Melaka is a city with a glorious past hidden behind each facade of the centuries-old buildings. Every step you take down the narrow winding roads, there will be a piece of historical treasure waiting to be discovered or an enchanting story waiting to be told. Albeit being the second smallest state in Malaysia, it is undoubtedly the wealthiest when it comes to history, culture and cuisine. Melaka's 'live', or rather, preservation of historical artifacts and architecture make it so much more easier and interesting for one to learn and absorb. Let's take a literal stroll down memory lane because here is where it all began...
NAMING AN EMPIRE AFTER A TREE
melaka was founded in 1396 by an exiled Sumatran prince named Parameswara. It was one a port-of-call for ships from the Middle East, China, India, Arab and South America. According to the legend, Parameswara was out hunting one day and while resting under a tree, one of his dogs cornered a mouse-deer and in defence, the mouse-deer kicked the dog smartly on its nose. Parameswara was so impressed by the mouse-deer's courage and also believing what he saw as a good omen, he decided to build his empire on that sacred land and named it after the tree he was sitting under, which was the Melaka tree. Incidently, he was the first Malay prince to become a Muslim and inevitably, Islam became the official religion.
THE COSMOPOLITAN EMPIRE
By the end of the 15th century, Melaka had become a great trading empire as well as a rendezvous for every seafaring nation - Arabs, Indians, South Americans, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English.
Here, gold, silk, tea, opium, tobacco, spices, perfumes and countless other items and natural resources were traded or exchanged. The Portuguese were the first to rule in 1511, followed by the Dutch in 1641 and British in 1824. Each rule left its mark behind to be forged and blended into a new and unique mix. The day came in August 31st 1957, when Melaka, together with the other states of Malaysia, archieved independence. The historical melting pot of cultures and races has very much influenced the architectural designs of homes and buildings in Melaka city today.
As history evolved, Melaka became the city that boasts a wonderful melange of cultures - Malays, Chinese, Indians, the Chittys, the Babas and Nyonyas and the Portuguese. And here, in Old Melaka is where it all happened.
The state of Melaka is located in Peninsular Malaysia, facing the Straits of Melaka. With an area of only 1,658 sq. km, it is divided into three districts, namely, Alor Gajah, Central and Jasin. As for the climate of Melaka, it is generally warm and sunny in the days and cool in the nights with occasional rain in the evenings. The temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C, with humidity that usually exceeds 82.3%. The annual rainfall is approximately 3,218 mm.
Melaka is currently on the course of rapid economic growth and development. The State Government has set a vision to turn the state into a ‘fully industrialised state’ by the year 2010. The economic growth will mostly be centred on the manufacturing sector with private investment growing at an average rate of about 10% per annum.
Take a journey into the heart of Melaka and discover 600 years of glorious and colourful past. It is definitely a state that is not to be missed when you’re in Malaysia. That’s why we say,
‘Visit Historic Melaka Means Visit Malaysia’.
HOW TO SPICE UP YOUR
NEXT CONVENTION & SEMINAR
Melaka offers various facilities for conferences, conventions, seminars, symposiums and exhibitions. Many of these facilities are provided within several new international class chain hotels and resorts. The combination of luxurious hotels, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) facilities, great recreational amenities and Melakan hospitality, history and culture makes Melaka an ideal MICE destination as well as a wholesome experience. With the increasing traffic and never-ending stream of local and foreign visitors that throng the streets of Melaka, the state has undertaken measures to meet and anticipate the needs for increasing number of hotel rooms. Melaka has a good range of city and resort hotels, from deluxe hotels that are luxuriously appointed for the tourists or business visitors complete with shopping arcades, swimming pools, restaurants and discotheques, to moderately priced and no-frills type of accommodation.
REST AND RELAX
Melaka's wide range of hotels and accommodations makes excellent destinations for both indoor and outdoor MICE activities. Whether in city hotel, a secluded golf resort or on an island, the various infrastructure already in place allows for very successful indoor and outdoor conferences, conventions or training workshops. Five-star hotels complete with amenities to pamper are found in the city's vicinity, by the beaches, on nearby islands and in the heart of town/city.
COMFORT AND HOMEY
Several resorts also offer the chalet type of accommodation that is ultimately quaint and charming while apartment style or all-suite accommodation makes for an ideal convention venue. You will find resorts and old villas by the sea and on the islands, golf resorts, city hotels, boutique hotels and budget lodgings. For those who really want to get immersed in the vitality of a Melakan lifestyle, homestay arrangements may also be arranged.
TRANQUILLITY...
The wide range of accommodation available makes it extremly easy for the creative MICE planner to find accommodation and facilities that best suit both needs and budget. And if the classroom needs to be taken outdoors, Melaka's recreation facilities of golf courses, forests, plantations, water theme parks, natural parks, etc. make for a greatly unique learning experience in itself. For the adventurous MICE planner, cabins, huts, camping sites and facilities are available in selected areas in the depth of a forest or by a serene lake.
TAKE A BREAK
The streets of Melaka are an educational experience in itself, unfurling its story of past glory and history on every street and every wall facade. For a treasure hunt along the streets of Melaka or simply as the entertainment break after a day of being cooped indoors, Melaka town will surely excite and charm.
A TASTE OF MELAKA
Food is also a big part of this business sector and to this event, the hotels cater to all sorts of cuisines, both international and local. Whether the preference is Chinese, Western, Malay, Japanese, Nyonya or all of them, arrangements may be made to accommodate every whim.
HEAVENLY PLEASURES
Melaka is a gourmet paradise of a potpourri of cuisines made up from the rich and colourful diversity of Peranakan, Malay, Chinese, Indian and Portuguese-Eurasian cooking that delightfully portrays the multiracial origins of the Melakan people. Besides offering some perfectly delectable local and Western food, two unique local specialities not to be missed are the sampling of Portuguese and Nyonya cuisines.
MIX BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE
Melaka's gastronomical haven is provided through colourful restaurants, street stalls and coffee shops. Open-air dining is a favourite among visitors and locals alike. With a sumptuous smorgasbord of culinary delights, from push-cart meals on wheels to casual dining out at hawker centres, Melaka offers a gastronomical affair that never ends.
Make your convention or seminar a successful yet enjoyable one.
