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MELAKA: OLD CHARM WITH A MODERN TWIST

Over 600 years of history has seen Melaka transform from what was once a fishing settlement, has now prospered into a major international trading port along the Straits of Melaka. The historic city of Melaka has stood witness to the glory days of the Malay Sultanate and later the occupation by Portuguese forces in 1511, followed by Dutch rule in 1641 before the British finally took over in 1824. Melaka is historically important, because not only was the declaration of independence proclaimed in Melaka when Malaya gained its independence from the British, but Melaka was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7th July, 2008. Being the cultural melting pot that it is, one can experience the old charm of its streets and colourful architecture, as well as enjoy a wide range of cuisines which will make you truly spoilt for choice.

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to ’s west coast, particularly apart from having a collection of Malay Melaka Sultanate Palace HERITAGE TRAIL Melaka. traditional wear, musical instruments Melaka’s heritage trail is the main attraction with its fascinating history and assimilation of different cultures and antique furniture. St. Francis Xavier Church resulting in some unique architectural delights. Porta De Santiago @A’ Famosa Fort

Stadhuys Hereen Street & Jonker Street

The Melaka Sultanate Palace is a life- sized replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s Located at Jalan Laksamana, this palace, built based on ancient records church was built in 1856, in honour of Christ Church is an 18th-century found in the Malay Annals. The Melaka St. Francis Xavier, a prominent 16th- Anglican Church in the city. It is the Heeren Street was for the “gentlemen” Sultanate Palace is unique, as it offers century Catholic missionary. This twin- Porta de Santiago is the sole surviving The Stadhuys, which means ‘Town oldest functioning Protestant church in or “masters” in the upper crust of a rare glimpse of an ancient Malay spired neo-gothic structure was built gateway into A’ Famosa (the Famous Hall’ in Dutch, was built by the Dutch Malaysia and is within the jurisdiction society. Jonker Street, on the other kingdom which once flourished in on the site of an old Portuguese church One), a huge fortress built in 1511 out occupants in 1650 as the office of the of the Lower Central Archdeaconry of hand, was named after a place for Melaka. An interesting fact about Sultan by a French priest, Father Farvé and of dismantled mosques and tombs, Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor. the Anglican . “young noblemen”. Jonker Street was Mansur Shah’s seven-tiered palace is the church’s finishing touches were commissioned by the Portuguese using Situated at Laksamana Road, besides Originally painted white, the church and once renowned for its antique shops. that it was built entirely without nails and completed in 1859 by Father Allard, slave labour. It was once part of a crucial the Christ Church, it is regarded as the neighbouring building However over the years, it has turned supported with carved, wooden pillars with the present-day presbytery built structure used by the Portuguese to the oldest remaining Dutch historical was painted red in 1911 and this into a clothing and crafts outlet and and featured a copper and zinc roof. in 1874. The church was believed to maintain its colonial foothold in the Far building in the Orient and is now distinctive colour scheme has remained lined with restaurants and lifestyle be modelled after the Cathedral of St. East. The Fort is now among the oldest Portugese Square home to the History and Ethnography the hallmark of ’s Dutch-era cafés. The best part of Jonker Street is Peter in Southern France, Montpellier. surviving European architectural remains Museum. This massive red building buildings since. the night market on Fridays, Saturdays, To date, St Francis Xavier Church still in South-East Asia. displays all the features of Dutch and Sundays that sells everything serves its function as a , colonial architecture which include from tasty treats to cheap keepsakes. with regular mass services being held St. Paul’s Hill substantial solid doors and louvered Meanwhile, Heeren Street may not be from time to time. Having been around windows. as hectic as Jonker Street where the for more than a century, the church’s tourists throng to, but Heeren Street structure now leans slightly to the left. offers a more historic, old-world charm and provides amazing sights and Kampung Morten stories. The Portuguese Settlement is home to Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum the Kristang community in Ujong Pasir. This small community of around 1,000 people are descendants from early Atop St. Paul’s Hill sits the St. Paul’s Portuguese settlers. Originally known as Church which was built in 1520 by Saint John’s village, it grew to become a Portuguese trader named Duarte one of Melaka’s main tourist attractions, Coelho. Formally named as ‘Nosa improving the standard of living of Kampung Morten is located about a Senhora’ which means Our Lady of its villagers. Today, the settlement 15-minute walk north of the historic the Hill, it was a major chapel for the which is sometimes called Mini Lisbon, city centre. The village is named after Portuguese. After the Dutch took over, The ‘Straits Chinese’, also called ‘Baba comprises a few streets with names a British land commissioner, J. F. they renamed the chapel St Paul’s Nyonya’, are Chinese of noble descent like D’Alberquerque, Sequeira, Eredia, Morten, during the British Malaya. The Church and worshipped there for over a who have adopted and merged the D’Aranjo and Texeira. At its heart is the area has since evolved to become a century, until they had finished building Malay culture with theirs upon settling Portuguese Square (Medan Portugis), tourist attraction since it was declared Christ Church at the bottom of the hill, in Melaka. This has been a gradual which comprises a courtyard with a a heritage village under Malacca’s after which they abandoned St Paul’s. process lasting over 400 years since the number of seafood restaurants, a couple Preservation and Conservation After stints as a lighthouse and as a great Chinese explorer Admiral Cheng of bars and a small museum. Enactment in 1989. Villa Sentosa found gunpowder storeroom, St Paul’s fell into Ho first brought Chinese traders to within Kampung Morten is popularly decay and has never been restored. Melaka. Over the centuries, the Baba known as ‘The Living Museum”. Villa Nyonyas have developed a distinct Sentosa exhibits a unique interior design and fascinating culture that is unique

