MALACCA MUSEUM

The Historical and Ethnography Museum is located at the Stadhuys at the junction of Jalan Kota and Jalan Gereja, Melaka. In front of the building, in an area known as Dutch Square, is the Victoria Water Fountain and the Tan Beng Seng Clock Tower built in the year 1886. The Historical and Ethnography Museum is on the second floor of the Stadhuys building.

The museum portrays the lifestyle of the different communities and sub-communities that make up the population of Melaka - the Malays, the Chinese, the Indians, the Portuguese, the Baba and Nyonya, the Chetti and Chitty communities.

Among the exhibits on display are items used in traditional wedding ceremonies, kitchen utensils, musical instruments and collections of ancient porcelain ware. There are also collections of ancient weapons, stamps and various currencies.

The first floor of the Historical and Ethnography Museum is devoted to the history of Melaka which in reality is the early history of Malaysia. It covers the period from the founding of Melaka to the establishment of independent Federation of Malaya. The exhibits provide a true reflection of early Melaka, its existence as a colony, the struggle for independence and the rapid development of post-independence Melaka.

Objective

The Historical section of the museum is devoted to the history of Melaka from its establishment in 1400 to 1957, the year it gained independence.

The Ethnography section of the museum portrays the lifestyle and culture of the various communities and sub-communities that make up the multi-racial society of Melaka.

HISTORY & LEGENDS

Malacca History & Legends

Parameswara, Hang Tuah, Puteri Gunung Ledang

Many believe Malacca to be the impetus towards the development of what would eventually become Malaysia. It was here that history was written and a long line of Sultans began, continuing even to the present day.

In 1396, a Sumatran prince by the name of Parameswara fled his country out of fear of the attacking Majapahit Empire. Landing in Temasek, he killed the local ruler and established himself over the island that is now known as Singapore. A few years later, he was driven out by a Thai-controlled army and once again, was left scouting for a new piece of land.

Eventually, he moved up the West Coast of Malaysia and founded Malacca. Legend says that he was resting under a tree when he saw a mouse deer kicking his hunting dogs into the river and they attacked it. Declaring the place to be auspicious, he decided to set up shop and named the place after the tree he was resting under Melaka.

Eventually, Parameswara converted to Islam in 1414 and adopted the title of Sultan. Malacca was also growing into an entrepot hub for traders from across Asia, notably India, Arabia and China. Many Chinese migrants settled here during this time, establishing the Peranakan culture for the future. Parameswara died in 1424 and was succeeded by his son.

Eventually, the Siamese attempted to conquer Malacca, but their efforts were repelled successfully. To protect their territory, Malacca established contact with the Chinese empire through the explorer Zheng He, culminating in the marriage of Sultan Mansur Shah and Hang Li Poh, either a Chinese princess or concubine that remains a hot topic for debate till today.

The Legend of Hang Tuah

During the time of Malacca's Sultans, many legends and stories were created and recorded in the 'Sejarah Melayu', or Annals of Malay History. Chief among the legends is the story of Hang Tuah, a Malay warrior with superior skill and loyalty to the Sultan.

It was said that one day, the Malaccan officials were jealous of Hang Tuah's favour with the Sultan. They cooked up a story that he had slept with the Sultan's favourite consort. Indignant, the Sultan ordered Hang Tuah to be put to death. However, a minister by the name of Tun Perak hid him away instead, believing in his innocence.

One of Hang Tuah's friends, Hang Kasturi, was grieved when he heard the news of his friend's 'demise'. Going amok, he killed officials right, left and centre. There were none who could compete with his fury and even the Sultan ran away from the palace in fear. Eventually, Tun Perak brought Hang Tuah back into the limelight and the Sultan pardoned him, ordering him to execute Hang Kasturi.

Hang Tuah obeyed and despite the pleas from Hang Kasturi, the two fought for a month until Kasturi lost. Hang Kasturi was then renamed as 'Hang Jebat', implying a 'rotten stench' while Hang Tuah received accolades all over.

