Its History:
Over half a millennium ago, Malacca was a bustling commercial port town where merchants from all over the world came to trade for the fabled Asian spices. Initially, it was populated by Malays. In 1511, it was ruled by the Portuguese and the area was known as "Upeh". In June 1640, the Dutch attacked Malacca and took over the town. In 1807, the British ruled Malacca . Under the different rulers, the town still continued as a trading centre. Many merchant traded in Malacca due to its strategic location. It was located narrowest point of the Malacca Straits.
In 1830's, the affluent Peranakans and Chinese in Malacca began to take over the Dutch houses in Malacca. They splendidly refurnished these homes and furnished their homes lavishly with oriental styled fittings. By the 1850's they owned all the best houses in Heeren Street also known as the Millionaires' Row.
Some of the interesting attractions in Malacca:
1) Rows of narrow but long houses. This was due to the old Dutch policy that the real estate taxes should be paid according to the width of the houses. As a consequence, the people built very long but narrow houses.
2) Malacca's Dutch Square is one of the most photographed area in Malacca. It is also known as the Red Square due to the crimson coloured historical buildings found in that small area. Situated there are the majestic Stadthuys and Christ Church.The Stadthuys is the oldest Dutch building in Malaysia and today it has been converted to Malacca's Museum of Ethnography.
3) St Paul's Hill was named after the St Paul's church which is situated at the top of the hill. The Dutch constructed a lighthouse in front of the church but the current lighthouse was built by the British. The Potuguese was credited for building a colossal stone fortress that used to surround the hill which was known as A'Famosa.
4) Jonker walk is a popular tourist street which transforms into a bustling night market on Friday and Saturday nights.
5)Try out the unique chicken rice ball and Durian Chendol at Chinatown. Jonker 88 is another popular food shop as there is always a queue of people.
