Melaka is endowed with a rich array of sightseeing attractions. Most of the picturesque architecture is Dutch colonial, as most of what the Portuguese built was later dismantled by the British. As Melaka is a medium-sized (though compact) city, a walking or cycling tour is the best means of taking it all in.

Bukit China
In the 15^th century, relations between the Sultanate of Melaka and China’s Ming dynasty were at an all-time high. The Chinese ambassador summoned his daughter to the city and offered her as a bride to the Sultan of Melaka. Her vast armada of more than 500 servants resided here on the bukit (hill). Today, the site is home to the largest Chinese cemetery on foreign grounds. Bukit China is also home to an 18^th century Taoist temple and a well that the sultan built to honour his wife.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
This temple is the architectural highlight of Melaka’s Chinatown. Built from imported Chinese materials by the hands of Chinese immigrants, this 17^th century temple honours the Chinese goddess of mercy (Guanyin), along with the goddess of seafarers (Tianhou). Inside are some spectacular wooden carvings, along with a statue of Guanyin cloaked in robes.

Christ Church
This is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia—a carefully framed statistic that points to the historical importance of Melaka within the country. Christ Church was constructed by the Dutch in the mid-18^th century and the original handmade pews are still intact. The massive rafters above the nave were each carved from a sole tree trunk. Check out altar where the sacramental silver vessels are kept, each displaying the Dutch coat of arms.

Masjid Tranquerah
Though it’s only 150 years old, this classic Sumatran-styled mosque is a symbol of pride for Melaka’s ancient Islamic quarter. The mosque has no dome; rather the three-tiered roof is pyramidal. The Moorish minaret resembles a pagoda and as such is said to blend far and near-eastern styles. The tomb of Hussain of Johor, the sultan who signed Singapore over to Stamford Raffles, lies in the mosque cemetery.

Porta de Santiago
This is all that remains of the Portuguese A Famosa fortress, which was built in 1512. A Famosa protected Melaka for 150 years until the British launched a massive demolition campaign. Sir Stamford Raffles intervened in the early 19^th century and saved this archway from destruction. One of four primary gates into the fortress, Porta de Santiago now serves as the single greatest reminder of Portugal’s fleeting presence in Melaka.

Stadthuys
Built in the mid-17^th century, Melaka’s town hall claims to be the oldest Dutch building in the eastern hemisphere. The Stadthuys deep red hue emanates across the square. Several adjacent buildings display the same shades of red. This is quintessential Dutch colonial architecture, complete with large, hulking doors and levered windows. Inside the Stadthuys is the History and Ethnography Museum.

St Paul’s Church
Cresting Bukit St Paul, this church was a favourite of St Francis Xavier and even served as a nine-month resting spot for his remains before the were sent to Goa. A shrine in the church honours St Francis. Under British rule, St Paul’s was used as a storehouse for gunpowder. Today the ruins carry an air of nostalgia that couples nicely with the ocean breeze and panoramic view of Melaka.

St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s Church dates to the early 18^th century and was built to celebrate the restoration of religious freedom to Melaka’s Roman Catholics. It contains an alabaster effigy of pre-resurrection Jesus—the only one of its kind in Malaysia. In the belfry is a 400 year-old bell that was made in Goa, India. The bell was salvaged from a church that was burned by the Dutch and brought to Melaka.

Sultanate Palace
The wooden Sultanate Palace is a recently-built replica of the original palace that stood here in the 1400s. In keeping with former tradition, this structure was built without the use of nails. Today the palace is home to Melaka’s Museum of Culture. Phone: +60 6 283 6538.

Fly a kite. Head to Klebang Beach and buy an inexpensive kite or foam airplane. If you’re drawn to the romantic notion of kite-flying rather than to the activity itself, there’s a three-storey kite museum in Melaka’s city centre.

Go bird-watching. Melaka’s Bird Park is a 13-acre landscaped enclosure with walking paths, small streams and more than 3,000 birds representing 100 different species.

Go shopping at Pasar Malam. Pasar Malam night market opens in the evenings and deals in a variety of goods ranging from food and medicine to clothing and electronics. It’s a legitimate local market and tourists are usually in the minority here, making Pasar Malam a nice place to get an authentic feel for the local culture.

Take a stroll along Jonker street. Jonker street, locally known as Jalan Hang Jebat, is an antique-hunter’s paradise. This stretch of shops has established a strong international reputation among antique dealers. Even if you’re not buying, Jonker street is a must-see for all of Melaka’s visitors. Commerce picks up early in the evening and most shops stay open until midnight.

Tour Melaka by trishaw. Even better than a walking tour, a trishaw tour of Melaka is one of the best ways to see all the main sites in a relatively short amount of time. Trishaw drivers know the city well, and can guide you to all of the best attractions.

Watch a sound and light show. The Sound and Light Spectacular takes place at Bandar Hilir’s Padang Pahlawan. Often called by its French name Son et Lumiere, the sound and light show mixes colourful lights and music with a dramatic interpretation of Melaka’s history.

Visit nearby islands. The island of Pulau Besar lies about 13 miles off the coast of Melaka. The sand beaches and azure waters here are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Charter boats from Melaka Quayside Jetty and Umbai Jetty make regular journeys to Pulau Besar.