Malacca (or Melaka in Malay) is undoubtedly the most interesting city in Malaysia from a historical perspective. While Malaysia dire sites and monuments full of history compared to its South Asian neighbors, Malacca is a cultural oasis with a rich colonial past. Successively colonized by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English, the city guard these times many buildings of European inspiration and a certain architectural style. There are various things to do and places to visit in Melaka. But the city is also linked with various interesting facts to know.

Read on to know 10 fun facts about Melaka which will excite you to visit this amazing place.

Fun facts about Melaka

  1. The name of Melaka is famous because the city gave the name to the strait between Malaysia and Indonesia which used to borrow all the boats sailing between Europe and China.
  2. Melaka is the third smallest state in Malaysia which is located about 150 miles north of Singapore. It can be reached from Singapore within 3 hours.
  3. Melaka’s history is quite old than the other Malaysian cities. It was founded by Paramesawar, the last king of Singapura. He ruled from 1389 to 1398. He established Melaka in 1402 when he found a port strategically located in the narrowest point of Melaka Straits.
  4. Melaka has a long history of invasion and destruction. It was first captured by Portuguese in 1511 by General Alfonso de Albuquerque who sailed from Goa to Melaka.

The Dutch defeated the Portuguese in 1641 with the help of the Sultan of Johore. They ruled Melaka from 1641 to 1798.

The Dutch surrendered Melaka to the British under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 in exchange for Bencoolen on Sumatra. It was then ruled by British between 1826 and 1946. It was a part of the Straits Settlements and became part of the Malayan Union after the dissolution of the crown colony.

  1. Melaka is quite a diverse society with 63% Malays, 25% Chinese, 6% Indians, and small communities of Kristan with partial Portuguese ancestry and community of Eurasians with Dutch ancestry. Islam is the dominant religion of Melaka i.e. 66% percent, along with about 25% Buddhists, 5% Hindus, and 3% Christian.
  2. Melaka has several antique sites that transport you back to the time. The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum are the most famous museums of Melaka.
  3. The city has heritage sites belonging to every religion. For instance, Melaka has Sri Pogyatha Vinoyagar Moorthi Temple that is the converging point of Hindus of Malaysia. It was built in 1781 where devotees believed to be granted what they ask.

Melaka has a monumental Christ Church constructed in 1753. The church reflects Dutch architecture as it was ceiling skylights, hand-crafted church pews, copper replica of the Bible, and a reproduction of “The Last Supper”.

Melaka also has historical Mosque. Kampung Hulu Mosque is the oldest mosque in Melaka. The mosque is also known as “Harmony Street” as it is located nearby the Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. It was built between the year 1720 and 1728 and was renovated in 1892. The mosque is one of the most interesting places to visit in Melaka as its architectural design is an amalgamation of Hindu, Chinese, Sumatran, and the Melaka Malay styles. Its minaret resembles pagoda.

  1. One of the fun things to do in Melaka is to visit Taming Sari Tower. It goes 260 feet in the sky. Its height and revolving structure lets you view Melaka from bird-eye-view.
  2. Melaka also has typical tourist attractions such as the Melaka zoo which is second largest zoo in Malaysia with more than 1,200 animals. The Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN cultural parks are also located in Melaka. These parks houses architectural styles of all the 13 Malaysian with numerous arts and crafts and other items depicting their culture.
  3. Like any city, Melaka also has atypical mean of transport. These are the bicycle rickshaws decorated with loads of flowers and vigorously painted with several colors.

These fun facts about Melaka is not only a historical city but it has a lot more than that. It has everything that can please tourists via its diverse culture, adventurous places, exciting commute system, and recreational parks etc.

 

We love the fact that the world could not live without the spas. What started decades ago as small places, usually in large cities, where we had massages and facials in spaces called cabins, it has become an international phenomenon! Now we have the divine day spas, where you can receive care with the most exclusive products, like huge foodies and spas in hotels and resorts throughout the world, where we receive treatment while we spent a delightful vacation. With many activities to do in Melaka, the city has some of the best Spas to treat vacationers.

Massa Sutra is one of such spas in Melaka, that is highly specialized and offers endless possibilities, including treatment, according to the philosophy of beauty that followed and the products they use.

Massa Sutra Spa Melaka

Owned by Chris Loh, Massa Sutra is a boutique spa in Melaka. Chrish Loh has an extensive experience of myriad of therapies, massage, body treatment, and health fitness. He was trained and groomed at one of the worlds renowned Wat Pho Traditional Medical and Massage School of Bankok. He is passionate about preserving the art of massage, providing safe and quality therapies, and promote global acceptance of massage of mind, body, and soul.

