Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2008
Size of heritage: 219 ha
- Buffer zone: 393 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 100,346°
Latitude: 5,421°

Summary

Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. With its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications, Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century. The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Location on Map

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Introduction

The UNESCO World Heritage site "Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca" is located in Malaysia, specifically at coordinates N5 25 17 E100 20 45. This site encompasses the historic cities of Melaka and George Town, which played significant roles in the maritime trade routes of the Straits of Malacca. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008 due to its outstanding universal value and rich cultural heritage.

History

The history of Melaka and George Town dates back to the 15th century when they were established as trading ports by the Malay Sultanate of Melaka. These cities became important hubs for the exchange of goods and ideas between the East and the West, attracting traders from China, India, Arabia, and Europe.

During the 16th century, Melaka was conquered by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century, and finally the British in the 19th century. This succession of colonial powers left a lasting impact on the architecture, culture, and traditions of the cities.

George Town, on the other hand, was established by the British East India Company in 1786 as a free port to facilitate trade in the region. It quickly grew into a multicultural city with a diverse population of Chinese, Indian, and Malay communities.

Current State

Today, Melaka and George Town are vibrant cities that showcase a unique blend of architectural styles, cultural practices, and culinary traditions. The UNESCO World Heritage status has helped in preserving and promoting the historical and cultural significance of these cities.

Melaka's historic center is characterized by its well-preserved colonial buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant Chinatown. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the ruins of A Famosa fortress. The city also boasts numerous museums, including the Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, which provide insights into the local history and heritage.

George Town, on the other hand, is renowned for its unique architectural fusion of Chinese, Indian, and European influences. The city's historic core is home to numerous shophouses, temples, mosques, and churches. Notable attractions include the Khoo Kongsi clan house, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, and the Kapitan Keling Mosque. The vibrant street art scene, with murals by renowned artist Ernest Zacharevic, adds a contemporary touch to the city's cultural landscape.

Both cities also offer a wide range of culinary delights, reflecting the multicultural heritage of the region. Visitors can savor traditional Peranakan cuisine, Indian curries, Chinese street food, and much more.

Conclusion

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Kids'voyage - Trésors du globe - #7 Les villes de Melaka et Georgetown, Malaisie

Published: October 09, 2012
Length: 35:27 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Kids Voyage

Kids'Voyage présente une collection unique de reportages destinés aux enfants afin de leur faire découvrir les biens et sites inscrits sur la liste du patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco. Avec...

Georgetown, Penang; A Quick Stop-Over

Published: March 19, 2009
Length: 17:37 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Wanderlusts

Georgetown is located on the island of Penang in peninsular malaysia. We were just making a quick stop here from Krabi, Thailand en route to the Cameron Highlands. We first visited the waterfront...

Malaysia, Penang island, City Hall area, the andaman sea, october 12, 2012

Published: October 12, 2012
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Andrey Vorobiev

Малайзия, остров Пинанг, центральный район, андаманское море, 12 октября 2012.

Ferry from Butterworth to Georgetown

Published: April 21, 2014
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Aaron's Travel and Adventure Network

I took the overnight train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth. Walked out of the station and followed the crowd going directly to the ferry to georgetown and got the first sailing. 6am i believe,...

St Xavier's band in Karpal's funeral procession

Published: April 20, 2014
Length: 18:38 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: anilnettovideos

The crowds leading Karpal Singh's final journey after lying in state at Dewan Sri Pinang. Among them is the school band of St Xavier's Institution, Karpal's alma mater.

Penang 3D Trick Art Museum 槟城3D幻觉立体美术馆

Published: March 27, 2015
Length: 52:05 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Penang 3D Trick Art Museum

The Penang Trick Art Museum, located at Lebuh Penang, Georgetown which is known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Georgetown, Penang is currently experiencing a period of rapid expansion ...

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Near airports

Butterworth Airport
Medium airport - 4 mi (8 km)

Penang International Airport
Medium airport - 10 mi (16 km)

Taiping (Tekah) Airport
Small airport - 46 mi (75 km)

Sultan Abdul Halim Airport
Medium airport - 53 mi (86 km)

Langkawi International Airport
Medium airport - 76 mi (122 km)

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport
Medium airport - 78 mi (126 km)

Pulau Pangkor Airport
Small airport - 83 mi (133 km)

Sitiawan Airport
Small airport - 87 mi (140 km)

Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Large airport - 207 mi (334 km)

Singapore Changi International Airport
Large airport - 377 mi (608 km)