4 www.PropertyHunter.com.my www.PropertyHunter.com.my 5 ADVERTORIAL Nyonya especially on a hot day. This is a Wantan Mee MELAKA FOOD GUIDE traditional made of shaved ice, coconut milk, green starched noodles Food lovers will definitely be delighted with what Melaka has to offer. Food is one of the biggest highlights of with pandan flavoring and palm sugar. Other ingredients such as red beans, the city, with an array of cuisines, all thanks to its diverse culture. Well-known for the delectable Peranakan glutinous rice, , creamed corn, cuisine, there are plenty of other dishes not to missed. might also be included.

Where: Aunty Koh’s @Jln Batang Chicken Rice Ball Nyonya Celup Tiga, Jonker 88, The Kappan HouseWhere: Aunty Koh’s Cendol @Jln Batang Tiga, Nyonya Kuih – kuih is a term for Malay Jonker 88, The Kappan House – are bite-sized that are colourful, usually taken as a . The Coconut Shake Nyonya kuih comes in different shapes, colours, textures and designs. Some are steamed or boiled, some baked or fried but most are sweet and savoury. This dish is prepared with noodles garnished with leafy Melaka’s signature dish has got to be Another popular must-try is the satay Where: Baba Charlie’s Nyonya Cakes, and sliced pork while the broth and the chicken rice ball. The rice is boiled This dish has many variations but either celup. This is a dish where an assortment Bibik Ong @Ujong Pasir, Yummy Garden dumplings are served in a separate bowl. in chicken with other seasonings. way, every Malaysian laksa is highly of raw and semi-cooked seafood, meat Food Court Melaka’s wantan noodle is distinguished When cooked, it is rolled into a ball that appreciated and cherished by both locals (including raw meat) and vegetables on by the noodles’ pale appearance and Fish The best way to beat the heat in Melaka’s gives its unique look and texture. The and tourists. The laksa is pungent, rich skewers are dunked into a hot boiling readily served with chilli sauce. rice balls are fragrant and savoury and and well flavoured from its spices, chilies pot of satay gravy. sweltering weather is to have a cup the chicken tender. and its broth, which is usually prepared of coconut shake. It is a concoction of Where: Jalan Bunga Raya, Jalan Bukit using chicken and prawns. Where: Capitol Satay, McQuek’s Satay coconut water, its flesh, ice cube and Cina, Tua Kor Wantan Mee Where: Chung Wah Coffee Shop, Huang Celup, Ban Lee Siang vanilla ice cream blended together in Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant, Ee Ji Ban Where: Juat Lye Melaka, Nancy’s Kitchen, a mixer. The cool, sweet and creamy Mille Crêpe (halal) Yung Lai Siang, 486 Baba Low aftertaste will leave you feeling refreshed.

Where: Klebang Coconut Shake, Batu Berendam Coconut Shake The main ingredients of this dish comprise of fish/seafood, okra, eggplant, long green bean and tomato. This dish is cooked in asam (tamarind) juice with chili and different spices. This is another signature dish of the state. These mille crepes are as synonymous to Melaka as Nyonya food itself. Mille Where: Asam Pedas Pasar Borong crêpe is a French made of many Taman Merdeka, Amy Heritage Nyonya crêpe layers. The word mille means “a Cruisine, Asam Pedas Claypot Kota thousand”, implying the many layers of Laksamana crêpe. The crepes are thin and crisp at Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish the sides, and the texture light, creamy Melaka Cendol consisting of roasted chicken prepared and moist. with yogurt and spices. The name comes

from the type of cylindrical clay oven, Where: Nadeje (Plaza Mahkota, Jaya 99 tandoor, in which the dish is traditionally & Mahkota Parade) prepared. The , a leavened, oven- baked flatbread, compliments the flavour from the tandoori.

