Luxury Hotels in Melaka City Center, Melaka City

Melaka is the capital city of the state that shares its name Melaka. For the local Malaysians, its significance is impossible to understate, given how intertwined the city’s history has been to that of the nation as a whole. The city was once the capital of the Malacca Sultanate, founded by a Sumatran prince named Parameswara. Given its strategic location in the namesake straits, the city soon grew from a fishing village to a key trading point for goods from across the globe. Such riches would not go unnoticed for long however as the city soon fell to a sequence of colonial powers including the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and the Japanese. Centuries of struggle would see an amalgamation of influences visible to this day in the cultures and architecture, enough to cement the historical city’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 2008.

How to Get There

Malacca City can be reached through the North-South Expressway and the coastal Syed Abdullah Aziz Road. Within the city itself, common transport vehicles such as buses and taxis operate with their hub being at Melaka Sentral. Alternatively, travellers are also welcomed to try the signature decorated trishaws around the Stadhuis Red Square for a unique ride across the city. By air, Malacca International Airport caters to planes under Malindo Air and XpressAir, both connecting it to Pekan Baru in Indonesia and Georgetown of Penang in particular for the former. Finally, through water transports, Malacca can be travelled through the Malacca River Cruise along Malacca River.

Tourist Attractions

A’Famosa

Looking up for pictures of A’Famosa and one can be forgiven to dismiss the structure as unworthy of its popularity. Indeed, it is one that requires understanding to be appreciated and given that the city’s mark was built upon its history, it nevertheless demands attention when placed into a discussion. The fortifications were built by Alfonso de Albuquerque, the first conqueror of Malacca from the Sultanate to consolidate his position by the work of approximately 1500 slaves. From Portuguese to Dutch and later to British hands, only the intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore prevented Porta de Santiago gate as it is called today from total demolition, of which it can still be found today at the foothill of St. Paul’s Church, as one of the last examples of European architecture in Asia. Once there, be sure to visit the reconstructed Malacca Sultanate Palace to further understand Malaccan Malay Sultanate’s history and cultural heritage.

Dutch Square

If a picturesque scene is what you’re looking for in Malacca, then Dutch Square along Jalan Kota promises to be one equal to the demand. With the buildings here coated in bright terracotta red surrounding a marble central fountain, and further surrounded with colourful trishaws, it is a sight that will stick in the memory for quite a while. To the south of the square is the Stadthuys, which once served as the official residence of Dutch governors. Built in the 1660 and now converted into a museum, it is said to be the oldest surviving example of Dutch architecture in the east. To the right of it stands Christ Church, which was erected in 1753 to replace the Portuguese church of old. This and other attractions within the vicinity means it’s on not to be missed!

Hotels

The Pines Melaka

For travellers looking for quality accommodation at good prices, The Pines is a great option to consider for lodging within Melaka. Strategically located in the heart of the city, guests are welcomed to choose from a selection of rooms ranging from Superior, Deluxe, to Executive Suites, all with reliable Wi-Fi connection and an optional breakfast selection. In addition, having a 24-hour manned front desk ensures that assistance is never far away. Plus, the premises also offer services of convenience such as a free parking lot, a restaurant catering to the variety of taste buds and a swimming pool for individuals and whole families alike.

Hatten Hotel Melaka

As one can relate, vacations are often not limited to the search of landmarks alone, for it can also include several shopping ventures. With locations such as Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall and Mahkota Parade nearby, guests are therefore welcomed to stay from a selection of rooms ranging from Junior to Deluxe classes, all with reliable free Wi-Fi and with the optional breakfast selection. To add, the premises also offer services of convenience such as an in-house parking lot, a restaurant and a swimming pool catering to individuals and whole families alike.