Malacca is the capital of the state of Malacca and is located on the northern bank of the Strait of Malacca, crossing the sea from Indonesia's Sumatra. The oldest city in Malaysia, the city was built in 1403 and was the capital of the Malacca Kingdom. This ancient trade city has a history of nearly 700 years, and was often looked upon with favor by foreign powers due to its favorable nautical position, abundant spices, and other resources. In the past, the city was colonized by Portugal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Because of its unique historical background, many multinational style buildings can be found in Malacca today, and there are also a variety of unique goods. However, hundreds of years of trade exchanges and a multinational colonial history have merged into Malacca’s colorful cultural landscape which is mostly made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Portuguese descendants. The city also melds Arabic and Peranakan cultures, creating a blend of ethnic groups and beliefs. The tropical climate and marine geographical environment have also made Malacca home to many beautiful, lush gardens.
On July 7, 2008, UNESCO designated Malacca’s city center, which is quite walkable, a World Cultural Heritage site. After passing through the areas that remind you of countries such as the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK, the Malay Sultanate, and crossing the Malacca River, you will arrive in Chinatown, on the famous Jonker Street. The Jonker Street is similar to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, but its cultural atmosphere is more concentrated. There are hundred-year-old houses on both sides of the street, as well as various shops, halls, and restaurants. This lively area is home to a well-known night market that is always quite busy. Malacca is famous for its food, including Peranakan cuisine.
Even today, many ancient and traditional rituals that were inherited during the Portuguese occupation are still practiced today, such as "Intrudu" (a water festival marking the start of Lent), "branyu" (traditional dance) and "Santa Cruz" (a street celebration festival held once a year).
Malaysia has summer-like temperatures all year round and there are two seasons – rainy and dry. It is suitable for tourism all year round. The hottest months are April, May, and October, and the rainy season lasts from November to the March of the following year. During this time, it rains almost every day, so it’s a good idea to carry an umbrella. There are a variety of hotels in Malacca, including large-scale international hotels, as well as medium-sized and economical hotels and hostels.