Massa Sutra Spa in Melaka has an extensive incorporation of traditional and retro urban treatments that stimulate your senses and save you from the outside world. They have created an ambience with perfectly synchronized lights and the interior that let people experience ambient atmosphere.

The name of this spa is also very well thought that links the entire experience there. The word “Massa” is used in the Arabian Desert as a “Lifting Up”, while Latin and French also use this word meaning “to feel to handle, to stroke”. Sutra comes from Sanskrit that means a string or a thread. Sutras are rules or aphorisms in Hinduism that transmit philosophical and religious thoughts.

Zen Message

Unlike many other spas in Melaka, Massa Sutra offers only two types of massages. The Zen massage is a synthesis of supreme massage techniques of Thai and Malay treatments with passive Yoga stretches, pressure points, use of essential oils and music to make a strong union of body and soul. Muscle manipulation is Zen massage with essential oils prepare your body for the upcoming yoga stretches.

Traditional Thai Massage

Another treatment is Traditional Thai Massage. The Thai Massage that Massa Sutra offers in Melaka is the original form of Wat Pho Traditional Medical School, Bangkok. Energy lines are worked on in this massage to unblock life-forces and set your mind free from all stress. It is combined with yoga stretches that realign the entire body and opens up your breathing. This massage is not a mere treatment for your physical, body but rather it works with energy of an individual.

Training Courses

Massa Sutra believes in spreading love and passion for traditional massage, therefore it also offers training courses to the ones who want to be professional masseurs. Zen Massage and Bodywork Cross Training includes Certificate of Completion (30 hours), Certificate of Attendance (18 Hours), Certificate to Practice (Min 30 hours practical and Certificate of Completion). Traditional Thai Massage (Complete Wat Pho techniques) training includes Certificate of Completion Level I (30 hours) and Level II Expands on techniques learned in Level I (30 Hours).

Massa Sutra is a spa that focuses upon relaxation, harmony between mind and body, and offer yoga and meditation. It is famous for its authenticity, elegance and exceptional environment. The Massa Sutra Spa is not only an attraction for the locals, but it is also one of the top attraction for tourists in Melaka who are looking to relax after a long day in Malacca. Please share your experience by adding comments below.

The trickle of tourists in Melaka has swelled since it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. With increased tourism and vacationers in the city, the cafe business also oozed up in Melaka. Several new cafes are opened in the city, while the old ones renovated to catch customers. Cafes in Melaka are quite distinctive from their likes in other part of the world. With unique architecture and style. Calanthe Art Cafe Melaka is also such café that has maintained it’s unique for many years and sipping coffee in this space is a must thing to do in Melaka.

Calanthe Art Cafe Melaka

Serving customer for 10 years, Calanthe Art Cafe is a well-known cafe in Melaka. It is famous amongst tourists and even potential tourist who are planning to visit Melaka. It is, perhaps, the most rusting yet creative cafe in the town. Started by a close group of friends who brought up and schooled together, Calanthe Art Cafe is the warmest and welcoming retreat in Malacca. It specializes in myriad of coffee types, roasted in each of the 13 Malaysian states.

Vintage Looks

Calanthe Art Cafe is located in a narrow backstreet of the famous Jonker Street in Melaka. The café might look a quiet haven from outside, but the interior tells a quite different story. The café is vibrant with colors, creative and eclectic touches to the wall that are hand painted, 1980’s type furniture, and television from the ancient times with knobs. The cafe does not show off the contemporary looks that are signature for modern cafes, but it will feast your eyes with inimitable style.

13 States Coffee and Drinks

Calanthe Cafe might be known for its creative looks, but the thing that makes it special is its coffee selection. “The First and Only One”, their tagline truly matches their servings of special coffee from all the 13 states of Malaysia. This is a place if you are a coffee enthusiast. Besides their unmatched coffees, they also offer unique blends such as ‘Green Tea Coffee’ (coffee and green tea with whipped cream on the top), a rich espresso amalgamated with the spoonful of mint paddy syrup.

Their ice-blended drinks are something to die for such as ‘Pink Lady’, a blend of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and strawberry sauce and ‘Cendol Ice Blenz’ a concoction of coconut milk and palm sugar topped with Cendol and red beans. With such ingredients and unique mixtures, the prices are also quite appealing, as one of these servings price even less than RM9.

