History

Lying between the states of negeri sembilan and johor on the west coast of peninsular malaysia, the historical city of malacca was an important trading post in malaysia's early history and attracted asian, chinese and indian traders from the region.

Founded by a refugee prince named parameswara, malacca rose to become powerfull nerve centre of trade between east and west. Its trade of spice, gold, silk, tea, opium, tobacco and perfumes attracted the attention of colonial powers fron the west and malacca was later governed at various times by there colonial rulers the portuguese, the dutch and the english. Some parts of the city still retain an old-world charm in the legacy of buildings and architecture left by malacca's past rulers.

The local population reflect an engaging inter-cultural heritage of customs, cultural practices, festivals and variety of cuisine. Particular attractions include the portuguese settlement, the dutch stadhuys goverment buildings, porta the santiago and the baba-nyonya ancestral homes in the heart of the city.