This highly revered Chinese temple is the oldest in Malaysia, its name translates as Temple of Bright Clouds. More than 300 years old, it was commissioned by Kapitan China Lee Wei King, a Chinese fugitive who made good. Numerous craftsmen and a large amount of materials were specially brought in from China to construct the temple. Visitors can expect an ornate monument of the Taoist faith built in the architectural style of the temples of southern China and adorned with intricate woodcarvings, panels and lacquer works. The main deity in the temple is Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
In 1808, the British decided to level it and folks in town were thrilled because at last all the poor people of Malacca could become rich from the money they earn demolishing the Fort. But spades, picks and crowbars were useless against a fortress which reportedly had walls fifteen feet thick, measured 60 feet at its top and had foundations as deep. They had to use gunpowder. Stamford Raffles saved what tourists pay to see today.
This was the ubiquitous club overlooking the trademark padang or open, grass field found in British colonial capitals everywhere like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The club premises were constructed in 1912 and named the Malacca Club, the recreational outlet of choice among hardworking Empire servants. It is now a museum of sorts showcasing pictures and artefacts of the Independence struggle.
"Before there were striking clocks, only the bell of the parish Church, cathedral or monastery supplemented the sun or the burning of a candle as a record of passing time, and it did so by announcing the hour of another act of worship," said historian J.M. Roberts. This 18th century Dutch architectural convention church was built with red bricks specially imported from Holland for its construction in 1753. Inside, don't miss the handsome handmade pews and huge overhead beams holding up the roof. When there were no more Dutch Lutherans, this church housed congregations of Anglicans. While admission is free, visitors are requested to make a small donation for the upkeep of the church.
A piece of artistry built circa 1650, with traces of Dutch masonry and carpentry. Find it in the walls, the doors and windows, the iron hinges and floral-engraved wooden ceiling. The Dutch might have kept offices and/or residences here, and the size of the building indicates that it was also a town hall. As a point of interest, the windmill outside was not imported and the exterior used to be white. Under the same roof, the Historic Museum and the Ethnography Museum showcase antique European and Chinese furniture, traditional bridal costumes, porcelain, jewelery and other artefacts.
This is what the palace of the ruler of the ancient Sultanate is supposed to look like. Painstakingly reproduced (no nails allowed) based on architectural inferences from Sejarah Melayu or the Malay Annals. The real McCoy having burnt down many times over through all the cross firing in Malacca's tumultuous history, it is one of the best of its kind in Malaysia. The grounds here also house the Cultural Museum of Malacca.