Do not be disappointed if you are not a coffee aficionado as they also serve teas, smoothies, milkshakes, and soda mixes with a variety of alcohol-based drinks. If you want to taste everything in one serving then their Royale Bailey Cocktail is something to try. It is a mixture of Bailey, single shot of espresso and chocolate sauce, garnished with a single scoop of ice cream.

Local Food and Desserts

Calanthe Art Cafe Melaka amazes us with more than coffee and beverages as it also specialized in local food as well. Their Laksa is listed in top 50 Laksa outlets by the Malaysian Tourism Body. They have customized it with loads of ingredients such as fishcake slices, tofu puffs, eggs strips, and fried beancurd skin. Nasi Lemak is modified by the café in golden rice and served with special chicken Rendang. There is nothing that Calanthe Art Cafe Melaka does not do as the homemade desserts they serve are the perfect ending of your classic meal in the café.

Related Article: Top 10 must-try food in Melaka

Calanthe is not a mere cafe; it is one of the most appealing tourist attractions in Melaka. With its vibrant interior, delectable meals, mouthwatering desserts, and especially their brewing coffee, Calanthe Art Cafe Melaka brings happiness to your table. If you have visited this amazing cafe in Melaka, please feel free to share your experience by adding comments below.

Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-292 2960
Timings: Monday to Wednesday (12 to 11PM), Thursday (Closed), Friday (12PM to 12AM), Saturday (8:30AM to 12PM), Sunday (8:30AM to 11PM)
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The most visited zoo and night safari to explore in Malacca is popularly known as Melaka Zoo Night Safari situated in the Jalan Hang Tuah Jaya, Ayer Keroh; Melaka city in Malaysian peninsular. Although, historic facts depicts that it was first invented in the year 1963 was governed by the Melaka authoritarian sector than in 2013 its care taker has taken its control by the private organization mainly. For instance, Melaka Zoo Night Safari was renowned around the globe after its control when it was governed privately.  It is also one of the recommend tourist attractions in Melaka to visit.

Melaka Zoo Night Safari

Melaka Zoo Night Safari is constructed in a spacious land that is actually measured around fifty-four acres of land respectively. Due to its huge area occupied in the establishment of the Zoo Melaka, it is similarly famous for being the second largest zoo in Melaka.

Adoption of natural and adventurous segments introduced

The private company that has predominantly taken the ownership as its caretaker is actually identified as Konsortium KKW Sdn Bhd. Hence, its actual mission is to bring a positive change in the Melaka Zoo Night Safari by inventing innovative task in terms of introducing new wildlife species in the zoo. It is also establishing various learning methodologies in order to understand the ecology of different species, the breeding process of distinct animals have been understood by the zoo management as well as introducing innovative vision of physical activities and implementing such concepts through meticulous objectives planned for making the Melaka Zoo more attractive for the tourism purpose primarily.

Thus, through exploring further the Night Safari Melaka; its visitors can be able to observe the species in their natural homes while at night (after sunsets). There are multiple programs being organized by the Melaka Zoo Night Safari from the infant level to the university grads as well through a long stroll in order to make them familiar with the surrounding species.

Suitable timings for the Melaka Zoo Night Safari exploration

We are thus allowed to explore the Melaka Zoo and Night Safari attractions on a daily basis during the whole day at specified timings that begin from 9am in the morning till 6pm by evening. The Night Safari timings are from 8pm to 11pm so you can plan your trip in a way that you can see both Zoo Night Safari. It is similarly essential to purchase the number of tickets at prior in order to explore its temptations without wasting your precious journey time. Here we can simultaneously grab the feasible opportunity to view the night safari attractions as well that can be availed specifically on nights of Fridays and Saturdays, during government holidays and also during the school off days as well. The tickets are usually sold between the timings from 8pm till 10:30pm.

Attributes of Melaka Zoo Night Safari

It is the sole responsibility of a visitor to know the necessary attributes prior to visiting the Melaka Zoo. For instance, the visitor must plan the whole day journey in order to explore the attractions of the zoo in a real sense. While enjoying the zoo, people implicitly avails the facilities like a separate prayer room built in the vicinity, there is also guest room located here, first aid is also available in case of any emergency and other numerous facilities can also be explored.

Though, Melaka Zoo Night Safari is not as big as Singapore Night Safari or others but it does provide a unique experience to the visitors. If you’re looking for some nighttime activities in Melaka, a visit to night safari is highly recommended, which is also among the best things to do in Melaka.

If you have visited the night safari in Melaka and would like to share your experience, please do so by adding comments below.