Where: Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant, Restaurant D’Tandoori Ice Cendol is a simple dessert that is House very popular among locals and tourists,

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Melaka’s rich culture and history have made it a popular choice among travellers in Malaysia. There are SUNDAY Mods Café so many places to explore and flavours to sample in this UNESCO world heritage site. The best time to visit Morning Melaka is during the weekend and this itinerary weaves together the highlights of Melaka in a single weekend. Kick-off Sunday morning by heading to Jalan Hang Lekir (off Jonker Street) for the Sunday Morning Flea Market. This is a great place for antique lovers and collectors to find antiques and crafts. Start by making performances, stunt shows and FRIDAY old treasures and haggle for a bargain or two. Open every your way from the south end of the other daredevil acts. You will also Sunday morning until 12 noon, you can find a variety of Evening market near the bridge and work find a courtyard with sculptures of antiques, collectibles, ornaments, old coins and currency, Address: 14, Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Start your Melaka exploration by your way up, past local , drinks animals and the statue of famous posters, paintings, vinyl records, religious relics and old Opening Hours: 10AM - 6PM surrounding yourself in the colours of all kinds, trinkets and everything local bodybuilding champ, Dr. Gan magazines. and chaos of Night Market. else that you would normally see in a Boon Leong who is also an advocate Kaya Kaya Café Opens only during the weekends, night market. If you’re lucky enough, of turning Jonker Street into a highly To do next is café-hopping. There are plenty of lifestyle cafés this street turned night market offers you might even stumble upon street touristic area. in Melaka that provides good food, and great ambience. an endless range of food, souvenirs, Check out these coffee havens for that dose of caffeine and sweet treats: SATURDAY Heritage Museum. Tours of this lavish Museum. The museum itself is a replica townhouse will take you back in time to of the ‘Flora De La Mar’, a Portuguese Morning the glory days of Melaka’s Peranakan ship that sank off the coast of the Start the morning by renting a bicycle population. Straits of Melaka. The museum exhibits Address: 32, Jalan Tukang Emas, Melaka, 75200 Melaka, and leisurely cycle up towards the an abundance of model ships from Malaysia Dutch Square. The Dutch Square is Afternoon different time periods, ancient currency Opening Hours: 8AM - 6PM the city’s main highlight, surrounded and everything you need to know If the afternoon weather gets to Teddy Bear Café by vibrant terracotta-red hued about the trading history in Melaka. you, then head over to the nearest The Daily Fix Café buildings notably Christ Church and shopping malls, Dataran Pahlawan Address: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia The Stadhuys as well as a central Evening and Mahkota Parade to cool off while Opening Hours: 10AM - 5:30PM ornate marble fountain. You will also doing a round of shopping. Otherwise, Before heading out for another round be greeted by colourful, kitschy, music- head over to Jonker Street for the best of window-shopping at Jonker Street, blaring trishaws, all lined-up and ready eateries. Look out for Jonker 88 to grab a taxi to the Portuguese Square to take tourists on a tour around the enjoy aromatic laksas or a refreshing for an authentic Portuguese cuisine. city. Cycle past the bridge and make bowl of cendol. Head back past the Also known as ‘Mini Lisbon’, this square Address: Lot F3-021, F3-022, Level 3, Terminal Pahlawan, a stop at a local eatery, Chung Wah Dutch Square and off towards Porta is located in a small settlement, home Bandar Hilir, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia Chicken Rice Ball for a hearty breakfast. de Santiago (A’ Famosa). This iconic to Melaka’s Eurasian community, Opening Hours: 10AM - 10PM This famous kopitiam (local coffee landmark was once part of a grand descended from marriages that took Calanthe Art Café Spend the rest of the afternoon reflecting on the whole shop) is notorious for the long queue fortress built by the Portuguese during place between colonial Portuguese Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia trip in Melaka while taking a leisurely stroll along the of hungry tourists but if you wait their occupation of Melaka in 1511. and the locals. Try to time your arrival Opening Hours: 9AM - 11PM Melaka River while taking in the relaxing vibe of the city and long enough to finally get a seat, at or around dusk to enjoy the sunset You can spend the afternoon capturing photos of building façade painted top to bottom you will be served with ball-shaped view. As for the food, there is much museum-hopping as Melaka is also with mural art showcasing the Malaysian culture. rice and steamed chicken with soy to choose from the large number of known to have the most number sauce. Next, explore Heeren Street different restaurants available. You will of museums in Malaysia. Located to experience the nostalgic ambience also get to enjoy cultural performances within close proximity, museums of old shop houses adorned with of music and dance staged by the worth visiting are the History and ornately decorated façades dating community. Spend the rest of the Ethnography Museum (the Stadhuys), back to the mid-19th and early 20th evening at Jonker Street and after, if The Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum century. A number of these buildings you’re not yet ready to go back to the Backlane Coffee and the Malaysia Architectural have been restored into galleries, hotel, hit the sky lounge at Alto. Sit Address: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Museum. Another attraction several museums, souvenir shops, cafes and back and relax while sipping a mix of Opening Hours: 11AM - 11:30PM metres downriver from the Dutch boutique hotels. Learn more about crafted cocktails, delicious light bites Square is the Melaka Maritime Melaka’s history at Baba & Nyonya and a variety of fine wines.

