The best museums 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.

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.

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.