MELAKA- UNESCO World Heritage City The Dutch Heritage Trail

Melaka is known for its historical and its cultural appeal. In the 16^th Century, Melaka enjoyed a reputation as the foremost maritime trading centre in the region. So coveted was Melaka by the European powers that it was ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British until the Federation of Malaya was formed on 31^st August, 1957.

The Dutch Heritage Trail is a walking tour within the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a protected area within the city’s conservation zone demarcated by Melaka River. The first part is the St Paul’s Hill Civic Zone and the second is the Historic Residence and Commercial Zone.

The best place to start the walking trail, is hopping on the boat ride from Taman Rempah Jetty down Melaka River mouth and disembarked at Padang Niru Jetty.

Then, we will start the walking tour from St Francis Xavier Church built in 1849, feature authentic French architectural design and walk along the bank of Melaka River. We will end up at Stadthuys, built by the Dutch for the official residence of Dutch governors and administration building of VOC. Also, the Christ Church, completed building in 1753 with its bright red structure.  Then ascends up St Paul Hill to visit St Paul’s Church where St Francis Xavier was temporary buried, before his body was transfer to Goa, India. 

As we descend, we passed by Melaka Sultanate Palace, a wooden replica of 15^th century Malay Sultanate palace, Porta de Santiago, part of the fortress of Fortaleza de Melaka, built by the Portuguese.

From Porta de Santiago, take a trishaw ride passing through old Dutch buildings build during Dutch period and also passby Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, one of the first Hindu temple in Malaysia, Kampong Kling Mosque, which has a three-tier roof instead of the conventional dome, and photo stop at the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia – Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.

The tour ends at a Peranakan Restaurant, famous in Melaka for its Nyonya cuisine well known for its lively flavours and aromas.