Puteri Gunung Ledang

Another famous story which was recently filmed into a Malaysian movie revolves around 'Puteri Gunung Ledang' or Princess of Mount Ledang. The princess was a fairy whom the Sultan desired to marry. She laid down several conditions jars of mosquito hearts and tears of virgins. However, the last condition demanded a cup of his son's blood. That which the sultan could not fulfil (Some accounts say he actually considered it but was reprimanded by the Princess) was the last requirement and sadly, gave up his hope of marrying her.

Colonization

A century later, the Portuguese came, saw and conquered Malacca in 1511. This was a milestone for the Western colonists looking to extend their empire to the East Indies. Malacca continued to prosper under Portuguese rule until the Dutch came into the picture. With the help of the Sultan of Johor (descended from a Malaccan Sultan), the Dutch captured the port and ruled over it until 1795, where Malacca was ceded to the British under an exchange programme for Batavia (Jakarta) In Indonesia.

The British East India Company developed Malacca and spread their influence all over Malaysia, enforcing control over the trade industry and employing governors to rule each state. The Company was eventually replaced by direct administration from the Crown Colony. Finally, Malacca, along with the rest of Malaysia received her independence in 1957, paving the way for the future which is today.

Malacca Information

Travel and Local Information Guide

Many believe Malacca to be the impetus towards the development of what would eventually become Malaysia. It was here that history was written and a long line of Sultans began, continuing even to the present day.
In 1396, a Sumatran prince by the name of Parameswara fled his country out of fear of the attacking Majapahit Empire. Landing in Temasek, he killed the local ruler and established himself over the island that is now known as Singapore. A few years later, he was driven out by a Thai-controlled army and once again, was left scouting for a new piece of land.
Eventually, he moved up the West Coast of Malaysia and founded Malacca. Legend says that he was resting under a tree when he saw a mouse deer kicking his hunting dogs into the river and they attacked it. Declaring the place to be auspicious, he decided to set up shop and named the place after the tree he was resting under ¨C Melaka.
Eventually, Parameswara converted to Islam in 1414 and adopted the title of Sultan. Malacca was also growing into an entrepot hub for traders from across Asia, notably India, Arabia and China. Many Chinese migrants settled here during this time, establishing the Peranakan culture for the future. Parameswara died in 1424 and was succeeded by his son.
Eventually, the Siamese attempted to conquer Malacca, but their efforts were repelled successfully. To protect their territory, Malacca established contact with the Chinese empire through the explorer Zheng He, culminating in the marriage of Sultan Mansur Shah and Hang Li Poh, either a Chinese princess or concubine that remains a hot topic for debate till today.

HISTORY OF MALACCA

However, some historians had placed the founding at between 1376 and 1400.
That s Sumatran prince, named parameswara, was credited with the founding of the city and naming it Melaka in not disputed.
A popular account puts the Prince as out hunting one day and while resting under a tree, one of his dogs cornered a mouse-deer or 'pelandok'.
The mouse-deer in its defence attacked the dog and even forced it into the river-water. Parameswara was so taken up by the courage of the mouse-deer that he decided on the spot to found a city on the ground he was sitting on. Thus, Melaka or Malacca was born. Many claimed that the prince took this name from the 'Melaka' tree that was shading him.
As time went on, Melaka grew bigger and bigger and became more and more prosperous. Parameswara, incidentally, was the first Malay prince to become a Muslim and inevitably, Islam became the religion of Malays in the Peninsular (now West Malaysia).
The prince known as Iskandar Shah died in 1424. During his rule, Melaka progressed into a booming international trading post, luring over Javanese, Indian, Arab and Chinese sea-merchants.
Under Sultan Mansur Shah (1456 - 1477), Melaka's fame and wealth not long after caught the attention of the expansionist Europeans with the Portuguese becoming the first to arrive and eventually going on to conquer the land. They were led by Alfonso d'Albuquerque.
The Portuguese occupiers stayed on far 130 years and their King benefited immensely from this. After the Dutch captured Melaka from the Portuguese in 1641, theycontinued to use Batavia, now Jakarta, as their head quarters.
There were, however, scholars who contended that the Malays then would not have accepted an Arabic term because the Arab merchants at the time were not a prominent community.
More scholars and historians were agreed that Malacca (Melaka) derived its name from a tree, the 'pokok Melaka'. (See pic.) Their reasoning was that the local inhabitants at the time were fond of naming places after plants or trees. The Melaka tree was then also growing in abundance along the banks of Air Lereh.
Some of the places that bear the names of trees or plants to this day are Kampung Alai, Kampung Bertam, Pengkalan Kempas, Kampung Merlimau and Kampung Kundang.
Still, this last version is not necessarily the correct one as there is no positive proof that it is

