Things to see and do Malacca (Melaka)

This magnificent long house is typical of the homes of wealthy Peranakan families in the late ^19th century. Built in 1896, four generations lived here until 1985, when the house was converted into a museum. The architecture and decoration bear witness to Malacca's diverse influences. From grand furnishings to small everyday objects, it's a plunge into the intimacy of another era. The museum provides explanatory booklets in French.

Built around 1646, this Buddhist temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Also known as the "Temple of the Green Cloud", it is a place where Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are equally practiced. Built according to the principles of feng shui, its architecture is strongly inspired by that of southern China. You'll discover fine porcelain sculptures of golden dragons and phoenixes, murals depicting the history of ancient China and engravings of mythological creatures.

Small flat-bottomed barges sail up and down the Malacca River from two piers: Taman Rempah and Muara, next to the Maritime Museum. They cover a 9 km round trip, take around 40 minutes and are accompanied by very informative commentaries. You can book online to avoid the queues. This is a pleasant and relaxing way to learn about the city, its architecture and history, and especially to appreciate the murals that decorate the buildings along the river.

Built in 1781 on land donated by the Dutch, this temple is one of the first Hindu temples built in Malaysia. It is dedicated to the divinity Vinayagar, better known as Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. There is also an altar dedicated to Muruga, Ganesh's younger brother, much revered by the Tamil Nadu Indians. Note the Dutch influence in the architecture, including the entrance, walls and roof, which make this Hindu temple a unique example.

Standing on stilts, the magnificent Strait of Malacca Mosque is one of the few mosques in the world to have been built directly on water. It was inaugurated on November 24, 2006 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the supreme ruler of Malaysia. At the time, he was Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, King of Perlis. The mosque's highly original design blends Middle Eastern and Malay architectural elements, modern and ancient. At high tide, it seems to float on the water, offering a superb spectacle.

With its red bricks, large white cross at the top and multitude of multicolored trishaws waiting for the tourist right in front, you can't miss this pretty Dutch-inspired church. The foundation stone was laid in 1741 to commemorate the centenary of the capture of Malacca by the Dutch and to replace the aging St. Paul's Church. Construction took 12 years and the church was consecrated in 1753, making it the first Reformed church in the city. In 1838, the church was rededicated according to the rites of the Anglican Church and renamed Christ Church. It is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia, and Sunday services are still held here in three languages. Mass in English takes place at 8.30am, in Mandarin at 10.30am and a final mass in Malay at 4.30pm. Visits to the church are forbidden during services.

Access to the church is via the side and adjoining store. The bare interior can seem a little austere. The central aisle is lined with ancient tombstones, recounting a part of Malacca's history. Some tombs bear inscriptions in Armenian, Portuguese, English and Dutch. Modern stained glass adorns the windows. Note the lovely solid-wood benches with wicker seats.

The church bell predates construction and must have been salvaged from another building, as no one knows where it came from. But it is dated 1698. The treasure cannot be visited.

Don't be put off by the steep steps to the top of Bukit St Paul. The view of the city from the peak is superb. The church was originally a chapel built in 1521 by a Portuguese captain. It was enlarged in 1556 and named Church of the Mother of God(Igreja de Madre de Deus). St. Francis Xavier was a regular visitor, and is said to have performed several miracles here. All that remains today are the walls, pierced by windows, and the tombstones that paved the nave are now leaning against the walls.

In front of Butterfly Park, this ensemble is the only one of its kind in Malaysia. It may leave Western visitors indifferent: Its originality is to be constructed strictly following the principles of feng shui (fire and water, the art of Chinese géomancie). Each element has a precise place to be the most perfect in order to optimize the approval, the Qi (power) and the prosperity of the Resort occupants.

A pleasant place to take the air, with hiking trails or mountain biking trails. You can even camp it: contact Campground & (06) 232 8401 - Fax (06) 529 41 76.

200 species of butterflies, with rare species such as Raja de Borneo.

