6.3% Hinduism; and 3.0% Confucianism, Taoism, and other traditional Chinese religions.[1]

All Malays (the majority race of the country) are required to be Muslim as defined by the Constitution of Malaysia. Those of Chinese or Indian origin tend not to be Muslim, although they are required to become so if they marry a Muslim person.

Additionally, many of the Chinese community, which comprises the bulk of the Buddhist population, actually practise a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism and Chinese folk religion. As there is no official name for this particular set of beliefs, many followers instead list down their religion as Buddhism, mainly for bureaucratic convenience.

List Of Other Religion In Malacca

1. Buddhism

2. Christianity
3. Hinduism
4. Sikh

Air Transportation

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Melaka has a small airport situated in Batu Berendam, 9 km from Melaka city center.

No domestic flights are currently operating from Batu Berendam Melaka Airport.

Only return international flights are operating from Melaka to Pekan baru, Indonesia. This service is operated by Riau Airlines.

Destination	Departing On	Rate (One Way / Return)
Melaka to Pekan Baru, Indonesia	Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday	RM196.00 / RM 405.00

For more information, please contact:

Batu Berendam Airport

75350 Melaka

Tel : +606-317 4175 / 4685

Air Asia Airplane (Langkawi, Medan, Padang, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Penang) [begins December 8]

Firefly Airplane (Penang) [Coming Soon/Planning]

Sea Transportation

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Melaka has ferry services one way and return to Dumai (Indonesia) which departs daily. Visa is required for non-Malaysia.

Ferry services are operating from:

Shahbandar Jetty

Taman Melaka Raya
75000 Melaka

For further reservation and enquiry, do contact the following operators:

Melaka - Dumai
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Astora Sdn Bhd	+606-282 9888	N.A.	N.A.
Indomal Express	+606-283 2506	RM80.00 (One Way) RM129.00 (Return)	To Dumai: 9.30 am 3.00 pm From Dumai: 11.00 am 1.00 pm
Tunas Rapat	+606-283 2506	RM80.00 (One Way) RM129.00 (Return)
Madai Shipping	+606-284 0671	N.A.	N.A.

Boat Service To Pulau Besar (Big Island)
Destinasion	No. Tel / Faks	Fare (RM)	Departure Schedule
To Pulau Besar (through Umbai Jetty)	+012-639 5299	RM80.00 one boat (8 passengers) (to and from)	24 hours (advance bookings)
To Pulau Besar (through Anjung Batu Jetty)	+606-261 0492	Adult = RM11.00 Children, Ages 4 to 12 = RM8.00 Below 4 yrs. old = RM1.00 (per pax to and from)	8.30 am 10.00 am 12.00 pm 2.00 pm 2.30 pm 5.00 pm 6.30 pm

Land Transportation

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To ensuring the best access to Melaka and for its residents, transportation is an important component of the provision of public amenities. Melaka takes pride in the various modes of transportation offered to ease the journey of locals and visitors alike.

Land transportation is the main choice in getting to Melaka considering it is situated about an hour and a half from Kuala Lumpur and two and a half hours from Johor Baru.

Moving around the town is pretty easy with excellent link roads and highways with comprehensive sign direction boards. It is without a doubt that those driving around Melaka will find ease and safety with the provision of properly maintained roads.

For those who use public transportation, express buses, taxis and car-rentals as well as trains are offered to ease your travel requirements.

Bus express services arrive and depart from:

Melaka Sentral

Jalan Tun Abdul Razak

75300 Peringgit

Melaka

Taxi and car-rental services arrive and depart from:

Stesen Teksi

P-3 Perhentian Teksi/Kereta Sewa

Jalan Tun Ali 75300

Melaka

Trains arrive and depart from:

Stesen Keretapi Tampin

Pekan Pulau Sebang 73000
Tampin Negeri Sembilan

Express Bus Services: North Bound

Melaka - Kuala Lumpur
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Malacca – K.L. Express	+606.282.2503 +603.238.1578	9.40	Weekdays: 6.00am - 6.00pm Weekends : 7.00am - 7.00pm
Jebat Express	+606.281.4307 +603.238.0202	9.40	8.30 am - 7.30 pm (hourly)
Metrobus Express	+606.282.3636 +603.201.1154	9.40	8.00 am - 7.00 pm (hourly)
Koperasi Express	+606.286.4255	9.40	8.00am - 7.30pm
Transnasional Express	+606.282.0687 +603.238.4670	9.50	5.30am - 8.00 pm (hourly)

Melaka - Seremban
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Transnasional Express	+606.282.0687 / 0560 +603.238.4670	5.30	7.00am - 7.00 pm (½ hour)

