"AnnA_NyE"

Hang Li Poh was a Chinese princess who married the reigning Sultan Mansur Shah in mid-15th century. Diplomatic ties between China and Malacca then were reaching a high point. Upon arrival, the followers of the Chinese princess built a well in 1459 as the main source of water for much of the town. It is said that the well never dried up, not even during times of extreme drought. The Dutch enclosed the well within stout walls in 1677 to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. It has long since been converted into a wishing well.

Malacca - Historical City

It is traditionally believed that the history of Malaysia began with the founding of Malacca in 1400 by Parameswara, a Sumatran prince. Thereafter, the state flourished under the Malacca Sultanate and eventually became the region's largest emporium attracting traders from as far as China, India, Arabia and Europe. Malacca came under successive colonial eras when it was conquered by the Portuguese in 1511, followed by Dutch rule in 1641 before the British took over in 1824. All these foreign influences have over the years transformed the state into a cultural melting pot. The Portuguese and Peranakan communities have until today remained a distinctive featUre of society in Malacca. In the light of its rich historical past, Malacca has been officially declared the 'Historical City of Malaysia'. Famous historical sites in the state include the A Famosa, Stadthuys, St. Paul's Church, St. John's Fort and the Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat mausoleums. The Cultural Museum, an elaborate reconstruction of the ancient palace of the Malacca Sultanate, provides fascinating insights into Melaka's glorious past. The nightly Light and Sound Show at "Padang Pahlawan" (Warriors' Field) re-enacts in dramatic fashion, the state's historical past.

Antique lovers will find Jonker Street with its myriad of shops to be an intriguing place to hunt and bargain for treasures of the past. Beyond the appeal of its historical past, Malacca offers a wide range of sights and leisure activities for a truly worthwhile holiday. Pulau Besar and Pulau Upeh are two popular island retreats easily accessible from Malacca. While in Malacca, enjoy an exciting experience of the city on a tnshaw or take a bullock cart ride for the fun of it. Sample the mouth-watering culinary mix of nyonya and Portuguese dishes and other local delicacies. Ayer Keroh, just outside the city of Malacca, is situated in a vast forest reserve, and is a major tourist recreational spot.Attractions here nelude the Malacca Zoo, Mini Malaysia, Mini ASEAN, a golf resort, hotels, a butterfly farm and a crocodile farm.

Malacca (Malay: Melaka, dubbed as The Historical State or Negeri Bersejarah amongst locals) is the third smallest Malaysian state, after Perlis and Penang. It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca. It bordersNegeri Sembilan to the north and the state of Johor to the south. The state's capital is Malacca Town. This historical city centre has been listed as a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO since 7th July 2008.

Although Malacca was once one of the oldest Malay sultanates, the state has no Sultan today. Instead, the head of state is theYang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor.

The state of Malacca covers an area of 1,650-sq. km. or 0.5 percent of the whole area of Malaysia. The state is divided into 3 districts, that is Central Melaka (Melaka Tengah) (314 km²), Alor Gajah (660 km²), and Jasin (676 km²). Malacca is located on the southwestern coast of Malay Peninsula opposite Sumatra, with the state of Negeri Sembilan to the north and Johor to the east. Malacca is also situated roughly two-thirds of the way down the West coast, 148 km south of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia and 245 km north of Singapore and commanding a central position on the Straits of Malacca. The state capital Malacca Town is strategically located between the two national capitals (of Malaysia and Singapore respectively) and is linked with excellent roads and highways. Malacca is yet to have its own train station, though the terminal at Tampin, Negeri Sembilan is easily accessible. It has a domestic airport terminal located in Batu Berendam.

The offshore Pulau Besar, Pulau Upeh and Tanjung Tuan are also parts of Malacca.

Malacca has a population of 759,000 as of 2007, being composed of:

• Malays: 57%;
• Chinese: 32%, including the Peranakan community;
• Indians, including the Chitty people: a sizeable minority;
• Kristang, people with partial Portuguese ancestry: a small community.

The major towns of Malacca are Malacca Town, Alor Gajah, Masjid Tanah, Jasin, Merlimau, Batu Berendam and Ayer Keroh.