Opened in 1986, the palace-museum is a beautiful replica of the palace of Sultan Mansur Shah (circa 1459-1477), built without a single nail. It's also a fascinating visit for anyone interested in Malacca's history. The museum is divided into three galleries and eight rooms, featuring traditional costumes, a royal bedroom, traditional weapons, jewelry, musical instruments and old photos.

Bangunan is an alternative cultural venue housed in a recently renovated riverside building. The space is punctuated by a variety of events: DJ sets, concerts, exhibitions, workshops, meals, etc. The first floor is home to a bar-café and a hall where skateboard enthusiasts meet to practice. Upstairs, you'll find second-hand goods, books and vinyl. The DIY and arty atmosphere will appeal to those who want to meet the under-represented creative youth of Malaysia. You can find their program mainly on Instagram. Refreshing!

This important museum recounts the extraordinary saga of the Grand Admiral of the Chinese fleet, Cheng Ho (or Zheng He). In 1381, aged just 10, he was captured by the Chinese army following the execution of his father, who had served the Mongols. He then became a eunuch in the imperial court and, in 1405, was promoted to admiral of the western seas. Between 1405 and 1433, he undertook seven expeditions on an unprecedented scale, reaching Borneo, Thailand, Ceylon, the Indian coast, the Arabian Peninsula and even the African coast. Five of his voyages took him to Malacca, where he built a huge warehouse to store the wonders he had gleaned from his travels. As confidant to the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, his influence on Sino-Malaysian relations was considerable. But in Malacca, he is most revered for his intercession in securing the marriage of Princess Hang Li Po (daughter of the Chinese emperor) to the Sultan of Malacca in the ^mid-15th century. Unknowingly, Cheng Ho initiated the Peranakan or Baba Nyonya culture. Following these royal nuptials, members of the princess's entourage entered into further marriages. The museum was inaugurated in 2006, on the supposed site of the Cheng Ho warehouse. Statues of Chinese warriors greet you at the entrance. Inside, you'll see a number of Chinese antiques, maps showing the Admiral's travels, models of Chinese junks, and playlets depicting scenes from traditional life of the time.

The Stadthuys was the residence of the Dutch and then British Governors General of Malacca. Built between 1641 and 1660 on the ruins of the Portuguese fort, the establishment saw the city's various governments come and go for 300 years. Converted into a museum in 1982, it is the oldest Dutch building east of Suez. Today, it houses the Museum of Ethnography and History and traces life in Malacca from the Sultanate to the British occupation. Weapons, paintings, porcelain, jewelry and costumes bear witness to these eras.

The Museum of Islam is housed in an old colonial building dating from the 1850s, which once faced the sea. It may prove interesting for those wishing to familiarize themselves with the main tenets of the religion. Around a hundred objects are displayed in dusty showcases. These include ancient Korans, a representation of the punishments for theft and adultery, and portraits of the imams and great thinkers of Islam in the Malacca region. It's also (or is it?) an opportunity to visit a beautiful colonial mansion.

It's impossible to pass by this museum without noticing it! The wooden caravel is said to be a replica of the Flor de Mar, a Portuguese ship that ran aground off Malacca after leaving port with its holds full of illegally extracted booty. The ship receives around 20,000 visitors a month, including many school groups. Forget about a quiet visit. The ship's belly hides scenes of life in the port of Malacca at the time of its rise, and provides an insight into why control of the city was so important.

Built in 1748, this mosque is striking for its unique architectural blend of different influences. The minaret is inspired by Hindu temples, the ceramic tiles are British and Portuguese, Corinthian columns and arches cohabit with Malay, Chinese and Hindu decorative elements. The street on which it stands is also known as Harmony Street, due to the presence of a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple.

Dating back to 1728, this mosque, the oldest in Malacca, is still in use. It was built on the initiative of a Malay representative to the Dutch government, taking advantage of a new policy in favor of religious pluralism introduced by the colonists. Largely inspired by the Javanese architectural style, it also features Chinese ornaments and decorative elements such as floor tiles and a ceramic roof.