Melaka - Port Dickson - Klang
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Barat Express	+6019.666.3773	5.50 (PD) 8.00 (Banting) 10.00 (Klang)	10.30am, 12.30pm - 9.30 pm

Melaka - Ipoh - Butterworth - Penang
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Pertiwi Megah Gunung Raya Express	+6017.677.5909	25.00 (Ipoh) 34.00 (Butterworth)	9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am 9.30pm, 10.00pm
S.E. Express	+606.282.4327	34.00 (Butterworth) 35.00 (Penang)	2.00pm
Cepat Express	+606.284.3600	35.00 (Penang)	9.00pm
Zuco Express	+606.286. 4255	25.00 (Ipoh) 33.00 (Butterworth) 35.00 (Penang)	9.00am, 10.00am 11.00am, 2.00pm, 9.00pm 9.30pm & 10.00pm

Melaka - Ipoh - Lumut
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
S.E. Express	+606.282.4327	25.00 (Ipoh) 28.00 (Lumut)	9.30am

Melaka - Alor Setar
Service Operator	Tel / Fax	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Cepat Express	+606.284.3600	39.40	9.00pm
Zuco Express	+606.286.4255	39.40	8.45am & 9.00pm
Pertiwi Megah Gunung Raya Express	+6017.677.5909	39.40	9.00am & 9.00pm

Note:

All Express Buses arrive and depart at the Melaka Sentral station
All prices shown is in Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

Bus Services: South Bound

Melaka - Johor Bahru - Singapore
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Malacca - Singapore Express	+606.282.4470 +62.293.5915	14.60 (Johor Bharu) 17.00 (Singapura)	9.00 am - 5.00 pm (hourly)
Delima Express	+606.284.8908 +606.294.9306	14.60 (Johor Bharu) 17.00 (Singapura)	8.00 am - 6.00 pm (hourly)
Jebat Express	+606.281.4307 +607.222.2189	14.60 (Johor Bharu) 17.00 (Singapura)	8.00 am – 7.30 pm (setiap 1½ jam)
Johora Express	+606.282.5201	14.60 (Johor Bharu) 14.70 (Singapura)	8.00 am - 8.00 pm (every ½ hour)
Mayang Sari Express	+606.282.9301	14.60 (Johor Bharu)	10.30 am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 4.30pm & 7.30pm

Melaka - Muar
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Mayang Sari Express	+606.282.9301	3.50	7.40 am - 8.15 pm (every ½ hour)

Melaka - Mersing
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
SNS International Express	+606.288.2246	17.50	8.00am, 12.45pm & 6.15pm

Melaka – Batu Pahat - Kluang
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Orchid Express	+606.283.5553	6.90 (B.Pahat) 10.70 (Kluang)	8.00 am, 9.30am, 11.00am, 1.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm & 8.30pm

Note:

All Express Buses arrive and depart at the Melaka Sentral station
All prices shown is in Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

Express Bus Services: East Bound

Melaka - Kuantan - Dungun - Kota Bharu - Kuala Terengganu
Service Operator	Tel. / Fax No.	Rate (RM)	Travel Schedule
Cepat Express	+606.284 3600	21.00 (Kuantan)	8.30am & 3.00pm
SKA Express	+606.284.9940	21.00 (Kuantan)	8.00pm
Koperasi Express	+606.286 4255	21.00 (Kuantan)	8.00am, 9.30am, 12.00pm & 8.30pm
Budaya Express	+606.282 2555	27.00 (Dungun) 31.00 (Kota Bharu)	8.00pm

Note:

All Express Buses arrive and depart at the Melaka Sentral station
All prices shown is in Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

Rail Travel

Melaka does not have a train station, but visitors wishing to travel by train can do so by going to the nearest station at Tampin which is just 38 km north of Melaka. Tourists are advised to check with the railway offices for schedules and fares at the following places:

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad
Tampin Station : +606-4111034

Taxi Services

For more information on taxi services (air-conditioned ) to major city destinations, please call:

Tel: +606-283 2190

Car Rental

Please contact the following for car rental:

Operator	Tel. / Fax No.
Anna Rent-A-Car	+606-283 5626
Avis Rent-A-Car	+606-284 6710
Hawk Rent-A-Car	+606-283 7878
Shamus Car Rental	+606-281 7710

History Of Melaka

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Establishment of Melaka

Parameswara founded Malacca around 1400. He was a Buddhist Srivijayan prince and Sejarah Melayu mentioned that he laid claims of being descended from the Macedonian King Alexander the Great / Iskandar Zulkarnain. When Parameswara became the ruler of Palembang, the Srivijaya Empire was already in decline. In 1390s, Majapahit sent thousands of ships to attack Palembang. Parameswara had fled his palace and eventually reached Temasek island which was headed by a Srivijayan descendent. However, Temasek had been a vassal of Majapahit since 1365. After several days, Parameswara was betrayed by his relative and he had to kill him.