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MELAKA AT A GLANCE TIPS FOR EAST MALAYSIANS Source: www.statistics.gov.my MALAYSIA’S NEXT TOP SEAPORT AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING TO MELAKA TRADE HUB Area (km²) : 1,652 There aren’t any direct flights to Melaka, but you can Population : 880,000 Beyond tourism, Melaka is growing Mixed development with lifestyle, Tourism & Transport always touch down at International Airport, (1.5% average annual population growth rate) into a global economic hub. The corporate, trade and commercial Sepang or Senai International Airport, Bahru then GDP (per capita, RM, 2014) : 38,766 (7.6% growth rate) future landscape of Melaka will boast components • Melaka International Airport take an express bus to Melaka at an affordable price. If Workforce (‘000) : 402.4 multi-billion dollar developments and Increased international flights, you’re travelling from Kota Kinabalu, the price for flights Unemployment Rate (2015) : 1.0% innovations in: Arts & Culture infrastructure upgrade to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru starts at MYR 109.00. Tourist Numbers (2015) • Melaka International Convention • High-Speed Rail Flight time from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur and Economy & Infrastructure Total : 15.7 million Centre (MICC) Johor Baru takes about 2 hours 25 minutes and 2 hours Foreign : 12.2 million • RM40 billion Melaka Gateway World-class auditorium with 6,000 15 minutes respectively. Average price for flights from Local : 3.5 million Project pax max. capacity Kuching to Kuala Lumpur starts at MYR 99.00 with an No. of Hospitals : 7 average flight time of about 1 hour 40 minutes. You can • Impression Melaka also get a flight to Johor Bahru, price starts at MYR 79.00 No. of Tertiary Education Institutions : 7 and flight time will take about 1 hour 30 minutes. Green World Ambassador 2014 Shortened travel time between KL, The Green Organisation, United Kingdom ’s largest marina with Melaka and theme park, marine museum and luxury residences • Upcoming Marina and Jetty Iconic stage show helmed by Facilities TOP 8 REASONS WHY MELAKA IS THE LATEST • Mestika Heritage Island renowned director Zhang Yimou Boosting the city’s accessibility INVESTMENT HOTSPOT Twin man-made islands with golf course, theme park, trade centre and • Han Academy THE HISTORIC CITY GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY arrivals with seven internationally heritage village The UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka is ideally situated between acclaimed government and private Melaka is renowned for its history as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and hospitals within the vicinity. • 66-acres Hatten Metropolitan an international seaport. Today, the capitalises on the traffic flow from the state has evolved into a melting pot two metropolises. The upcoming Kuala SAFETY AND SECURITY of cultures with a fascinating mix of Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail and Melaka’s racial harmony and secure ethnicities which together, define the the extensive upgrades to the Melaka government reflect the nation’s civil and political stability which provides character of this multi-cultural city-state. International Airport will ensure a A self-sustaining education-based maximum assurance for tourists and significant influx of global audiences. community BURGEONING TOURISM SECTOR investors alike. Recording more than 15.7 million INTERNATIONAL TRADE tourist arrivals in 2015 alone, Melaka’s Solidifying Melaka’s economic progress PULAU MELAKA – NEW TRADE & tourist numbers have increased more is its latest international trade and TOURISM HUB than 200% since 2006 and with that tourism agreement with Guangdong Pulau Melaka is a man-made island just follows the growing demand for quality province. Bilateral ties between the 5 minutes’ drive from Melaka’s central hotel accommodation and top-notch two states open up trade routes and business district and just 10 minutes entertainment. increase access to the vast China from the UNESCO World Heritage market and vice versa. This move is Zone. This is where Melaka’s famous UPCOMING MEGA-DEVELOPMENTS calculated to catapult Melaka’s coastal attractions - the Floating Mosque and The globalisation of Melaka’s Trade, city centre into a world trade hub. Wildlife Theatre Melaka are situated. Commerce and Investment sectors is Merging the ambiance of an island with imminent with the upcoming RM40 ADVANCED SOCIO-ECONOMICS the convenience of the nearby urban billion Melaka Gateway Project, Melaka has more than seven city centre, the value of Pulau Melaka is the 66-acre Hatten Metropolis and international tertiary education set to increase with more tourism based Mestika Island International Trade Hub institutions which secure a steady flow projects mushrooming in the area. which will harness foreign capital and of overseas students entering the State investments while elevating Melaka into per annum. Medical Tourism also plays a global platform. a vital role in driving up international

