Malaysia Travel Site

Malaka's history began in 1403 with the arrival of Parameswara, an exiled Hindu Prince from the Kingdom of Sri Vijaya in Sumatra. He assumed the title of Raja Iskandar when he embraced Islam and became the first ruler of this new kingdom which marked the early beginnings of the Sultanate of Melaka.

In time, Melaka gained prominence as a vibrant maritime trading centre and was coveted by several foreign powers. The Portuguese led by Alfonso d'Albuquerque conquered Melaka in 1511 and colonised it for 130 years. The Dutch then came in 1641 and ruled for 154 years. They were followed by the British in 1824 who ruled until the country gained its independence. Melaka also experienced Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. After World War Two, nationalistic sentiments began to spread culminating in the proclamation of independence on the 31 st of August 1957.

Modern Melaka set on a course of industrial development about two decades after independence and forges ahead in its vision to be a fully industrialised state by the year 2010. So coveted was Melaka by the European powers that it was ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British until the Federation of Malaya was formed on the 31st of August 1957.

Come visit Melaka and take a nostalgic journey into its glorious past.

Melaka's old world charm and colourful cultures make it a popular MICE destination. Facilities range from the purpose-built Melaka International Trade Centre to convention centres in major hotels and cater for all types of events.