MALACCA INTERESTING PLACE IN MALAYSIA

Air Keroh Recreational Forest - a splendid green jungle preserve about 15 kilometers from town and about 5 km from the Air Keroh Tol, one can view rich, untouched tropical forests in leisure. Here you can indulge in refreshing activities like trekking, camping and picnicking. Huts and cabins are available for rental - truly a heaven all nature lovers.

Alor Gajah Museum provide visitors some historical exhibits about the district of Alor Gajah. This district was the site where the Naning War was fought in 1834 in retaliation of tax imposition by the British. Alor Gajah Museum also exhibits Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural artifacts.

Auyin Hill Resort - Located at Durian Tunggal, the Auyin Hill Resort is the first and only resort constructed based on the philosophy of "Feng Shui" (geomancy). It is a fascinating garden based on Chinese mythologies and legends with spectacular gateways and pavilions. Every element has been placed relative to the principle of celestial and terrestrial positioning accuracy to enhance its charm, "chi" (power) and prosperity.

Butterfly Farm contains more than 150 exotic species of tropical butterflies including the rare Raja Brooke and Birdwing. It also boasts of its own laboratory which is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and second in the world. In addition to about 9,000 butterflies, it also houses miniature horses, snakes and an insect garden.

Crocodile Farm is located in Ayer Keroh, about 18 km from Malacca town. More than 100 crocodiles of various species are found here, including the Albino and humpbacked. It is landscaped to create a natural surrounding conducive for the reptiles. Exciting and suspense-filled performances by the keepers and their crocodiles are held every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday. The farm also has an area for rearing bees and an amusement park for children.

Gadek Hot Spring is located along the route to Tampin, about 25 km from Malacca town. The sulphur content in the water is believed to possess curative elements for a number of skin diseases. Handicraft shops and beautiful playgrounds make this spot a pleasant outing for your family.

Jasin Museum has exhibits that trace the facts and myths of the beginning and development of Jasin as one of Malacca's significant settlements. Among the permanent exhibits at the museum is an account of Sultan Mahmud Shah's infatuation for Puteri Gunung Ledang which should be awe inspiring to romance novelists and lovers alike.

Light & Sound Spectacular - South-East Asia's pioneer light and sound project is situated at Bandar Hilir's Padang Pahlawan in Malacca. Also known as 'Son et Lumiere', it employs modern multi-coloured lights of changing intensity synchronized with a sound track based on a dramatized story. Ancient scenes are recreated and historical events re-lived to highlight Malacca's rich historical heritage. The show hopes to foster a better understanding of cultural historical unity and a sense of national consciousness.

Malacca Zoo - rated the best zoo among the southern states for its wild and domestic animals in their natural surroundings and habitats. Over 200 species of mammals, 100 species of birds and 22 species of reptiles are exhibited at the zoo. Recreational facilities are provided for patrons. The zoo also functions as a center for wildlife research, conservation breeding and zoo education center. ..

Mini Asean is located near the Air Keroh Recreational Forest. This unique theme park features the prominent cultural elements of the countries of ASEAN, namely Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Mini Malaysia is a theme park that portrays the rich cultural heritage of the 13 states of Malaysia. Located just next to Mini Asean, one can admire the life-sized authentic Malaysian houses crafted by master builders. Each house is uniquely featured with the 13 state's cultural heritage.