There are some places in Malaysia were named because of the many trees (Pokok) around the area for example Pokok Ipoh for the city of Ipoh in Perak, Pokok Pinang for the state Pulau Pinang or even Pokok Kulim for the city Kulim in Kedah.

However, the famous state with the history of how the place was being named would be Pokok Melaka for the state of Melaka. It was being named by the last king of Singapore named Parameswara, who fled away after the island was invaded by the kingdom of Majapahit in 1398. While resting beside a river, he saw a deer kicking a dog until the dog fell into the river which inspires him to name the place based on the tree that he was resting at the time which is Pokok Melaka. Not just that, there were also some stories stating that the name Melaka is also referred as the trading city or even the word “Malayaka” which means the state of Malays from the Sanskrit Language.

A very charming state with its unique slogan “Unesco World Heritage City of Melaka”, one could unintentionally fall in love with the city not only because of its historical architectures and buildings, Melaka serves an excellent cuisine, colorful night bazaar, easy access walking pathway and even a river that flows through its center.

The most famous sight in Melaka would be the Red Square also known as the Dutch Square. It is a building sorrounded by striking red painted buildings reflecting the Dutch and British colonization. Not so far from here, you would be able to see the honorable A Famosa tracking the fortress during the Portugese period here in Melaka. It would be impossible for you not to take photo’s here because of the vibrant colors. Often photos taken during the day would produce an eye-catcher.

Probably it would be best to take a trip cruising Melaka with its river cruise before starting the tour, a great way to see the sights of Melaka. Definitely would be much to see here in Melaka. Glance through the UNESCO heritage sites such as the Church of St Francis Xavier, The Dutch Square, Queen Victoria FOuntain, Pirate Park, Wall Murals and even the Floating Mosque in Melaka.

Despite starting as a Malay sultanate (Parameswara), it was subsequently ruled by many different parts of the world including the Chinese Ming Dynasty, Hang Li Poh, who was presented as a bride to the Sultan of Melaka. The intermarriage between chinese with the local Malays were known as Peranakans or Straits Born Chinese. Don’t forget to pay a visit at the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn more about the culture of Peranakans.

A night market held every Friday and Saturday night would be the best closure of your sight visit here. You will be able to locate polite and friendly hawkers selling tasty treats, trendy artworks and even souvenirs to bring back home. Stroll along the street and see some amazing live music performances in the nearby bars, cafes or even street buskers.

Other places to visit may include Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, Kampung Kling Mosque, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Cheng Ho’s Cultural Museum, Bukit China and so on.

Just a quick one, famous cuisine in Melaka would be Asam Pedas eaten with hot rice. Be careful though, it might be too hot for you!

So, when would be the best time to visit the heritage State of Melaka? You would be able to visit Melaka all year round but our suggestion would say that a good time would probably be October, April and May as it would be very dry and humid during these months. Try to avoid June and November as they are the wettest months during the year.

In addition, don’t forget to also check-out our other destination guide such as Perak, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan 🙂 Book now with Azuki Tours!