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Harbour City Resort Suites Mosque, Wildlife Theatre and now the HARBOUR CITY – A New Icon towering icon known as Harbour City. The Catalyst for Pulau Melaka Moreover, the value of area is set to More than just a resort, Harbour City Multi award-winning development – increase with upcoming neighbouring Resort Suites offers one-of-a-kind HARBOUR CITY - is already creating developments such as the RM40 billion experiences and premium resort- significant buzz in the local property Melaka Gateway Project and the 66- style living with world-class facilities, scene. Industry experts are calling this acre Hatten Metropolis. beachside ambiance and stunning sea- one of the most viable investments in views. Designed as a sky-resort with 18 Leveraging on Melaka’s recent trade Malaysia’s Southern Region. luxurious unit types measuring from agreement with Guangdong Province, Inspired by Melaka’s historic past as 470 to 2,200 sq. ft., guests will enjoy the upcoming KL-Singapore High an international seaport, the iconic seamless hospitality for that perfect Speed Rail and the new upgrade and project, shaped like a vast luxury island getaway. added flights to Melaka International cruise ship, is home to Malaysia’s first Airport, Pulau Melaka is poised right in Anchoring the project is its integration 500,000 sq. ft. indoor and outdoor the middle of this rampant growth of within the vibrant mixed-use Ocean Kingdom Water Theme Park, a the historic city of Melaka. development of Harbour City, a 6-storey aquatic-themed mall offering 6-acre, self-sustaining tourist-centric Harbour City Resort Suites with its 800 retail units and 3 international hub. Harbour City Resort Suites will strategic location, unique concept and hotel blocks. capitalise on the tourist numbers seamless integration within Harbour The 33-storey marine-themed drawn in by the Theme Park while City, the acclaimed City of Amusement, holiday destination and winner of directing the flow of guests towards is indeed a game-changer in Melaka’s Best Integrated Development at the the Shopping Mall. Adding further to property scene. As an investment, iProperty People’s Choice Awards its viability is its strategic location on the project offers attractive Secured 2016, just recently unveiled Phase 2 - Pulau Melaka. Returns Plans combined with long- Harbour City Resort Suites. term property value appreciation for Pulau Melaka is a renowned tourist that all-important security and high hotspot. Just 5 minutes drive to the yields for savvy investors. city centre, the unique man-made island is home to the famous Floating

FAST FACTS Discover and learn more about what’s coming up in Melaka. Visit and get updates on the Property Type : Resort Suites next MELAKA TOUR! Acres of Development : 6 acres Total units : 637 Lot size : 470 - 2200 sqft Price Range : RM 1280 – 1512 / sqft Tenure : Leasehold - 2110 Gross Development Value : RM1.8 billion (Harbour City) Launch Date : 14 May 2016 Est. date of completion : 2nd Quarter, 2019

Amenities • Sky lobby overlooking the water park podium • All day dining restaurant • Multi-function meeting rooms • 40m infinity pool, wading pool, family jacuzzi & swimming pool

Facilities • 360° rooftop view • Pool Bar and Sky Lounge • Gym and Spa

For more information, log on to www.harbourcity.com.my or call the hotline at +6012 719 1818.

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