Discover Malacca: Day 11 of Your Ultimate Malaysia Adventure Tour

The name Malacca resonates deeply with many of us, evoking memories of the famed Malacca Strait that we learned about in our early school years. This vital waterway, stretching approximately 1080 kilometers, serves as a crucial link between the Indian Ocean to the west and the South China Sea to the east. The strait varies in width from 37 to 370 kilometers, with its narrowest point at the southeastern end measuring a mere 2.8 kilometers.

Malacca is not just a geographical feature; it is also a city steeped in history. During the Ming Dynasty, the legendary admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho) embarked on seven voyages to the Western Seas, and he made six of these visits to Malacca, establishing it as a key supply base. Whenever I encounter stories about Nanyang, particularly those involving Zheng He’s expeditions, my curiosity and longing for this historic place are rekindled.

It was once a strategic military location and a pivotal part of the Maritime Silk Road. My first trip in early 2025 finally brought me to Malacca, allowing me to experience its allure firsthand.

My journey through Malacca began at the iconic Red House, also known as Stadthuys. As I left the hotel and meandered along the streets, I was greeted by the vibrant daily life of the Malaysian people, enjoying their traditional breakfasts, before arriving at the picturesque Malacca River and the Red House.

Constructed in 1650, the Red House stands as the oldest surviving Dutch building in Southeast Asia. For over three centuries, it served as a government fortress until its transformation into the Malacca Museum in 1980.

Legend has it that the Red House was built using red bricks specially shipped from the Netherlands by the Dutch colonial government, hence its distinctive name. The architectural style of the Red House is emblematic of Malacca’s rich history, and the famous “Malacca Red” color originates from this very structure.

Here, one can see the profound influences of early Western powers on Malaysia. The square is adorned with numerous historically significant buildings, such as the Red Clock Tower, erected in 1886, and the Queen Victoria Fountain, which graces the front of the Red House Square. Behind the square lies the Christ Church, built in 1756.

Under the clear blue sky, the entire square is bathed in a vivid red, as if this history refuses to fade away.

At the Red House, visitors can delve into the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s history and explore a wealth of artifacts. The Red House has stood witness to the rise and fall of Malacca, and the museum showcases the colonial histories of the Malacca Sultanate, Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain, and Japan, as well as the diverse cultures of various ethnic groups in Malaysia.

Notably, it features the well-known story of Zheng He’s voyages and the diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. A visit to the Red House is an essential part of any trip to Malacca, offering a deep and enriching glimpse into the past.