Melaka has also been successively ruled by Portuguese, Dutch and the British until the Federation of Malaya was formed on 31 August 1957.  All these foreign influence have over the years transformed the state into a cultural melting pot.

     Officially declared the 'Historical City of Malaysia', Melaka's famous historical sites include the Porta de Santiago (formerly known as A Famosa), Stadthuys, St. Paul's Church, St. John's Fort, Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat mausoleums.  The Cultural Museum, an elaborate reconstruction of the ancient palace of the Melaka Sultanate, provides fascinating insights into Melaka's glorious past.  The city made news recently with the discovery of an ancient wall in the middle of town believed to date back to the Portuguese era.

     The Portuguese Square is located within the city's Portuguese Settlement and is the venue for local cultural shows performed on weekends.  Antique lovers will find Jonker Street (renamed Jalan Hang Jebat) with its myriad of shops, an intriguing place to hunt and bargain for treasures of the past.

     Beyond the appeal of its historical past, Melaka offers a wide range of sights and leisure activities for a truly worthwhile holiday.  Off the Melaka coast are a cluster of islands, the largest being Pulau Besar and Pulau Upeh.  Pulau Besar offers sandy beaches, beachfront chalets and numerous beach activities while Pulau Upeh is a quite island getaway for nature lovers.

     The westernmost tip of of Peninsular Malaysia, Tanjung Tuan was formerly known as Cape Rachado.  The cape consist of a 65ha coastal forest cum recreational forest, which serves as a sanctuary for migratory raptors from colder climes.

     Ayer Keroh, just outside the city of Melaka, is situated in a vast forest reserve, and is a major tourist recreational spot.  Attractions here include Melaka Zoo, Mini Malaysia, Mini Asean, a golf resort, hotels, a butterfly farm and crocodile farm.

     In Alor Gajah, there's a A'Famosa Resort compromising of A'Famosa Water World, A'Famosa Animal World Safari and A'Famosa Cowboy Town.

     While in Melaka, one must also sample the mouth-watering culinary mix of Nyonya and Portuguese dishes and other local delicacies.

     Melaka is indeed an unforgettable destination where a cultural fusion of colours, flavours and dialects combined with rich historical influences, welcome all visitors.