Malacca, Malaysia Cruise Port

It's easy to see why the cruise port of Malacca (Melaka), Malaysia has been dubbed the "Historic State." A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city's well-preserved center displays its colonial past. Located in southeast Asia's Malay Peninsula, Malacca is next to the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean. Long before the colonial era and its influence, Malacca was a fishing village; Parameswara, the first Sultan of Malacca, determined it would make an excellent port. In 1511, Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque conquered the city, and the Portuguese culture permeated the area. Malacca became part of the newly-formed Malaysia in 1963, and trade and tourism have flourished ever since. History buffs will find endless possibilities to learn and explore in Malacca, but nature lovers also have a long list of things to do. Here are some of our favorite experiences when cruising to Malacca, Malaysia:

With dozens of places to explore, it's hard to pick just a handful. One place to start is Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia, which practices Three Doctrinal Systems: Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Not only is it interesting to those interested in world religions, but its rich decor is breathtaking.
Located near the red colonial Dutch Square is the Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, a reconstruction of the original palace of the Malacca Sultanate. Displays and artefacts give a good look at the history of the city.
Get back to nature at the Malacca Zoo. As it covers a large area, definitely have decent walking shoes to see the 1,200 plus animals covering 215 species. The zoo was the first in Malaysia to exhibit the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros; its breeding programs attempt to ensure the survival of other endangered species as well.
After walking all day and visiting other sites like the Garden of a Thousand Flowers, it's not a bad idea to visit one of the area's hot springs. Between Gadek Hot Spring and Jasin Hot Spring, your muscles will get the rest and relaxation you need to hit some more of the historic spots.

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