Address: Jalan Hang Tuah Jaya, Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka
Phone: +61300 22 3000
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Melaka; being considered as the world’s UNESCO heritage site is actually the most favorable state in terms of tourism is concerned. Just after the discovery of Melaka; variety of cultures have begun to migrate in the vicinity of the Malaysian Peninsular as a whole and Melaka as a specific state was simultaneously crowded with multi-cultures of which Chinese dwellings were noticed to be among the majority of migrants. Therefore, we are bound to view and enjoy the Chinese restaurants in Melaka that are considerably said to be a popular cuisine in the whole vicinity of Melaka.

Chinese Restaurants in Melaka

Melaka is not only famous for its historical attractions, but food in Melaka is equally popular among tourists. Following are the top five must try Chinese restaurants in Melaka that are emphasized as below:

1. Long Fatt 隆发潮州粥

Long Fatt Restaurant is a popular Chinese restaurant in Melaka, that was actually built since eight decades ago. Thus, its famous offers are Teochew porridge that is available during the breakfast timings in Melaka. It is simply cooked with only two ingredients that are rice and water. The rice added in such porridge is seen as a whole and not being crushed is its unique identity. Therefore, another porridge is also available here called as Hokkien porridge; prepared as a slightly thicker texture where the rice is actually crushed and the other ingredients added are sweet potatoes and Cantonese congee.

Thus, the porridge is being delivered with the braised dishes like salted duck eggs, pickled radish, salted or preserved vegetables and also served with various smoked dishes as well. Although, the restaurant is similarly famous in delivering its popular serving i.e. Asam fish served with sour and spicy flavor; cooked for hours until the fish bones gets immensely tender.

Address: No.15, Jln Kampung Pantai, Melaka, 75200, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-364 6682
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2. Zhen Xiang Yuan 珍香園

Zhen Xiang Yuan is another famous Chinese restaurant in Melaka, that is identically outrageous in delivering variety of deliciously cooked Chinese meals that includes Dim Sum or Lo Mai Gai; Smoked glutinous rice cooked with chicken meat, Chee Cheong Fun is a cooked chicken feet, Lo Mai Gai; the rib of a pork cooked with black bean sauce, Yam Roll as well as Chinese tea is also delivered here. The most ready to serve dish is Chee Chong Fun that is delivered fresh and the cooking process begins just after we place the order.

3. Famosa Chicken Rice Ball (古城鸡饭粒)

Restoran Famosa Chicken Rice Ball is another Chinese restaurant in Melaka, that mainly delivers signature Chinese dishes of the whole Melaka region. Thus, it is famous for being a Chinese restaurant that is well prepared in delivering four kinds of rice added in Chicken Rice Balls that is loved by its many customers namely; Original steamed, steamed with salty flavor known as Hainan rice, Hainan rice ball and Dark brown rice ball. Its popular meat eatables are Hainan Chicken, Roast duck, etc. The restaurant is equally famous in delivering fabulous beverages that includes Jelly grass, sugar cane juice as well as lemonade.

Address: 21, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-286 0121
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4. Bei Zhan Restaurant 北栈

The Bei Zhan Restaurant is popular among the locals as well as equally famous in the foreigners. It is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Melaka to try delicious Chinese cuisine in a lush environment therein. Therefore, it is considered to be the heart of all Chinese restaurants located in Melaka because of its spacious seating arrangements built on the ground and first floor with a vast variety of Chinese home-made like eatables. The service here is very quick and served hot just after a few minutes of placing the order. Its favorite Chinese dish that is available in their menu as Braised Pork Ribs delivered with soft steamed bun.

Address: No. 43 Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/17, Taman Kota Laksamana Seksyen 2, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Phone: +60 6-281 2684
Read More about Bei Zhan Chinese Restaurant

5. Golden Triangle Golden Circle Food Court

The Golden Triangle Golden Circle Food Court is also another most loved Chinese restaurant in Melaka, that can be easily traced just a few steps away from the Melaka town. People are allowed to be seated as per their choice of environment available in this particular restaurant. For instance, it depends upon the visitors to enjoy outdoor eating or an inside cozy atmosphere. The most favorable food items being delivered here are plenty; some of the liked and incessant servings are Fried rice as Kuey Teow Stall, Seafood Mee, Chui Kuey Satay, Asam pedas rice, etc.

The food is definitely one of the main tourist attractions in Melaka these are some of the best Chinese restaurants in Melaka that you should try upon your visit. To recommend a Chinese restaurant in Malacca or share your experience, please add comments below.