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The best place to see ancient Melaka is visiting the museum. After exploring Dutch Square and had a fun gastronomical treat of Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls, we decided to top up our knowledge of old Melaka by visiting History & Ethnography Museum located in Stadthuys Complex.

There are two levels in this building. After paying for the entrance fee at the counter, there is a glass-covered spot along our corridor. The display is the ancient drainage system of this Dutch architecture. 

On our right, there are a stretch of rooms, occupying some ancient weapons like swords, kris and some of china wares. Kris is asymmetrical dagger indigenous to Malays. If you are interested to learn how to polish or take care of kris, it is explained in elaborately step by step.

Moving along the same wings also features the traditional customary wedding of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Chettiar and Portuguese and most of their livelihoods in the past. For instance, Malays were mainly involved agriculture and fishing while Chinese were operating ‘kopitiam’ (coffee shop) and Indian folks were engaged with books/magazines stores.




After finishing the main wings downstairs, do not leave yet. Take the staircase up to first floor and learn about Melaka history. Apart from the faces display of Melaka governors, there are more rooms featuring the history Melaka since Melaka Sultanate when Parameswara founded Melaka in 15th century, later invaded by Portuguese in 1511, followed by Dutch in 1641 and reverted to British in 1824 after Treaty of London. 


Aside from Melaka and the presentation of its glory era, do not miss the corner of Admiral Cheng Ho Gallery which features the fleets that he navigated during his sea exploration. Exiting this gallery, a statue erected outside is Admiral Cheng Ho in ancient Chinese costume with a sword placed behind. 

If you love to get to know Melaka better, two solid hours in Stadthuys building is obviously insufficient. What I like the most is camera is allowed in this museum. Bring along a good one as the lighting is rather dim. And another tip, remember to visit the first floor and look for windows facing Red Clock Tower. The view of Dutch Square from this angle is fabulous. Learn more about Malacca and have fun! 

History & Ethnography Museum and Admiral Cheng Ho’s Gallery at Stadthuys Complex
Opens Daily from 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance fees: Adults are charged RM 5 each and Children cost RM2 each
Location: Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, Melaka , Malaysia or click here to access Google Map.

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