Malacca Places of Interest

   Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest

The 359ha Ayer Keroh Recreational Forest was opened on April 17, 1984 and offers visitors peace and tranquility within its cool green surroundings.

Recreational facilities include the Prehistoric Garden, the Storyland, children's playgrounds, the Orang Asli (Aborigines) Park, Deer Park, suspension bridge, observation towers, picnic spots and refreshment kiosks.

Joggers will love this place with its three jogging tracks and a par course; for trekkers, there are many well-marked trails throughout the forest.
Many of the trees are labelled to facilitate identification; birds and insects can be spotted from the many observation towers and tree houses scattered throughout the forest.

There is also a 10ha camping ground with basic facilities like water and electricity, barbecue pits, special areas for campfires and scout jamborees, and a par course. Campers are charged RM10 per day for a group of 10; for groups of less than 10, the fee is only RM5 per day.

If you're looking for a more comfortable accommodation, there are cabins equipped with kitchenette at RM30 per night. There are also huts at only RM5 per night, but you have to bring your own gear.


   Ayer Keroh Crocodile Farm   

Ayer Keroh Crocodile Farm has more than 200 species of crocodile, which are reared in a natural environment. Some of the species include albinos and hunchbacks.

Every Saturday there are exciting performances by the trained keepers and their crocodiles. There is also a section of the farm set aside for honeybee rearing. Although the bees do not harm people, do be careful when passing through the area. The crocodile farm is the largest in the country and is a not-to-be missed destination!

Since its launch in 1987, the 3.2ha park has seen many visitors and tourists walk through its doors admiring these creatures. There are the Humpback, African Dwarf, Siamese, Tailless, and more. Other reptiles are also on show here.

Other attractions available at the farm also include a ghost house and fairground rides.


   Cultural Museum/Melaka Sultanate Palace

Muzium Kebudayaan (Cultural Museum) was inaugurated in March 1954 by the then Resident Commissioner of Melaka, G.E.C. Wisdom, C.M.G., in a Dutch house built around 1660. The museum was later moved to the Stadhuys in 1982 before it was finally moved into its own complex in the late 1980's.

The RM2.5 million museum was officially opened to the public on July 17, 1986 by Malaysia's Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Currently, the museum houses about 1,350 items in the form of artefacts, prints, photographs and drawings which represent the history and cultural heritage of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka and the various communities, which came to settle in Melaka during that period.

The three-storey building is divided into eight chambers and three galleries including chambers of the Royal band, weaponry, decorative arts, emissaries and gifts, a recreation hall, an audience hall and an Islamic hall.

The galleries depict the famous clash between the legendary warriors Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, traditional costumes and the royal bedchamber. Exhibits include prints and photographs of the Melaka Sultanate, a model of the Sultan Mansur Shah Palace, Malay weapons, Malay traditional wedding dress, jewelleries and brassware.

Opening Hours

Daily: 9am - 6pm
Closed on Monday

Admission

Adults: RM2
Children/Students: RM0.50


   Hang Li Poh's Well

The well, the oldest in Melaka, was built in 1459 by the followers of Hang Li Po, the Chinese princess who married the Sultan of Melaka. In the olden days, the well never dried up and was the only source of water during the great droughts.

In 1511, the Javanese filled the well with poison, and many who drank from it died of the plague. Melaka had just fallen into the hands of Sultan Alauddin Shah of Johor, who teamed up with the sultans of Perak and Pahang, and the Queen of Java. According to the Portuguese historian, Diogo de Couto, many Portuguese soldiers died from drinking the water from the well.

In 1677, the Dutch enclosed it with solid brickwalls in a bid to maintain their rights to it. Later, it was turned into a wishing well, which it has remained until today. It is said that whoever throws coins into the well will return to Melaka time and again.


   Enduring Beauty Museum

The Museum of Enduring Beauty is located at Level 3 of the People's Museum. It was opened in 1996.

The objective of the museum is to create awareness of the different viewpoints held by different cultures and different periods of time on what constitutes 'beauty'. It is also to display exhibits to show how different cultures worldwide interpret 'beauty'.

The exhibition ranges from very early periods in human history to the modern era. The pictures and other exhibits reveal the differing concepts of 'beauty' as practised by different cultures. Some of the exhibits reveal the pain and agony some people would have to endure to achieve the concept of beauty as visualised by their community and culture.

Among the different concepts of beauty exhibited are skin tattooing, stretching lips
by the insertion of round discs, moulding heads into oval shapes and restricting the growth of feet.


   A'Famosa Water World

Enter a world of fun and thrills! The A' Famosa Water World is rated as the largest theme park in Malaysia. Especially designed for ramily recreation, the 20-acre Water World is fully equipped with international standard faciltities.

There is something for everyone regardless of age. Thrill seekers can check out the high-speed water slides and water scooters. The Wave Pool gives a feeling of a beach away from the beach. You can also enjoy the longest Lazy River in the world, the highly exciting High Speed Slides and the Arabian Village.

The 'Arabian Village' is a brightly coloured playground inspired by Moorish architecture with its onion-shaped domes and minarets. Enjoy hours of fun as you climb up the steps, go through water tunnels or slide down water tubes and slides into the pool below.

For the patrons' ease of mind, The Water World management emphasize on safety measures that meet international safety standards for your peace of mind.

Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 11am - 7pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 9am - 8pm
Closed on Tuesday except Public & School Holidays

Park Admission

Adult: RM18
Children: RM13

   The Proclamation Of Independence Memorial

The memorial was set up in 1985. It is housed in the former Melaka Club, a British colonial building built in 1912.

Built in 1710, the church is currently the oldest functioning Catholic Church in the country. There is also a bell tower which dates all the way back to 1608 and was made in Goa, India. The church itself was built through the donations of a Dutchman who presented it to the Portuguese builders. Every year, the church becomes alive with activity during Catholic celebrations.