DESTINATION 15: MALACCA

The Origin of the Name "Melaka"

            As far as could be ascertained there are no less than three versions as where the State of Malacca derived its name. The least probable of the three was from Gaspar Correa made in the 16th century.

            He contended that Malacca (Melaka) was derived from Mulagas which was a kind of salted fish exported from the state.

            A version mildly accepted was that the name came from Mulagah which is Arab for a meeting. The acceptance of this version was attributed to Malacca being a meeting place in the 15th and 16th centuries for merchants from countries near and far..

            There were, however, scholars who contended that the Malays then would not have accepted an Arabic term because the Arab merchants at the time were not a prominent community.

            More scholars and historians were agreed that Malacca (Melaka) derived its name from a tree, the 'pokok Melaka'. (See pic.) Their reasoning was that the local inhabitants at the time were fond of naming places after plants or trees. The Melaka tree was then also growing in abundance along the banks of Air Lereh.

            Some of the places that bear the names of trees or plants to this day are Kampung Alai, Kampung Bertam, Pengkalan Kempas, Kampung Merlimau and Kampung Kundang.

Still, this last version is not necessarily the correct one as there is no positive proof that it is.

Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex

Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex is one of the facilities that are provided by Melaka State Government in order to study and to explore the growth and the mystery of the universe.

There are three main buildings in the Complex, which are the observatory, the Planetarium and the Training Centre. Due to the expansion of Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex, Malaysians have the opportunity to study and appreciate astronomy better.

Melaka River Cruise

The river was the main artery of trade for Melaka in its heyday when it was bustling with traders from all around the world.
Some buildings from that era still stand majestically by the river, which is also lined by old villages, or kampungs, and modern day buildings.
The 45-minute cruise is accompanied by an entertaining and informative commentary. And, for just RM8*, it's a good bargain.

See parts of historical Melaka, get a history lesson for next to nothing, and never break a sweat!

*prices subject to change

Menara Taming Sari

Witness a host of interesting and historical sights of Melaka from a height of 80 metres of Menara Taming Sari. Rest assured with the beauty of the vast scenic Melaka straits and the fast development of Melaka, your visit will be an unforgettable and memorable one.
Menara Taming Sari which located at Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir, Melaka was opened on 18 April 2008. The 110 metre viewing tower was designed based on the legendary Taming Sari Keris.
It will be the 1st tower in the country to have a fully revolving structure. The air-conditioned viewing cabin will be able to accommodate 66 people at one time.