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Offered languages
- English
- English
Explore the cradle of modern Malaysia on a self-guided walking tour around Melaka, hearing tales of sultans, spices and empires at a crossroad. This audio guide takes you on the history of the area, from the Portuguese colonial days in the 1400s, driven by gold, glory and God, through the Dutch business empire, all the way to today’s Melaka, a city with UNESCO world heritage status. Hear about the Malay sultans and Portuguese viceroys that shaped its history. Take in the fragrant aromas that linger from the spice trade, and learn why Melaka was such an important piece on the global trading chessboard. You'll see some of the key landmarks that remain from the various occupations, including Porta de Santiago, St Paul’s Church, and the Stadhuys. You'll also learn how the Dutch and Portuguese influenced the Malay language and what it was like growing up in Melaka in the 1990s. Dive into this spicy melting pot of a city and get a taste of its diverse history on this 45-minute tour.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins in front of the street facing Starbucks next to the main entrance of Dataran Pahlawan Mall. Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket for this self-guided audio tour.
This tour ends outside St. Francis Xavier Catholic church.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
You'll discover the weathered stone gateway that stands as the sole remnant of a once-mighty Portuguese fortress. Marvel at this 500-year-old survivor that witnessed the rise and fall of three colonial empires.
Admission ticket free -
Church of Saint Paul, Malacca (Pass by)
You'll climb the hill to explore the roofless ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese church overlooking the city. Walk among the ancient tombstones and enjoy panoramic views where St. Francis Xavier once preached.
Admission ticket free -
Red Square (Dutch Square) (Pass by)
You'll step into a vibrant plaza surrounded by striking red colonial buildings and the iconic clock tower. Stroll through this Instagram-perfect square where Dutch architecture creates a living museum of Melaka's heritage.
Admission ticket free -
Stadthuys (Pass by)
You'll admire the salmon-pink facade of the oldest Dutch building in Southeast Asia, now housing the History and Ethnography Museum. Explore the halls where Dutch governors once ruled and discover artifacts spanning centuries of Melakan history.
Admission ticket free -
Christ Church (Pass by)
You'll pass the distinctive red Anglican church with its unique ceiling crafted from a single tree trunk. Marvel at the handmade pews and 200-year-old gravestones that tell stories of colonial life.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll encounter a magnificent wooden replica of the 15th-century sultan's palace built without a single nail. Walk through the seven-tiered structure and experience the golden age of the Melaka Sultanate through interactive exhibits.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll visit the historic building where Malaysia's independence was declared, featuring colonial architecture and national artifacts. Explore the galleries that chronicle the nation's journey from colonial rule to freedom.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll wander through weathered tombstones marking the final resting place of Dutch colonial officials and their families. Pass quietly among the centuries-old graves that whisper tales of lives lived far from home.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll find the neo-Gothic Catholic church dedicated to the patron saint of Melaka's missions. Step inside to admire the stained glass windows and feel the spiritual heritage of early Christian missions in Southeast Asia.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll trace the remains of the Dutch defensive walls that once protected the colonial settlement. Walk along these historic fortifications and enjoy views of the Melaka Strait where merchant ships once anchored.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll stroll along the historic waterway that made Melaka a crucial trading port for centuries. Enjoy the riverside path where colorful murals and old warehouses tell the story of spice traders and merchant ships.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
You'll stand before the iconic arched gateway, the last surviving structure of the Portuguese fortress A Famosa. Marvel at this symbol of Melaka's resilience that has endured through five centuries of colonial change.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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