Parameswara then ruled Temasik for about 4 years, where he was finally attacked by the Majapahit armies when one of the ministers opened the gates for Majapahit armies to attack the palace. Parameswara fled north to Muar before founding Melaka in 1400. In 1409, Parameswara assumed the title Sultan Iskandar Shah due to his marriage to a princess from Pasai. His marriage to the Muslim princess encouraged a number of his subjects to embrace Islam. According to the Sejarah Melayu, legend has it that the king saw a mouse deer outwit a dog when he was resting under the Melaka tree. He took what he saw as a good omen and decided to establish a capital for his kingdom there. Today, the mouse deer is part of modern Malacca's coat of arms.

Malacca had a well-defined government with a set of laws. On top of the sultanate's hierarchy sat the sultan and he was an absolute monarch. Below him was a bendahara, a position similar to that of a prime minister. Most of all, a bendahara was an adviser to the sultan. A bendahara is a common person appointed by the sultan and it was the highest ranking officer that could be held by any common people. After bendahara, a laksamana's authority is paramount. A laksamana is an admiral and was responsible for the state and the sultan's security. He commanded the army. Later comes the temenggung which more or less a chief of public police. At the bottom of this nobility structure are penghulu bendahari, who was the treasurer of the state and the shahbandars of whom were responsible to matters of trade and ports.

Administration

Sultan of Malacca	Reign
Parameswara (aka Iskandar Shah)	1400 - 1414
Megat Iskandar Shah	1414 - 1424
Muhammad Shah	1424 - 1444
Abu Syahid	1444 - 1446
Muzaffar Shah	1446 - 1459
Mansur Shah	1459 - 1477
Alauddin Riayat Shah	1477 - 1488
Mahmud Shah	1488 - 1528

The most famous Malaccan bendahara is Tun Perak. Under his advice, he managed to expand Malacca to its greatest extent. Hang Tuah is an example of Malaccan laksamana.

The sultanate was governed with several set of laws. The formal legal text of traditional Melaka consisted of the Undang-Undang Melaka (Laws of Malacca), variously called the Hukum Kanun Melaka and Risalat Hukum Kanun, and the Undang-Undang Laut Melaka (the Maritime Laws of Malacca). The laws as written in the legal digests went through an evolutionary process. The legal rules that eventually evolved were shaped by three main influences, namely the early non-indigenous Hindu/Buddhist tradition, Islam and the indigenous "adat".

Factors for growth

The Sultanate thrived on entrepot trade and became the most important port in Southeast Asia during the 15th and the early 16th century. Furthermore, Malacca was as a major player in the spice trade, serving as a gateway between the Spice Islands and high-paying Eurasian markets. This is reflected by the Portuguese Tomé Pires who claimed "Whoever is lord of Malacca has his hand on the throat of Venice".

One of the factors that contributed to the rise of Malacca was the monsoon winds that enabled Arab and Indian traders from the west to travel to China in the east and vice versa. At the height of its power, the Sultanate encompassed most of modern day Peninsular Malaysia, the site of modern day Singapore and a great portion of eastern Sumatra. It was also the center of Islam in the eastern sphere, where imams and ustazes came to discuss religion and the like. Muslim missionaries were also sent by the Sultan to spread Islam to other communities in the Malay Archipelago, such as in Java, Borneo, and the Philippines. Most of South East Asia at that time was Hindu.

The Sultanate's most important regional rivals were Siam in the north and the declining Majapahit Empire in the south. Majapahit was not able to control or effectively compete with Malacca within the archipelago, and came to an end during the later 15th century. Siam on the other hand attacked Malacca three times, but all attacks were repelled.

At the same time, Malacca had a good relationship with Ming, resulting in Zheng He's visits. Parameswara had met the Ming emperor to receive a Letter of Friendship, hence making Malacca the first foreign kingdom to attain such treatment. In 1409, the sultan paid tribute to the Ming emperor to ask for protection against Siam and Malacca was made as protectorate of Ming China. Moreover, one of the sultans, Mansur Shah even married a Ming princess named Hang Li Po. This Sino-Malacca relationship helped deter Siam from further threatening Malacca.(See Zheng He In Malacca.)

