Melaka is not only known for its rich history but also for its diversity when it comes to religion and its respective places of worship. The state is filled with various sacred establishments that are just as unique as they are breathtakingly beautiful. From their intricate designs to vibrantly colourful facades, these buildings are some of the most spectacular landmarks you may not see anywhere else. In addition, many of them date back to the 18th century, making them a treasured heritage that still showcases glimpses of life back in the day.
The Melaka Straits Mosque, also known as the floating mosque, stands on stilts along the Straits of Melaka. This unique mosque gives an extraordinary illusion of the building floating on water during high tides and foggy times. The perfect time to pay a visit to the mosque is at sunset when the sunlight hits the water and perfectly reflects the alluring beauty of the mosque.
The mosque’s architecture is heavily influenced by Malay and Middle Eastern craftsmanship. Adding a little local touch, the turrets that stand proud and tall around the mosque also pay homage to Malaysian architecture, while the dome of the mosque leans towards a more Middle Eastern style influence.
This one-of-a-kind mosque is located parallel to the water level along the coastline of the Strait. Melaka Straits Mosque is not only open to Muslims but also welcomes people from all religious backgrounds to visit and witness its dazzling sight.
The easiest way to get to Melaka Straits Mosque is by using any e-hailing service. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a taxi service that is easily accessible around Melaka. Furthermore, visitors can also opt for car rentals that offer a wide range of vehicles to choose from. Check out car rental options in Melaka here.
Another historical highlight of the area is Christ Church Melaka, which is located in the heart of town, within the historic Dutch Square. This 18th-century building is still standing tall today and fully functions as a place of worship for Anglican Christians in the area. Christ Church is also known to be the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia.
Christ Church was constructed by the Dutch during the 18th century following the Dutch takeover of the state. In the years between 1741 and 1753, the foundation of Christ Church was laid out and was completed in 1753. The birth of this historic church replaced the Church of St Paul, making Christ Church the primary church of Melaka. 1911 was the year the Christ Church got its iconic red colour to resemble Melaka’s Dutch-era buildings that could also be seen in the vicinity.
Getting to Christ Church is a breeze if you find yourself in the Jonker area of Melaka as it is a mere three-minute walk away. Alternatively, if visitors are coming from Melaka Central, metered taxi services are always available. What better way to travel around Melaka town than with a traditional Malaysian mode of transport. Visitors can hop onto a trishaw that is commonly found around Jonker Street to view historic sites around the area.
Nestled in the corner of Goldsmith Street in Melaka, Kampung Kling Mosque is one building you will want to add to your list. Adorned with contrasting colours of green and white, Kampung Kling Mosque has an even more unique structure in comparison to other mosques due to its pagoda-style architecture. Kampung Kling mosque is the perfect example of East-meets-West when it comes to architectural design.
Needless to say, the interior of the mosque is just as breathtaking as its exterior. As you set foot in the mosque, be prepared to be blown away by its exquisite English and Portuguese glazed tiles, Corinthian columns and arches, and even a stunning Victorian chandelier. The mosque also boasts a blend of Hindu, Malay and Chinese decorative elements that resemble the beauty and harmony of a multicultural state.
Kampung Kling Mosque is strategically located around the corner of Jonker Street, making it even more accessible to those who happen to be in the area or are planning to visit the mosque while enjoying a casual day out.
Known as one of the finest temples in the state of Melaka, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is also Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese temple. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, and is also known as the Merciful Cloud Temple or The Temple of Green Cloud.
The temple’s architecture is a reflection of the culture and heritage that was first brought down to Malaysia during the migration of the Chinese from mainland China. The temple's doors are open to everyone to visit while affording them the opportunities to learn more about the religion and the deep heritage that it holds.
The entirety of the temple is decorated with vibrant visual arts and figurines that symbolise different stories of the religion. The golden phoenixes and dragons were sculpted in Chien Nien, adding richness and elegance to the temple while scenes from the story of the Three Kingdoms are also illustrated in Chai Hui’s decorative wall paintings featuring Chinese ink and tempera paint.
Getting to the temple is fairly easy as visitors simply have to cross the Tan Kim Seng Bridge from the Dutch Square, then take a right turn into Lorong Hang Jebat, then a left to Lorong Tukang Besi. This will eventually lead to Jalan Tokong where Cheng Hoon Teng Temple resides on the left-hand side. If you do not plan to get to the temple on foot, a bus service is always ready to take you there. Hop onto bus number 25 and you will arrive directly at the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple’s doorstep.
This quaint little temple is situated at the foot of Bukit China in Melaka. The Sam Po Kong temple is famously known as a historic site for Malaysian Chinese through its contribution to Melaka’s past success. The temple is devoted to the main goddess, Tua Pek Gong, who is the goddess of controlling wealth and the land. Not only is the temple devoted to one god but also to Ma Zhu who is the lady god of managing the seawater for the safety of the people whose jobs are related to the sea.
The temple is open to anyone to visit and invites you to learn and understand Chinese habits and traditions. Just beside the temple, visitors are able to take a glance at an ancient well that stands as a memorial of the Second World War.
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