Taman Mini Malaysia & Mini ASEAN, Melaka

The Taman Mini Malaysia cultural park is located a few kilometres outside of Melaka, near the town of Ayer Keroh. If you have an interest in traditional architecture and ways of life, this is a great place to go exploring. Each of the homes represents the architectural style of the 13 states in Malaysia and is furnished with various items, arts and crafts which depict the culture of each state. 

Other attractions in the park include weekly cultural shows and traditional games. Basically, this is an opportunity to see all Malaysian architecture and heritage in a short all-encompassing outing. And it's a nice break from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban Melaka.

Inside each house, you can find a range of genuine handicrafts originating from each state or county. The life-like figures 'inhabiting' each charming home on stilts are garbed in their respective traditional costumes. 

Historical Museums Worth While of Seeing

Museum of Literature

Nice old building but the contents are of limited interest to the casual tourist. Concentrates on the life and works of Malacca-born Munshi Abdullah who has been referred to as the father of modern Malay literature.

Democratic Government Museum

I have to admit I did not enter this museum which is housed in a modern building near St. Paul's Church. The name of the museum did not arouse much interest and I would have had to take my shoes off again. Maybe next time.

Dutch Square and the Christ Church (Near Art Gallery )

Dutch Square is the popular name for the Malacca Town Square. The name Dutch Square came about since the British administration on account of the numerous Dutch-era administrative buildings left behind by the departing colonial forces. The square is said to have been built in the middle of the 17th century, and the Dutch lined it with the main townhouse, or Stadthuys, along with the Dutch Reformed Church, now called Christ Church.

In recent years, the Dutch Square has also been called the Red Square, since many of the Dutch buildings were now painted maroon. The color scheme was started by the British in the 1920's, when they painted them salmon red. The local authorities darkened it to maroon in later years.

Christ Church is an 18th-century Anglican church in the city of Malacca, Malaysia. It is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and is within the jurisdiction of the Lower Central Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia.

Places near the Dutch square 

Museums in Melaka

Melaka has a duty to preserve and maintain its unique historical and cultural heritage. It is not permitted to demolish or significantly modify the appearance of its many historic buildings so the city has to find a use for these valuable buildings. Converting them into museums is a good way of ensuring the heritage buildings are occupied and looked after.

                                          Malaysia Youth Museum & Melaka Art Gallery

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Melaka Campus

Among key global destinations for travel is Malaysia, ranked 9th in the United Nation's World Tourism Organisation report for 2012. However in terms of tourist spending Malaysia is placed 14th at about USD18 billion in 2011. International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 1.8 billion by the year 2020. While Malaysia has achieved top ranking as a global tourism destination it is now working to increase its range of products and services to encourage longer stays and larger spending. Melaka is among key tourism destination that is building its advantage in tourism industry.

Melaka River Cruise

The Malacca River is the river that cuts across Malacca town, on its way to the Straits of Malacca. It separates the civic district clustered at the foot of St Paul's Hill, from the residential and commercial district of Heeren Street and Jonker Street. A flotilla of small boats transports sightseers up and down past historic buildings, old warehouses (godowns), interesting mangrove stands, churches, and villages. The 1998 Sean Connery movie Entrapment was partially filmed here. Tours last about 45 minutes in boats ranging from 20- to 40-seaters, and normally a minimum of eight passengers is required before departure.

You can departure on Muara Jetty, next to Quayside Heritage Centre, close to the Maritime Museum easily recognisable by the replica of the Portuguese ship Flor De la Mar. From here the cruise takes you upstream as far as Taman Rempah jetty where the boat turns around and brings you back to the starting point.

More information on http://www.melakarivercruise.com/

Hatten Hotel

Presenting a new experience in Melaka where contemporary design meets comfort.

Hatten Square is a 22 tower high Business Class Hotel conveniently located right in the heart of the city and the UNESCO Historical and Heritage sites along with shopping and major businesses all within close proximity.

Ranging from 32 square meters to 98 square meters in size, the Junior Suite and Deluxe Suite feature two LCD televisions, a mini fridge, iron and ironing board, hair-dryer and a dedicated living area complete with a marble bathroom.

Tucked away at corners of each floor are the one and two-bedroom suites. Spanning from 74 square meters to 98 square meters of space, they are enhanced with kitchen facilities, living area and separate bedroom(s). 

Whether it's for work, play or simply to refresh your perspective, Hatten Hotel provides all that you need from hospitality to facilities to fulfill your wish.

* Kindly be informed that Hatten Hotel Melaka is located in a Smoke Free Zone as gazetted by the State Government; as such smoking is strictly prohibited in our premises.

For more information please visit : http://www.hattenhotel.com