Portuguese invasion and its effects

Hearing of Malacca's great wealth coming from Asian traders, the Portuguese king sent Admiral Lopes de Sequeira to find Malacca, to make a friendly compact with its ruler and to stay on Portugal's representative east of India. The first European to reach Malacca and Southeast Asia, Sequeira arrived in Malacca in 1509. Although he was initially well-received by Sultan Mahmud Shah trouble however quickly ensued.[1] The general feeling of rivalry between Islam and Christianity was invoked by a group of Goa Muslims in the sultan's court after the Portuguese had captured Goa.[2] The international Muslim trading community convinced Mahmud that the Portuguese were a grave threat. Mahmud subsequently captured several of his men, killed others and attempted to attack the four Portuguese ships, although they escaped. As the Portuguese had found in India, conquest would be the only way they could establish themselves in Malacca.[1]

In April 1511, Afonso de Albuquerque set sail from Goa to Malacca with a force of some 1200 men and seventeen or eighteen ships.[1] The Viceroy made a number of demands - one of which was for permission to build a fortress as a Portuguese trading post near the city. [2]. All the demands were refused by the Sultan. Conflict was unavoidable, and after 40 days of fighting, Malacca fell to the Portuguese on August 24. Although Malacca seems to have been well supplied with artillery, but the combination of Portuguese firepower, determination and fanatical courage prevailed. A bitter dispute between Sultan Mahmud and his son Sultan Ahmad also weighed down the Malaccan side.[1] The Portuguese was helped by Guy Arojo, Chinese Capitans who supplied small ships to enter the Port of Malacca and the southern Indian and Javanese group who were in dispute with the Sultanate of Malacca.[citation needed]

Albuquerque remained in Malacca until November 1511 preparing its defences against any Malay counterattack.[1] Sultan Mahmud Shah was forced to flee Malacca. The sultan made several attempts to retake the capital but his efforts were fruitless. The Portuguese retaliated and forced the sultan to flee to Pahang. Later, the sultan sailed to Bintan and established a new capital there. With a base established, the sultan rallied the disarrayed Malay forces and organized several attacks and blockades against the Portuguese's position. Frequent raids on Malacca caused the Portuguese severe hardship. The raids helped convince the Portuguese that the exiled sultan's forces must be silenced. A number of attempts were made to suppress the Malay forces, but it wasn't until 1526 that the Portuguese finally razed Bintan to the ground. The sultan then retreated to Kampar in Sumatra where he died two years later. He left behind two sons named Muzaffar Shah and Alauddin Riayat Shah II.

Muzaffar Shah was invited by the people in the north of the peninsula to become their ruler, establishing the Sultanate of Perak. Meanwhile, Mahmud's other son, Alauddin succeeded his father and made a new capital in the south. His realm was the Sultanate of Johor, the successor of Malacca.

It soon became clear that Portuguese control of Malacca did not mean they now controlled Asian trade that centred around it. Their Malaccan rule was marred with difficulties: they could not become self-supporting and remained reliant on Asian suppliers (as had their Malay predecessors); they were short of both funds and manpower; and administration was hampered by organisational confusion and command overlap, corruption and inefficiency. Competition from other ports such as Johor saw Asian traders bypass Malacca and the city began to decline as a trading port.[3] Rather than achieving their ambition of dominating it, the Portuguese had fundamentally disrupted the organisation of the Asian trade network. Rather than a centralised port of exchange of Asian wealth exchange, or a Malay state to police the Straits of Malacca that made it safe for commercial traffic, trade was now scattered over a number of ports amongst bitter warfare in the Straits.

Malacca was later conquered by the Dutch in 1641. Through the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, Malacca became a colony of the United Kingdom. In 1957, Malacca joined other Malay states to form Malaya and in 1963, together with Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore formed Malaysia.

Fei Xin's description of Malacca

Fei Xin (Chinese: 费信) was a translator for the Ming Dynasty admiral Zheng He during his expeditions abroad. In his Description of the Starry Raft (1436) there were descriptions of early 15th century Malacca.

He noted that Malacca people which was the Malays had "their skin resembled black lacquer, but there were some white-skinned people among them who are of ethnic Tang. Men and women appeared in mallet-like chignon hair style, simple and kind lifestyle, they fish at rivers and at sea. The coastal village was inhabited by very few peoples and was not ruled by any neighboring kingdoms. The only produce of Malacca was tin, from a river. Tins obtained from river were fired into tin block (known as Tin ingot) where each weigh 1.4 jin. Malacca paid annual 40 golds to Siam as tax.

Malacca's Tin ingot

Tin ingots were a trading currency unique to Malacca. Cast in the shape of a peck, each block weighs just over one pound. Ten blocks made up one unit called a 'small bundle', and 40 blocks made up one 'large bundle'.