Malacca (Malaysia)

Malacca City (officially Bandaraya Melaka, aka Kota Melaka) is a port city in Malaysia and the Malacca State's capital, with population around 0,5 million. Port Malacca has locode MYMKZ.

The town was founded by Parameswara (prince) who established Malacca Sultanate in the 15th century. In the following years, it became a major trading port for merchants from Asia, Middle East and Portugal. The offshore islands Besar, Undan and Upeh are part of Malacca state and accessible by jetty from mainland Malaysia.

A feasibility study conducted in 2023 (by MDS Consultancy Group/Kuala Lumpur-based consulting company) concluded that Port Malacca's low number of visiting cruise ships doesn't justify the construction of a large-capacity international passenger terminal fitted with full-service facilities like customs and immigration.

The Melaka cruise terminal project is part of the Melaka Gateway development project for 4 artificial islands housing commercial businesses, entertainment venues, and residential buildings. Melaka is among the three cruise ports included in the Melaka Gateway (total budget RM 42 billion/USD 9,36 billion).

The cruise port annually handles ~36 ship calls (~3 monthly) and the vessels visit seasonally.

The current-day city's economy is largely based on tourism. Here are also hosted major international trade fairs and conferences. The city is becoming even more important with its location on China's "Maritime Silk Road".

Among the most popular city attractions are:

• Jonker Walk is Malacca's Chinatown located along Jonker Str.
• Little India is an ethnic enclave with a large Indian population). Malacca's Little India is located along Bendahara Str and the intersection with Temenggong Str. Here Indian traders sell a broad range of merchandise, including clothing, food, flowers.
• Portuguese Settlement is a community of Kristang people (of mixed Portuguese-Malaccan-Indian-Chinese descent) located 5 km (3 ml) from the city.
• Stadthuys is the historic city hall.
• Christ Church is an 18th-century Anglican church, and also Malaysia's oldest still-functioning Protestant church.
• Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum has artifacts related to the region's history.
• Malacca Zoo park has over 1200 animals of 215 species.
• Taming Sari Tower is a revolving gyro tower.

Kota A Famosa is a Portuguese fortress which Porta de Santiago (gatehouse) is among Southeast Asia's oldest European architectural remains still standing today.

Muzium Samudera (1994-opened) is the Maritime Museum of Malacca and the country's most-visited museum (20,000+ monthly visitors). It houses a life-size replica of the famous Portuguese 3-masted sailing ship "Flor do Mar" (aka Flor de la Mar).